Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries

Introduction

Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are a luxurious and indulgent dessert that takes the classic chocolate-covered strawberry to the next level. These bite-sized delights feature fresh, juicy strawberries stuffed with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, then dipped in velvety chocolate. The combination of tangy, smooth cheesecake and the sweet, decadent chocolate creates a perfect balance of flavors that is simply irresistible.

Ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations, these Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are sure to impress. They’re also an excellent way to treat yourself or share with loved ones for a sweet snack or dessert. The best part? They’re easy to make at home, requiring just a few ingredients and some simple steps to assemble.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a unique dessert for a celebration, or just in the mood for something indulgent, these Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They offer the perfect blend of fresh fruit, creamy cheesecake, and rich chocolate that will make any occasion extra special.

Perfect for:

Dessert platters
Valentine’s Day
Special occasions
Holiday treats
Sweet snacks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are a must-try:

Gourmet Look: These look fancy and impressive but are surprisingly easy to make.
Two Classic Favorites: The combination of cheesecake and chocolate-covered strawberries is pure indulgence.
Customizable: You can drizzle different types of chocolate or add toppings to make them your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12-15 strawberries
Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
Key Nutrients: Antioxidants from strawberries, protein from the cheesecake filling.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for a smoother filling)

For the Chocolate Coating:

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, depending on preference)
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (to help smooth out the chocolate)

Optional Toppings:

Crushed graham crackers
White chocolate drizzle
Sprinkles

Ingredient Highlights

Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy and tangy base for the cheesecake filling.
Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate that hardens around the strawberries, creating a delicious shell.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Strawberries:
Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly. It’s essential to remove any moisture to ensure the chocolate sticks well. Leave the green tops intact for easy handling.

Fill the Strawberries:

Core the Strawberries:
Using a small paring knife, cut a small cone-shaped hole at the top of each strawberry to remove the core. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Fill with Cheesecake Mixture:
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each strawberry with the cheesecake mixture, making sure it’s generously stuffed.

Dip the Strawberries in Chocolate:

Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil or vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
Dip the Strawberries:
Carefully dip each cheesecake-filled strawberry into the melted chocolate, making sure the chocolate coats the bottom and partially covers the cheesecake filling. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
Set on Parchment Paper:
Place the chocolate-dipped strawberries on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Add Optional Toppings:

Add Toppings (Optional):
Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle the tops with crushed graham crackers, drizzle with white chocolate, or add sprinkles for extra decoration.

Chill and Serve:

Chill the Strawberries:
Place the strawberries in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has hardened.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is set, serve the Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries immediately, or store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are perfect for:

Dessert Platters: Arrange them on a plate for an elegant dessert option.
Valentine’s Day or Special Occasions: A sweet and romantic treat.
Holiday Parties: A festive addition to your holiday dessert table.
Gift Giving: These make for a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a decorative box.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Strawberries: Make sure your strawberries are fresh, firm, and ripe for the best taste and texture.
Chill the Strawberries Well: Chilling the cheesecake mixture-filled strawberries before dipping in chocolate will help the filling stay in place.
Smooth Chocolate: Ensure the chocolate is smooth and free of clumps by adding a bit of coconut oil or vegetable oil.
No Piping Bag? A zip-top bag with the corner cut off works just as well for filling the strawberries.

Recipe Variations

Classic Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Strawberries: Start with a creamy cheesecake filling and top it with a drizzle of milk chocolate for a simple yet indulgent treat.
White Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: For a sweeter, smoother flavor, pair a classic cheesecake filling with a creamy white chocolate coating.
Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: If you prefer a more intense and rich flavor, use dark chocolate to cover the cheesecake-filled strawberries for a delightful contrast.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Add a layer of creamy peanut butter to the cheesecake filling, then drizzle it with milk or dark chocolate for a savory and sweet combination.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Enhance the flavor with a salted caramel drizzle over the cheesecake filling, and cover the strawberry in either milk or dark chocolate for a deliciously rich experience.
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: For a refreshing twist, infuse the cheesecake filling with mint flavor, then top the strawberry with dark chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint.
Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Add ground hazelnuts to the cheesecake filling for a nutty texture, then dip the strawberry in milk chocolate and top it with crushed hazelnuts for an extra crunch.
Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Mix fresh raspberry puree into the cheesecake filling, then dip the strawberry in either dark or white chocolate and top it with crushed raspberries for a fruity and chocolatey delight.
Orange Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Infuse the cheesecake filling with a hint of orange zest, then dip the strawberry in dark chocolate and garnish with orange peel for a refreshing citrus twist.
Mocha Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Add a hint of espresso to the cheesecake filling, then cover the strawberry in dark chocolate and sprinkle it with cocoa powder for a rich, coffee-flavored treat.t.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store the chocolate-covered cheesecake strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: These strawberries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them for up to a week. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment

Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl and Pot – For melting chocolate without burning it.
Parchment Paper – To line a baking sheet for easy chocolate setting and cleanup.
Silicone Baking Mats – An alternative to parchment paper, providing a non-stick surface.
Candy Thermometer – For precise chocolate melting temperatures.
Small Squeeze Bottle – For drizzling chocolate decoratively over the strawberries.
Chocolate Dipping Forks – Special forks designed to dip strawberries into melted chocolate with ease.
Chilled Cooling Rack – To allow chocolate-covered strawberries to cool and set without sticking.
Whisk – For mixing cheesecake filling and making sure it’s smooth.
Pastry Bags or Ziplock Bags – For filling strawberries with cheesecake filling.
Ice Cream Scoop or Melon Baller – For easily scooping cheesecake filling into strawberries.

FAQ Section

Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, white chocolate works perfectly and adds a nice contrast to the cheesecake filling.
What other toppings can I use for the strawberries?
You can use chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or drizzle caramel or salted caramel on top for added flavor.
How can I make the cheesecake filling lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and skip the heavy cream to make the filling lighter.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these a day ahead. Just make sure to keep them refrigerated until serving.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are a luxurious, bite-sized dessert that combines the best of both worlds—rich, creamy cheesecake filling and decadent chocolate coating. These treats are perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a celebration, or a simple sweet indulgence. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a smooth chocolate shell is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries them.

Making Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries is surprisingly easy! Start by filling fresh, ripe strawberries with a delicious cheesecake mixture made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Then, dip the filled strawberries into melted chocolate—dark, milk, or white chocolate all work wonderfully. For a finishing touch, drizzle extra chocolate over the top or add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder for added flair.

These treats are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a great choice for gifting or serving at parties. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a gourmet dessert that looks and tastes like a masterpiece, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth or impressing guests with your baking skills.