Description: Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with these Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries. Plump, juicy strawberries are dipped in rich, semi-sweet chocolate and then filled with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling. A perfect treat for parties, special occasions, or simply a decadent dessert for yourself.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 12-15) large, ripe strawberries, thoroughly rinsed and patted completely dry
- 6 ounces (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips (high-quality chocolate recommended for best flavor)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream, cold
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Strawberries: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the chocolate-covered strawberries from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Thoroughly rinse the strawberries under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of melted chocolate and can cause it to seize or not adhere properly to the strawberries. Once dry, carefully remove the green tops from each strawberry.
Step 2: Hull the Strawberries: Using a small paring knife or a strawberry huller, carefully remove a small portion of the core from the top of each strawberry. This creates a small well to hold the cheesecake filling. Be gentle to avoid damaging the strawberries. The size of the well depends on your preference, but aim for a small indentation that will comfortably hold a dollop of the filling. Avoid making it too large, or the strawberry might become unstable.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval. This gradual melting process prevents the chocolate from burning or seizing. Continue heating and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the chocolate chips to the bowl and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Dip the Strawberries in Chocolate: Hold a strawberry by the bottom and dip it into the melted chocolate, twirling to coat it completely. Use a fork or dipping tools to ensure an even coating. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the chocolate-covered strawberry on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining strawberries.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling. Add the cold heavy cream and continue to beat for an additional 2 minutes, or until the filling is light and fluffy. The heavy cream adds richness and helps create a smooth, pipeable consistency. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the filling to chill slightly. Chilling the filling will help it hold its shape better when piped into the strawberries.
Step 6: Fill the Strawberries: Transfer the chilled cheesecake filling to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip (optional). A star tip or round tip will work well. Pipe the filling into the hollowed-out center of each chocolate-covered strawberry. If the filling seems too soft, place the filled strawberries in the refrigerator for another 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to firm up.
Step 7: Chill and Serve: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries immediately or within 12 hours. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Delicious Combination: The combination of sweet chocolate, juicy strawberries, and tangy cheesecake filling is simply irresistible.
- Elegant and Impressive: These treats look beautiful and are perfect for impressing guests at parties or special occasions.
- Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these strawberries are surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Customizable: You can customize the recipe by using different types of chocolate, adding extracts to the cheesecake filling, or garnishing with sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate shavings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These strawberries are a crowd-pleaser and are suitable for various occasions, from romantic dinners to casual gatherings.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Package them in a decorative box as a thoughtful and homemade gift.
- Arrange them on a platter as part of a dessert buffet.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair them with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine for a romantic celebration.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate and fresh, ripe strawberries.
- Dry the Strawberries Thoroughly: Make sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate to ensure the chocolate adheres properly.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Avoid overheating the chocolate, as it can become grainy or seize. Heat it in short intervals and stir frequently until melted and smooth.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing the filling to avoid lumps.
- Chill the Filling: Chilling the cheesecake filling before piping will help it hold its shape better.
- Work Quickly: Once the strawberries are dipped in chocolate, work quickly to fill them with the cheesecake filling before the chocolate sets completely.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Decorate the strawberries with sprinkles, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
- Strawberry Variations: Experiment with different types of berries such as blueberries or raspberries.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Sodium: 30-40 mg
Conclusion:
Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are a delightful and elegant treat that is sure to impress. The combination of sweet chocolate, juicy strawberries, and creamy cheesecake filling is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and indulge in these decadent strawberries and experience a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Questions and Answers about Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries:
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate, you can easily substitute it with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Each type of chocolate will offer a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination. For instance, dark chocolate will add a slightly bitter and more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will make the strawberries sweeter and creamier.
Q2: What can I do if my chocolate seizes while melting?
A: Chocolate seizing, or becoming thick and grainy, often happens when even a small amount of water comes into contact with the melted chocolate. If your chocolate seizes, don’t panic! There are a couple of things you can try. The easiest is to add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening and stir vigorously. This can sometimes help to re-emulsify the chocolate and make it smooth again. If that doesn’t work, try adding a tablespoon or two of very hot water (a teaspoon at a time) and stirring vigorously until the chocolate becomes smooth. Be careful not to add too much water, or the chocolate will become too thin.
Q3: Can I make these strawberries ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries ahead of time, but it’s best to make them no more than 12 hours in advance for optimal freshness and texture. The chocolate can sometimes soften if stored for too long, and the strawberries might release some moisture. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. If you’re making them a day ahead, consider adding a layer of parchment paper between the strawberries to prevent them from sticking together.
Q4: Is there a vegan alternative to the cream cheese for the filling?
A: Yes, you can definitely make a vegan version of this recipe! Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Look for brands that are specifically designed for baking, as they tend to have a texture and consistency that is similar to traditional cream cheese. Combine the vegan cream cheese with the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and plant-based heavy cream or coconut cream to create a delicious and creamy vegan cheesecake filling.
Q5: How can I prevent the cheesecake filling from being too soft?
A: A soft cheesecake filling can make the strawberries difficult to handle and can lead to a messy presentation. There are a few things you can do to prevent this. First, make sure your cream cheese is not overly softened. It should be at room temperature but not melted or runny. Secondly, use cold heavy cream, as cold cream whips up better and creates a more stable filling. Finally, chilling the filling in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or even longer, before piping it into the strawberries will help it to firm up and hold its shape better. If you find that the filling is still too soft after chilling, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken it.
