Ingredients
— The Fruit —
1 lb (450g) large fresh strawberries (approx. 12-15 berries)
— The Cheesecake Filling —
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
— The Coating —
1 cup (170g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for shine and smoother dipping)
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (approx. 2 sheets crushed)
Instructions
1. **Prep Strawberries:** Rinse the strawberries thoroughly and pat them **completely** dry with paper towels. Any water left on the berry will prevent the chocolate from sticking.
2. **Hollow:** Use a paring knife to cut off the green leaves (hull). Carefully carve out the white center of each strawberry to create a small cavity for the filling. Do not cut all the way through to the bottom.
3. **Make Filling:** In a small bowl, use a hand mixer or spoon to beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. **Fill:** Transfer the cheesecake mixture to a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped). Pipe the filling into each strawberry, filling the cavity and letting it mound slightly over the top.
5. **Melt Chocolate:** Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and silky smooth.
6. **Dip:** Holding a filled strawberry by the top (avoiding the filling if possible), dip the bottom half to two-thirds into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off any excess chocolate.
7. **Top:** Immediately sprinkle the wet chocolate with graham cracker crumbs (or dip the bottom tip into the crumbs).
8. **Chill:** Place the finished strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 15–20 minutes to let the chocolate set and the filling firm up before serving.
Notes
Dryness is Key: Make sure the strawberries are 100% dry before dipping. Water causes chocolate to seize (turn lumpy) and slide off the fruit.
Best Served Fresh: These are best enjoyed within 24 hours. After a day, the strawberries may begin to release liquid (‘weep’), making them soggy.
Variations: Drizzle with white chocolate for contrast, or swap graham cracker crumbs for crushed Oreos or chopped nuts.
Chocolate: High-quality melting wafers (like Ghirardelli) are easier to work with than chips, but chips work fine with a little oil added.
- Prep Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Dip
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian