Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 12 · Technique: No-Bake · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Quick Answer
These Red, White, and Blue Stuffed Cream Cheese Strawberries are a festive and colorful treat perfect for holiday gatherings, filled with a creamy mixture and topped with blueberries.
As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over New York City and we start to savor the pumpkin-spiced delights of the season, my mind inevitably drifts toward the joy of holiday gatherings. With Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, I've been perfecting a stunning dish that captures both the celebratory spirit and the seasonal colors: Red, White, and Blue Stuffed Cream Cheese Strawberries. These vibrant little bites make for a delightful and refreshing addition to any festive table, and trust me, they will be the star of your next event!
A Festive Delight for Holiday Tables
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for festive gatherings, these colorful treats will impress your guests!
- Refreshing combination of sweet cream cheese and juicy strawberries with a burst of blueberries.
- Easy to make ahead, saving you time during busy holiday prep!
- Versatile and customizable with different toppings to suit your taste.
- A visually stunning centerpiece that embodies the holiday spirit!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful stuffed strawberries:
Strawberry Filling
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Fresh blueberries, about 1 cup
- Optional: additional strawberry slices for garnish
How to Make Red, White, and Blue Stuffed Cream Cheese Strawberries (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious stuffed strawberries:
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Begin by washing your strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice off the green tops and hollow out the insides using a small paring knife or melon baller. Be gentle; you want to create just enough space for the luscious filling without piercing the sides.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. The transformation into a glossy, thick spread that's simply irresistible is delightful.
Step 3: Stuff the Strawberries
Using a piping bag (or a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off), fill each hollowed strawberry generously with the cream cheese mixture. It gives a playful pop to each bite, spilling over just slightly.
Step 4: Top with Blueberries
Gently press a few blueberries into the top of each stuffed strawberry. The contrast of the refreshing fruit against the creamy filling adds a delightful burst of flavor.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Arrange your stuffed strawberries on a festive platter and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top before serving!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the Wrong Strawberries: Avoid underripe or overly soft strawberries, as they won't hold the filling well and may lack flavor.
- Forgetting to Soften Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy filling. Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature for the smoothest texture.
- Overstuffing: While it's tempting to fill them to the brim, overstuffing can lead to messy handling and presentation.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a festive touch, consider using a mix of colored sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the cream cheese filling.
- These strawberries can be made a few hours in advance, making them an excellent option for stress-free holiday entertaining.
- Consider serving them alongside other red, white, and blue treats if you're hosting a themed party!
Variations
- Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Mix in flavored extracts like almond or lemon for unique twists.
- Try adding minced mint or basil for an herbal note in the filling.
How to Serve
- Arrange on a festive platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for added elegance.
- Serve alongside seasonal fruits or cheese for a complementary spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
- You can prepare the stuffed strawberries a few hours in advance; just refrigerate until serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Be mindful that strawberries may release moisture over time, affecting texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
In my journey of testing these stuffed strawberries, I discovered that they are not just a visual masterpiece but also a canvas for creativity-experimenting with different fillings or toppings can produce delightful variations. Plus, the thrill of seeing my friends' and family's faces light up when they take a bite is a joy that perfectly embodies the holiday spirit!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 stuffed strawberries · Serving Size: 1 stuffed strawberry
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~80 calories · 1g protein · 10g carbs · 4g fat
Recipe by:
Festive Red, White, and Blue Stuffed Strawberries
Ingredients
Method
- Wash strawberries under cold water and pat dry. Slice off the green tops and hollow out insides.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Fill each hollowed strawberry with the cream cheese mixture using a piping bag or sandwich bag.
- Press blueberries into the top of each stuffed strawberry.
- Arrange on a platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make these stuffed strawberries in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the strawberries a few hours in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate them until you're ready to serve.
What is the best way to store leftover stuffed strawberries?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the strawberries may release moisture and become a bit softer over time.
Can I use different toppings for the cream cheese filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with colored sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even drizzles of chocolate to customize your stuffed strawberries.
