Introduction

Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are the ultimate fusion of two beloved desserts: decadent chocolate and creamy cheesecake, all wrapped around a fresh, juicy strawberry. Imagine biting into a sweet, tangy cheesecake filling, followed by the rich smoothness of chocolate and the refreshing burst of strawberry. It’s a combination that’s not only indulgent but also surprisingly easy to make.

I first tried making these as a fun treat for a romantic evening, and they instantly became a hit. The rich, velvety cheesecake filling pairs so beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate, and the freshness of the strawberry adds the perfect touch of brightness. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a special date, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are sure to impress.

What I love most about these treats is that they’re as stunning as they are delicious. Each strawberry looks like a miniature work of art, making them a show-stopping addition to any gathering. Plus, they’re customizable – you can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, and even drizzle with extra toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles. These chocolate-covered gems are perfect for indulging or sharing, making them a treat you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

Perfect for:

Holiday desserts
Romantic occasions
Birthdays and celebrations
Dinner parties
Chocolate and cheesecake lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries

Here’s why Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries will quickly become your go-to treat:

Combination of Two Favorites: Combining chocolate and cheesecake with fresh strawberries creates the ultimate dessert bite—smooth, creamy, and full of flavor.
Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the filling flavor, chocolate coating, and toppings to suit your preferences or the occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These strawberries are ideal for gifting, serving at gatherings, or treating yourself, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
Simple to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cheesecake strawberries are surprisingly easy to prepare and require just a few simple ingredients.
A Delightful Texture Contrast: The crunchy chocolate shell, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberry create a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 1.5 hours
Servings: 12 strawberries
Calories per strawberry: Approximately 150-170 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the perfect Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries, gather the following ingredients:

12 large fresh strawberries
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or in chips
1/4 cup white chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
Crushed graham crackers (optional, for topping)
Sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Cream Cheese: The base for the cheesecake filling, cream cheese provides the tangy richness that makes cheesecake so irresistible.
Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth, velvety texture to the filling, making it light yet creamy.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture. The juiciness of the strawberry complements the rich filling perfectly.
Chocolate: The chocolate coating is the star of the dessert, and whether you choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate, it adds an indulgent layer of sweetness and texture.
Graham Crackers: For a true cheesecake experience, the crushed graham crackers add a subtle crunch and flavor reminiscent of a cheesecake crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries:

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Whip the Cream Cheese: In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and mix until combined.
Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well-combined. The filling should be thick but airy.

Prepare the Strawberries:

Wash and Dry the Strawberries: Gently wash the strawberries and pat them dry with a paper towel. Be sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate.
Trim the Tops (Optional): For a smoother appearance, you can trim the strawberry tops slightly, but this is optional.

Assemble the Cheesecake Strawberries:

Fill the Strawberries: Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully pipe the cheesecake filling into the center of each strawberry. Be generous with the filling, but make sure it doesn’t overflow.
Chill the Filled Strawberries: Place the filled strawberries in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the filling.

Dip the Strawberries in Chocolate:

Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Dip the Strawberries: Once the cheesecake filling has set, hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating it halfway or all the way depending on your preference.
Place on Wax Paper: Place the dipped strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper, allowing the chocolate to set for about 10 minutes at room temperature.

Add Final Touches:

Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: If desired, melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the set chocolate for a decorative touch.
Top with Crushed Graham Crackers: For an authentic cheesecake flavor, sprinkle the tops of the dipped strawberries with crushed graham crackers.
Add Sprinkles or Nuts (Optional): Garnish the strawberries with sprinkles or chopped nuts for added texture and decoration.

Chill and Serve:

Chill the Strawberries: Refrigerate the chocolate-covered strawberries for about 1 hour to allow the chocolate to fully harden.
Serve: Once the chocolate has set, serve the strawberries on a platter and enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries

Here are some ways to serve your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries:

As a Sweet Snack: Serve them on their own as an easy-to-eat, indulgent treat.
On a Dessert Platter: Display them alongside other bite-sized treats like truffles, mini cupcakes, and cookies for a diverse dessert spread.
At Romantic Dinners: Serve as a sweet appetizer or dessert at a romantic dinner for two.
For Parties: These chocolate-covered strawberries make an excellent addition to any party table, perfect for guests to pick up and enjoy.
With a Coffee or Cocktail: Pair them with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine like Moscato for an indulgent end to your meal.

Additional Tips for Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries

Here are some helpful tips to make your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries even better:

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before using it to avoid lumps in the filling.
Don’t Overfill the Strawberries: While you want to fill the strawberries generously, avoid overstuffing them so that the filling doesn’t spill out.
Use Quality Chocolate: The chocolate is the main coating, so use high-quality chocolate for the best taste and texture.
Work Quickly with Chocolate: If the chocolate begins to harden before you’re done dipping the strawberries, gently reheat it to restore its smooth texture.
Store Properly: Keep the strawberries in the refrigerator to prevent the filling from becoming too soft and to keep the chocolate from melting.

Recipe Variations for Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries

Here are 10 variations to try for your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries:

Milk Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter coating.
White Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Dip the strawberries in white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Nutty Cheesecake Strawberries: Roll the dipped strawberries in crushed pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for a crunchy topping.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Strawberries: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the chocolate coating for a sweet-salty flavor.
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Strawberries: Add a layer of peanut butter to the cheesecake filling for a deliciously nutty flavor.
Berry Cheesecake Strawberries: Use a mix of berries (like blueberries or raspberries) along with the strawberries for a colorful, fruit-filled treat.
Coconut Cheesecake Strawberries: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the chocolate coating for a tropical twist.
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Strawberries: Add a few drops of mint extract to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing flavor.
Espresso Cheesecake Strawberries: Infuse the cheesecake filling with espresso powder for a coffee-flavored twist.
Lemon Cheesecake Strawberries: Add lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to the filling for a citrusy burst.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the strawberries on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container.
Storage: Keep the strawberries in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them cold to prevent the filling from becoming too soft.

Special Equipment for Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries

Here are some special equipment items to help make preparing your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries easier:

Electric Mixer: To easily whip the cream cheese and heavy cream for the filling.
Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate smoothly without burning it.
Piping Bag or Spoon: To fill the strawberries with the cheesecake mixture without making a mess.
Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: For setting the dipped strawberries without the chocolate sticking.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the white chocolate drizzle.

FAQ Section for Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but frozen strawberries can be used if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before using.
Can I use a different type of cream for the filling?
Heavy cream is essential for the texture of the filling. Using a different type of cream may affect the consistency.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these strawberries the day before and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I make these without chocolate?
While chocolate is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can omit it for a simpler cheesecake-stuffed strawberry.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Ensure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate to prevent moisture from causing the chocolate to crack.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are the ultimate indulgence, combining the richness of cheesecake, the sweetness of ripe strawberries, and the decadence of chocolate. These little bites of heaven are perfect for any occasion, from special celebrations to a sweet treat just for yourself. With their smooth, creamy filling and crispy chocolate coating, they’re a delicious twist on the classic chocolate-covered strawberry.

Making these strawberries is incredibly easy, and the best part is that you can customize them to your liking. Add toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or drizzles of white chocolate to make them even more special. These cheesecake strawberries are not only a delicious dessert but also a fun activity to make with family and friends.

I can’t wait to see how your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries turn out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creative twists on this treat. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your ideas for custom toppings. Enjoy this sweet indulgence!