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These cream cheese-filled strawberries are the ideal treat to serve at a summer party or cookout. Just prepare them and refrigerate them until serving time. Lemon zest and juice add a perfect flavor to the sweetened cream cheese. If you prefer orange flavor, use orange juice and zest. Or you might add a splash of complementary liqueur instead of the juice. Limoncello, Cointreau, and Grand Marnier are good choices for an adult party.
They’re easy to prep ahead, beautiful on a tray, and ideal for parties, showers, brunches, or any celebration where finger foods shine.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Fresh and vibrant. Juicy strawberries and lemon cream make a naturally sweet, refreshing bite.
Perfect party food. Easy to pick up, colorful, and always a hit on dessert platters.
No baking needed. A simple mix-and-pipe recipe that comes together quickly.
Make ahead friendly. Chill well and serve cold for the best texture.
Ingredient Notes
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the filling.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese mixture.
- Lemon zest and juice – Adds bright, fresh citrus flavor.
- Strawberries – Choose large, firm berries that can be hollowed and filled.
- Optional garnish – A sprinkle of zest or mint adds color and a fresh finish.
Steps to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Filled Strawberries
- Blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Chill the filling so it firms slightly and pipes cleanly.
- Slice the strawberry stems off to create a flat base.
- Cut a small “V” shape in the pointed end of each berry to make a pocket.
- Pipe the lemon cream cheese filling into the center of each strawberry.
- Chill the filled berries before serving.
Tips
- Choose large strawberries to make filling easier and more attractive.
- Chill the filling thoroughly so it pipes neatly and holds its shape.
- Use a star tip for a decorative finish, or pipe without a tip for simplicity.
- Garnish just before serving to keep the berries fresh-looking.
Recipe Variations
- Add vanilla. A splash of vanilla extract softens and rounds the lemon flavor.
- Make them cheesecake-style. Fold in a little whipped cream for a lighter texture.
- Try lime or orange. Swap lemon zest and juice for another citrus.
- Dip the bases. Dip the strawberry bottoms in melted white chocolate before filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a chilled platter for parties or brunch.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a light dessert spread.
- Add mint leaves or lemon zest for color.
- Garnish individual plates for a pretty presentation.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store the filled strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. They are best when eaten the same day.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as the strawberries become watery and the filling loses its texture.
Reheat: Not applicable; serve these strawberries chilled.
If you are still looking for desserts to make with your strawberries, you might like this fresh strawberry sauce, or this easy strawberry fool. A classic strawberry shortcake is another excellent option.
Lemon Cream Cheese Filled Strawberries
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar
- 4 tsp finely grated lemon zest, divided
- 1 ½ tsp lemon juice
- 2 pints strawberries, about 36 large berries
- mint leaves (optional), for garnish
Recommended Equipment
- Piping bags and tips set optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until smooth; chill the filling for at least 1 hour.8 ounces cream cheese | 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar | 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest | 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Cut stems from strawberries, leaving a flat surface so they will stand on the cut end.2 pints strawberries
- Cut a 'V' shaped pocket in the pointed end of each berry, cutting about two-thirds of the way through, leaving the bottom intact. Remove the 'V' shaped slice. Press sides apart gently so you can fill the strawberry with the cream cheese mixture.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off) and pipe the filling into the center of each berry. Use a star tip if you like, or no tip at all.
- Arrange the strawberries on a platter and chill for 2 to 3 hours. Garnish with the remaining 2 teaspoons of lemon zest and mint leaves, if using.2 tsp finely grated lemon zest | mint leaves (optional)
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
