Name: Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 golden Oreo cookies finely crushed; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted; 2 teaspoons strawberry flavored gelatin powder; 12-15 large fresh strawberries rinsed and patted dry very well, cut into halves; 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt

If you love strawberries and creamy desserts, then you are going to adore this Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe. It’s a fresh, fun spin on a classic dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

The image shows a close-up of strawberry halves topped with a dollop of white creamy filling, each sprinkled with small orange crumb pieces. The strawberries are bright red with visible seeds and are neatly arranged on a white plate with a thin black rim, placed on a white marbled surface. A white bowl filled with the same creamy filling and crumb topping is on the upper right side of the plate. Near the bottom left corner, a whole strawberry with green leaves is visible resting on the marbled surface next to a black and white cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making these for a summer gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop stealing them off the platter. The combination of sweet cream cheese filling with a crunchy, slightly tangy golden Oreo and strawberry topping is just irresistible.

Fresh and Light: Uses fresh strawberries for a juicy, natural sweetness.
Crunchy Twist: Golden Oreo and strawberry gelatin crumble adds texture and flavor contrast.
Easy to Make: Minimal baking and simple ingredients that come together in about 30 minutes.
Perfect for Parties: Gorgeous bite-sized treats that look elegant and taste even better.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on simple ingredients you can find easily, but choosing the right ones really makes a difference. Fresh, firm strawberries and full-fat cream cheese are essential for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of six whole golden Oreo cookies, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with pink strawberry flavored gelatin powder, a cluster of twelve large fresh strawberries with green leaves removed, a block of smooth cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of sifted powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl holding vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl with fine salt, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Golden Oreo cookies: Provide a sweet, buttery crunch with a subtle vanilla flavor perfect for the crumble topping.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crunchy topping together during baking.
Strawberry flavored gelatin powder: Adds flavor and a slight tang while giving the crunch a pretty pink hue.
Fresh large strawberries: Key for a juicy base; choose firm berries about 2 to 2½ inches in size for best presentation.
Cream cheese: Full-fat block style ensures a smooth, stable filling that holds up beautifully when piped or spooned.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling evenly without graininess.
Heavy cream: Lightens the cream cheese for a luscious texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and bring out flavor.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe is how versatile it can be. Feel free to tweak the toppings or filling to make it truly your own little masterpiece.

Variation: For a slightly tangier twist, I like sprinkling a pinch of finely chopped fresh mint into the cream cheese filling before piping it onto the strawberries. It adds a refreshing lift that balances the sweet and crunchy.
Dietary Swap: You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan butter substitute to make these suitable for a vegan diet. Just keep an eye on the gelatin topping—choosing a plant-based alternative will keep things friendly for everyone.
Seasonal Twist: In late summer, I sometimes swap the strawberry gelatin powder with raspberry or lemon flavored gelatin for a bright seasonal flavor swap. It mixes beautifully with the golden Oreo crumble and cream cheese.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe

A woman's hand holding a strawberry half topped with a thick layer of white cream and sprinkled with light brown crumbs. Below, a white plate filled with several more strawberry halves, each covered with white cream and light brown crumbs, sits on a white marbled surface. The strawberries are bright red and shiny, with a juicy texture visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Crunch Topping

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Finely crush 6 golden Oreo cookies using a food processor or blender—pulsing for about 30 to 60 seconds until you get beautiful, fine crumbs. Transfer those crumbs to a bowl. Now, in a separate bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter with 2 teaspoons of strawberry flavored gelatin powder. Stir until everything is well dissolved. Add this buttery gelatin mixture into your cookie crumbs, stirring gently. Don’t worry if the crumbs don’t turn fully pink—the two-toned look adds to the charm and crunch. Spread the crumb mixture out evenly in a thin layer on your baking sheet, then bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden and fragrant. Let the topping cool fully on the baking sheet; if you notice any big chunks, break them apart once cooled.

Step 2: Prepping the Strawberries Just Right

Rinse your 12 to 15 large fresh strawberries gently under cool water, then make sure to pat them completely dry—this step is key to keeping the filling from getting watery. Remove the green leaves and slice each strawberry in half lengthwise. Arrange them on a platter with the cut sides facing up, setting the stage for a beautiful presentation and easy filling.

Step 3: Creating the Luscious Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened to room temperature) with a handheld mixer on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Slowly add in ¾ cup sifted powdered sugar and beat on low until it’s fully combined and silky. Next, mix in 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Continue beating for another 1 to 2 minutes or until the filling feels light, fluffy, and irresistible. This filling is the dreamy center of your deviled strawberries.

Step 4: Filling and Finishing Touches

Spoon or pipe about 1½ teaspoons of that creamy filling onto each strawberry half. If you're feeling fancy, a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip can make those dollops look extra special, but a simple spoon works wonderfully too—especially if you’re just starting out. Once all your strawberries are filled, generously sprinkle your cooled strawberry crunch topping over each one. The combination of creamy filling with that delicate, crunchy topping is a total crowd-pleaser. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect texture and freshness!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors when making your Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe. From choosing the right strawberries to mastering the filling consistency, a few thoughtful steps can elevate this delightful treat even more.

Choosing the Right Strawberries: I’ve found that strawberries about 2 to 2½ inches in size work best—not too small or too large. They sit nicely on the platter and look just like deviled eggs, making for an appealing presentation.
Pat Them Dry Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy here! After rinsing the strawberries just before assembling, make sure to pat them dry completely. This keeps the cream cheese filling from becoming watery and ensures it stays nicely in place.
Use Full-Fat Block Cream Cheese: From experience, using full-fat block cream cheese—not the whipped kind—gives the filling a better texture and helps it hold up well on the strawberries without melting or collapsing.
Filling Application: If you’re new to piping, don’t stress! Using a spoon to dollop the filling is perfectly fine and often less messy. But once you get comfortable, piping adds a lovely decorative touch.

How to Serve Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with one thick, smooth layer of white cream that looks soft and whipped, with gentle swirls and peaks from stirring. The texture appears light and fluffy with a slightly glossy finish, evenly spread in the bowl with a small mound in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Deviled Strawberries even more inviting, consider adding a few light garnishes. A small fresh mint leaf on top of each filled strawberry adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma. You can also lightly dust the entire platter with a bit of powdered sugar for a pretty, delicate finish. For an extra burst of color and flavor, drizzle a tiny amount of melted white chocolate over the tops before adding the crunch.

Side Dishes

These deviled strawberries make a perfect standalone dessert or party snack, but you can complement them with light side dishes like chilled lemonade, a refreshing fruit salad, or even a simple bowl of fresh berries. For brunch, pair them with mini croissants or buttery scones to balance the creamy sweetness with some flaky texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

It’s best to serve your Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe right after assembling for optimal texture and freshness. If you have any leftover crunch topping, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep it crisp and ready for future use. The cream cheese filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated—just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before filling your strawberries.

Freezing

Freezing the assembled strawberries isn’t recommended because the berries will become mushy once thawed, losing their lovely fresh texture. It’s definitely a dessert best enjoyed fresh or made-to-order.

Reheating

Since this dessert relies on a creamy filling and fresh fruit, reheating isn’t advised. Applying heat will cause the cream cheese filling to melt and the strawberries to soften, which can make the dessert messy and less appetizing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cookies besides golden Oreos for the crunch topping?

Absolutely! While golden Oreos complement the strawberry flavor beautifully, you can experiment with other cookies like vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a slightly different crunch and flavor profile.

How do I make the cream cheese filling less sweet?

You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet filling. Just be sure to taste as you go to find the perfect balance that still complements the fruity strawberries and crunchy topping.

Can I prepare the cream cheese filling in advance?

Yes! The filling can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Before filling the strawberries, let it come to room temperature for easier spreading or piping.

What if my strawberries are too small to sit flat?

Try selecting strawberries that are about 2 to 2½ inches. If you only have smaller berries, you can slice a very thin layer off the bottom to create a flat base so they sit upright and look like traditional deviled eggs.

Final Thoughts

Making Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe has been such a joy—it’s a playful, fresh twist on dessert that always delights. I love how the tangy cream cheese pairs with the sweet strawberries and makes every bite interesting with the crunchy topping. Whether you're serving these at a party or enjoying them as a special treat, they’re sure to bring smiles. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your own little tweaks and tips. Happy cooking!