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 (Jell-O brand); 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’re looking for a fun and elegant twist on classic party appetizers, you’ve got to try this Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe. Imagine fresh strawberries filled with smooth, sweetened cream cheese and topped with a golden Oreo and strawberry crumble that adds the perfect crunch. It’s fruity, creamy, and just a little bit fancy!

The image shows a white plate with several strawberry halves arranged in a circle along the edge. Each strawberry half is topped with a layer of smooth white cream and sprinkled with small orange crumb pieces. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more cream, also sprinkled with the orange crumbs. The plate is placed on a wood textured surface, and a whole strawberry with its green leaves is near the plate. The overall look is fresh and colorful, with bright red strawberries, white cream, and crunchy orange topping visible. 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 absolutely adore these Deviled Strawberries! They’re such a delightful bite at any get-together and always steal the show. The mix of creamy filling and crunchy topping keeps my guests coming back for more.

Easy to make: Prepping these strawberry bites is straightforward and perfect for any skill level.
Beautiful presentation: They look like little works of art on your party platter.
Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, creamy, fruity, and crunchy all in one bite.
Great for gatherings: These are ideal as a light appetizer or a no-bake dessert.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When assembling this recipe, choosing fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference. Make sure your strawberries are firm and well-sized—around 2 to 2½ inches—for that perfect deviled look and to ensure they hold the filling nicely.

Flat lay of six whole golden Oreo cookies finely crushed in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl with melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red strawberry flavored gelatin powder, a cluster of large fresh whole strawberries with green leaves intact, a block of smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl with fine salt, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed 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: These provide a subtly sweet, buttery crunch that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
Unsalted butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and strawberry gelatin into a crisp topping.
Strawberry flavored gelatin powder: Adds a lovely fruity hint and a fun pink twist to the crunch.
Fresh large strawberries: The star of the show! Choose firm, ripe berries for the best texture and taste.
Cream cheese: Full-fat and softened for a smooth, rich filling that complements the berries perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without adding graininess, ensuring a silky texture.
Heavy cream: Lightens the filling, making it fluffy and easy to pipe or dollop.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.

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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 easy it is to make your own! Whether you want to make it more festive, healthier, or simply customize flavors, there are plenty of fun variations to try.

Variation: For a dairy-free option, try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream cheese. I tested this once and was pleasantly surprised how well it held its creamy texture while still complementing the crunch topping.
Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest or a splash of liqueur to the cream cheese filling for a bright citrus kick that pairs beautifully with the strawberry crunch.
Crunch Swap: If golden Oreos aren’t your favorite, crushed graham crackers or toasted almonds mixed with the strawberry gelatin powder create a satisfying crunch and a slightly different flavor that’s just as delicious.
Seasonal Fun: In winter, swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry to bring a festive red hue, or sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios for added color and texture.

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

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a strawberry half topped with a thick layer of white cream and sprinkled with small golden crunchy bits. In the blurred background, more strawberry halves with the same white cream and golden topping sit arranged on a white plate. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Crunchy Topping

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prep a small baking sheet with parchment paper – it makes cleanup a breeze! Next, toss 6 golden Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse for about 30 to 60 seconds until crumbs form. You’ll want fine crumbs with a few tiny chunks for texture. Transfer these to a mixing bowl.

Then stir together 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully blended. Pour this strawberry mixture into the cookie crumbs and combine gently to create that signature two-toned look. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before using—this step develops a lovely crunchy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries Just Right

Give your fresh strawberries a gentle rinse with cool water, then pat them dry very thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy here, as you want the filling to stick without sogginess. Cut 12 to 15 large strawberries in half lengthwise and remove the green tops. Place them cut side up on your serving platter, ready for that luscious cream cheese filling.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Filling to Perfection

In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with a handheld mixer on medium speed for about 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Gradually add ¾ cup sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to fully incorporate. Next, add 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Beat everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes until the filling is light, airy, and beautifully smooth.

Step 4: Fill and Finish Your Deviled Strawberries

Spoon about 1½ teaspoons of the cream cheese filling onto the cut side of each strawberry half. For a pretty presentation, you can also use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to pipe the filling in neat dollops. Finally, sprinkle the cooled strawberry crunch topping generously over each filled strawberry. Serve these right away for the best crunch and creamy flavor combo!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy in your Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe. A little attention to detail goes a long way!

Strawberry Selection: Choose strawberries about 2 to 2½ inches to resemble deviled eggs; they sit nicely flat and look elegant on your platter.
Dry Thoroughly: Always rinse strawberries right before assembling and pat them completely dry to avoid soggy or watery filling—this step is key!
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: It gives the filling the perfect rich, stable texture that holds its shape well and complements the sweet berries beautifully.
Piping vs. Spoon: If piping feels tricky, don’t stress—a simple spoon dollop works just as well and makes the process less intimidating.

How to Serve Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with one smooth, creamy layer of thick white frosting that has soft swirled textures all over. The frosting looks light and fluffy, covering the bottom of the bowl evenly, with some gentle peaks and folds. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, consider adding a tiny sprig of fresh mint or a delicate edible flower atop each deviled strawberry. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add an elegant touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Deviled strawberries are lovely alongside sparkling wine or a crisp rosé for an easy party pairing. They also complement light finger sandwiches, cucumber bites, or a fresh spring salad, making them a versatile appetizer that can shine on any menu.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover strawberry crunch topping in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The cream cheese filling can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, but be sure to let it soften slightly at room temperature before using.

Freezing

Freezing assembled deviled strawberries is not recommended, as the delicate berries become soft and watery after thawing, which compromises their texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheating is not advised. Serve these beauties chilled and fresh for the best taste and texture — heat will cause the cream cheese filling to melt and the strawberries to soften too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other berries in this recipe instead of strawberries?

While strawberries are ideal for their size and shape, ripe and firm raspberries or blackberries could work as a substitute, but keep in mind they may be harder to fill and the texture will differ slightly.

Can I make the cream cheese filling vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap regular cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based heavy cream substitute. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious.

How far in advance can I assemble these Deviled Strawberries?

For best texture and flavor, assemble right before serving or within a couple of hours. Preparing the filling ahead is perfect, but assembled strawberries soften quickly due to moisture.

Is there a way to make the crunch topping without Oreos?

Absolutely! You can substitute golden Oreos with finely crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies paired with the strawberry gelatin powder to keep that sweet, crunchy touch.

Final Thoughts

Deviled Strawberries with Cream Cheese and Crunch Recipe has become one of my favorite party appetizers—not only because they look so charming perched on a platter, but because that magical combo of creamy filling, juicy berry, and just the right crunch is such a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a casual get-together or a special celebration, these bite-sized delights bring a touch of sweetness and whimsy that’s hard to resist. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a go-to recipe in your entertaining arsenal!