Why This Strawberry Cream Cheese Dessert is Your Summer Must-Have

During the peak of strawberry season, when berries are at their most vibrant and sweet, there’s nothing quite like a simple, fruit-forward dessert. When the sun is high and the temperatures soar, the last thing anyone wants is to be cooped up in a hot kitchen, slaving over an oven. This no-bake strawberry and cream cheese delight is specifically designed for such moments, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s not just easy; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The combination of naturally sweet, juicy strawberries with the smooth, tangy richness of cream cheese creates a harmonious flavor profile that is truly irresistible. Because you’re using fresh, in-season strawberries, their natural sweetness often means there’s no need for any added sugar, making this a healthier dessert option. To elevate the experience and add a satisfying crunch, we introduce walnuts, providing a nutty counterpoint to the creamy and fruity textures. For those looking to add an adult touch and a layer of sophisticated flavor, a splash of Amarula cream liqueur (entirely optional, but highly recommended!) can transform this simple dessert into something truly memorable.

This fantastic recipe is an adaptation from the delightful Dutch blog, Sharelovenotsecrets, bringing a taste of European simplicity to your summer table.

The Magic of Simple Ingredients: What You Need for This Easy Cream Cheese Strawberry Dessert

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and the quality of its few ingredients. To prepare this exquisite Three-Ingredient Dessert with Strawberries and Cream Cheese, you’ll need the following. Exact measurements for four servings can be found in the detailed recipe card at the very bottom of this post:

• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries, especially during late spring and summer when they are in season. This ensures maximum sweetness and juiciness, preventing a watery or bland taste that can occur with out-of-season berries. Look for bright red berries with green caps still attached.
• Cream Cheese: Choose a good quality, natural cream cheese. It’s crucial for the cream cheese to be at room temperature before you start. This makes it soft and pliable, allowing for easy piping and a wonderfully smooth, lump-free texture. While full-fat cream cheese offers a richer experience, a lighter version can also work if you prefer.
• Walnuts: These add a delightful textural contrast and a subtle, earthy nuttiness that complements the fruit and cream cheese beautifully. Finely chopped walnuts provide a pleasant crunch without overpowering the delicate flavors. If walnuts aren’t your preference, feel free to substitute them with pecans, almonds, pistachios, or even a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut. You can, of course, omit them entirely if nuts are not desired, but they truly enhance the overall experience.
• Amarula Cream Liqueur (Optional): For an elevated, adult-only dessert, a dash of Amarula adds a unique, creamy, and slightly fruity depth. Its distinct flavor pairs exceptionally well with strawberries and cream cheese, making this simple treat feel incredibly gourmet. If Amarula isn’t available or preferred, consider a splash of vanilla extract, a hint of lemon zest, or another complementary liqueur like Cointreau for an orange note.

How to Prepare This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Recipe: A 10-Minute Guide

You’ll be amazed at how quickly this elegant dessert comes together. The full printable recipe with precise step-by-step instructions and ingredient amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post. But here’s a quick overview to get you started on your culinary journey:

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh strawberries under cool running water. Gently hull them (remove the green leafy tops and the small core) and then quarter each berry. Arrange these vibrant strawberry pieces in an appealing pile on each of your serving plates.
2. Pipe the Cream Cheese: Take your softened, room-temperature cream cheese and transfer it into a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle (a star tip works wonderfully for a decorative touch, but any tip or even just snipping the corner off a resealable bag will do). Pipe a generous, attractive dollop of cream cheese directly on top of the prepared strawberries. The smooth, creamy texture will contrast beautifully with the fruit.
3. Add the Walnuts: Evenly sprinkle a good amount of your finely chopped walnuts over the piped cream cheese. This adds not only a lovely visual element but also that much-needed textural crunch and nutty flavor.
4. The Optional Amarula Splash: If you’re opting for the adult version, gently drizzle a small amount of Amarula cream liqueur over the entire dessert just before serving. This final touch adds an extra layer of richness and a hint of exotic flavor.

And just like that, in a matter of minutes, you have a stunning, delicious, and incredibly satisfying dessert ready to impress!

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Dessert

• Ingredient Quality is Key: Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of each one truly shines through. Invest in the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find, and a good quality cream cheese will make all the difference.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This cannot be stressed enough! Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and hard to pipe. Allow it to sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes to an hour before use.
• Presentation Matters: Even for a quick dessert, how it looks enhances the eating experience. Use pretty plates, arrange the strawberries artfully, and pipe the cream cheese neatly. A sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of color.
• Chill Slightly (Optional): While it’s a 10-minute recipe, if you have an extra 15-20 minutes, a brief chill in the refrigerator before serving can help the cream cheese firm up slightly and make the dessert even more refreshing on a hot day.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Sweetness Adjustment: If your strawberries aren’t as sweet as you’d like, you can gently fold a tablespoon of powdered sugar, maple syrup, or honey into the cream cheese before piping.
• Add Different Berries: This dessert is incredibly versatile! Try it with raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or a medley of mixed berries for different flavor profiles and vibrant colors.
• Crunchy Toppings: Beyond walnuts, consider other toppings like crumbled graham crackers, shortbread cookies, granola, or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for an extra treat.
• Flavor Boosters for Cream Cheese: Infuse your cream cheese with a hint of vanilla extract, a touch of lemon zest for brightness, or a pinch of cinnamon for a warmer spice note.
• Individual Servings: Serve these in elegant glasses or small bowls for a more refined presentation. Layer the strawberries and cream cheese for a parfait-style dessert.
• Breakfast or Brunch: While a fantastic dessert, this light and fruity treat can also make an indulgent and healthy-ish breakfast or brunch option, especially without the Amarula.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Preparation in Advance: You can wash and hull your strawberries in the morning. Slice them a few hours before serving and store them in a sealed or airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Cream Cheese Prep: The cream cheese can be placed in a piping bag up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Remember to take it out about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften to room temperature for optimal piping.
• Assembled Dessert: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The strawberries might release some juice, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Three Ingredient Dessert with Strawberries and Cream Cheese

Andréa

More Irresistible Dessert Ideas

If you loved this simple and delicious strawberry cream cheese dessert, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more easy and delightful dessert recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure: