Elegant Keto Deviled Strawberries (Low-Carb & No-Bake Dessert!)
These Keto Deviled Strawberries are a delightful and elegant twist on a classic, perfect for a light dessert, snack, or party appetizer! Juicy fresh strawberries are filled with a luscious, tangy, and sweet cream cheese mixture, then finished with a sprinkle of crunchy sugar-free cookie crumbs. They’re a refreshing, no-bake, and perfectly keto-friendly treat!
Yields: Approximately 24-48 deviled strawberries (depending on strawberry size and if you cut the filling recipe in half)Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: 15 minutes (optional, for firmer filling)
Ingredients:
- 18-24 large, fresh strawberries
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream
- ⅔ cup granulated keto-friendly sweetener (e.g., erythritol, allulose, or a blend like Swerve)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, but adds a nice tang)
- ½ cup crushed sugar-free cookies (e.g., HighKey brand snickerdoodle or vanilla wafers), crushed into crumbs
Equipment:
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Small melon baller or spoon
- Piping bag with a star tip (optional, for decorative piping)
Instructions:
- Prepare Strawberries: Gently wash and dry the strawberries. Cut off the green stems. Next, carefully slice each strawberry in half lengthwise. To ensure they sit flat, cut a small sliver off the rounded back of each strawberry half. Use a small melon baller or a tiny spoon to carefully hollow out a small indent in the center of each strawberry half. You don’t need to remove much, just enough to create a cavity for the filling.
- Whip Cream: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the very cold heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream until stiff peaks form (this usually takes about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to overbeat, or it will turn to butter. Set aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling Base: In a separate large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated keto-friendly sweetener, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until it is well incorporated and the mixture is light and airy. Do not overmix.
- Fill Strawberries: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with your desired tip (a star tip works beautifully for a decorative look).
- Carefully pipe a generous swirl of the cream cheese filling onto the hollowed-out center of each prepared strawberry half. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can simply use a small spoon to dollop the filling.
- Add Cookie Crumbs: Finish by sprinkling a small amount of the crushed sugar-free cookie crumbs over the top of each filled strawberry for added texture and flavor.
- Chill (Optional) & Serve: For best results and firmer filling, gently transfer the deviled strawberries to a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes & Tips:
- Yield Adjustment: This recipe makes a generous amount of filling, enough for at least 48 deviled strawberries if using medium to large strawberries. Feel free to cut the filling recipe in half if you have fewer strawberries or don’t need as many servings.
- Sweetener: The type and amount of keto-friendly sweetener can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at true room temperature (soft to the touch) for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Cookie Crumb Options: If HighKey cookies aren’t available, any other low-carb, sugar-free cookie can be used. You can also toast a few crushed pecans or almonds for a crunchy topping if preferred.
- Garnish Ideas: For extra flair, garnish with a tiny fresh mint leaf or a very thin slice of lime zest.
- Best When Fresh: These are best enjoyed the day they are made.
Storage: Store any leftover Deviled Strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The strawberries may release some liquid over time.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Moderate protein from cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. It uses fresh strawberries (in moderation), heavy cream, cream cheese, sour cream, and keto-friendly sweeteners and cookies.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Sweetener: The substitution of traditional sugar with a granulated keto-friendly sweetener is crucial and clearly addressed.
- Sugar-Free Cookies: Essential to use actual sugar-free/low-carb brands like HighKey.
- Strawberries: While fruits are generally high in carbs, strawberries are one of the lowest-carb berries and are often included in moderation on a keto diet. The portion per “deviled” strawberry is small.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided the sugar-free cookies used are certified gluten-free.
