If you love the sweet nostalgia of strawberry shortcake combined with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe. It brings together fluffy waffle bowls filled with a luscious cheesecake cream, fresh strawberries, and a hint of vanilla, creating a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Each bite bursts with a harmony of textures and flavors, making it a perfect treat for sharing with friends or treating yourself on any special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple and straightforward allows the vibrant flavors of strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery waffles to shine through in this recipe. Each component plays an important role in bringing the dessert to life, whether it’s adding sweetness, texture, or that irresistible aroma.
- Waffle bowls: These form the perfect crispy, golden base that holds all the delicious fillings with a great crunch.
- Fresh strawberries: Bright, juicy slices that lend natural sweetness and a punch of color to the dish.
- Cream cheese: The key to achieving that smooth and velvety cheesecake texture inside the bowls.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without graininess, blending seamlessly into the cream cheese mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into the cheesecake filling to create lightness and fluffiness.
- Shortbread cookies, crushed: Adds a subtle buttery crunch to the filling or garnish, echoing traditional strawberry shortcake.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed: For an extra boost of intense strawberry flavor and a pop of vibrant pink color.
- White chocolate (optional): Perfect for drizzling or dipping for a touch of elegance and sweetness.
- Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional): Adds a whimsical, festive finish that makes the dessert sparkle.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Bowls
Start by either purchasing crispy waffle bowls or making your own classic waffles with your favorite batter. Once cooled, gently shape them if needed to create sturdy bowls that will hold your beautiful filling. The waffle’s crispy texture is essential because it contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling and juicy strawberries.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Next, whip the heavy cream separately until soft peaks form, and then carefully fold it into the cream cheese mixture. This will create a light and fluffy cheesecake filling that holds its shape and melts in your mouth with every bite.
Step 3: Mix in the Cookies and Strawberries
Gently fold crushed shortbread cookies and finely chopped fresh strawberries or crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the cheesecake filling. This step brings in a delightful crunch and bursts of fruity flavor that bring the classic strawberry shortcake vibe to life inside the waffle bowls.
Step 4: Assemble the Waffle Bowls
Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into each waffle bowl, filling them generously but neatly. Make sure not to overfill to avoid spilling. Then, top each bowl with additional fresh strawberry slices for a bright, fresh finish that invites you to dig in.
Step 5: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle
For an extra touch of decadence, melt white chocolate with a bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the filled waffle bowls in a delicate zigzag pattern. You can even dip the edges of the bowls into the white chocolate before it sets for an elegant look that tastes heavenly.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only makes your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe look stunning but also adds layers of flavor and fun. Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries or shortbread crumbs on top for crunch and color. For a party vibe, edible glitter or colorful sprinkles bring an extra pop that delights both kids and adults alike.
Side Dishes
This dessert is quite the star on its own but pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh fruit salad to complement the richness of the cheesecake filling while keeping things balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your dessert table truly memorable? Serve the waffle bowls on decorative plates or in pretty glass dishes to highlight their rustic charm. Another fun idea is to stack mini waffle bowls layered with the cheesecake filling and strawberries like a trifecta, creating a mini tower that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you prepare the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe ahead of time, store the assembled bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days, during which the waffle bowls may soften slightly but will still taste fantastic. To preserve the crunchiest texture, store waffle bowls separately and add the filling just before serving.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing once assembled because the fresh strawberries and waffle bowls may lose their texture and freshness. However, you can freeze the cheesecake filling on its own in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before using.
Reheating
Because this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. If your waffle bowls have softened in the fridge, you can refresh their crispness by warming them briefly in a toaster oven at low heat for a minute or two before filling, just make sure they cool completely so the cheesecake mixture doesn’t melt.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries tend to release extra moisture when thawed, which can make the cheesecake filling watery. It’s best to use fresh or freeze-dried strawberries for the ideal texture and flavor in this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe.
How long do the waffle bowls stay crispy once filled?
Once filled, waffle bowls are at their crispiest for a few hours. To enjoy maximum crunch, it’s best to assemble and serve within 2-3 hours. If you want to prepare components earlier, keep waffle bowls and filling separate until just before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Choose vegan-friendly waffle bowls, and adjust powdered sugar and other ingredients accordingly. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Is it possible to use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! While strawberries give the classic flavor, you can experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches to create unique twists. Just be mindful of the moisture content to keep the cheesecake filling stable.
How do I prevent the waffle bowls from breaking?
Handle waffle bowls gently and avoid stacking heavy items on top of them. When filling, use a spoon rather than pressing down to keep their shape intact. If making your own waffle bowls, make sure to let them cool completely before shaping.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug wrapped in a tasty dessert. It balances creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements perfectly and is sure to brighten any dessert table or cozy night in. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved favorite for you and everyone you share it with!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these bite-sized Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowl Truffles, combining creamy cheesecake center with a crunchy shortbread and strawberry crumb base, coated in melted white chocolate and garnished with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles. Perfect as elegant party treats or sweet snacks.
Ingredients
Truffle Filling
- 1 cup shortbread cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder (or fresh strawberries, finely chopped)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Coating
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped (or white chocolate chips)
- 1/2 tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smooth coating)
Garnish
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries or shortbread crumbs
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional for extra flair)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crumbs: In a large bowl, combine the crushed shortbread cookies with the freeze-dried strawberry powder or finely chopped fresh strawberries. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors evenly throughout the crumb base.
- Make the Creamy Center: Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the cookie-strawberry mixture. Mix well until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, creating a creamy dough.
- Add Heavy Cream: Slowly incorporate the heavy cream into the mixture, stirring continuously until the dough becomes smooth and pliable enough to roll into balls. If the dough is too thick, add more heavy cream a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Shape the Truffles: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so the truffles firm up before coating.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped white chocolate with coconut oil or vegetable shortening if using. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat the Truffles: Dip each chilled truffle into the melted white chocolate, ensuring thorough coverage. Use a fork or skewer to lift the truffle out, letting excess chocolate drip off. Return the coated truffle to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish the Truffles: While the chocolate coating is still soft, generously sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries, shortbread crumbs, or edible glitter atop each truffle for decoration and added flavor.
- Set the Coating: Allow the coated truffles to sit at room temperature briefly to start setting. Then refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes until the white chocolate hardens completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once fully set, serve these luscious strawberry shortcake cheesecake truffles as delightful, bite-sized snacks perfect for any special occasion or just a lovely treat.
Notes
- Using freeze-dried strawberries provides a concentrated strawberry flavor without adding moisture, ensuring the truffles hold their shape well.
- If fresh strawberries are used instead, finely chop and pat dry with paper towels to reduce excess moisture.
- Coconut oil or vegetable shortening in the chocolate helps achieve a smoother, shinier coating but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store truffles covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
- You can customize garnishes with nuts, colored sugar, or edible flowers for variation.
