Description
Delightfully fresh and creamy Mascarpone Stuffed Strawberries are a perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. Fresh strawberries are hollowed out and filled with a smooth, sweetened mascarpone cheese mixture, then topped with decorative chocolate hearts and colorful sprinkles. This elegant yet simple treat takes just 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6, making it an ideal quick dessert for gatherings or a romantic treat.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 12 large strawberries, washed and sliced lengthwise
Mascarpone Filling
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Hearts and Decoration
- ⅓ cup melting chocolate or candy melts (in preferred color)
- Sprinkles, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Use a small melon baller or spoon to carefully scoop out the center from each sliced strawberry. If the strawberries are moist, gently dab them dry with a paper towel and set aside to keep them dry for filling.
- Whip the Mascarpone Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mascarpone mixture, and if you prefer it sweeter, add the remaining ¼ cup of powdered sugar and whip again until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Fill the Piping Bag: Transfer the mascarpone filling into a large piping bag fitted with a large open star tip for decorative effect.
- Pipe the Filling into Strawberries: Carefully pipe the mascarpone mixture into the hollowed centers of each strawberry until filled.
- Chill the Filled Strawberries: Place the filled strawberries in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the chocolate hearts.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe dish, gently melt the chocolate or candy melts in short intervals, stirring frequently until smooth and fluid.
- Prepare Chocolate Piping Bag: Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag and let it cool slightly until it is safe to handle. Snip a very small tip off the bag for precise piping.
- Create Chocolate Hearts: On parchment paper, pipe hearts by either filling them in solidly or with a delicate scribbled pattern for decoration.
- Decorate with Sprinkles: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top to add a festive touch.
- Let Chocolate Set: Allow the chocolate decorations to cool and harden fully before removing them and placing on top of the chilled mascarpone-stuffed strawberries.
- Serve: Arrange the stuffed strawberries on a serving platter and garnish with the hardened chocolate hearts just before serving for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm strawberries for best results to hold their shape when scooped and filled.
- Ensure the mascarpone cheese is at room temperature before whipping for smoother filling.
- Chocolate hearts can be made ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
- For a different flavor twist, add lemon zest or a splash of liqueur to the mascarpone filling.
- Store filled strawberries covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired