Sometimes the best desserts are the ones that are the most simple and fresh. These Mascarpone Stuffed Strawberries are a beautiful, no-bake treat that is perfect for a hot summer day or a light end to a heavy meal.1 They take a beautiful, ripe strawberry and fill it with a rich, creamy mascarpone filling, creating a bite that is both elegant and irresistible.

The magic of this dessert is the perfect contrast of flavors and textures. The sweet, juicy burst of the strawberry is the perfect counterpart to the cool, velvety, and slightly tangy mascarpone cream. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sophisticated and delicious dessert that is ready in minutes, making it the perfect no-fuss option for any occasion.

Mascarpone Stuffed Strawberries

A No-Bake Summer Dessert!

Yields: 12-16 stuffed strawberries

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large, ripe strawberries

  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, cold2

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Optional: A sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a drizzle of melted chocolate for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries

  1. Wash and Hull: Gently wash the strawberries and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.

  2. Hollow Out: Using a small paring knife or a strawberry huller, remove the green tops and create a small, cone-shaped cavity in the center of each strawberry. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom.

2. Make the Mascarpone Filling

  1. Whisk: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the cold mascarpone cheese until it is smooth and creamy.

  2. Add Sweetener: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.

3. Stuff and Garnish

  1. Fill Piping Bag: Transfer the mascarpone filling to a piping bag with a star tip. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.

  2. Stuff: Carefully pipe the mascarpone filling into the cavity of each strawberry. Create a beautiful rosette on top.

  3. Garnish: For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle the filled strawberries with crushed pistachios or drizzle them with melted dark or white chocolate.

  4. Serve the strawberries immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Dessert

  • The Right Strawberry: Use large, firm, and ripe strawberries. Small or soft strawberries will be difficult to stuff and will not hold their shape.

  • Cold Mascarpone: Keep the mascarpone cheese cold until you are ready to beat it. This will help it stay firm and pipeable.

  • Prevent a Watery Mess: Make sure the strawberries are completely dry before you stuff them. Any extra moisture will cause the filling to break down.

  • The Best Tool: A piping bag with a star tip creates a beautiful, professional-looking swirl. It's an easy way to elevate the presentation.

  • Customize It! You can add a little bit of orange or lemon zest to the filling for a zesty kick, or even a teaspoon of a liqueur like Grand Marnier for a boozy twist.