1. Prepare the Strawberries:

Remove the stems from the strawberries. You can use a paring knife or a strawberry huller for this.

Cut a deep “X” in the tip of each berry, going about halfway down. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

Gently spread the berries open, creating a small cavity for the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and almond extract together with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

3. Fill the Strawberries:

Transfer the cream cheese filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off).

Pipe or spoon about 2 teaspoons of the filling into the “X” of each strawberry. Fill each cavity generously.

4. Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the filled strawberries with grated chocolate.

5. Chill and Serve:

Chill the stuffed strawberries in the refrigerator until serving time. This allows the filling to firm up slightly.

Serve chilled and enjoy your elegant and delicious Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries!