If you’re looking for a delightful, festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Strawberry Santas Recipe is an absolute gem. These cute little Santa-shaped strawberries, filled with a luscious sweet cream cheese mixture and topped with charming faces, are perfect for holiday parties or to brighten up any day with a bit of seasonal cheer. They combine fresh, juicy strawberries with creamy and sweet filling, creating a playfully delicious bite that’s sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Strawberry Santas Recipe is a breeze, thanks to the few but incredibly essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: fresh strawberries provide a juicy, vibrant base; whipped cream cheese adds richness and smooth texture; powdered sugar sweetens, and vanilla lends a warm, aromatic note. Finishing touches with decorative icing bring the Santas’ personalities to life.
- 12 large strawberries: Choose firm, bright red berries for the best Santa “bodies” and hats.
- 1 cup whipped cream cheese: The lightness is key here to balance sweetness and texture without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla: Gives the filling a hint of cozy flavor that blends perfectly with the strawberries.
- Decorative red and black icing: Essential for drawing the cute, expressive Santa faces.
How to Make Strawberry Santas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries gently to keep them firm and fresh. Trim off the green stem at the top to give each berry a stable, flat base so they’ll stand up nicely on the plate. Then slice each strawberry into three pieces: the largest piece forms the bottom body of the Santa, the middle gets filled, and the small triangle piece will be the adorable Santa hat.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend everything until smooth and fluffy. This creamy filling will be piped between the strawberry layers, bringing a rich contrast of flavors and a velvety texture that’s pure magic alongside the fresh fruit.
Step 3: Pipe the Cream Cheese Mixture
Transfer the cream cheese filling into a piping bag for precise control. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with a tiny notch cut off the corner works just as well. Carefully and generously pipe the mixture on top of the largest strawberry piece, building a tall, cloud-like mound. This “body” will hold the Santa’s hat in place and create space for the face decoration.
Step 4: Assemble the Santas
Place the middle section of the strawberry gently on top of the pipe of cream cheese. Then crown it with the smallest triangular piece, positioning it as the Santa hat. Use the piping bag to add a fluffy white “pom-pom” of cream cheese on the peak of the hat. This detail instantly turns the strawberry into a bona fide Santa hat.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
With steady hands, use the red and black decorative icing to draw the Santas’ faces. Black icing works wonderfully for eyes and smiles, while red icing adds those rosy cheeks or Santa hat details. This step brings your strawberry Santas to life and adds a playful charm that kids and adults alike will adore.
How to Serve Strawberry Santas Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive finishing touch, scatter a few fresh mint leaves or add a dusting of powdered sugar around the plate like freshly fallen snow. A light drizzle of chocolate sauce on the side can add a touch of indulgence and complement the creamy filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Strawberry Santas shine as a standalone treat but pair wonderfully with other light desserts such as vanilla yogurt, lemon sorbet, or even a simple bowl of mixed nuts. Their fresh and creamy profile balances richer, heavier holiday foods perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond a plain plate — arrange your Santas in a circle to form a wreath shape on a serving tray, or place them atop a bed of shredded coconut for a snowy effect. For gatherings, individually skewer them with festive toothpicks for easy, mess-free enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Strawberry Santas, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The fresh berries and cream cheese will stay good for up to two days. Just be mindful the strawberries may release some juice, so a paper towel beneath can help keep things tidy.
Freezing
Because these Santas rely on fresh strawberries and soft cream cheese filling, freezing is not recommended. The texture of both will suffer, and the overall presentation could be compromised. Best to enjoy them fresh!
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, no-cook dessert, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. The best way to enjoy these delightful bites is straight from the fridge, where their flavors and textures are at their peak.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese, but it’s a good idea to whip it with a mixer first to lighten the texture. This helps keep the filling fluffy and easier to pipe, preserving that light, creamy consistency that complements the strawberries.
What if I don’t have decorative icing?
If you don’t have ready-made decorative icing, you can use melted chocolate or colored frosting tubes as alternatives. A toothpick dipped in melted chocolate also works well for drawing tiny Santa faces. Creativity counts!
Are these suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The Strawberry Santas Recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen. They’ll love piping the filling and decorating the faces, making it a fun, family-friendly holiday activity.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
You can try substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free whipped spread or coconut cream whipped with a bit of sugar. The fresh strawberries are naturally vegan, so this swap can make the recipe suitable for various dietary preferences.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The whole process takes just about 15 minutes, making it a quick and festive option when you want to add a special, homemade touch to your celebrations without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Santas Recipe is a charming little creation that’s packed with flavor, texture, and personality. Whether you’re making it for kids, holiday guests, or simply to brighten your own day, it’s a dessert that’s sure to bring joy and smiles. Give it a try and watch how this simple assembly of strawberries and cream cheese turns into the star of your holiday table!
Print
Strawberry Santas Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Santas are a delightful and festive no-bake treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with fresh strawberries, a sweetened cream cheese filling, and decorated with icing faces, these charming appetizers are quick to prepare and sure to impress guests of all ages.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 12 large strawberries
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 cup whipped cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations
- Decorative red and black icing for the face
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Carefully wash the strawberries, then cut off the stem to create a flat base so they can sit upright. Next, slice each strawberry into three pieces: the bottom for the Santa body, a middle section, and the top which will serve as the Santa hat.
- Make the filling: In a small mixing bowl, blend together the whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Fill the piping bag: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag for easier assembly and decoration.
- Assemble the Santas: Arrange the bottom part of the strawberry on a serving plate. Pipe a tall mound of cream cheese mixture on top of the strawberry base, creating enough height to later draw the Santa’s face.
- Add the Santa hat: Place the top piece of strawberry on the cream cheese mound to form the Santa hat, then use the piping bag to add a white cream cheese tip to the hat.
- Decorate the face: Use the decorative red and black icing to carefully draw Santa’s eyes, nose, and mouth on the cream cheese face area.
- Serve or store: Serve the Strawberry Santas immediately, or keep them refrigerated until ready to enjoy to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and appearance.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
- These treats are best served chilled.
- You can substitute whipped cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer taste.
- Decorative icing can be found in most grocery stores or made at home with colored royal icing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
