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Looking for a super cute Christmas dessert? These adorable Strawberry Santas will make everyone smile at your holiday party. I love how these sweet little treats come together with just fresh strawberries and a creamy cheesecake filling. The best part? You can whip them up in 15 minutes with only four ingredients. Trust me your guests will be amazed.
The Magic Behind These Little Santas
My family goes crazy for these Strawberry Santas every Christmas. They're not just cute they're actually pretty good for you with less than 50 calories each. The creamy filling has just enough sweetness and my kids absolutely love helping me make them. It's become our special holiday tradition and I love seeing their proud faces when they create their own little Santas.
What You'll Need From Your Kitchen
- Strawberries: Pick 12 big juicy ones that are similar in size. Give them a good wash and pat them dry.
- Whipped Cream Cheese: Grab an 8 ounce package. Regular or light both work great.
- Powdered Sugar: Just 2 tablespoons to make it perfectly sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon of pure vanilla makes everything better.
- Decorations: Black and red icing for the faces or get creative with mini chocolate chips or raisins.
Let's Put These Cuties Together
- Get Your Strawberries Ready
- Start by cleaning your strawberries. Cut off the leafy tops to make them stand up nicely then slice each one into three pieces for the base body and hat.
- Mix Up The Creamy Filling
- In your mixing bowl combine cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pop it into a piping bag with a star tip.
- Build Your Santa Army
- Start with the base add your filling pop on the middle and top pieces then give Santa his fluffy white hat. Finally add those sweet little eyes and nose.
Switch Things Up Your Way
Sometimes I swap in banana slices when I want to change things up or use ricotta cheese for an Italian twist. My sister loves using Greek yogurt in hers and my vegan friends go crazy for these with dairy free cream cheese. Get creative with the decorations too sprinkles chocolate chips or raisins all work beautifully.
Quick Tips From My Kitchen
These little guys taste best when they're fresh so I always make them right before the party starts. If you end up with extras they'll keep in the fridge for a couple days in a sealed container but they might get a bit soft. Skip the frozen strawberries for this one fresh is definitely best.
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Your New Holiday Favorite
I promise these Strawberry Santas will bring so much joy to your holiday table. They're light sweet and totally adorable. My guests always light up when they see them and yours will too. They're truly the perfect little treat to share during the Christmas season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long do strawberry Santas stay fresh?
Strawberry Santas stay fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best to serve them the same day you make them for the freshest taste and best appearance.
- → Can I make these ahead for a party?
You can prepare these treats a few hours before your party. Store them in the fridge until ready to serve, but avoid making them more than a day in advance as strawberries can get soggy.
- → What if my strawberries are too small?
Look for large, firm strawberries at the store. If you only have small ones, adjust the amount of filling and make mini Santas - they'll be just as cute but bite-sized.
- → Why is my cream cheese filling too runny?
Make sure to use cold cream cheese and don't over-mix it. If the filling seems too soft, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before piping onto the strawberries.
- → Can I use different decorations for the face?
Yes, you can use mini chocolate chips for eyes or different colored icing. Some people use sesame seeds for eyes or even tiny candy decorations.