Brighten your holiday table with Strawberry Santas, a festive, no-bake dessert that’s as adorable as it is delicious. These bite-sized treats transform fresh strawberries into charming Santa figures with a creamy filling, perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. Quick to make and kid-friendly, this holiday dessert idea brings joy and sweetness to any celebration.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Santas
- Quick Prep: Ready in just 15 minutes, no oven required.
- Fun and Festive: Cute Santa shapes delight kids and adults alike.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh strawberries.
- Customizable: Adapt with different fillings or decorations.
- No-Bake Ease: Minimal cleanup for busy holiday schedules.
Ingredients for Strawberry Santas
Here’s what you need for this holiday dessert idea (makes 12–15 Santas):
- 12–15 large strawberries, fresh and firm
- ½ cup (120g) whipped cream cheese (regular or low-fat)
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract
- Red and black decorative icing (for faces and details)
- Optional: Mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut for decoration
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Piping bag or Ziploc bag
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Serving platter
Ingredient Tips
- Choose bright, firm strawberries for easy cutting and vibrant color.
- Whipped cream cheese ensures a light, pipeable texture.
- Powdered sugar blends smoothly; adjust for desired sweetness.
- Use gel-based icing for precise Santa faces.
- Mini chocolate chips make quick, paleo-friendly eyes.
Directions for Strawberry Santas
Let’s make this holiday dessert idea—fun, festive, and easy!
Prep Strawberries
I rinse 12–15 strawberries under cool water and pat dry. I cut off the leafy stems to create a flat base, then slice each strawberry into three parts: a bottom, a middle (body), and a larger top (hat).
Make Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, I combine ½ cup whipped cream cheese, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. I mix with a spatula until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble Santas
On a serving platter, I place the strawberry bottoms. Using a piping bag (or Ziploc with a corner snipped), I pipe a small amount of cream cheese mixture onto each bottom for Santa’s face. I add the middle strawberry piece for the body, then pipe more cream cheese on top. I place the top piece as the hat and add a small dollop of cream cheese at the tip for a pom-pom. Using red and black icing, I draw eyes and a smile on the face.
Decorate (Optional)
I sprinkle mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut for extra flair, like eyes or a snowy effect.
Serve
I arrange the Santas on a festive platter and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12–15 Santas
- Calories: ~50 kcal per Santa (varies by size)
- Macros per Santa: 5g carbs, 1g protein, 3g fat, 1g fiber
Variations
Try these twists on this recipe:
- Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cream cheese, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.
- Minty Flavor: Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract to the filling.
- Healthier Swap: Replace cream cheese with Greek or coconut yogurt.
- Fruit Variation: Try raspberries or banana slices for mini Santas.
- Decadent Finish: Use melted dairy-free chocolate instead of icing.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Hibiscus Iced Tea for a refreshing drink.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet contrast.
- Enjoy alongside LaylaCooks’ Pumpkin Scones for a holiday spread.
Storage
I store assembled Santas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day to keep strawberries fresh. For prep-ahead, I make the cream cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it refrigerated, assembling just before serving.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Display on a festive platter with mint leaves for elegance.
- Garnish: Add coconut for a snowy look or chocolate chips for eyes.
- Pairing: Try with LaylaCooks’ Feta Watermelon Cucumber Salad for a light contrast.
- Portion Size: 2–3 Santas per person.
- Occasions: Perfect for holiday parties, kid-friendly activities, or dessert tables.
FAQs
Can I make these in advance?
Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy strawberries; prep the filling up to 2 days ahead.
What if my strawberries are small?
Use smaller strawberries and adjust filling for cute, mini Santas.
Can I use different frosting?
Yes, whipped cream or melted chocolate work; adjust for flavor preference.
Are there non-dairy options?
Use plant-based cream cheese or thick coconut yogurt.
How do I keep Santas upright?
Use a toothpick through the layers if they wobble, removing before eating.
More Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Strawberry Santas are a fun, festive dessert that’s quick to make and perfect for holiday cheer. This holiday dessert idea transforms strawberries into adorable Santa figures, delighting guests of all ages. Try this playful recipe and spread joy at your next gathering!
Strawberry Santas
Ingredients
- 12 –15 large strawberries fresh and firm
- ½ cup 120g whipped cream cheese (regular or low-fat)
- ¼ cup 30g powdered sugar
- ½ tsp 2.5ml vanilla extract
- Red and black decorative icing for faces and details
- Optional: Mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut for decoration
Instructions
Prep Strawberries
- I rinse 12–15 strawberries under cool water and pat dry. I cut off the leafy stems to create a flat base, then slice each strawberry into three parts: a bottom, a middle (body), and a larger top (hat).
Make Cream Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, I combine ½ cup whipped cream cheese, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. I mix with a spatula until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble Santas
- On a serving platter, I place the strawberry bottoms. Using a piping bag (or Ziploc with a corner snipped), I pipe a small amount of cream cheese mixture onto each bottom for Santa’s face. I add the middle strawberry piece for the body, then pipe more cream cheese on top. I place the top piece as the hat and add a small dollop of cream cheese at the tip for a pom-pom. Using red and black icing, I draw eyes and a smile on the face.
Decorate (Optional)
- I sprinkle mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut for extra flair, like eyes or a snowy effect.
Serve
- I arrange the Santas on a festive platter and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh strawberries suitable for decorating.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- These treats should be consumed soon after assembly for best presentation.
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