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If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh fruit and creamy goodness, this Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe is exactly what your holiday celebrations need. These charming little Santas, made from juicy strawberries and a luscious cream cheese filling, bring not only festive cheer but also a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just because you want to add a bit of whimsy to your dessert table, these treats are simple to make, visually irresistible, and sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making your Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating the vibrant colors, the creamy texture, and the festive look that make this dessert so enchanting.
- Cream cheese, 8-ounce package (softened): The rich and smooth base for the filling that holds the Santas together.
- Powdered sugar, 1 1/4 cups: Sweetens the cream cheese filling to perfection and adds that silky texture.
- Large strawberries, 20: Choose firm, ripe berries for the best shape and flavor — they form the Santa bodies and hats.
- Black decorating icing, 1.3-ounce tube: For creating adorable little eyes that bring the Santas to life.
- Round red sprinkles or orange/red decorating icing, 20 sprinkles or one .67-ounce tube: These add the perfect pop of color for Santa’s nose and details.
How to Make Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Begin by beating the softened cream cheese until it becomes fluffy and light. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating on low speed to combine everything into a smooth, creamy filling that is sweet but balanced. This filling will be the centerpiece of your Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe, giving the Santas their delightful creamy body.
Step 2: Shape the Strawberries
Carefully trim the stems off each strawberry to create a flat surface at the base, turning the strawberries into perfect cones. Next, slice about 3/4 of the way up from the bottom to separate a smaller cone piece that will become Santa’s signature hat. Set these smaller pieces aside to use later in assembly.
Step 3: Pipe the Cream Cheese Filling
Fill a piping bag fitted with a medium or large round tip with your cream cheese mixture. Pipe a generous swirl of the filling onto the larger bottom cone of each strawberry, layering it twice to build the fluffy, snow-white body of your Santa. This step is key to achieving that charming, layered look.
Step 4: Add Facial Details
Use the black decorating icing to carefully dot two eyes on each cream cheese swirl—these tiny dots give each Santa a playful, expressive face. For the nose, place a red sprinkle or dab a small circle of red decorating icing to create the perfect rosy touch.
Step 5: Assemble the Santa Hats
Gently place the smaller strawberry cone atop the cream cheese swirl to form Santa’s hat. To add a finishing festive detail, pipe a small dot of cream cheese at the tip of the hat to mimic a fluffy pom-pom. This step makes each Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe truly come to life.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Your Strawberry Santas are ready to enjoy right away, but if you’re preparing in advance, store them carefully in the refrigerator. Use a wide container that won’t squish the hats or decorations, and keep them chilled to maintain freshness for up to 2-3 days.
How to Serve Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling a little powdered sugar around the serving plate to look like freshly fallen snow. Fresh mint leaves or edible glitter can also add a magical glisten that enhances the holiday spirit of your Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe.
Side Dishes
These treats pair wonderfully with light accompaniments such as vanilla yogurt, a mild fruit compote, or a scoop of lemon sorbet to balance the richness of cream cheese. They also make a delightful addition to holiday brunch spreads alongside pastries and warm drinks.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe on a large platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holiday-themed doilies for a striking presentation. You can even place each one inside a small cupcake liner for easy handling and an extra element of charm at your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Santas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure they are spaced slightly apart or carefully layered with parchment paper to protect the delicate hats and faces.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the strawberries will lose their texture and the cream cheese filling may change consistency. These treats are best enjoyed fresh or within a few days when refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheating is not necessary or ideal for Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe because they are best served cold, maintaining their firm fruit texture and creamy filling contrast.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
While strawberries are perfect for this Santa-themed treat because of their shape and color, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries or peeled grapes, but the look and flavor will vary.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I have dietary restrictions?
You can try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use whipped coconut cream mixed with a bit of powdered sugar to keep that creamy, sweet texture.
How far in advance can I make these Strawberry Santas?
It’s best to assemble them no more than 2-3 days ahead and keep them refrigerated to preserve freshness and shape.
What if I don’t have decorating icing tubes?
You can use melted chocolate for the eyes and nose or small edible markers to carefully draw the facial features.
Can these treats be made in larger or smaller batches?
Absolutely! The Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe is very flexible and can be scaled up or down depending on your party size or craving.
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe is more than just preparing a dessert—it’s about creating joyful moments filled with creativity, color, and deliciousness. I hope this recipe becomes a treasured part of your holiday traditions and brings smiles to everyone lucky enough to enjoy these charming little Santas.
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Strawberry Santa Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Santas are a festive and adorable holiday treat featuring fresh strawberries filled with a fluffy cream cheese mixture, decorated with icing to resemble Santa Claus. Perfect for parties and family gatherings, these no-bake snacks are easy to assemble and bring a charming touch to your holiday table.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
Decorations
- 20 large strawberries
- 1.3-ounce tube black decorating icing
- 20 round red sprinkles or 1 (0.67-ounce) tube orange/red decorating icing
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat on low speed until smooth and fully combined.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Cut the stems off each strawberry to create a flat surface, turning the strawberry into a cone shape. Then, cut each strawberry 3/4 of the way up from the bottom to create a smaller cone to serve as the “Santa hat.” Set the smaller cones aside.
- Pipe the Filling: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a medium or large round tip (such as Wilton 2A). On the larger, bottom part of each strawberry, pipe a large swirl of cream cheese filling, making two layers to create Santa’s body.
- Decorate the Santas: Use the black decorating icing to dot two eyes in the middle of the cream cheese swirl. For the nose, place a red sprinkle or use red/orange decorating icing.
- Assemble the Santa Hats: Place the smaller cut-off strawberry cones on top of the cream cheese swirl to form the hats. Then pipe a small dot of cream cheese onto the tip of each hat to create the pom-pom.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately or store the Strawberry Santas in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to cover or store them in a container with enough space to avoid squishing the decorations.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth filling.
- Handle the decorated strawberries gently to maintain the details and prevent the hats from falling off.
- These treats can be made ahead but are best served within 2-3 days for freshness.
- Use a piping bag with a round tip to achieve neat and uniform cream cheese swirls.
- If desired, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
