Why You’ll Love Strawberry Santas Recipe
Strawberry Santas are more than just cute—they’re delicious and easy to make. Whether you need a quick treat for a Christmas party or a fun activity for the whole family, this recipe delivers. It’s no-bake, gluten-free, and made with real fruit and a simple, creamy filling. Plus, they come together in under 20 minutes, making them a festive favorite that doesn’t add stress to your holiday prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pint fresh strawberries
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Mini chocolate chips or black sesame seeds (for eyes)
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Shredded coconut or extra cream cheese (optional, for beard or fur trim)
Directions
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Wash the strawberries and pat them dry thoroughly.
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Slice off the green leafy tops of the strawberries to create a flat base.
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Cut off the pointed tips of the strawberries, about one-third of the way down, to make Santa’s “hat.”
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In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
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Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a snipped corner.
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Pipe a swirl of cream filling onto the flat base of each strawberry to form Santa’s face and beard.
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Gently place the strawberry tips (the hats) on top of the filling.
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Add a small dollop of cream to the tip of each hat for a pom-pom.
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Insert two mini chocolate chips or black sesame seeds into the cream to form Santa’s eyes.
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Optionally, sprinkle shredded coconut around the base for a fluffy beard effect.
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Chill until ready to serve. Best enjoyed the same day.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings (makes about 10 Strawberry Santas)
Calories: 45 kcal per serving
Variations
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Chocolate Filling: Swap the cream cheese for chocolate mousse or Nutella for a rich twist.
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Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for a plant-based version.
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Spiced Cream: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, festive flavor.
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Different Fruits: Try using raspberries for mini Santa hats or blueberries for a snowy effect.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or granola on the cream for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
Strawberry Santas are best served fresh on the same day for maximum texture and taste. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Avoid freezing as the strawberries can become mushy. Reheating is not necessary or recommended, as this is a chilled dessert.
FAQs
What kind of strawberries work best for this recipe?
Choose medium to large strawberries that are firm and bright red for best results. They should stand upright when sliced at the base.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but only by a few hours. Prepare them the same day you plan to serve, and store them in the fridge until ready.
How do I keep the cream cheese filling from being too runny?
Make sure your cream cheese is just softened, not melted. If needed, chill the filling briefly before piping.
What’s a good alternative to cream cheese?
Mascarpone or whipped coconut cream can be used as alternatives to cream cheese.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely! This is a great hands-on kitchen activity for kids, especially when it comes to assembling and decorating.
How do I make them look extra festive?
Sprinkle shredded coconut for snow, add edible glitter, or use decorative cupcake liners for serving.
Can I use pre-whipped cream cheese?
Yes, but it may be slightly softer. Adjust the sugar and chill time accordingly for firmness.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off—it works just as well for piping.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients.
Do they travel well for parties?
They can, if kept cold. Use a chilled container and assemble them close to serving time for best appearance.
Conclusion
Strawberry Santas are a whimsical and tasty way to celebrate the holiday season. They’re simple enough for kids to help with, pretty enough for any party platter, and delicious enough to disappear fast. Whether you’re entertaining guests or making memories in the kitchen, this festive recipe brings joy to every bite.
