Making these festive Strawberry Santas is super simple. Just follow these easy steps:
- Prepare the Strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries and patting them dry with a paper towel. Trim the tops of each strawberry so that they can stand up flat on the bottom. Cut off the top third of each strawberry to create a “hat” for your Santa.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this step. The result should be a thick and creamy filling that’s easy to pipe or spoon.
- Fill the Strawberries: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag (or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off) and pipe a small dollop of cream cheese onto the top of the larger part of each strawberry. This forms the “body” of your Santa. Then, take the small top portion of each strawberry and place it on top of the cream cheese, forming a “hat.” Gently press it down to secure it.
- Add the Eyes and Buttons: Use your black decorating icing to place two dots of icing on each strawberry to create Santa’s eyes. Then, add a small round red sprinkle on the body of each strawberry to create a button. These little details really make the Santas come to life!
- Finish with the Hat Pom-Poms: Place a red sprinkle on top of each strawberry hat to mimic the pom-pom on Santa’s hat. This gives your Strawberry Santas the perfect finishing touch.
- Chill and Serve: Place your completed Strawberry Santas in the fridge for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to let the cream cheese set a little. Once chilled, they are ready to serve and enjoy!
Serving and Storage
These adorable Strawberry Santas are perfect for serving at a holiday party, as a fun snack for kids, or as a cute addition to a dessert platter. Here’s how to serve and store them:
- Serving: Serve these Strawberry Santas as a delightful finger food at holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, or family dinners. They are a hit with both kids and adults! For an extra festive touch, you could serve them on a tray lined with green leaves or decorative holiday napkins.
- Storage: Store leftover Strawberry Santas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1–2 days. Keep in mind that the strawberries will soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh. They are best served within a few hours of making them for the optimal texture and flavor.
Tips
Here are some tips to help ensure your Strawberry Santas turn out perfectly:
- Choose Fresh, Firm Strawberries: Make sure your strawberries are fresh and firm, as they need to stand upright for the “Santa” shape. Look for strawberries that are a bit larger and have a flat bottom so they can sit securely.
- Pipe the Cream Cheese Filling with Ease: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag and snip off a small corner. This will give you control over the filling, making it easy to add just the right amount to each strawberry.
- Work Quickly to Keep Strawberries Fresh: Strawberries are perishable, so it’s best to assemble these Strawberry Santas close to when you plan to serve them. If you have to prepare them in advance, keep them in the fridge until just before serving.
- Make it a Family Activity: This is a fun recipe to make with kids! They can help fill the strawberries, place the red sprinkles, and create the “Santa faces.” It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the holiday spirit!
Variations
If you want to get creative with your Strawberry Santas or try different variations, here are some ideas to switch it up:
- Different Toppings: Instead of using red sprinkles for the hat pom-poms and buttons, you can use mini marshmallows for a fluffy look, or even white chocolate chips for a more festive touch.
- Swap the Cream Cheese Filling: If you want a lighter version, you can swap the cream cheese filling with whipped cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey and vanilla extract.
- Santa’s Beard: For an extra touch, pipe some extra cream cheese filling around the bottom of the strawberry to create Santa’s “beard.” This adds an extra layer of fun and makes your Santa even cuter!
- Use Other Fruits: If strawberries aren’t in season or you want to try a different fruit, you can use large raspberries, blackberries, or even bananas cut into thick rounds to create different “Santa” characters.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Santas are a charming and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season! With their sweet cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and festive finishing touches, they make for an adorable treat that’s sure to delight everyone at your holiday gathering. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to decorate—perfect for getting the kids involved. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a festive dessert, these Strawberry Santas are a perfect choice to bring holiday cheer to your table!
FAQ
Can I use something other than cream cheese for the filling?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even mascarpone cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor.
How long do Strawberry Santas last in the fridge?
These Strawberry Santas will keep in the fridge for 1–2 days. However, strawberries tend to soften quickly, so they are best eaten fresh within a few hours of making them.
Can I make these in advance?
While you can prepare the cream cheese filling in advance and cut the strawberries ahead of time, it’s best to assemble them just before serving