Description
Strawberry Santas are a festive and easy no-bake holiday treat perfect for parties and family gatherings. Fresh strawberries are transformed into adorable little Santas using a sweet cream cheese filling, mini chocolate chip eyes, and optional coconut beards or fur trim. These cute and tasty snacks can be whipped up in just 15 minutes without any cooking required.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Strawberries
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Mini chocolate chips or black sesame seeds (for eyes)
- Shredded coconut or extra cream cheese (optional, for beard or fur trim)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries to ensure the filling adheres well and the berries remain fresh.
- Trim Bases: Slice off the leafy tops so the strawberries can stand flat on a surface without tipping over.
- Create Santa Hats: Cut off the tip of each strawberry, about one-third of its length, to serve as the hat portion.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy for a smooth, sweet filling.
- Fill Piping Bag: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off to allow easy application.
- Assemble Face and Beard: Pipe a generous swirl of filling onto the base of each strawberry, creating Santa’s face and beard shape.
- Add Hat and Pom-Pom: Place the cut-off strawberry tip back on top to form the hat, and pipe a small dot of filling on the hat’s tip to resemble a pom-pom.
- Create Eyes: Place mini chocolate chips or black sesame seeds onto each strawberry to mimic Santa’s eyes.
- Optional Decoration: Sprinkle shredded coconut around the base of the filling to simulate a fluffy beard or fur trim for added texture and festive flair.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled Strawberry Santas until ready to serve. They are best enjoyed the same day for freshness and optimal taste.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry after washing to help filling adhere better.
- If cream cheese is too firm, soften it slightly by microwaving for 10 seconds or letting it sit at room temperature.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture; avoid overripe berries to prevent sogginess.
- To keep Santas intact, assemble just before serving or keep chilled until serving time.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese variant.
