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Looking for an easy, festive, and downright adorable holiday treat? Strawberry Santas are here to steal the show. These no-bake bites are as charming as they are delicious, combining juicy strawberries, sweet whipped cream cheese filling, and playful icing details to create mini Santa Claus figures perfect for Christmas gatherings. Not only are they fun to make, but they also bring a fresh and fruity balance to the usual heavy holiday desserts. Best of all, they require no baking and minimal prep time—ideal for busy holiday hosts or last-minute party contributions.

With only a few ingredients, you can create a treat that delights both kids and adults. The strawberries form Santa’s red hat and body, while the whipped filling becomes his fluffy beard and trim. Add a touch of icing for the eyes and buttons, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as festive as it is flavorful. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange, decorating a holiday buffet, or crafting with kids in the kitchen, Strawberry Santas make the season sweeter in the most delightful way. Plus, they’re light enough to enjoy guilt-free even after a big holiday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun – Perfect for adding holiday cheer to dessert tables or parties.
No-Bake Simplicity – Ready in minutes with zero oven time required.
Kid-Friendly Activity – Great project for kids to help decorate and assemble.
Healthier Holiday Option – Light and fresh compared to traditional sweets.
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation – These cute treats always get compliments and smiles.

Ingredients

Large strawberries
Whipped cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Decorative red and black icing

Variations

Use Sweetened Whipped Cream – Swap cream cheese for stabilized whipped cream for a lighter texture.
Add Chocolate Chips – Use mini chocolate chips for eyes instead of icing.
Stuff with Mascarpone – For a richer filling, replace cream cheese with mascarpone.
Make Vegan – Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based whipped topping.
Festive Flavors – Add a hint of peppermint extract to the filling for a holiday twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly. Cut off the green tops to create a flat base, then slice off the tip to make a “hat.”

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3

Spoon the mixture into a piping bag or plastic sandwich bag with the tip snipped off.

Step 4

Pipe a small mound of the cream mixture onto the flat bottom part of each strawberry.

Step 5

Place the strawberry “hat” on top of the cream to form Santa’s hat.

Step 6

Pipe a small dollop of cream on the tip of the strawberry hat for a pom-pom and two small dots on the front for buttons.

Step 7

Use black and red decorative icing to draw eyes and a smile.

Step 8

Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry strawberries completely to help the filling stick better.
Use a piping bag for neater filling and decoration.
Work quickly to avoid the filling becoming too soft at room temperature.
Decorate just before serving to maintain the best appearance.
Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving to firm up the filling.

How to Serve

Serve these Strawberry Santas on a festive platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar “snow.” They pair perfectly with hot cocoa, holiday punch, or as a light finish after a big Christmas meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Strawberry Santas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

Not recommended, as strawberries and whipped filling don’t thaw well.

Reheating

No reheating needed—serve chilled or at room temperature shortly after removing from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped?

Yes, just beat it well until fluffy to mimic the whipped texture.

2. How long do Strawberry Santas last?

They’re best within 24 hours but can last up to 2 days when refrigerated.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the filling and strawberries separately, then assemble them the day of serving.

4. What’s the best way to pipe the filling?

A piping bag with a round tip works best, but a plastic bag with a snipped corner also works in a pinch.

5. Can kids help make these?

Absolutely! Kids love decorating the faces and assembling the Santas.

6. Are there dairy-free alternatives?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy whipped toppings.

7. Can I add food coloring to the filling?

Yes, though the filling is usually kept white to resemble Santa’s beard.

8. What kind of icing should I use for the face?

Gel or tube icing works best for detail work like eyes and buttons.

9. How do I keep the strawberries from sliding?

Cut a flat base and refrigerate them briefly after assembly to help set the filling.

10. Can I use other berries?

Strawberries are ideal for Santa’s shape, but you could create other characters using raspberries or blueberries.

Conclusion

Strawberry Santas are the perfect bite-sized blend of festive fun and fresh flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, entertaining kids, or simply craving a lighter seasonal treat, these adorable mini desserts are easy to make and impossible to resist. With just a handful of ingredients and endless charm, they’ll add a whimsical touch to your Christmas celebrations. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a holiday tradition!