Strawberry Santas Recipe

Introduction

The holiday season is a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing joy, and, of course, indulging in festive treats that bring smiles to everyone’s faces. One of my favorite creations during this time is Strawberry Santas. These delightful little figures not only look adorable but also taste heavenly, combining the sweetness of strawberries with a creamy, sugary filling. Every year, I make these for our holiday parties, and they are always a hit! My family loves the whimsical presentation, and the kids particularly enjoy the fun of assembling their own Santas. They’re a perfect addition to any holiday spread, bringing both color and charm to the table.

Ingredients

• 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 20 large strawberries
• 1.3-ounce tube black decorating icing
• 20 round red sprinkles or 1 (.67-ounce) tube orange/red decorating icing

Instructions

1. 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. This mixture will create a sweet, creamy filling that perfectly complements the strawberries.

1. Prepare the Strawberries:

• Cut the stems off each strawberry to create a flat surface, transforming the strawberry into a cone shape. Then, cut each strawberry 3/4 of the way up from the bottom to create a smaller cone for the “Santa hat.” Set the smaller cone pieces aside for later use.

1. Pipe the Filling:

• Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a medium or large round tip (such as Wilton 2A or similar). On the larger bottom part of each strawberry, pipe a large swirl of cream cheese filling, making two layers to create Santa’s body.

1. 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 to achieve a festive look.

1. Assemble the Santa Hats:

• Place the smaller cut-off strawberry cone (the “Santa hat”) on top of the cream cheese swirl. Pipe a small dot of cream cheese onto the tip of the hat to create the pom-pom, completing the festive look.

1. Serve and Store:

• Serve immediately or store the Strawberry Santas in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to cover them carefully or store them in a container with enough space to avoid squishing the decorations.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 20 Strawberry Santas
• Calories per serving: 84 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 12mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin C: 7mg

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A

How to Serve

• Serve the Strawberry Santas on a festive platter for a cheerful presentation.
• Pair them with a light dessert or coffee for a delightful after-meal treat.
• Add them to a holiday dessert table alongside other festive sweets.
• Use them as a fun centerpiece for a holiday gathering.
• Allow kids to help assemble their own Santas for a fun family activity.

Additional Tips

1. Ensure Cream Cheese is Softened: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling; this will make piping easier and ensure a smooth texture.
2. Use a Ziploc Bag: If you don’t have a piping bag, a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off can work perfectly for piping the filling.
3. Fresh Strawberries are Best: Choose firm, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and presentation; avoid overripe or mushy strawberries.
4. Make Ahead: These Santas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the strawberries and cream cheese filling separately and assemble them just before serving for added convenience.
5. Decorating Icing Alternatives: If you can’t find black decorating icing, you can use mini chocolate chips or edible googly eyes for the eyes.

Recipe Variations

• Different Filling Options: Instead of cream cheese, try using whipped cream or a flavored whipped topping for a lighter treat.
• Berry Variations: Mix and match with other berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a colorful display.
• Chocolate Dipped: Dip the bottom of the strawberries in chocolate before assembling for a decadent twist.
• Mini Versions: Create mini Strawberry Santas using smaller strawberries for bite-sized treats.
• Flavored Cream Cheese: Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Dessert Table: Include Strawberry Santas as part of a larger dessert spread with cookies, cakes, and other festive treats.
• Gift Giving: Package these adorable Santas in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Party Favors: Individually wrap the Santas in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon for cute party favors.
• Breakfast Treat: Serve them as a fun breakfast or brunch item, especially during the holidays.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Strawberry Santas: These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Avoid Squishing: When storing, ensure they are in a container with enough space to prevent squishing the decorations.
• Freezing Ingredients: You can freeze the strawberries and cream cheese filling separately. Assemble the Santas just before serving for optimal freshness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if necessary.
2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   You can use whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, or a flavored cream cheese spread.
3. How long can I store the assembled Strawberry Santas?
   They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
4. Can I prepare the cream cheese filling in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
5. What if I don’t have black decorating icing?
   Mini chocolate chips, edible googly eyes, or a small dot of dark chocolate can be used as alternatives for the eyes.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the powdered sugar is gluten-free.
7. What if I don’t have piping bags?
   A Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off can serve as an excellent alternative for piping.
8. How do I make these more festive?
   You can add edible glitter or colored sprinkles to enhance their festive appearance.
9. Are these suitable for kids to help make?
   Absolutely! Kids can help with assembling and decorating the Strawberry Santas, making it a fun family activity.
10. Can I use other fruits for hats?
    Yes, you can get creative and use other fruits like small bananas or mini marshmallows as alternatives for the Santa hats.

Conclusion

Strawberry Santas are a delightful and festive treat that brings joy to the holiday season. With their cute appearance and delicious flavors, they are perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply as a fun dessert for the family. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also allows for creativity and personal touches. Whether you choose to stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, these Strawberry Santas are sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday traditions. So gather your ingredients, invite the family into the kitchen, and enjoy making these whimsical treats together! Happy holidays!

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