Strawberry Santas Recipe

I recently played around with a fun twist using fresh strawberries, cream cheese, a touch of powdered sugar, and vanilla. This take on Christmas Strawberry Cheesecake is both playful and festive, sparking curiosity with its creative presentation. It effortlessly blends simplicity with a surprising burst of sweetness perfect for the holiday season.

I’ve got a really fun recipe that I just had to share with you all this season. These Strawberry Santas are not only cute but also bring a touch of holiday magic to any table.

I use 1 lb fresh strawberries that I wash, hull, and slice in half – they serve as the perfect vessels for a healthy cheesecake filling. I stir together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to create a delicious mix that goes right into each strawberry.

I love how these no-bake treats mix the idea of a Christmas Strawberry Cheesecake with creative Christmas food ideas. Theyre great for a fun Christmas celebration and are perfect for both kids and adults.

Honestly, this recipe makes preparing holiday desserts simple, approachable, and full of surprise – a true playful twist on traditional holiday treats.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how simple this recipe is to put together—I don’t need a million ingredients or fancy tools, just strawberries, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, which makes it perfect for my busy days.
2. I love the combination of juicy strawberries with that smooth, sweet cream cheese filling; it reminds me of home and always brings a smile to my face.
3. I appreciate how festive and fun it feels, especially around the holidays, even though it’s super easy to whip up; it makes me feel like I’m doing something special.
4. I enjoy the little step of chilling the strawberries after filling them, because it really melds the flavors together and makes every bite refreshing and delightful.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: they are full of fiber and vitamins, add tangy freshness and natural sweetness.
• Cream cheese: adds smooth, rich creaminess and balances tart fruit with extra protein.
• Powdered sugar: gives a burst of sweetness but offers little nutrition; just flavor.
• Vanilla extract: brings a warm, aromatic note, enhancing the dish with subtle flavor.
• Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, fighting inflammation and promoting a healthy immune system.
• Cream cheese may add extra calories so enjoy moderation, but it’s comfortingly creamy flavor.
• Powdered sugar and vanilla add sweetness, balancing the tang and richness of other ingredients.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced in half
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temp
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make this

1. Start by washing your strawberries thoroughly then hull them and cut them in half.

2. Place all the halved strawberries in a bowl or keep them ready on a plate.

3. In another bowl, add the cream cheese that’s been softened at room temperature.

4. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat it until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

5. Scoop or spoon a small blob of the cheesecake filling onto the cut side of each strawberry half.

6. Try to evenly spread the filling so every strawberry gets plenty of that yummy mix.

7. Once all your Santas are filled, arrange them on a serving dish and give them a little decorative touch if you want, like a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.

8. Chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld nicely. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutter knife for hulling and slicing your strawberries
2. Cutting board to work on the fruit
3. A medium bowl to hold the washed and cut strawberries
4. A second bowl for mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract
5. Measuring cups/spoons to get the exact powdered sugar and vanilla extract needed
6. A whisk or spoon for beating the cream cheese until it gets smooth
7. A small scoop or spoon to dollop the cream cheese mixture on each strawberry
8. A serving dish to display your final creation
9. A refrigerator to chill the filled strawberries before serving

FAQ

Strawberry Santas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Fresh Strawberries: If you cant always get fresh ones then you could use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry first so they dont make your recipe too watery
• Cream Cheese: If you dont have cream cheese you might try mascarpone cheese instead. It gives a slightly richer flavor but works pretty well in this recipe
• Powdered Sugar: Use a homemade version by pulsing granulated sugar in a blender until its very fine. Just make sure its sifted to avoid lumps
• Vanilla Extract: In a pinch you can use a small amount of almond extract or even maple syrup. Keep in mind that the flavour may change a bit with this substitution

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your cream cheese is totally soft—let it sit at room temp for at least 30 minutes before you start. This really helps mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla smooth without any lumpy spots.

2. If your cream cheese mix looks too thick to work with, add a tiny bit of milk a little at a time. It just makes the filling easier to spread on the strawberries without slipping off.

3. Try using a piping bag instead of a spoon for the cream cheese stuffing. It might seem extra, but it gives you better control over how much goes on each strawberry, making them look way more professional.

4. Chill the strawberries after filling them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This step lets all the flavors blend together and makes everything taste more delicious.