Can I Make Strawberry Santas Ahead of Time?

Yes, but with a short window. Strawberry Santas are best made and enjoyed the same day due to the moisture in the berries. You can assemble them 2–3 hours in advance , but any longer and the strawberries may begin to soften or leak juice into the filling. Store them in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined tray and avoid stacking.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?

No, frozen strawberries are not recommended. They become mushy when thawed and won't hold their shape, which is essential for making these look like Santas. Fresh, firm strawberries are key to the visual and textural success of this recipe.

How Can I Make These Strawberry Santas Healthier?

The recipe is already lighter than traditional desserts, but you can make Strawberry Santas healthier by: Using reduced-fat or vegan cream cheese Replacing some cream cheese with Greek yogurt for added protein Skipping the powdered sugar or using stevia or monk fruit sweetener Swapping the filling with banana slices or coconut cream for a whole-food option These adjustments still deliver festive fun without sacrificing flavor.

Strawberry Santas – Easy No-Bake Christmas Treat Everyone Will Love

Name: Strawberry Santas
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 large strawberries: serves as Santa’s body and hat; 1 cup whipped cream cheese: creamy cheesecake filling; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: lightly sweetens the filling; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances cheesecake flavor; Red decorating icing: used to make Santa’s nose; Black decorating icing: used to make Santa’s eyes

Description

These Strawberry Santas are an adorable, no-bake Christmas dessert made with just four simple ingredients — fresh strawberries, whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Perfect for holiday parties or festive family fun, they’re light, quick to prepare, and a healthier alternative to traditional sweets.

Ingredients

Scale

12 large strawberries: serves as Santa’s body and hat
1 cup whipped cream cheese: creamy cheesecake filling
2 tablespoons powdered sugar: lightly sweetens the filling
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances cheesecake flavor
Red decorating icing: used to make Santa’s nose
Black decorating icing: used to make Santa’s eyes

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Instructions

Wash the strawberries thoroughly and pat them dry.
Cut off the stem of each strawberry to create a flat base.
Slice each strawberry about two-thirds of the way up to separate the bottom from the top (hat).
In a bowl, mix the whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a star tip (or use a zip-top bag with a snipped corner).
Pipe the filling onto the flat base of each strawberry to create the beard and face.
Place the strawberry top back on as the hat and pipe a small dot on top for the hat pom-pom.
Use the black icing to dot the eyes and red icing for the nose.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2–3 hours before serving.

Notes

Use fresh, firm strawberries only — frozen ones will not hold their shape.
Strawberries must be completely dry or the filling won’t adhere properly.
Assemble shortly before serving to prevent sogginess.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Do not freeze; strawberries will become mushy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Santa
Calories: 49 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 72 mg
Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 11 mg