Save to Pinterest Festive, juicy strawberries transformed into adorable Santa hats, filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a sweet marshmallow. A fun, easy holiday treat perfect for kids and parties.
I love making these Santa hat strawberries every year to add a playful touch to our holiday dessert table. Kids and adults alike enjoy the creamy cheesecake filling combined with fresh berries.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 12 large fresh strawberries
- Cheesecake Filling: 113 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping & Decorations: 12 mini marshmallows, 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for melting)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and dry the strawberries. Slice off the leafy end so each strawberry stands upright. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag or plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
- Step 4:
- Pipe a small mound of filling onto the cut side of each strawberry to form the face.
- Step 5:
- Place a mini marshmallow on top of each strawberry to resemble the pom-pom of Santas hat.
- Step 6:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with coconut oil (if using) in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Step 7:
- Pipe or drizzle a ring of melted white chocolate around the base of each strawberry to mimic the hats fur trim. Use a toothpick for precision if needed.
- Step 8:
- Arrange the finished Santa hats in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 23 minutes to lightly set the chocolate (optional, for a firmer finish). Cool before serving.
Save to Pinterest Making these with my family always brings smiles and festive cheer to our holiday celebrations.
Preparation Tips
Use fresh, firm strawberries to ensure the hats stand upright and hold their shape during assembly.
Storage Advice
These treats are best served fresh but can be chilled in an airtight container for up to 2 hours before serving.
Variations
Try swapping cream cheese for whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter filling. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes to make them extra cute.
Save to Pinterest This recipe adds a fun, festive touch to any holiday party or family gathering. Enjoy making and sharing these adorable treats!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I prepare the strawberries for filling?
Gently slice off the leafy end so each strawberry stands upright, creating a base for filling and decoration.
- → What is the best way to make the cheesecake filling smooth?
Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and free of lumps.
- → How are the marshmallows used in this dish?
Mini marshmallows are placed atop each filled strawberry to mimic the pom-poms of Santa hats.
- → Can the white chocolate be melted without coconut oil?
Yes, white chocolate chips can be melted slowly alone, but adding coconut oil helps achieve a smoother consistency.
- → What is the purpose of air frying the assembled strawberries?
Air frying briefly sets the melted chocolate trim for a firmer, lasting decoration while keeping the berries fresh.