Save 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.
This is one of my favorite holiday snacks to prepare with my children, as it combines creativity and delicious flavors in a simple recipe.
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 2 3 minutes to lightly set the chocolate (optional, for a firmer finish). Cool before serving.
Save My family always enjoys making these together; the kids love decorating and eating their little Santa hats.
Notes
For a lighter version, use whipped cream or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese filling. Decorate with mini chocolate chips for eyes if desired. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
Required Tools
Air fryer Mixing bowl Electric mixer or whisk Piping bag or plastic bag Small microwave-safe bowl Knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, white chocolate). Contains soy (possible in some white chocolates). Contains coconut (if using coconut oil). Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Save This recipe brings festive fun to the table with minimal prep time and maximum smiles.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prepare the strawberries for filling?
Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly, then slice off the leafy end to create a flat base for standing and a surface for the filling.
- → What can be used instead of cream cheese for filling?
For a lighter texture, whipped cream or Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese while maintaining a creamy consistency.
- → How is the melted white chocolate used in this dish?
Melted white chocolate is gently drizzled or piped around the base of the strawberries to mimic the fur trim of the Santa hats.
- → Is using an air fryer necessary?
The air fryer lightly sets the melted chocolate, providing a firmer finish, but this step is optional if you prefer a softer topping.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
These strawberry treats can be chilled for up to two hours before serving to let flavors meld and maintain freshness.
- → Are there any allergen considerations to note?
The dessert contains dairy from cream cheese and white chocolate, soy present in some chocolates, and potentially coconut oil; checking labels is advised.