This no-bake festive treat marries the natural zing of freshly washed strawberries with a lush, vanilla-infused cream cheese filling. The enchanting combination of tangy fruit and smooth sweetness delivers a delightfully playful dessert experience that celebrates the season with a hint of Christmas Strawberry Cheesecake magic perfect for holiday gatherings.

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I recently discovered a pretty cool recipe called Strawberry Santas that I just had to share. Its healthy cheesecake filling is really low in calories compared to traditional desserts, yet it still delivers a good amount of protein and calcium thanks to the cream cheese.

I use 1 lb fresh strawberries that are washed and dried, which provides a load of vitamin C and antioxidants. Mixing in 8 oz softened cream cheese with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract creates a blend that is satisfying and naturally sweetened.

I find that each bite not only reminds me of traditional Christmas treats but also offers a fresher, lighter twist often seen in fun Christmas foods and even creative dessert ideas that kids love. This simple no-bake dessert combines nutritional benefits with festive fun thats perfect for our holiday celebrations.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, it’s super easy to pull together even when i’m in a rush – there’s only a few ingredients so i never feel overwhelmed trying to find stuff. Second, I love how fun it is to prep the strawberries, like cutting off the top and hollowing out a bit to fill them up with that cream cheese mix; its messy and creative which makes cooking feel more like a hobby than a chore. Third, the mix of flavors is just spot on for the holidays – the sweet-tart strawberries mixed with the creamy, vanilla-kissed filling makes every bite feel festive and indulgent without being overly rich. Lastly, because its a no-bake treat, i can chill them and enjoy quality time with family or friends without stressing about the oven – it always makes the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable.

Ingredients

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Strawberries: They are bursting with fiber and vitamins, plus a naturally sweet tang.
Cream Cheese: Adds rich creamy texture, but it has a bit of fat too.
Powdered Sugar: Sweet addition that dissolves quickly and makes the treat extra yummy.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor and gives a warm inviting aroma with little extra effort.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb fresh strawberries, washed and dried

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make this

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1. First, wash the strawberries really good and then dry them off completely so there’s no extra water messing with the filling

2. Cut off a small slice from the top of each strawberry to make a flat spot, this helps keep the cream cheese inside

3. Gently hollow out a tiny part from the center of each strawberry using a small knife, just enough for the creamy filling

4. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for a little bit if needed

5. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until its all smooth and creamy

6. Scoop the mixture into a piping bag or use a teaspoon if you dont have one, and carefully fill each strawberry where you hollowed it out

7. Double check that every strawberry got a nice even filling, if not, add a bit more where its needed

8. Place the filled strawberries in the refrigerator and chill them for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together

9. Finally, serve these festive treats and enjoy the fun bite-sized holiday spirit with family or friends

10. If you had any spills along the way, just clean ’em up and then dig in to your tasty Strawberry Santas!

Equipment Needed

1. Colander and paper towels to wash and dry the strawberries
2. Cutting board to safely cut and trim the strawberries
3. Small, sharp knife for cutting off the tops and hollowing out the centers
4. Mixing bowl for combining the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract
5. Piping bag or a teaspoon to fill the strawberries
6. Refrigerator to chill the filled strawberries before serving

FAQ

Question: Can i use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Answer: Its best to use fresh strawberries cause frozen ones tends to be watery and mess up the texture.

Question: Do i need to let the cream cheese soften before mixing?

Answer: Yes, letting the cream cheese come to room temperature makes it easier to blend evenly with the sugar and vanilla.

Question: Can i adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the recipe?

Answer: Absolutely, just add a bit more or less based on how sweet you want the dip to be.

Question: How long can i store the Strawberry Santas in the fridge?

Answer: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep them in the fridge for upto one day in an airtight container.

Strawberry Santas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fresh strawberries: You can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained. They might be a bit softer but work fine in a recipe like this.
Cream cheese: If you dont have cream cheese, try using mascarpone or even strained greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
Powdered sugar: You can blend regular granulated sugar until fine if you dont have powdered sugar handy.
Vanilla extract: Almond extract is a good alternative, just remember to use a little less because its stronger in flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Let the cream cheese sit at room temp for a while—this makes it extra smooth and easy to mix with the sugar and vanilla.
2. When you hollow out the strawberries, be super careful not to cut too deep. Even a small mistake can make your strawberries fall apart, so take your time.
3. If you dont have a piping bag, try using a small plastic bag with its tip snipped off. It works pretty well for getting that filling in there without making a mess.
4. Chill the filled strawberries in the fridge for a bit longer than the minimum time if you can. It really helps the flavors blend together and makes the treat even more refreshing.