Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 5, 2025

Featured in: Desserts

These Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites bring a joyful spirit to your holiday dessert table. With creamy mini cheesecakes topped perfectly with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, they mirror the festive Santa hat in every single bite, making them a charming treat for family and friends.

Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas party, a cozy holiday gathering, or a festive cookie swap, these bite-sized delights are easy to make and absolutely delightful to serve. Their festive appearance and rich flavor will impress everyone and brighten any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and festive presentation inspired by classic Santa hats adds cheer to your holiday table.
Mini cheesecakes are perfectly portioned for easy serving and mess-free enjoyment.
The recipe combines creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream for a balanced, delicious flavor.

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crushed graham crackers form a buttery and sweet base crust that provides a crispy texture contrast.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling, balancing richness and enhancing flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust ingredients together and gives a rich, golden finish.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates the smooth, creamy foundation of the cheesecake filling.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor, elevating the cheesecake’s taste with subtle complexity.
Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure and help the cheesecake set while keeping it tender and moist.
Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness and enriches texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Lightly thickens the filling, adding stability and preventing cracks during baking.
Salt: A pinch enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
Fresh Strawberries: Hulled and used as the red point of the Santa hat, adding bright color and fruity freshness.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into stiff peaks, this cream forms the fluffy white trim of the Santa hat.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream for a smooth, delicate finish.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a mini cheesecake pan or muffin tin with paper liners or grease silicone molds lightly. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your bites after baking.
Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the texture resembles damp sand. Press about a tablespoon firmly into each cavity to create an even base. Prebaking the crust for 5 minutes enhances its crispness and prevents sogginess.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Whip softened cream cheese until completely smooth to avoid lumps. Gradually add sugar, then gently beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides to fully incorporate. Add vanilla, sour cream, flour, and a pinch of salt just until combined to maintain a tender texture without overmixing.
Fill and Bake Cheesecakes: Distribute the filling evenly over the pre-baked crusts, nearly filling each mold. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are set and centers still have a slight jiggle, indicating a creamy interior. Cooling gradually prevents cracks, so cool in pan before refrigerating.
Chill Before Decorating: After cooling to room temperature, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling firms up the texture and enhances the flavors, preparing them for decoration.
Make Whipped Cream Topping: Beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Using a piping bag fitted with a tip, this fluffy topping will create the iconic Santa hat white brim and pompom.
Assemble Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites: Pipe a swirl of whipped cream onto each chilled cheesecake bite. Top with a hulled strawberry positioned point-up, then add a small dollop of whipped cream to the strawberry tip to finish the playful Santa hat look.

You Must Know

These cheesecake bites can be prepared ahead and stored refrigerated up to 2 days before decorating.
For longer storage, freeze undecorated cheesecakes; thaw completely before adding whipped cream and strawberries.
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth filling and avoid cracking during baking.

Storage Tips

Store assembled cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for freshest taste. Undecorated cheesecakes freeze well for up to 1 month; decorate after thawing completely in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Present these festive bites on a holiday dessert platter alongside sugar cookies and peppermint bark for a colorful spread. They’re perfect for family gatherings, office parties, or as charming treats to gift neighbors during Christmas.

Professional Tips

Use chilled mixing bowls and beaters when whipping cream for quicker and more stable peaks.
Ensure cream cheese and eggs are properly at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth filling.
Press crust firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling when removing from pans.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?: Fresh strawberries are best to maintain the firm Santa hat shape. Frozen strawberries may be too soft and watery when thawed.
What if I don’t have a mini cheesecake pan?: You can use a mini muffin tin lined with paper liners or silicone molds for similar results.
How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake bites?: Avoid overmixing the batter and bake until just set with a slight jiggle. Cooling gradually and refrigeration also help prevent cracks.
Can I prepare these one day ahead?: Yes, you can bake and refrigerate the cheesecake bites a day in advance and assemble them just before serving for best freshness.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?: You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
What piping tip should I use for the whipped cream?: A star or round piping tip works well to create the classic Santa hat trim and dollop at the strawberry tip.
Can I make these dairy-free?: This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients; substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and cream alternatives to experiment, but expect some texture changes.