Looking for a sweet treat to wow your holiday guests? These Santa Hat Crispy-Treat Cheesecake Squares are a fun, no-fuss dessert that combines gooey marshmallow cereal bars with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries. Perfect for Christmas parties or just a cozy night in, this recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat. Plus, it’s featured in our Christmas Guide 2024—because who doesn’t need more holiday cheer?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No baking required!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping with the Santa hat assembly.
• Festive and Delicious: The strawberries add a bright pop of color and flavor.

Let’s dive into the details so you can whip up these squares in no time.

Recipe Details

• Level: Easy
• Total Time: 3 hr 25 min (includes chilling time)
• Active Time: 1 hr 5 min
• Yield: 25 pieces

Ingredients

Cheesecake Squares:

• Cooking spray
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 ounces mini marshmallows (about 1 cup tightly packed)
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Kosher salt
• 4 cups crispy rice cereal
• One 1/4-ounce package of unflavored powdered gelatin
• Two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 25 medium strawberries, hulled

Frosting:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crispy Treat Base

1. Line a 9-inch square pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly coat the foil and a wooden spoon with cooking spray.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows, honey, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the marshmallows fully melt (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Add the crispy rice cereal and stir until evenly coated. Quickly transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it into an even layer while warm. Let it sit at room temperature until firm (about 20 minutes).

Make the Cheesecake Layer

4. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine gelatin with two tablespoons of water and let it soften for about 5 minutes.
5. Using an electric mixer at medium to high speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth (about 1 minute). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add sour cream, confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, remaining vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth (about another minute).
6. Microwave the softened gelatin in short bursts (10 seconds each), stirring in between until dissolved (30–50 seconds total). Slowly pour this into the cream cheese mixture while beating on medium-high speed until fully incorporated (about 30 seconds).
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crispy treat layer and spread evenly with an offset spatula or butter knife. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight until set.

Prepare Frosting

8. Whisk together butter and cream cheese by hand in a medium bowl until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract; whisk until creamy.

Assemble Santa Hats

9. Cut the chilled cheesecake into twenty-five squares (each about 1¾ inches). Transfer frosting to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off (about a ¼-inch opening).
10. Pipe a circle of frosting on each square’s top—just large enough to fit the base of a strawberry. Place a strawberry cut-side down onto each frosting circle, gently pressing so the frosting forms the “hat base.” Pipe a small dollop of frosting on each strawberry tip to create a pom-pom.

Pro Tips for Success

• Strawberry Size Matters: Choose medium strawberries that aren’t too large; they should sit nicely on top of each square without tipping over.
• Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! The cheesecake layer needs time to set properly.
• Get Creative: If you don’t have piping bags handy, use a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off—it works like magic!

These Santa Hat Crispy-Treat Cheesecake Squares are guaranteed to be the star of your dessert table this holiday season in Loomis—or anywhere else you decide to share them!

Source: foodnetwork.com
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