Description
These festive Santa Hat Cupcakes are a delightful holiday treat featuring soft cupcakes topped with fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting and fresh strawberries adorned with sparkling sugar sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties and celebrations, these no-bake decorations turn simple cupcakes into charming Santa hats with minimal effort and maximum appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 24 cupcakes (baked and cooled)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons half and half or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- 24 strawberries (washed and tops cut off)
- White sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of half and half or heavy cream. Beat the mixture until smooth, adding additional half and half if necessary to reach the desired consistency. Continue beating on high speed for 3-5 minutes until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.
- Assemble the cupcakes: Using a piping bag or a spatula, spread or pipe a flat circle of frosting on top of each cooled cupcake. Place a strawberry on top of the frosting with the cut side facing down to form the shape of a Santa hat. Add a dollop of frosting to the tip of each strawberry to resemble the pom-pom of the hat. Finish by sprinkling white sugar sprinkles over the frosting for a festive sparkle. Serve immediately for the best presentation and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting, as warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt.
- For a thicker frosting, gradually add powdered sugar until you achieve the desired texture.
- Use fresh, firm strawberries for better stability on top of the cupcakes.
- The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- If desired, a food-safe red food coloring can be added to the frosting for a more vibrant Santa hat look.
