Strawberry_Santa_Hat_Mini_Cakes_Mini_Sponge_Cakes

Strawberry Santa Hat Mini Cakes Mini Sponge Cakes Decorated with Whipped Cream and Strawberries

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The Story & Intro

Every December, my kitchen turns into a little winter workshop filled with the smells of vanilla, warm sponge cakes, and fresh strawberries. Growing up on the island of Crete, Christmas baking was more than just a tradition it was a celebration of family and love. My grandmother would bake simple sponge cakes, and I would decorate them with whatever berries we had on hand. Those moments stayed with me, and they inspired these Strawberry Santa Hat Mini Cakes, a playful treat that always brings out the child in me.

What I adore about these Strawberry Santa Hat Mini Cakes is how something so simple can look so festive. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps—just soft mini sponge cakes, fluffy whipped cream, and bright red strawberries to complete the little “hats.” They’re adorable, easy, and guaranteed to make people smile. And honestly, that’s what holiday baking is all about: creating warm memories in the middle of the season’s chaos.

In my kitchen, things aren’t always perfect whipped cream sometimes melts, strawberries roll away, and a few cakes may disappear mysteriously thanks to hungry hands. But that’s where the magic lives. Whether you’re making these Strawberry Santa Hat Mini Cakes with kids, friends, or just for yourself, they bring a sense of fun that reminds me of my childhood baking days in Crete. My grandmother always said food tastes better when shared, and she was right. These mini cakes are perfect for sharing joy, laughter, and sweet bites of holiday cheer.

So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s festive, cute, and incredibly easy to make, these Strawberry Santa Hat Mini Cakes are the perfect holiday treat. Let’s bake something that feels like home sweet, simple, and filled with love.

Ingredients

For the Mini Sponge Cakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Pinch of salt

For the Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

  • 12–15 fresh strawberries, hulled
  • Extra powdered sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mini Cake Pans

Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or mini cake mold. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix the Batter

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add them gradually to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until the batter is smooth and silky.

4. Fill the Molds

Scoop the batter into the mini molds, filling each about ¾ full. This gives the cakes a nice rounded shape after baking.

5. Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the mini cakes cool completely before decorating.

6. Make the Whipped Cream

Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep it chilled so it pipes smoothly.

7. Decorate the Mini Cakes

Once the cakes have cooled:
• Pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top.
• Place a strawberry (flat side down) onto the cream.
• Add a tiny dot of whipped cream on top of the strawberry “hat” to complete the Santa look.

8. Dust & Serve

Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Serve fresh.

Serving Suggestions

These mini cakes shine on Christmas dessert boards, gift trays, and holiday parties. Pair with:

  • Hot cocoa
  • Peppermint lattes
  • Vanilla milkshakes
  • A simple Greek honey tea for a lighter option

Their cute design makes them the perfect treat for kids and adults alike.

Notes

  • Use firm strawberries for a neat Santa hat shape.
  • Keep cakes refrigerated if not serving immediately.
  • Fresh whipped cream works much better than canned—it holds the shape longer.
  • You can make the mini sponge cakes a day ahead for easy assembly.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Santa Hat Mini Cakes capture everything I love about Christmas baking simplicity, creativity, and a whole lot of joy. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat for bringing people together, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or spending a cozy evening baking memories. I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and sparks the same happiness I felt growing up on Crete, learning to bake with my grandmother. Let’s keep the magic alive one sweet, festive bite at a time.

🎄 Recipe Card (with emojis)

⏱️ Time

  • Prep: 20 minutes
  • Cook: 12 minutes
  • Total: 32 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

  • Mini sponge cake ingredients
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh strawberries 🍓

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  • Follow mixing, baking, and decorating steps

📝 Notes

  • Use firm strawberries
  • Refrigerate before serving
  • Fresh whipped cream holds shape best

🍓 Nutrition (approx. per piece)

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Protein: 2g

100-Word Story Version

Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and these Strawberry Santa Hat Mini Cakes are inspired by my childhood holiday baking with my grandmother. She loved simple desserts that brought the whole family together, and these mini cakes do exactly that. Soft sponge cakes topped with homemade whipped cream and bright strawberries create adorable little Santa hats that make everyone smile. They’re easy, festive, and perfect for sharing during the holidays. My kitchen may get messy, but the joy of baking especially during Christmas makes every moment worth it. I hope these bring sweetness and warmth to your celebrations too!

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