These festive Santa Hat Crispy-Treat Cheesecake Squares are a delicious and fun holiday treat. With a crispy rice cereal base, creamy cheesecake topping, and festive strawberry “Santa hats,” they are perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. They combine the best of both worlds—crispy treats and cheesecake, all in one bite!

Ingredients

4 cups crispy rice cereal
4 tbsp butter
10 oz mini marshmallows
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Mini marshmallows
Red food coloring

Directions

In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crispy rice cereal until it is fully coated.
Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and allow it to cool.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Fold in the whipped cream until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crispy rice layer in the baking dish.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into squares.
To create the Santa hats, place a slice of strawberry on top of each square. Add a small amount of whipped cream atop the strawberry, then place a mini marshmallow on top.
Use red food coloring to draw a line around the base of the strawberry to resemble the brim of a Santa hat.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 squares
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

Chocolate Version: You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cheesecake layer for a rich twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the crispy rice mixture for an added texture.
Different Fruit: Use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a different look and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These cheesecake squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: It’s best to serve these cold, so there is no need to reheat them. If you prefer a slightly softened texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

10 FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows? Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but mini marshmallows melt faster and are easier to mix into the cereal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these squares up to 2 days ahead of time. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for whipped cream? If you don’t have whipped cream, you can use whipped topping or heavy cream that’s been whipped to stiff peaks.
Can I freeze these cheesecake squares? While the texture is best when served fresh, you can freeze them for up to a month. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Can I make this recipe without the red food coloring? Yes, the food coloring is optional. It’s used purely for visual appeal, so you can skip it if you prefer.
What can I use instead of cream cheese? For a dairy-free alternative, you could use a vegan cream cheese substitute or a thick coconut cream.
How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from being too soft? Ensure that the cheesecake layer is chilled for at least 2 hours to firm up before cutting into squares.
Can I use store-bought cheesecake filling? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought cheesecake filling for the homemade cream cheese mixture.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe? Yes, simply use gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make the treat gluten-free.
Can I make these without the strawberry “Santa hats”? Yes, the cheesecake squares are delicious even without the fruit and whipped cream toppings. You can simply serve them as a regular cheesecake square.

Conclusion

Santa Hat Crispy-Treat Cheesecake Squares are a fun and festive dessert perfect for any holiday occasion. With their easy-to-make crispy rice base, creamy cheesecake topping, and adorable Santa hat decorations, they’re sure to be a hit at your next celebration. Whether you’re serving them at a party or making them for family, these squares will bring joy and deliciousness to the table!