Pour the strawberry gelatin powder into a large heatproof mixing bowl.

Add 2 cups of boiling water and whisk until the gelatin crystals have completely dissolved.

Stir in 2 cups of cold water until everything is well combined.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into the serving cups.

Step 2: Fill the Dessert Cups

Arrange 12 small clear dessert cups or plastic serving cups on a tray.

Carefully divide the strawberry gelatin mixture between the cups, filling each approximately halfway or to your preferred level.

Place the tray in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Chill Until Firm

Refrigerate the cups for approximately 3–4 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set.

For the best presentation, keep the cups on a level tray while chilling so the gelatin forms an even layer.

Avoid adding the cream cheese topping while the gelatin is still liquid or soft.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Cream

Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.

Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Add ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing on low speed until everything is fully combined.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to remove any lumps.

Step 5: Whip the Heavy Cream

In a separate chilled mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream.

Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.

Beat with an electric mixer until medium-stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should hold its shape while remaining smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Combine the Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream

Add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture in two or three portions.

Gently fold with a silicone spatula until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and evenly combined.

Avoid overmixing, as this can deflate the whipped cream.

Transfer the cheesecake mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star-shaped tip.

Step 7: Add the Creamy Layer

Remove the chilled gelatin cups from the refrigerator.

Pipe a generous layer of cheesecake cream over each set strawberry gelatin layer.

Smooth the surface or create decorative swirls using your piping tip.

Return the cups to the refrigerator while you prepare the Santa decorations.

Step 8: Prepare the Strawberry Santa Hats

Wash the strawberries and dry them thoroughly with paper towels.

Remove the green leaves and stems, then trim the bottom slightly if needed so each strawberry can sit securely.

If the strawberries are large, cut them in half to create smaller Santa hats.

Place the strawberries on a paper towel until ready to decorate.

Step 9: Decorate the Santa Jell-O Cups

Remove the cups from the refrigerator.

Place one strawberry on top of each cup with its pointed end facing upward, creating the shape of a Santa hat.

Pipe a small dot of whipped cream onto the strawberry tip to resemble the white pom-pom of Santa’s hat.

Add a small border of whipped cream around the base of the strawberry if desired.

For an extra festive appearance, add a few mini marshmallows or tiny white sprinkles around the topping.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the finished Strawberry Santa Jell-O Cups until serving.

For the freshest appearance, add the strawberry decorations shortly before your guests arrive.

Serve chilled and enjoy these adorable Christmas desserts!