Christmas Dessert Cups: 7 Joyful Layers to Savor

Name: Christmas Dessert Cups: 7 Joyful Layers to Savor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup of crushed graham crackers; 1/2 cup of melted butter; 1 cup of cream cheese; 1/2 cup of powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; 1 cup of whipped cream; 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries; 1/2 cup of blueberries; Fresh mint leaves for garnish

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 2, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air gets crisp, homes are filled with twinkling lights, and the scent of freshly baked goodies wafts through the kitchen. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this festive season is *Christmas dessert cups*. They’re not just any dessert; they’re a delightful blend of creamy goodness and vibrant fruits, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these little cups bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your table!

Every Christmas, my family gathers for a big feast, and these dessert cups always steal the show. I remember the first time I made them; I was racing against time to finish cooking the main course when I realized I hadn’t prepped dessert! In a flurry, I threw together these cups, and to my surprise, they were a hit! Everyone loved the layers of creamy filling topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Now, they’re a staple on our holiday dessert table, and I can’t imagine celebrating without them. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be adding them to your festive traditions too!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful *Christmas dessert cups*. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup of crushed graham crackers – This will form the deliciously crunchy base of our dessert cups.
1/2 cup of melted butter – This binds the graham cracker crumbs together for a perfect crust.
1 cup of cream cheese – Make sure to use softened cream cheese for a smooth and creamy filling.
1/2 cup of powdered sugar – This adds sweetness and helps achieve that dreamy texture.
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
1 cup of whipped cream – Light and airy, this makes our filling extra luscious.
1/2 cup of chopped strawberries – Fresh strawberries bring a pop of color and sweetness.
1/2 cup of blueberries – They add a tangy burst that pairs perfectly with the creaminess.
Fresh mint leaves for garnish – A lovely finishing touch that adds a hint of freshness.

These ingredients come together to create a festive treat that’s sure to impress your guests. Feel free to switch up the fruits based on what’s in season or your personal favorites!

How to Prepare Christmas Dessert Cups

Making these *Christmas dessert cups* is a breeze, and the best part? You can prepare them ahead of time! Follow these steps to create your festive masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! Here’s how to assemble these delightful dessert cups:

Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for the crust to bake perfectly.
Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed graham crackers with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
Press into cups: Take your mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of your dessert cups. You want a nice, compact layer to hold everything together.
Prepare the filling: In another bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.
Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold 1 cup of whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This step is key to keeping your filling light and airy, so take your time!
Spoon into cups: Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the crust in each dessert cup, filling them about three-quarters full.
Add the fruit: Top each cup with 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries and 1/2 cup of blueberries. Don’t be shy; pile them on for a colorful presentation!
Chill: Pop the cups into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld together and sets the filling.
Garnish before serving: Just before serving, add fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Key Tips for Success

To ensure your *Christmas dessert cups* turn out perfectly, here are a few tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cream cheese and whipped cream will elevate the flavor of your filling.
Customize your fruits: Feel free to switch up the fruit based on what’s in season or your family’s favorites. Raspberries or kiwi would also be delightful!
Make ahead: These cups can be made a day in advance, making them a stress-free option for holiday gatherings.
Store properly: If you have leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator and enjoy them within a few days for the best taste.

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying *Christmas dessert cups*, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving:

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 15g
Protein: 3g

These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements used. But hey, who’s counting calories during the holidays? Just enjoy these delightful cups of joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These *Christmas dessert cups* come together in no time, making them a perfect last-minute treat for any holiday gathering.
Festive Presentation: The colorful layers of fruit and creamy filling create a stunning visual appeal that will impress your guests!
Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out the fruits based on what’s in season or your family’s favorites. Raspberries, kiwi, or even a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds can add a festive twist!
Perfect for Gatherings: These individual cups make serving easy—they’re mess-free and fun to eat, allowing everyone to enjoy a sweet treat without fuss.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these cups a day in advance, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your delightful *Christmas dessert cups*, you’ll want to create a festive spread that complements their creamy and fruity goodness. Here are some ideas to elevate your holiday dessert table:

Pair with a warm beverage: These dessert cups go wonderfully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a rich spiced apple cider. The warmth of the drink contrasts beautifully with the cool, creamy cups.
Serve alongside holiday cookies: Consider offering a selection of classic holiday cookies, like gingerbread or peppermint bark, for a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
Enjoy with a festive cheese platter: A cheese board featuring a mix of creamy Brie, tangy goat cheese, and some sweet fig jam can provide a perfect savory balance to your dessert cups.
Include fresh fruit: Since your dessert cups already feature strawberries and blueberries, why not add some extra seasonal fruits like mandarin oranges or pomegranate seeds? They’ll add a fresh pop of color and flavor!
Complement with a light dessert wine: If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of Moscato or a sweet Riesling can enhance the sweetness of your *Christmas dessert cups* and make the evening feel extra special.

Whichever pairings you choose, your *Christmas dessert cups* will surely shine as a star on your holiday table, leaving your guests delighted and craving more!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover *Christmas dessert cups* is super simple, and I have a few tips to ensure they stay deliciously fresh!

First things first, make sure they’re covered well. You can use plastic wrap or transfer the cups into an airtight container. This will help prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in and mingling with your lovely dessert.

You can store the dessert cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Trust me, they’re best eaten within that time frame when the flavors are still vibrant and the texture is just right. If you find yourself with leftovers after a holiday gathering, don’t worry! Just pop them in the fridge and enjoy them as a sweet treat later on.

As for reheating, there’s no need! These *Christmas dessert cups* are meant to be enjoyed chilled. Just grab one from the fridge, add a fresh mint leaf for garnish if you like, and dig in! The cool, creamy filling paired with the fruity toppings is a refreshing delight, especially after a hearty holiday meal.

So, whether you’ve made a batch ahead of time or have some leftovers, you can feel good knowing they’ll last for a few days in the refrigerator, ready to brighten up your holiday dessert experience! Enjoy!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these delightful *Christmas dessert cups*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my answers:

Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe, though it might alter the creaminess slightly. Just make sure it’s softened to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
What if I don’t have graham crackers? No problem! You can substitute the graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers or even Oreo crumbs for a fun twist. Each will bring a different flavor to the crust!
How far in advance can I make these cups? You can prepare these *Christmas dessert cups* a day in advance! Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
Can I use frozen fruit? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen fruit and pat it dry before adding it to your cups. This will prevent excess moisture from making the dessert soggy.
How can I make these cups more festive? For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles on top or swapping out the fruits for seasonal favorites like pomegranate seeds or candied cranberries!

Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident in making your *Christmas dessert cups*! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!