How To Make A Strawberry Christmas Tree

Celebrate the holiday season with a Strawberry Christmas Tree! Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy holiday treat is sure to impress friends and family this holiday season.

The holidays are here and what better way than to celebrate with a homemade, edible, Christmas tree! Oh…and it’s easy to make! Yes, an edible Christmas tree that will impress your friends and family that is easy to make and…wait for it….healthy! Yes! A holiday treat that is naturally sweet.

What could this magical holiday treat be? A Strawberry Christmas Tree! The holidays are filled with lots of different sweets and treats, and we love them all! But we also like to balance all those holiday cookies with naturally sweet treats, like strawberries.

This Strawberry Christmas Tree is not only easy to make and festive, it’s also delicious. Did you know that Florida Strawberries are in season from Thanksgiving to March? Yes! That makes Florida strawberries the perfect addition to your holiday menus!

Florida strawberries are grown by local families. Families are dedicated to feeding your family the best, freshest strawberries possible. These families are Florida strawberry farmers. They are truly stewards of the land and I couldn’t be more appreciative of what they do for us.

We can use this delectable fruit in many recipes such as; desserts, jams, smoothies, slushies, muffins, or as I prefer, eaten straight from the package (or vine!). Whether you grow your own, pick them up at a strawberry farm, or buy them at a roadside stand or in the grocery store, there are a few things you should know about fresh strawberries.

Before I give you all the details on how to make a Strawberry Christmas Tree, I want to share a few facts about Florida Strawberries that you may not know.

Purchasing Strawberries

It is best to use strawberries as soon as they are picked because they do not ripen any further once they have left the plant. A berry stain on the bottom of a container indicates that the berries are beyond peak ripeness and should be avoided.

Also, avoid berries that have yellow or green splotches or ones that have mold growing on them. You should choose strawberries that are dry, firm and deep red in color, not soft and dull. One way to ensure you get fresh strawberries is by purchasing them at local farmers markets or strawberry farms where the berries are more likely to be in perfect condition. We got our Florida strawberries for our Strawberry Christmas Tree right from the farm!

Storing Your Strawberries

Once you have purchased your strawberries, inspect them for imperfections and discard any that are overripe, as these can cause the whole container to spoil. Keep the strawberries in the refrigerator and do not wash them until you are ready to eat them, as water can accelerate the spoilage process. Fresh strawberries should be enjoyed within 3-4 days of purchase.

If you plan to freeze your strawberries, freeze them individually on a cookie sheet (I rinse mine under water first and let them dry thoroughly). Once they are frozen, you can then group them in a plastic bag and return them to the freezer. This process helps the strawberries retain their shape and helps cuts down on mushiness when they thaw. Strawberries can be kept in the freezer up to one year.

Enjoying Your Strawberries

If you have your strawberries stored in the refrigerator and are ready to use them, rinse them well several times under running water using a colander. Remove the leafy stem after you have rinsed them so the berries do not absorb as much water.

Use a paring knife to remove the leafy stem and white hull. You may have to make a v-shaped cut to get the white hull out… or just bite around it. After cleaning and cutting your berries, they are now ready to eat in hundreds of different recipes!

Whether you add your strawberries to a bowl of cereal, use them in desserts, dipped in chocolate, eat them as is, or make a festive Strawberry Christmas Tree, they will provide a juicy, fresh treat that will leave everyone smiling.

Speaking of having everyone smiling… Are you guys ready to get crafty? Let’s make that Strawberry Christmas Tree!

 Strawberry Christmas Tree Key Ingredients

• Strawberries – I used Florida Pearls (also known as pineberries) for the top of the tree
• Green crafting cone
• Romaine lettuce or other leafy greens
• Tooth picks
• Powdered Sugar if desired

Commonly Asked Questions About How To Make A Strawberry Christmas Tree

Q: How long does it take to make a strawberry Christmas tree?
A: This festive strawberry tree takes about 20 minutes to assemble.

Q: What can you use instead of romaine lettuce?
A: Other leafy greens like spinach or kale can substitute for the romaine to wrap the cone.

Q: Do you need to use a specific type of craft cone?
A: Any size crafting cone will work. Just adjust the amount of lettuce and strawberries based on the size.

Q: Can you make this tree with frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh strawberries are recommended, but in a pinch you can use thawed, drained frozen berries.

Q: How far in advance can you make this Christmas tree?
A: We recommend assembling right before serving. Strawberries will get mushy if left too long.

Q: What are some serving ideas for the strawberry tree?
A: It makes a great centerpiece or dessert table display. You can also serve the strawberries on their own.

Feel great about making this recipe! Not only are you creating something delicious, but you’re also supporting a cause. This post, along with others that feature our amazing brand partners Florida Strawberries, helps fund donations to Feeding America food banks. In 2023, an estimated 47 million people—about 1 in 7 Americans—faced food insecurity, according to Feeding America. Healthy Family Project has provided 22 million meals through our partnerships since 2014. Your visit helps sustain these donations, and we truly appreciate your support!