Pin this Festive, bite-sized bread pudding treats topped with whipped cream and strawberries to resemble Santa hats—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I enjoyed making these Santa Hat Bread Pudding Bites with my family during our winter celebrations, and they were a big hit!
Ingredients
- Bread Pudding: 6 cups (about 300 g) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream, 3 large eggs, 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold, 3 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 24 small strawberries, hulled, 2 tbsp shredded coconut (optional, for fur trim)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). Grease a mini muffin pan (24 wells).
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Step 3:
- Add bread cubes to the custard mixture and toss gently to coat. Let soak for 10 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, pressing down gently. Drizzle melted butter over the tops.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and set. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer bites to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 6:
- While bites cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Step 7:
- Pipe or dollop a swirl of whipped cream onto each bread pudding bite.
- Step 8:
- Place a strawberry, tip up, on each to resemble a Santa hat. Pipe a small dot of whipped cream on the tip of each strawberry. Sprinkle shredded coconut around the base for a fur effect if desired.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pin this These bites always bring smiles at family holiday parties, making cherished memories.
Required Tools
Mini muffin pan, Mixing bowls, Whisk, Electric mixer (for whipped cream), Piping bag or spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Milk, Wheat (gluten). Strawberries may cause allergies in sensitive individuals. Double-check bread and cream labels if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 2 g per serving.
Pin this Enjoy these festive bites as a delightful holiday treat that is both fun and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for these bites?
Challah or brioche bread is recommended due to its soft texture and subtle sweetness, which absorbs the custard well.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, they can be refrigerated for up to one day. For best texture, serve fresh when possible.
- → How do I achieve the Santa hat look on each bite?
Top each baked bite with a swirl of whipped cream, then place a hulled strawberry with the tip upwards on top. Add a small dot of cream on the strawberry tip and sprinkle coconut for a fur effect.
- → Are there any recommended variations for added flavor?
Adding orange zest or a splash of liqueur to the custard can enhance the flavor profile nicely.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free bread instead of challah or brioche allows this treat to suit gluten-free diets.