Save Festive, bite-sized bread pudding treats topped with whipped cream and strawberries to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.
I have made these Santa Hat Bread Pudding Bites several times for family parties and they are always a big hit, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.
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°F (175°C). 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 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.
Save My family especially loves gathering around to make these together and sharing stories during the holiday season while enjoying these delightful bites.
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
Save These Santa Hat Bread Pudding Bites bring festive cheer and delicious flavor to any holiday occasion.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of bread works best for these bites?
Soft, slightly sweet breads like challah or brioche provide a tender texture and rich flavor that complements the custard well.
- → Can I prepare the whipped cream topping in advance?
Yes, whipped cream can be made ahead and kept refrigerated briefly, but for best texture, whip just before serving.
- → How do I achieve the Santa hat appearance?
Pipe or dollop whipped cream on each baked bite, then top with a small, hulled strawberry placed tip up, adding a small cream dot on the strawberry tip and optional coconut for the fur trim.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing texture.
- → How long can these bites be stored safely?
They are best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated and enjoyed within one day for optimal taste and texture.