Save Festive, bite-sized bread pudding treats topped with whipped cream and strawberries to resemble Santa hats—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I love making these for family gatherings because they bring so much holiday cheer and everyone enjoys their festive look
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan (24 wells).
- Mix Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Soak Bread:
- Add bread cubes to the custard mixture and toss gently to coat. Let soak for 10 minutes.
- Fill Pan:
- Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, pressing down gently. Drizzle melted butter over the tops.
- Bake:
- 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.
- Whip Cream:
- While bites cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate:
- Pipe or dollop a swirl of whipped cream onto each bread pudding bite. 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.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save My family always looks forward to these bites every holiday season, making our celebrations sweeter and more memorable
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
Per serving: Calories 110 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 13 g Protein 2 g
Save This recipe offers a delightful combination of festive fun and delicious flavor for your holiday table
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What type of bread works best for the pudding?
Challah or brioche bread is preferred for its rich texture and slight sweetness, which complements the custard perfectly.
- → Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
Yes, the custard can be mixed ahead of time and refrigerated for a few hours to let flavors meld before soaking the bread.
- → How do I achieve the whipped cream topping consistency?
Use cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form for a stable swirl.
- → Is it possible to make these bites gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the bread with a gluten-free variety to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- → What is the best way to assemble the Santa hat decoration?
Pipe or dollop whipped cream on each bite, place a strawberry on top tip-up, then finish with a small whipped cream dot and optional shredded coconut around the base.