Save to Pinterest Festive, bite-sized bread pudding treats topped with whipped cream and strawberries to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Bread Pudding: 6 cups (about 300 g) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
- Bread Pudding: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- Bread Pudding: 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- Bread Pudding: 3 large eggs
- Bread Pudding: 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
- Bread Pudding: 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Bread Pudding: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Bread Pudding: 1/4 tsp salt
- Bread Pudding: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- Topping: 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- Topping: 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Topping: 24 small strawberries, hulled
- Topping: 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 to Pinterest 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 to Pinterest Enjoy these festive bites as a delightful holiday treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for these bites?
Challah or brioche bread cubes are ideal due to their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, which soak up the custard well.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate them for up to one day. Serve fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- → How do I achieve the Santa hat look?
Top each baked bite with whipped cream, then add a hulled strawberry pointed tip up, finishing with a small whipped cream dot. Optionally, sprinkle shredded coconut around the base for a fur trim effect.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute gluten-free bread cubes to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- → What are some suggested variations to enhance flavor?
Consider adding orange zest or a splash of liqueur to the custard mixture for a richer, festive flavor.