Save to Pinterest Festive, bite-sized bread pudding treats topped with whipped cream and strawberries to resemble Santa hats–perfect for holiday gatherings.
This is a delightful holiday favorite that always brings smiles to the table and is great for sharing with family.
Ingredients
- Bread Pudding: 6 cups (about 300 g) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
- Milk: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- Cream: 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- Eggs: 3 large eggs
- Sugar: 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt: 1/4 tsp salt
- Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- Powdered sugar: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla extract (topping): 1 tsp
- Strawberries: 24 small strawberries, hulled
- Shredded coconut: 2 tbsp (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 This recipe has become a treasured holiday tradition that my whole family looks forward to every year.
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 to Pinterest These festive bites are sure to impress and add cheer to any holiday table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What bread works best for these bites?
Challah or brioche bread is ideal for its rich texture and ability to soak the custard evenly without becoming mushy.
- → How do I achieve the Santa hat look?
Top each baked bite with whipped cream, then place a hulled strawberry tip-up, finishing with a small whipped dollop on top and optional shredded coconut for a fur trim.
- → Can these bites be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them in advance and refrigerate for up to one day before serving to maintain freshness.
- → How should the custard mixture be prepared?
Whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt before tossing with bread cubes, allowing them to soak for 10 minutes for full flavor absorption.
- → Are there any suggested variations?
Add orange zest or a splash of liqueur to the custard for extra flavor, or use gluten-free bread as a substitute if needed.