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
- : 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.
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Save to Pinterest Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best for these bites?
Challah or brioche bread is ideal due to its soft texture and slight sweetness, which soak up the custard well.
- → Can I prepare the bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the bites for up to one day before serving to keep them fresh.
- → How do I achieve the fluffy whipped cream topping?
Use cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form for a stable topping.
- → Is there a way to add extra flavor to the custard?
Adding a splash of orange zest or liqueur enhances the custard's aroma and depth of flavor.
- → Can substitutions be made for dietary needs?
Yes, gluten-free bread can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.