What type of bread works best for these bites?

Challah or brioche bread is ideal due to its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, which soaks up the custard beautifully.

Can I prepare the pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the baked bites for up to one day to maintain freshness before serving.

Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form for a smooth, pipeable topping.

If you prefer, you can skip the coconut or use finely grated white chocolate as a decorative alternative.

Absolutely, gluten-free bread may be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.

Festive, bite-sized bread pudding treats topped with whipped cream and strawberries to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.

I enjoy making these Santa Hat Bread Pudding Bites every year with my family during the holidays they always bring smiles to the table.

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

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.

The joy of preparing these bites always creates warm family moments around the holiday table.

Mini muffin pan Mixing bowls Whisk Electric mixer (for whipped cream) Piping bag or spoon

Contains Eggs Milk Wheat (gluten) Strawberries may cause allergies in sensitive individuals Double-check bread and cream labels if unsure

Calories 110 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 13 g Protein 2 g

These festive bites add a perfect touch of holiday cheer to any gathering.

→ What type of bread works best for these bites?: Challah or brioche bread is ideal due to its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, which soaks up the custard beautifully.
→ Can I prepare the pudding ahead of time?: Yes, you can refrigerate the baked bites for up to one day to maintain freshness before serving.
→ How do I create the whipped cream topping?: Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form for a smooth, pipeable topping.
→ Is there an alternative to coconut for the fur trim?: If you prefer, you can skip the coconut or use finely grated white chocolate as a decorative alternative.
→ Can I use gluten-free bread for these bites?: Absolutely, gluten-free bread may be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.