Description
Delight in these festive Santa Hat Brownie Bites, a perfect holiday treat that combines rich chocolate brownies topped with fresh strawberries and fluffy vanilla whipped cream to resemble Santa’s iconic hat. Easy to prepare and visually charming, these bite-sized desserts are great for parties or as a sweet seasonal snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
Topping
- 8 large fresh strawberries
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Bake the Brownies: Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan, and bake for the time recommended on the brownie mix box, usually around 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut the Brownies: Allow the baked brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into small, bite-sized squares to serve as the base of your Santa hat bites.
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and the instant vanilla pudding mix together until stiff peaks form. This will create a thick, fluffy cream ideal for piping.
- Wash and Trim Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries under cold water and pat them dry. Slice off the green leafy tops if desired, making sure each strawberry has a flat base to sit securely on the brownie bites.
- Assemble the Santa Hat Brownie Bites: Place each strawberry on top of a brownie bite, pointed end up. Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully pipe or dollop the vanilla whipped cream around the base of each strawberry, and add a small dollop on the tip to mimic the fluffy trim and pom-pom of Santa hats.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brownie bites for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the whipped topping to set. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm strawberries for the best presentation and taste.
- You can substitute the instant vanilla pudding mix with powdered sugar and vanilla extract if preferred, though the texture may vary.
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before assembly to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or add edible glitter on top before serving.
- These bites are best consumed within 2 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Keywords: Santa hat bite recipe, holiday brownie bites, Christmas dessert, strawberry brownie bites, easy holiday treats