Save Whimsical and fun sandwiches shaped like gingerbread men, perfect for kids lunches, parties, or festive occasions. Soft bread is filled with a sweet cream cheese spread and accented with fruit for a playful, delicious treat.
This recipe brings joy to my family gatherings, especially my kids who love the playful shape and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- Bread: 12 slices soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread
- Cream Cheese Filling: 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened, 1 ½ tbsp honey, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Decorations: 1 small apple, thinly sliced, 1 small banana, sliced, 12–18 raisins or mini chocolate chips, 2 tbsp colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cut shapes:
- Using a gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from each bread slice (yields 12 cutouts).
- Mix filling:
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread filling:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto 6 of the bread cutouts.
- Add fruit:
- Layer with thin apple or banana slices as desired.
- Assemble sandwiches:
- Top each with a second bread cutout to form a sandwich.
- Decorate:
- Decorate the sandwich faces with raisins, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles to make eyes, buttons, and smiles. Lightly press decorations into the bread so they stay in place.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Save My family loves how this recipe sparks creativity and makes lunchtime exciting for the kids.
Required Tools
Gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter, Mixing bowl, Spatula or butter knife, Small knife (for slicing fruit)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese) and gluten (bread). For nut allergies ensure all ingredients are nut-free. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per sandwich: Calories 165, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 25 g, Protein 4 g
Save Enjoy these playful sandwiches that bring fun and flavor to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the gingerbread man shapes?
Use a gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter to press and cut shapes from slices of soft sandwich bread.
- → Can I substitute honey in the cream cheese filling?
Yes, honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile.
- → What fruits work best for decoration?
Thin slices of apple or banana complement the cream cheese filling well and add natural sweetness.
- → How can I keep the decorations from falling off?
Press raisins, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles lightly into the bread to help them stay in place.
- → Is it possible to make these sandwiches gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free bread allows for a gluten-free version without altering the other flavors.