Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are the ultimate festive treat that combines childhood nostalgia with holiday charm. Imagine crisp, chocolatey bites, shaped to look just like mini Christmas puddings, complete with a snowy drizzle of white chocolate and holly-inspired candies on top. These no-bake delights come together quickly, making them perfect for joyful gatherings, edible gifts, or a fun family kitchen project. If you’re looking for a playful dessert that will light up any holiday table, this is the recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings is how easy they are to whip up with a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a special role, from creating that signature snap to adding layers of chocolatey flavor and splashy holiday color.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The crunchy base that gives these puddings their classic texture and satisfying bite.
- Milk chocolate chips: For a creamy sweetness that kids and adults both adore.
- Dark chocolate chips: Adds a hint of richness and balances the milk chocolate’s sweetness perfectly.
- Golden syrup or light corn syrup: Binds everything together while adding a gentle, caramel-like note.
- Unsalted butter: Brings silkiness to the melted chocolate and helps with shaping.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash elevates all the flavors and adds warmth.
- White chocolate (for decorating): Melts into a luscious “icing” that sets on top for that classic Christmas pudding look.
- Red and green candy-coated chocolates or sprinkles: The festive finishing touch that transforms each ball into a holiday showstopper.
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings
Step 1: Melt the Chocolates
Start by placing your milk and dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl along with the butter and golden syrup. Gently melt everything together, using either 20-second bursts in the microwave (stirring each time) or over a double boiler. The goal is a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture without any lumps. Take your time here—melting slowly ensures the chocolate won’t scorch and keeps the flavors silky and rich.
Step 2: Add the Vanilla and Cereal
Once your chocolate mixture is perfectly melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This small addition makes a surprising difference, adding warmth and depth. Next, pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and fold everything together gently but thoroughly. Every little puffed rice should be gleaming with chocolatey goodness—this is what gives Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings their irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Shape the Puddings
Let the mixture cool just enough so it’s comfortable to handle, but still pliable. Lightly dampen your hands or use food-safe gloves (this helps prevent sticking), then scoop out portions and roll them into small balls about the size of a golf ball. Place each on a tray lined with parchment or wax paper. You should end up with about a dozen perfect little spheres, ready to be dressed up for the holidays.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm
Pop the tray of shaped puddings into the fridge and let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them set up and hold their shape, making them easier to decorate and serve. If you’re in a hurry, a quick stint in the freezer can speed things up, but don’t skip the chilling altogether—it’s key for that classic bite.
Step 5: Decorate with White Chocolate and Candies
Once your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are firm, melt the white chocolate in a small bowl. Carefully drizzle it over the tops of each pudding, letting it gently drip down the sides to mimic the look of traditional holiday pudding icing. While the white chocolate is still soft, top with red and green candy-coated chocolates or sprinkles to create a festive holly effect. Let the decorations set before serving—this is when your kitchen starts to feel truly magical!
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings
Garnishes
The classic look for Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings comes from that snowy white chocolate drizzle and pops of red and green candies. If you want to get extra creative, try adding edible glitter, gold stars, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Let your imagination run wild and tailor the garnishes to your own holiday style!
Side Dishes
These sweet little treats are delightful all on their own, but they pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for the adults. If you’re serving them at a party, add a platter of fresh fruit, some spiced nuts, or a few more festive cookies to create a cheerful dessert spread everyone can nibble from.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, tuck each Rice Krispie Christmas Pudding into a mini cupcake liner and arrange them in a festive box tied with ribbon. On the dessert table, pile them high on a cake stand or scatter them like ornaments across a plate of evergreen sprigs. You can even hang them on the tree (just wrap in cellophane first)! However you present them, these puddings will steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After everyone’s had their fill, simply pop any leftover Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, making them a great make-ahead option for busy holiday weeks or last-minute guests.
Freezing
If you want to get even further ahead, these treats freeze very well. Arrange the finished puddings in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge before serving and add any last-minute decorations if needed.
Reheating
Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve frozen them, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off and restore their perfect texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While the mix of milk and dark chocolate adds great depth, you can use all milk chocolate for a sweeter treat or switch to all dark for a richer flavor. Even white chocolate can work for a totally different twist—just be sure to melt it gently.
What’s the best way to prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly dampen your hands with water or wear food-safe gloves before shaping the balls. This simple trick keeps the chocolate mixture from sticking and makes rolling a breeze.
Are there nut-free alternatives for garnishing?
Yes! If you’re avoiding nuts, use nut-free candy-coated chocolates, colored sprinkles, or even tiny pieces of dried fruit to decorate. Check labels if allergies are a concern, and have fun with different toppings.
Can I make these vegan?
You can! Substitute dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter, and use golden syrup instead of corn syrup. There are also plant-based white chocolate options—just check your supermarket’s specialty section.
How far in advance can I make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings?
These puddings are perfect for making ahead. Prepare and decorate them up to five days before your event and store in the fridge. The flavors meld and the texture stays just right, making your holiday prep a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are a playful, festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With their cheerful looks and delicious chocolate crunch, they’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and give these sweet little puddings a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 puddings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are no-bake treats combining crunchy cereal with rich milk and dark chocolates, all decorated with white chocolate icing and colorful red and green candies to resemble holiday holly. Perfect for holiday parties or a sweet seasonal snack.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup or light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
- Red and green candy-coated chocolates or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Chocolates and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the milk and dark chocolate chips together with the butter and golden syrup using a microwave in 20-second intervals or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the bowl from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the chocolate mixture and stir gently until all the cereal is fully coated with the chocolate.
- Shape Puddings: Let the mixture cool slightly for easier handling, then use your hands to shape it into small balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them onto a lined tray.
- Chill Until Firm: Refrigerate the shaped balls for at least 30 minutes or until firm enough to decorate.
- Decorate: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops of the firm puddings to mimic icing. While the white chocolate is still soft, garnish with red and green candies or sprinkles to resemble festive holly decoration.
- Set and Serve: Allow the white chocolate decoration to set completely before serving your festive Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings.
Notes
- Use gloves or slightly wet your hands to prevent sticking when rolling the mixture into balls.
- Store the puddings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer, substitute golden syrup with light corn syrup as a sweetener.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pudding
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
