If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings a dash of holiday magic with every bite, this Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with the smooth, rich flavors of milk and dark chocolate, these mini puddings capture the spirit of Christmas in a playful, no-bake dessert. Decorated with white chocolate “icing” and colorful holly-inspired candies, they’re as charming as they are delicious—perfect for sharing with family or surprising guests at your holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe are delightfully simple yet completely essential to achieving that perfect texture, flavor balance, and festive look. Each element plays a starring role in bringing this seasonal favorite to life.
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The classic crispy base that gives the puddings their signature crunch and lightness.
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips: Adds a creamy, sweet smoothness that melts beautifully into the mix.
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips: Balances the sweetness with a deep, rich cocoa flavor.
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup or corn syrup: Helps bind everything together while adding a subtle caramel undertone.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Contributes buttery richness and helps create a tender, pliable mixture.
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (for decoration): Used to create the signature “icing” look on each mini pudding.
- Red and green mini M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates: These festive candies serve as holly berries and leaves, giving each pudding a cheerful holiday finish.
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Start by gently melting the milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and golden syrup together in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy—this velvety base is the secret to your puddings’ rich flavor and perfect hold. Once melted, remove the pan from heat to prepare for the next step.
Step 2: Combine with Rice Krispies
Next, carefully fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the warm chocolate mixture. Take your time to coat every crisp fully so each bite has that wonderful chocolatey crunch. Let the mixture cool down slightly until it’s easier to handle but still pliable enough to shape without crumbling.
Step 3: Shape into Mini Puddings
Using clean, slightly buttered hands if needed, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into round balls about the size of mini puddings. Place each ball onto a tray lined with parchment paper, giving yourself enough room to decorate later on. These little spheres bring all the festive fun to the table!
Step 4: Decorate with White Chocolate Icing and Candies
Melt the white chocolate chips separately until smooth. Then spoon or drizzle a little over the top of each Rice Krispie ball to mimic the traditional icing drip of a Christmas pudding. While the white chocolate is still soft, press red and green mini M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates on top to create adorable holly berry and leaf decorations. This step is where the magic truly happens!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Finally, pop your decorated mini puddings into the fridge for about 30 minutes or until the white chocolate icing has set firm. Once chilled, these festive treats are ready to enjoy or package up as gorgeous homemade gifts.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer, you can dust your Rice Krispie Christmas puddings lightly with edible glitter or cocoa powder. Fresh mint leaves scattered around the serving plate can also complement the festive holly theme beautifully, enhancing both color and aroma.
Side Dishes
Since these mini puddings are rich and sweet, they pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla custard on the side. Alternatively, serve them alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or mulled wine to balance out the textures and keep the Christmas spirit flowing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, arrange your puddings in decorative paper cups or atop mini dessert stands. You could also place each pudding inside a small festive cupcake wrapper to make them easy to pick up during holiday parties. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon can transform them into delightful edible gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Rice Krispie Christmas puddings left after the festivities, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep them fresh and firm for up to one week, preserving their delightful texture and flavor for snacking later.
Freezing
These puddings don’t freeze particularly well because the texture of the Rice Krispies can become soggy once thawed. Instead, it’s best to make them fresh or store refrigerated for the duration of your holiday celebrations.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake treat meant to be enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Serve instantly from the fridge so you get that perfect cool crunch and creamy chocolate bite every time.
FAQs
Can I use all milk chocolate instead of mixing milk and dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Using all milk chocolate will make the puddings sweeter and creamier, which is great if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate adds a nice richness and balance, but it’s totally flexible to your taste.
What if I can’t find golden syrup? Can I use something else?
If golden syrup isn’t available, corn syrup works just as well to bind the ingredients together while adding subtle sweetness. You could also try honey or maple syrup in a pinch, but they might alter the taste slightly.
Can I make these Rice Krispie Christmas puddings vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and choose vegan chocolate chips. Also, ensure your candies for decoration are free from animal derivatives. This way, everyone can enjoy the festive fun!
How do I prevent the white chocolate “icing” from melting too quickly?
Make sure the puddings aren’t too warm when you add the white chocolate. Allow the mixture to cool and firm up slightly before decorating, then chill immediately after adding the icing. This keeps the white chocolate neat and set nicely.
Can I customize the decorations on top of the puddings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even tiny fondant shapes. The red and green candies are traditional, but the beauty of this Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe is how easily you can put your own festive spin on it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about sharing these Rice Krispie Christmas puddings during the holidays—they’re simple, fun to make, and wonderfully festive. Whether you’re making them with kids or impressing guests with homemade charm, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your seasonal dessert lineup. Give it a try and watch the smiles grow as everyone digs into these delightful little bites of Christmas joy!
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Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 mini puddings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings, a no-bake holiday treat combining crunchy cereal with a rich blend of milk and dark chocolate, golden syrup, and butter. Decorated with white chocolate ‘icing’ and colorful mini M&Ms to mimic holly berries and leaves, these mini puddings capture the spirit of Christmas with a playful twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup or corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Decoration
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (for decoration)
- Red and green mini M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates (for holly berries and leaves)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and golden syrup. Stir continuously until everything is melted and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Remove from heat promptly to prevent burning.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Gently fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the warm chocolate mixture until every piece is fully coated. Be careful to maintain the cereal’s crunch by folding gently rather than stirring vigorously.
- Cool Mixture for Shaping: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, just enough so it is less hot but still pliable and easy to handle. This cooling step prevents burns and helps with shaping.
- Shape into Mini Puddings: Using clean hands, form the coated cereal mixture into small, round balls approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, to resemble mini Christmas puddings. Place each formed ball onto a tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare White Chocolate Icing: Melt the white chocolate chips separately, either in a microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Decorate Each Pudding: Spoon a small amount of melted white chocolate over the top of each Rice Krispie ball to mimic traditional pudding icing. Immediately decorate with red and green mini M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates to resemble holly berries and leaves.
- Chill to Set: Transfer the decorated puddings to the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes, or until the white chocolate icing is set and the puddings are firm enough to handle.
Notes
- You can substitute milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips exclusively based on personal preference.
- Ready-made decorations or holiday-themed sprinkles can be used as an alternative to M&Ms for quicker decorating.
- Store the finished puddings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
