If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are here to fill your holidays with festive cheer. These adorable mini puddings bring all the nostalgia of classic Christmas flavors but with the playful snap and crunch of Rice Krispies, rich chocolate, and a pop of color from holly-like decorations. In under an hour, you can whip up a batch of these charming sweets – perfect for parties, gifting, or just spreading seasonal smiles. Let’s dive into a recipe that promises both fun and flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to craft Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings, but each one plays an important role. The mix of chocolate makes them irresistibly rich, the Rice Krispies bring that satisfying crunch, and the cheery decorations transform them into edible mini works of art.
- Rice Krispies cereal (3 cups): This is the foundation for that signature crispy texture – make sure they’re fresh for maximum crunch!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds a deep, chocolatey contrast that balances the overall sweetness.
- Milk chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For a creamy, smooth flavor that kids and adults both love.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Gives the mixture richness and that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Golden syrup or light corn syrup (1/3 cup): Holds everything together with a gentle, caramel-like sweetness. Golden syrup is traditional, but light corn syrup works in a pinch.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint enhances all the flavors and gives a comforting holiday aroma.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): The base for the festive “custard” topping – smooth and easy to spoon.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps transform powdered sugar into a drizzly, custard-inspired icing.
- Red and green mini M&Ms or fondant holly decorations: The crowning touch that turns your treats into iconic Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings.
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Start with a large saucepan over low heat and add the butter, semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, plus your golden syrup. Gently stir as everything melts together into a silky, glossy pool of chocolate – patience is key here to keep it smooth and lump-free. This fragrant base is what will bind your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings and give them their irresistible chocolate flavor.
Step 2: Add the Vanilla
Once your chocolate mixture is completely melted and smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This simple addition adds warmth and rounds out the flavors, making each bite more comforting and festive.
Step 3: Stir in the Rice Krispies
Pour the Rice Krispies into your saucepan and gently fold everything together until every piece of cereal is thickly coated. Take your time with this step – you want every bite of your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings to have the perfect balance of chocolate and crunch.
Step 4: Shape into Mini Puddings
Let the mixture cool for just a few minutes so it’s easier to handle. Then, with lightly greased hands, scoop up about two tablespoons at a time and roll into balls. Place each one on a parchment-lined tray, shaping them into mini spheres reminiscent of classic Christmas puddings.
Step 5: Make the “Custard” Icing
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk until you have a thick, smooth icing. This will be your “custard” topper! If you like, swap in melted white chocolate for an extra decadent spin.
Step 6: Decorate with Holly
Spoon a little icing over each Rice Krispie Christmas Pudding so it gently drips down the sides – this is where the holiday magic really comes in! Add red and green mini M&Ms (or fondant holly decorations) to each pudding for a cheery, unmistakably festive look.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Pop your decorated puddings into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This quick chill helps the chocolate set and keeps the shape perfectly intact, so they’re ready to wow anyone at first bite.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving adds the illusion of freshly fallen snow and elevates the “Christmas pudding” effect. For extra holiday flair, surround the plate with a few fresh mint leaves or edible silver sprinkles for a sophisticated touch.
Side Dishes
These little treats pair beautifully with a mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine if you want to lean into cozy holiday vibes. For a playful dessert table, try serving alongside fruit skewers, mini mince pies, or a bowl of juicy mandarins.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings on a cake stand draped with greenery for a striking centerpiece, or package each pudding in a clear cellophane bag with a festive ribbon as adorable edible gifts for friends and neighbors. You can even skewer them onto lollipop sticks for a holiday party treat that’s easy to grab and go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the pudding balls are completely set, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layering parchment or wax paper between layers helps keep the icing and decorations pristine. They’re a wonderful make-ahead option for a hectic holiday schedule!
Freezing
You can freeze Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings for up to 1 month if you want to get ahead on Christmas prep. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container. Just make sure to decorate after thawing for the best color and texture.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you want to refresh the flavor or bring back a bit of shine to the chocolate, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Cold from the fridge is delicious too, but slightly softened is extra indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies give the traditional snap, you can swap in cocoa-flavored or multi-grain cereals for a twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly.
What if I don’t have golden syrup?
Light corn syrup is a great substitute if you don’t have golden syrup on hand. The flavor won’t be quite as rich and caramel-like, but your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings will still turn out delicious.
Can kids help with this recipe?
This is a fantastic recipe for little helpers! Kids love shaping the balls and decorating the puddings with icing and candy. Just be sure to assist with melting the chocolate and forming the balls if the mixture is warm.
Do I need to keep them in the fridge?
For the best texture and freshness, store them in the fridge, especially if your kitchen is warm. They can sit out for a couple of hours at a party, but they’ll be most delicious if served slightly chilled.
Can I make these vegan or dairy free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a plant-based spread, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and choose a plant-based milk for the icing. Double-check your candies, and you can share Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings with even more friends.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about making Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings – they bring the flavor, fun, and festive spirit all in one adorable, bite-sized treat. I hope you enjoy every step of the process as much as the last delightful bite. Gather your loved ones, get creative with the decorations, and let these sweet mini puddings become the star of your holiday dessert table!
Print
Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 mini puddings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are a festive and fun no-bake dessert perfect for holiday parties or treats. With a chocolatey base and custard-like icing, they are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup golden syrup or light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Red and green mini M&Ms or fondant holly decorations for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, and golden syrup, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Add the Rice Krispies and mix until fully coated. Let the mixture cool slightly, then form into small balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a thick icing. Spoon a small amount over each ball to resemble ‘custard’ dripping down the sides.
- Decorate and Chill: Top with red and green mini M&Ms or fondant holly to decorate. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- These festive treats can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- You can also use white chocolate instead of icing for the ‘custard’ topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pudding
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
