If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings. These delightful little no-bake desserts take the classic crispy cereal favorite and transform it into festive, chocolatey bites that look just like mini Christmas puddings—complete with white “icing” and candy holly! Kids and adults alike will love the whimsical look and irresistible flavor of these treats, making them perfect for parties, edible gifts, or as a joyful activity to share with family around the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings lies in their simplicity—every ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and holiday cheer. Here’s how each one helps bring these festive treats to life:
- Rice Krispies cereal: The star of the show, giving these puddings their signature crispy texture and delightful crunch in every bite.
- Milk chocolate chips: Brings creamy, mellow chocolate flavor and helps bind the mixture together.
- Dark chocolate chips: Adds rich depth and a grown-up touch, balancing the sweetness of the milk chocolate.
- Golden syrup or light corn syrup: Acts as the glue, giving a lovely chew and glossy finish—golden syrup adds a subtle caramel note.
- Unsalted butter: Rounds out the flavors and ensures a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warm, aromatic sweetness and ties all the flavors together.
- White chocolate (for topping): Creates the “icing” effect on top, making each pudding extra festive and appealing.
- Red and green candies or fondant: The finishing touch—these decorations mimic holly berries and leaves, turning your treats into edible works of art.
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings
Step 1: Melt the Chocolates and Syrup
Begin by combining the milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, golden syrup (or light corn syrup), and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl. Gently melt everything together—either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over a double boiler—stirring after each interval until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. This is the magical base that will coat every puffed grain of cereal with chocolatey goodness.
Step 2: Stir in the Vanilla and Cereal
Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. Then, pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and mix well, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. The aroma at this stage is absolutely dreamy! Let the mixture cool for a few minutes; this makes it easier to handle and shape.
Step 3: Shape into Puddings
With clean hands or a small cookie scoop, gather up portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place each one on a parchment-lined tray. This is a great step to do with kids—just be warned, sticky fingers are inevitable! Once you’ve shaped all the puddings, pop the tray in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes until they’re firm and ready for decorating.
Step 4: Add the Festive Toppings
Melt the white chocolate, then spoon a little over the top of each cooled pudding to resemble the classic “icing” drips you’d see on a traditional Christmas pudding. While the white chocolate is still soft, quickly press on your red and green candies or fondant shaped like holly berries and leaves. Not only does this make the Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings look adorable, but it also adds a pop of color and a playful touch.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Return your decorated puddings to the fridge for a final chill so the white chocolate can set. Once firm, they’re ready to serve—arrange them on a festive platter, or package them up for edible gifts that will make any recipient smile.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings
Garnishes
While the classic holly berry decorations are hard to beat, you can get creative with your garnishes! Try dusting a little edible glitter for a magical snowy effect, or sprinkle with desiccated coconut to mimic fresh snow. Even a drizzle of dark chocolate can add an elegant finishing touch to your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings.
Side Dishes
Since these treats are sweet and chocolatey, they pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or even a festive glass of mulled wine for the adults. Serve them alongside other bite-sized holiday desserts like mini mince pies, gingerbread cookies, or peppermint bark for a truly dazzling dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are adorable enough to be centerpieces on your holiday table! Pile them high on a tiered cake stand, tuck a few into clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifting, or nestle them in cupcake wrappers for easy sharing at parties. You could even use them as place settings for your Christmas dinner—just add a name tag and watch your guests’ faces light up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These puddings keep wonderfully for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re stacking them, place a sheet of wax or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. The flavors stay fresh, and the texture remains delightfully crisp.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings! Arrange them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats, there’s no need to reheat them. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let the puddings sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. This takes the chill off and brings out the chocolatey aroma even more.
FAQs
Can I use all milk or all dark chocolate instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the chocolate blend to suit your taste—using all milk chocolate will make the puddings extra sweet and creamy, while all dark chocolate gives a richer, more intense flavor. Both options work beautifully in Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings.
Is there a substitute for golden syrup?
Yes! Light corn syrup is a great substitute and gives a similar sticky sweetness. If you want to experiment, you can also try honey or melted marshmallows, though the flavor and texture will change slightly. Each option will still help the mixture hold together.
How far ahead can I make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings?
You can make them up to a week in advance and store them in the fridge. If you want to get even further ahead, freezing is a great option. Just add your decorations after thawing for the freshest look.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—just use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and check that your chocolates and candies are gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can join in the fun!
What’s the best way to package these for gifts?
Let the puddings set completely, then wrap each one in cellophane or pop them into cute boxes or tins lined with parchment. Add a festive ribbon or tag for a personal touch. They travel well and make wonderful homemade gifts.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings enough—they’re a joy to make, a delight to share, and guaranteed to spread holiday cheer wherever they go. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or enjoying a batch with your own family, they’re sure to become a new festive tradition. Give them a try this season and watch the smiles appear!
Print
Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 puddings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully festive and easy-to-make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings, blending crunchy cereal with rich chocolate and golden syrup. These no-bake treats are perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying as a sweet seasonal dessert, decorated with white chocolate icing and colorful holly-themed candies for a charming Christmas touch.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup golden syrup or light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping & Decoration
- White chocolate (for topping)
- Red and green candies or fondant for decoration (e.g., holly berries and leaves)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a heatproof bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, golden syrup, and unsalted butter. Gently melt the mixture using a microwave at 30-second intervals or over a double boiler, stirring frequently until the mixture is completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Coat Cereal: Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure every Kellogg’s cereal piece is well coated with the chocolate-syrup mixture. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so it becomes easier to handle.
- Shape Puddings: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the coated cereal mixture into small balls roughly the size of a golf ball. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray and place them in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.
- Add White Chocolate Icing: Melt white chocolate and spoon a small amount on top of each cereal ball to mimic the look of icing on a traditional Christmas pudding. While this white chocolate is still soft, immediately decorate each one with red and green candies or shaped fondant to resemble holly berries and leaves.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the decorated puddings until the white chocolate topping is completely set. Serve chilled or pack them into festive containers to gift during the holiday season.
Notes
- Store finished puddings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to keep them fresh.
- If you prefer, marshmallows can be substituted in place of golden syrup. Just melt them together with the butter and chocolates for the coating base.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking while shaping the puddings.
- For a gluten-free variation, ensure the Rice Krispies used are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pudding
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
