If you’re craving a treat that combines crunchy, chewy, chocolatey, and adorable all in one festive package, these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are about to become your holiday go-to! No baking required, just a handful of pantry staples, and a sprinkle of creativity are all it takes to bring these show-stopping sweets to your dessert table. Each bite is a nostalgic throwback to childhood Christmases, but with a clever twist: classic Rice Krispies cereal transforms into irresistible mini puddings, decked out with “icing” and candy holly. Whether you’re whipping these up for a holiday classroom party or as a cozy night-in activity with the kids, they’re the kind of treat that everyone, young and old, will be reaching for seconds (and thirds) of. Let’s jump right into the magic of Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings is in their simplicity: each ingredient plays a small but mighty role in building flavor, texture, and those unmistakable festive looks. Don’t be tempted to skip or skimp—this isn’t the moment for substitutions! Here’s what you’ll need to make your mini puddings shine:
- Rice Krispies cereal (4 cups): The star! Their irresistible crunch forms the backdrop for every bite and keeps the treats light and fun.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Gives richness and helps everything stick together without overpowering the gentle marshmallow flavor.
- Mini marshmallows (10 oz): The secret weapon for that pillowy chew! They melt down into a gooey, sweet binder for the cereal balls.
- Milk chocolate chips (1/2 cup): These melt perfectly into the mix, adding a creamy, chocolatey backbone and gorgeous color reminiscent of traditional Christmas puddings.
- White chocolate chips (1/4 cup): The “icing”! A quick melt and drizzle makes each pudding look like it tumbled straight out of Winter Wonderland.
- Red and green M&M’s or mini Smarties: These little gems become the holly berries, instantly giving your puddings that unmistakable holiday flair.
- Green icing or candy for holly leaves: Just a dab or a small cut shape will have everyone cooing over the details.
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing: Essential for keeping those sticky hands in check while you’re rolling the mixture into balls!
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Grab your biggest saucepan and melt the butter gently over low heat—patience is your friend here. Add in the mini marshmallows, stirring continuously as they puff and melt into dreamy, velvety sweetness. Keep stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, making sure not to let anything scorch. This step lays the gooey foundation that’ll hold your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings together.
Step 2: Stir in the Chocolate
With the marshmallow and butter mixture melted to perfection, remove the pan from the heat. Toss in those luscious milk chocolate chips and keep stirring until every last chip has disappeared and the mixture transforms into a pale, chocolatey cloud. This infusion of milk chocolate gives the puddings their irresistible color and an extra touch of holiday decadence.
Step 3: Add the Rice Krispies
Time to work quickly! Pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold, making sure to coat every single puff with the warm chocolate-marshmallow mixture. You want every bite of the Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings to have that classic, tender crunch. Don’t be afraid to use a sturdy spatula and a confident wrist; you want the cereal evenly coated but not crushed.
Step 4: Shape into Mini Puddings
Let the mixture cool for a minute or two—just enough so you don’t singe your hands, but before it sets. Spray your hands lightly with cooking spray or rub with butter to combat any stickiness. Scoop out small handfuls and roll into golf ball-sized spheres, nestling each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Think rustic and cute rather than perfectly round; that’s half the charm!
Step 5: Let Them Set
Once you’ve shaped all the puddings, pop the tray in the fridge (or leave at room temperature if it’s a chilly day) for 15–20 minutes. This allows everything to firm up and keeps your handiwork intact for the decorating party ahead.
Step 6: Add the “Icing” and Decorate
While your mini puddings set, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until completely smooth—be careful not to overdo it! Spoon a little melted white chocolate over the top of each ball, letting it drip cozily down the sides like icing on a classic Christmas pudding. While the chocolate is still wet, press on a red M&M (or Smartie) and small pieces of green icing or candy to mimic holly berries and leaves. Voilà—your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are dressed to impress!
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings
Garnishes
Although these mini puddings are already show-stoppers, a final dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter can take your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings to magical holiday heights. Serving on festive holiday platters or cupcake liners adds polish, and a single sprig of real mint can look oh-so-darling beside each one for a fresh touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings with mugs of hot chocolate, mulled cider, or even a creamy eggnog for the ultimate cozy dessert spread. For a fun twist, set them out alongside chocolate-dipped pretzel rods, holiday cookies, or bowls of fresh berries—perfect for a dessert buffet or kid-friendly cookie swap.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gift giving, nestle each pudding into decorative mini muffin cups and box them up with a ribbon for sweet homemade gifts. At parties, pile them in a pyramid on a cake stand like a mountain of mini Christmas puddings! If you’re hosting kids, offer up bowls of extra decorations for a DIY pudding-decorating station—guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer parchment paper between the rows to keep the decorations intact and the puddings from sticking to each other. They’ll stay tender and crunchy without the fridge’s chill making them too firm.
Freezing
If you want to get extra ahead of the holiday rush, you can freeze the undecorated puddings in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Defrost at room temperature before adding white chocolate and candy decorations. This way, your treats are fresh and festive the moment you need them!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings, as they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if they’ve gotten too firm in the fridge, let them sit out for 20 minutes to regain their irresistibly soft-yet-springy texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade marshmallows instead of store-bought minis?
Absolutely! As long as you measure by weight and fully melt your homemade marshmallows, you’ll get the same gooey results. Just be sure to adjust for sweetness if your recipe is less sugary than conventional minis.
What can I do if my pudding mixture gets too stiff to shape?
If you wait too long, the mixture can firm up fast. Run your hands under warm water, dry them, and gently massage each portion before shaping—it will help loosen things up. Next time, work in smaller batches or enlist a kitchen helper for speedy rolling fun!
Is it possible to make these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings gluten-free?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal and double-check that your chocolates and candies are gluten-free. They’ll turn out just as chewy, crunchy, and festive as ever.
Can I substitute dark chocolate or white chocolate in the base?
Of course! Swapping out the milk chocolate chips for dark will deepen the cocoa flavor (delicious and sophisticated), or try using all white chocolate for a sweeter, snowier pudding. The recipe is flexible to your family’s tastes.
How far in advance can I decorate the Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings?
The decorations hold up well for several days. If you want perfect holly leaves and bright candies, decorate within a day or two of serving. Otherwise, keep the base unadorned and add the finishing touches just before your event for maximum freshness and color pop.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how much joy these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings bring to my holiday table every year—one batch is never enough! They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly charming. Give them a try this Christmas and I guarantee you’ll have friends and family begging for the recipe (and maybe sneaking a third or fourth from the dessert tray). Happy festive baking!
Print
Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini puddings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are a delightful no-bake holiday treat that is perfect for festive gatherings. Made with a mix of Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, and chocolate, these mini puddings are easy to make and fun to decorate. They are sure to bring a smile to both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- Red and green M&M’s or mini Smarties for decoration
- Green icing or candy for holly leaves
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Chocolate and Cereal: Remove from heat and quickly stir in the milk chocolate chips until melted. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and mix until fully coated.
- Form Puddings: Let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes, then with greased hands, form into small round balls to resemble mini Christmas puddings.
- Set and Decorate: Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them set at room temperature or in the fridge. Melt white chocolate chips and spoon over each ball. Decorate with M&M’s and green icing leaves. Let decorations set before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can use store-bought holly decorations for a quicker finish.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the marshmallow mix for a festive twist.
- These can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pudding
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
