There is something truly magical about the festive season, and what better way to celebrate than indulging in a fun and delightful treat? The Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe is a charming twist on classic holiday sweets, combining crispy, gooey goodness with festive flair. These bite-sized puddings not only look adorable with their colorful decorations but also bring a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser full of holiday spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings. From the rich, smooth chocolate that binds everything together, to the crispy cereal for that iconic crunch, every element adds its own magic to the final result.
- 200 g milk chocolate: Provides a creamy, sweet base that melts beautifully and holds everything together.
- 50 g unsalted butter: Adds richness and ensures a smooth, silky texture for the mix.
- 180 g mini marshmallows: The secret to gooeyness that binds the cereal and chocolate perfectly.
- 100 g Rice Krispies (or Coco Pops): Classic crispy cereal for that iconic texture; Coco Pops add a chocolatey twist.
- 50 g white chocolate: For adding the snowy, festive details that make these puddings stand out.
- White sugarpaste (or pre-colored sugarpaste): Essential for creating lovely holly leaves and festive decoration.
- Green food coloring gel: To tint your sugarpaste or icing to a perfect leaf-green shade.
- Red food coloring gel: For coloring the sugarpaste or rolling small balls to mimic bright red berries.
- Holly leaf cutter: A simple tool that transforms plain sugarpaste into beautiful seasonal garnishes.
- Piping bag or freezer bag: Handy for precise decorating with melted white chocolate or icing.
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Begin by gently melting the milk chocolate and unsalted butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir until smooth and glossy, making sure not to overheat the chocolate as this can cause it to seize. This silky mixture will be the base that binds your puddings together.
Step 2: Add Mini Marshmallows
Once the chocolate and butter are melted, add in the mini marshmallows while the mixture is still warm. Stir gently until the marshmallows begin to melt into the decadent chocolate, creating a luscious, sticky consistency. This step is key for that signature chewy texture of your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings.
Step 3: Fold in the Rice Krispies
Carefully fold in the Rice Krispies or Coco Pops, making sure every bit is well coated with the chocolate and marshmallow mixture. Spread this mix into a bowl or onto a lined tray to cool slightly before shaping. The crispy cereal gives these puddings the delightful crunch they’re famous for.
Step 4: Shape Into Mini Puddings
While the mixture is still warm enough to handle but not hot, scoop small portions and roll them into miniature pudding shapes with your hands. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—rustic charm always adds to the appeal! Place them carefully on a lined tray to firm up completely.
Step 5: Prepare Decorations
Tint the white sugarpaste with green and red food coloring gels to create holly leaves and bright red berries. Use the holly leaf cutter to stamp out festive leaf shapes. Roll tiny red sugarpaste balls to mimic berries; these will be the finishing touches that bring your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings to life.
Step 6: Decorate with White Chocolate and Sugarpaste
Melt the white chocolate gently and place it into a piping or freezer bag. Pipe little ‘icing’ details on the puddings to resemble snowy drizzles. Attach the green holly leaves and red berries on top using a dab of melted white chocolate as glue. Let everything set until firm and ready to dazzle your guests.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra mini marshmallows dusted with powdered sugar or edible glitter can elevate the festive vibe. You might also consider a light drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for some added flavor and sparkle.
Side Dishes
These Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea, creamy hot chocolate, or even mulled wine for an adult twist. You could also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to turn this treat into a decadent holiday dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your puddings in mini cupcake liners or place them on a decorative holiday plate surrounded by fresh holly leaves for a festive centerpiece. Packing a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon also makes an adorable gift that anyone would love to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the festivities, store any leftover Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for nibbling post-holiday or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these puddings well in advance, freeze them by placing individually wrapped puddings in a freezer-safe container. When properly stored, they keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
These puddings are best enjoyed as is, cold or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as the chocolate can melt and lose the signature crispiness. Simply letting them sit out a little before serving brings back their perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! Coco Pops or similar crispy rice cereals work wonderfully and add a chocolate twist. Just choose a cereal that’s light and crispy to keep the classic texture intact.
Is it necessary to use mini marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows melt quickly and evenly, creating the perfect gooey texture. Large marshmallows can be chopped to size, but mini ones are preferred for the smoothest consistency.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing during melting?
Be sure to melt the chocolate gently over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently. Avoid steam or water contact and removing from heat promptly once melted to prevent graininess.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy milk chocolate and butter with vegan alternatives, and use vegan marshmallows to keep the recipe allergy-friendly while maintaining texture and flavor.
How long does it take for the decorations to set?
Allow the white chocolate and sugarpaste decorations to set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or place them briefly in the fridge to firm up and hold their shape nicely.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe a whirl this holiday season. It’s such a joyful, simple way to spread some festive cheer and satisfy those sweet cravings with a twist that’s both nostalgic and delightfully creative. Once you try making and sharing these adorable puddings, they just might become a beloved holiday tradition in your home too!
Print
Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (mostly setting and decorating time)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Description
Discover the festive delight of Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings, a fun and easy no-bake treat perfect for holiday parties. This recipe combines melted milk chocolate, butter, marshmallows, and crispy cereals molded into pudding shapes, decorated with white chocolate and colorful sugarpaste holly leaves and berries for a charming seasonal presentation.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 200 g milk chocolate
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 180 g mini marshmallows
- 100 g Rice Krispies (or Coco Pops)
Decoration
- 50 g white chocolate
- White sugarpaste (or pre-colored sugarpaste)
- Green food coloring gel
- Red food coloring gel
- Holly leaf cutter
- Piping bag or freezer bag
Instructions
- Prepare the Base Mixture: Melt the milk chocolate and unsalted butter together gently until smooth. Stir in the mini marshmallows until they melt and combine with the mixture. Remove from heat.
- Add the Crispy Cereal: Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies or Coco Pops to the chocolate and marshmallow mix, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Shape the Puddings: Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it can be handled. Roll portions into small pudding-shaped balls and place them on a lined tray to set.
- Make the Holly Leaves: Tint the white sugarpaste with green food coloring gel. Use the holly leaf cutter to cut out decorative leaves from the colored sugarpaste.
- Create Red Berries: Color a small amount of sugarpaste or white sugarpaste with red food coloring gel and roll into tiny balls for berries.
- Decorate the Puddings: Melt the white chocolate and use a piping bag or a freezer bag with a small corner cut off to pipe the chocolate onto the puddings decoratively and attach the sugarpaste holly leaves and berries to the top for a festive look.
- Set and Serve: Allow the decorated puddings to set completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- The mixture can be a bit sticky, so lightly grease your hands when rolling the puddings.
- Use any crispy cereal you prefer, like Coco Pops, for a variation in flavor and color.
- White chocolate can be tempered for a shinier finish if desired.
- These treats are best consumed within 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Keep refrigerated if your environment is warm to prevent melting.
