If you love festive treats that are both fun to make and absolutely delicious, the Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe is your new best friend this holiday season. These charming little bites combine classic crispy cereal with luscious melted chocolate and marshmallows, transforming a simple childhood favorite into a festive, bite-sized pudding that’s bursting with holiday cheer. Every colorful sprinkle and drizzled white chocolate swirl makes these puddings almost too pretty to eat—almost! Whether you’re crafting a holiday dessert platter or looking for a quick no-bake treat to wow the family, this recipe delivers nostalgia wrapped in Christmas magic that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple, easy to find, and each plays a crucial role in making these festive treats taste just right. From the crispy texture of Rice Krispies cereal to the smooth sweetness of melting chocolates and gooey marshmallows, every component works in perfect harmony.
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal: provides that signature crunch and lightness that’s essential for the pudding’s texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: helps melt the marshmallows smoothly and adds a hint of creamy richness.
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows: melts into a stretchy, sweet binder that holds everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips: melted alongside marshmallows for a decadent chocolate base flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: lifts the mixture with warm, fragrant notes that balance the chocolate.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for topping): used for that beautiful drizzled “icing” effect to mimic traditional Christmas pudding glaze.
- Red and green mini M&Ms or sprinkles (for decoration): add festive pops of color that make these treats look extra merry and bright.
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large saucepan over medium heat, gently melt the butter until it’s fully liquefied. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly—this is the moment the magic begins as the gooey marshmallows melt into a luscious, smooth base.
Step 2: Add the Milk Chocolate Chips
Turn the heat down to low and toss in the milk chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely, creating a velvety mixture you’ll want to sneak a taste of!
Step 3: Stir in Vanilla and Rice Krispies
Remove the pan from heat and quickly mix in the vanilla extract for that warm aroma. Immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure every crisp is coated in the gooey, chocolaty mixture.
Step 4: Shape Your Puddings
Allow the mixture to cool just enough that it’s safe to handle, then grease your hands lightly to make shaping easier. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and arrange them on a lined baking sheet—it’s getting so festive already!
Step 5: Decorate with White Chocolate and Sprinkles
Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle the white chocolate over each pudding ball to mimic dripping icing, then sprinkle red and green mini M&Ms or festive sprinkles on top. Let these set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge until firm.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
Garnishes
While the colorful mini M&Ms or festive sprinkles add a cheerful touch, you can also dust a tiny amount of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or add a small peppermint stick next to each pudding for extra holiday flair. These little details turn your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe into an unforgettable centerpiece on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
These puddings are perfect as a sweet finish to a holiday meal alongside a warm cup of mulled cider, hot cocoa, or even a rich eggnog. Pair them with simple cookies or fresh fruit slices to balance their sweetness and keep the holiday feast lively and delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings in mini cupcake liners for easy handling, or stack them on a tiered cake stand to create a festive display. Wrapping each one in clear cellophane tied with a bright ribbon also makes these treats thoughtful gifts perfect for neighbors, teachers, or friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover puddings, keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, which means you can enjoy multiple rounds of holiday happiness without fuss.
Freezing
Want to prepare these festive treats early? You can freeze them by placing the unwrapped puddings on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving to preserve their perfect texture.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats, reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a softer texture, simply letting them come to room temperature or warming them slightly in your hand will make them extra melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other cereals besides Rice Krispies for this recipe?
While you can experiment with cereals like Cheerios or Cocoa Pebbles, Rice Krispies have the ideal light crunch and structure that make these Christmas puddings unique. Substituting might change the texture and flavor, but it can be a fun twist!
Is this recipe suitable for kids to make?
Absolutely! This Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe is very kid-friendly and a wonderful way to get little ones involved in holiday cooking. Just be sure they have some adult supervision during the melting steps to stay safe around the stove and microwave.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows? Can I use regular-sized ones?
Regular marshmallows will work just fine; simply chop them into smaller pieces before melting so they melt more evenly and quickly, ensuring a smooth mixture for coating the cereal.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. For a vegan version, be sure your marshmallows are vegan-friendly since many brands contain gelatin.
How long do these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these puddings stay fresh for about 5 days, which makes them perfect for preparing ahead of holiday parties or gift-giving events.
Final Thoughts
This Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe brings together the joy of the holidays in every bite. It’s a no-fuss, fun, and utterly delicious way to celebrate, whether you’re making them with family or gifting them to friends. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and spread some sweet, crispy cheer during your festive celebrations!
Print
Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 15 mini puddings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings that combine crunchy cereal with rich chocolate and marshmallows, topped with white chocolate drizzle and colorful holiday decorations. These no-bake treats are perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or a fun kids’ dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Red and green mini M&Ms or festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Milk Chocolate Chips: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk chocolate chips until melted and fully combined, then remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and mix until the cereal is fully coated with the chocolate marshmallow mixture.
- Shape Puddings: Let the mixture cool slightly, then grease your hands lightly and roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Decorate: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over each ball to resemble icing, then decorate with red and green mini M&Ms or festive sprinkles.
- Set: Let the puddings set at room temperature or chill in the fridge until firm before serving.
Notes
- Lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to make shaping the balls easier.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These treats are perfect for holiday gift boxes or cookie platters.
