Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are the ultimate festive treat—cheerful, chocolatey bites that look like tiny Christmas puddings but offer that delightfully crunchy, chocolate-laced nostalgia we all crave come December. Bursting with dried fruits, creamy chocolate, and a hint of nostalgia, they’re a joy to make and even more fun to share. The best part? No oven required, so even little hands can join in the holiday magic. These whimsical no-bake bites will instantly become the star of any holiday spread, whether packed into gift bags or displayed as a sweet centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients transform into these showstopping Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings. Every component brings its own magic: from the irresistible crunch of cereal to the luxurious swirl of two types of chocolate and those festive pops of chewy fruit.

Rice Krispies cereal: Provides the crispy, airy base and classic crunch that defines these festive bites.
Milk chocolate chips: Melt for creamy sweetness that ties all the Christmas flavors together.
Dark chocolate chips: Add a richer, deeper chocolate flavor for balance and grown-up appeal.
Unsalted butter: Ensures a smooth, rich chocolate coating, and keeps every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Golden syrup or light corn syrup: Binds everything with gentle sweetness and helps hold the puddings’ shape.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out all the flavors beautifully.
Dried cranberries (chopped): Offer bursts of tart, jewel-toned color and holiday cheer.
Finely chopped dried apricots or raisins: Bring a sweet chewiness and golden sparkle to every bite.
White chocolate (for decorating): Drizzled over the top for a playful, “custard” effect.
Red and green candy decorations or fondant holly (optional): The finishing festive touch that makes these look straight off a Christmas card!

How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Base

Start by grabbing a large, heavy-based saucepan and setting it over low heat. Add the unsalted butter, milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and golden syrup. Stir gently as everything melts together, making sure you’re patient and never letting things get too hot—this ensures the chocolate stays silky smooth instead of seizing. Once it’s a luscious, glossy pool, swirl in the vanilla extract. The kitchen will start to smell like a chocolatey dream at this point!

Step 2: Stir in the Festive Fruit and Cereal

Take the pan off the heat and tip in your chopped dried cranberries and apricots (or raisins for a classic touch). The jewel-bright fruits look gorgeous as they tumble in. Next, pour in the Rice Krispies cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all the cereal and fruit is coated in the chocolate mixture. Be tender—too much mixing can crush the delicate cereal crunch!

Step 3: Shape Into Mini Puddings

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it’s comfortable to handle—it should be just warm, not hot. Next, scoop up a heaping tablespoon at a time and gently roll into balls with your hands. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined tray as you go. You should end up with about 20 snowball-sized treats. Leave them at room temperature or pop into the fridge to firm up for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Decorate With White Chocolate and Holly

Once your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings have set, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using short bursts, or over a pan of simmering water. Using a spoon, drizzle or dollop a small amount over the top of each ball to look like the classic “custard” on Christmas pudding. While the white chocolate is still soft, press on red and green candies or fondant holly leaves and berries if you want that extra wow factor. Let them set, then they’re ready to charm!

How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Garnishes

Give your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings the full holiday glow-up by topping them with sweet, edible decorations. Sprinkle with a little edible glitter for twinkle, or add extra fondant holly and berries. For a snow-dusted look, sift a little icing sugar over the plate right before serving. It’s those tiny garnishes that make every bite feel extra special and worthy of a Christmas celebration!

Side Dishes

These puddings are perfectly happy stealing the show at dessert, but they also shine on a festive treat board alongside hot chocolate, citrus shortbread, or a fresh fruit platter for balance. If you want to lean into decadence, serve beside small scoops of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to echo the traditional pudding inspiration.

Creative Ways to Present

Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings beg to be shared! Nestle them into mini paper cases, box up as edible gifts, or stack high on a tiered cake stand as the centerpiece for your party table. For an adorable touch, wrap each in cellophane with a ribbon and a tiny gift tag, or create a mini forest scene on a platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary as “trees.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Kept in an airtight container at cool room temperature, your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Make sure they’re layered with parchment to prevent sticking, and keep them away from direct sunlight or any heat sources.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these treats! Once decorated and set, place them in a single layer in an airtight container (with parchment between layers) and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving to restore their irresistible crunch.

Reheating

Since these puddings are a no-bake dessert, there’s really no need for reheating. If they’ve been in the fridge or freezer and you’d like to soften them just a touch, let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings without golden syrup?

Absolutely! If golden syrup isn’t available, light corn syrup works just as well. You still get that lovely chewy binding and subtle sweetness, so don’t worry about losing flavor or structure.

How can I make these treats nut-free?

Easy—simply stick to the classic recipe as written and skip any add-ins like chopped nuts. Always check your chocolate and cereal for cross-contamination warnings if making for someone with allergies.

Can I use white chocolate inside the mixture?

You sure can! Replace some or all of the milk or dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version. Just note the mixture may be a bit softer, so be gentle when shaping your puddings.

Is it possible to add spices for extra flavor?

Yes! A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg stirred into the chocolate mixture works wonders. For a more classic holiday flavor, try adding a whisper of allspice or ginger too.

How far ahead can I make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings?

These are perfect for making ahead! Get everything assembled and decorated up to a week in advance. Store in an airtight container and serve whenever your festive occasion calls.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a batch of Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings is one of those easy joys that brings big smiles and holiday cheer to everyone, no matter their age. Gather your loved ones, mix up a batch, and get ready for a new Christmas tradition that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 20 mini puddings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are a delightful no-bake holiday treat that kids and adults will love. With a festive appearance and a delicious combination of flavors and textures, these mini puddings make a perfect addition to your Christmas dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup golden syrup or light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

1/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
1/3 cup finely chopped dried apricots or raisins
White chocolate (for decorating)
Red and green candy decorations or fondant holly leaves and berries (optional)

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Instructions

Melt Ingredients: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, chocolate chips, and golden syrup together until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine: Add the chopped dried fruit and Rice Krispies, folding until well coated. Allow to cool slightly, then shape into small balls.
Decorate: Place the balls on a tray and let them firm up. Drizzle white chocolate over each ball and decorate with candies or fondant.
Serve: Let set before serving.