Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

These Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are one of my favorite holiday traditions, and they bring me right back to being a little girl in my mom’s kitchen. There’s something so magical about turning simple, everyday ingredients like crispy rice cereal and marshmallows into these adorable, festive little cakes. They are wonderfully chocolatey, perfectly chewy, and so much fun to decorate!

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I remember standing on a stool to see over the counter, my job being to stir the cocoa powder into the melted marshmallows. The warm, sweet smell would fill the whole house. It wasn’t about making something perfect; it was about the joy of creating something together, licking the spoon, and seeing the finished treats lined up on the counter.

That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s incredibly low-stress and perfect for getting the kids involved. It’s a simple, no-bake treat that delivers on holiday cheer without any fuss. My best tip from years of making these is to grease your hands well with butter or cooking spray before shaping the puddings; it makes all the difference!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity, using pantry staples like unsalted butter, mini marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. These easy-to-find ingredients come together to create the most charming Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings. You can find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Making these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings is a breeze and so much fun! You’ll start by melting the butter and marshmallows until smooth, then stir in the cocoa powder and vanilla. After folding in the cereal, you simply press the mixture into a muffin tin to shape the puddings. The final touch is a drizzle of melted white chocolate and a sprinkle of festive colors! If you love simple holiday sweets, you should also check out my Christmas Fudge recipe.

Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

A fun, no-bake holiday treat that transforms classic Rice Krispie treats into adorable mini Christmas puddings. Perfect for kids and festive gatherings!

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 puddings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 239

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Puddings

• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
• 10 oz Mini marshmallows about 6 cups
• 2 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 6 cups Crispy rice cereal e.g., Rice Krispies

For the Topping & Decoration

• 1 cup White chocolate chips or melting wafers
• 1 tsp Coconut oil or vegetable shortening optional, helps smooth the chocolate
• 1 tbsp Green sprinkles or chopped green candies
• 1 tbsp Red sprinkles or mini red candies e.g., Red M&M's Minis or cinnamon hearts

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Silicone spatula
• Small Microwave-Safe Bowl

Method

 

Prepare the Muffin Tin

• Grease a 12-cup standard muffin tin generously with butter or cooking spray. This is a crucial step to prevent the puddings from sticking.

Make the Rice Krispie Mixture

• In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over low heat.
• Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pot from the heat.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and the unsweetened cocoa powder until fully incorporated. The mixture should become a uniform chocolatey brown color.
• Add the crispy rice cereal to the pot. Using your greased spatula, gently fold everything together until the cereal is evenly coated.

Shape and Set the Puddings

• Working quickly while the mixture is warm, divide it evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups.
• Lightly grease your fingers or the back of a spoon and press the mixture firmly down into each cup. Try to create a slight dome on top to mimic the shape of a pudding.
• Allow the puddings to cool and set completely in the muffin tin, which takes about 30 minutes at room temperature or 15 minutes in the refrigerator.

Decorate the Puddings

• Once set, carefully remove the puddings from the tin and place them dome-side up on a sheet of parchment paper.
• In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
• Spoon a teaspoon of melted white chocolate over the top of each pudding, allowing it to drip down the sides to resemble brandy sauce or icing.
• Before the white chocolate sets, immediately decorate with green sprinkles to look like holly leaves and a single red sprinkle or candy in the center for the holly berry.
• Let the puddings sit at room temperature until the chocolate is firm, about 15-20 minutes, before serving.

Notes

Greasing is Key: Ensure your spatula and hands are well-greased with butter or cooking spray to prevent the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging to everything.

Storage: Store the finished puddings in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate after decorating, as this can cause the cereal to become hard.

Variations: For an extra chocolatey kick, you can mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips along with the rice cereal.

Pro Tips for Making This Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure these little treats turn out perfectly every single time. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Press Gently: When you’re pressing the mixture into the muffin tin, be gentle! If you pack it in too tightly, the puddings can become hard and dense instead of delightfully chewy.
• Work Quickly: Once you add the cereal to the marshmallow mixture, it will start to set up pretty fast. Have your prepared muffin tin ready to go so you can shape the puddings while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
• My Secret Trick: I always add a tiny pinch of fine sea salt along with the vanilla extract. It doesn’t make the treats salty, I promise! It just enhances the deep chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder and balances the sweetness from the marshmallows. It’s a small step that makes these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings taste extra special.
• Smooth Melting: For the white chocolate topping, melt it slowly. I prefer using a double boiler, but you can also do it in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Adding a little coconut oil creates a perfectly smooth, drizzle-able consistency.

Fun Variations / Easy Substitutions for Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

One of the best things about a simple recipe is how easy it is to add your own creative spin. Here are a few fun ways to customize your treats:

Mint Chocolate Delight

For a classic holiday flavor combination, add about ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture along with the vanilla. The cool mint flavor is absolutely wonderful with the rich chocolate.

Add a Nutty Crunch

If you love a little extra texture, try stirring in about ½ cup of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the chocolate and adds a lovely crunch to every bite.

A Pop of Orange

Chocolate and orange is another one of those timeless holiday pairings. Add the zest of one small orange to the melted marshmallows for a bright, fragrant citrus note that will make your Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings feel even more festive. For another fun holiday appetizer idea, take a look at my Christmas Deviled Eggs.

What to Serve With Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

These little puddings are a star all on their own and look fantastic on a holiday dessert platter.

• They are the perfect sweet bite to enjoy with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a simple glass of milk.
• For a more grown-up pairing, they are delicious with a cup of coffee or even a small glass of coffee liqueur after dinner.
• My philosophy is to keep it simple! The joy of these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings is their delightful, uncomplicated nature, so let them shine.

How to Store Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

To keep your treats fresh and chewy, proper storage is key.

• At Room Temperature: Store your finished Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings in a single layer in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. I find keeping them at room temperature prevents them from getting too hard.
• My Tip: If you need to stack them, place a sheet of wax or parchment paper between the layers. This will prevent the white chocolate topping from sticking and keep them looking pretty.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing these, as the cereal tends to lose its signature crispness and can become a bit soggy once thawed.

Nutritional Benefits

While these are certainly a festive indulgence, the wonderful thing about making Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings at home is that you are in complete control of the ingredients. They are a fun, perfectly portioned treat designed to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season!

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Regular marshmallows work just fine. Just keep in mind that they will take a bit longer to melt completely. Stir them often to avoid scorching and ensure you get a perfectly smooth, lump-free mixture for your treats.

Why are my Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings falling apart?

This usually happens for one of two reasons: either the marshmallow-to-cereal ratio was a little off, or they didn’t have quite enough time to set. Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully and let the puddings cool completely until they are firm.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s very easy to do! Simply swap the standard crispy rice cereal for a certified gluten-free version. The other core ingredients are typically gluten-free, but it’s always a good practice to double-check the labels on your packaging.

My white chocolate seized up! What went wrong?

White chocolate can be a little tricky. It often seizes if it gets too hot or if even a tiny drop of water gets into it. The key is to melt it very slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a touch of coconut oil can also help it stay smooth.

Conclusion

There is so much joy to be found in simple, nostalgic recipes, and these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are the perfect example. They aren’t fancy, but they are full of heart, fun, and delicious holiday flavor. They prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create wonderful memories and delightful treats for your family. I hope you love making these festive Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings as much as my family and I do!

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