Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Introduction

There’s something magical about holiday-themed treats, and these Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are no exception! When I first made these, they were an instant hit with my family. The kids adored the sweet crunch of the Rice Krispies, while the adults couldn’t get enough of the adorable holly decorations. They’re the perfect addition to any festive dessert table, combining a no-bake approach with creative decorating. Whether you’re crafting these with kids or preparing them as edible gifts, this recipe brings joy to every bite.

Why You’ll Love Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Easy and Fun: No baking is required, making it an ideal recipe for kids and beginners.
Festive and Adorable: The holly leaf and berry decorations make these puddings perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Customizable: Swap Rice Krispies with Coco Pops for a chocolaty twist or use dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version.
Great for Gifting: Wrapped in festive packaging, these make for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the crunchy texture and rich chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

• 200 g milk chocolate
• 50 g unsalted butter
• 180 g mini marshmallows
• 100 g Rice Krispies (or Coco Pops)
• 50 g white chocolate
• White sugarpaste (or pre-colored sugarpaste)
• Green food coloring gel
• Red food coloring gel

Equipment

• Holly leaf cutter
• Piping bag or freezer bag

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Rice Krispie Puddings

1. In a saucepan, melt the milk chocolate and butter over low to medium heat.
2. Add the mini marshmallows and stir gently until fully melted and combined.
   • Alternative Method: Melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. Add marshmallows and microwave for 30 seconds, stirring until melted.
3. Place the Rice Krispies in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Krispies and stir until fully coated. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. Using a tablespoon, divide the mixture into equal portions and roll into pudding-sized balls.
   • Tip: Dampen your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
5. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Decorations

1. Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water). Alternatively, melt in the microwave.
2. Place the melted white chocolate in a piping bag or freezer bag and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Use food coloring gels to color sugarpaste:
   • Green for holly leaves (cut out shapes using a holly leaf cutter).
   • Red for rolling into small balls to create berries.

Step 3: Assemble the Christmas Puddings

1. Once the puddings are chilled, snip the tip of the piping bag and drizzle the white chocolate over the top of each pudding.
2. Decorate each pudding with the sugarpaste holly leaves and berries while the white chocolate is still soft.

Nutrition Facts

• Yield: 24 puddings
• Serving Size: 1 pudding
• Calories per serving: ~100 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Add to your Christmas dessert spread for a festive touch.
• Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade gift.
• Serve alongside hot chocolate, mulled wine, or coffee.
• Arrange with cookies, fudge, and other holiday treats.
• Include them at holiday-themed kids’ parties for a guaranteed hit.

Additional Tips

1. Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly grease your hands with a drop of oil or butter before rolling the Rice Krispie mixture.
2. Double the Batch: These disappear quickly, so consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.
3. Get Creative: Swap the holly decorations with edible glitter or sprinkles for a fun variation.
4. Use Pre-Colored Sugarpaste: Save time by using pre-colored sugarpaste for the holly decorations.
5. Store Properly: Keep the puddings in an airtight container in a cool place to maintain freshness for up to a week.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These can be made up to a week in advance if stored in an airtight container.

Can I use dairy-free chocolate?
Yes, you can use dairy-free chocolate and butter for a vegan-friendly version.

What can I use instead of sugarpaste?
Fondant or modeling chocolate works well as substitutes for sugarpaste.

Can I freeze the puddings?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change, but they keep well in the fridge for several days.

Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Yes, use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies to make this recipe gluten-free.

How do I prevent the chocolate from burning while melting?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid overheating.

Can I use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness by using your preferred type of chocolate.

What if I don’t have a holly leaf cutter?
Use a small knife to cut out leaf shapes or improvise with other festive cutters.

Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, this is a great recipe for kids to help with decorating and rolling the pudding balls.

How can I make them extra chocolaty?
Add some chocolate chips to the melted mixture or drizzle additional chocolate on top.

This Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe is a delightful and festive addition to your holiday season. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and irresistibly delicious. Whether for gifting, parties, or just a cozy treat, these puddings are sure to spread Christmas cheer!