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No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

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These No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are the perfect festive treat to bring a little whimsy to your dessert table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform classic Rice Krispie treats into adorable mini puddings that resemble the traditional holiday favorite—without ever turning on the oven.

Each bite is a delightful mix of crunchy cereal, rich chocolate, and sweet fruit, shaped into charming dome-like desserts and topped with festive holly decorations. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or prepping goodies for a cookie exchange, these are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.


What Kind of Rice Krispies Should I Use?

Standard crispy rice cereal works best for this recipe. You don’t need anything fancy or flavored—the beauty of this treat is in its simplicity and how well it adapts to festive shaping and decorating. Make sure your cereal is fresh for maximum crunch and best texture.


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Ingredients for the No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Rice Krispies Cereal – The crunchy foundation of these treats. Go with the classic version for best results.

Mini Marshmallows – When melted, these create the gooey binder that holds everything together.

Butter – A little butter helps melt the marshmallows smoothly and adds flavor.

Cocoa Powder – Adds that chocolatey pudding color and a subtle richness to the base.

Dried Fruit (like raisins or chopped cherries) – These give the “puddings” that traditional Christmas feel and a fruity surprise in each bite.

White Chocolate – Used to mimic the classic custard topping on real Christmas pudding.

Green Fondant – Rolled and shaped into holly leaves for a festive finish.

Red Candies or Fondant Balls – For the holly berries on top, completing the holiday look.


How To Make the No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Measure out all your ingredients in advance. Grease your hands and a baking sheet or tray with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely smooth and gooey.

Step 3: Create the Chocolate Base

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until well combined. Then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure they’re fully coated. Add the chopped dried fruit and mix again.

Step 4: Shape Into Puddings

While the mixture is still warm and pliable, scoop out portions using your hands or a cookie scoop. Shape each into a small dome or ball and place on your prepared tray. Let them set at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Add the White Chocolate Topping

Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Drizzle over the tops of each pudding to resemble custard dripping down the sides.

Step 6: Decorate With Holly

Use green fondant to form tiny holly leaves and place them on the white chocolate before it sets. Finish with a red candy or fondant ball to mimic a berry.

Step 7: Let Everything Set

Allow the decorated puddings to set completely before serving. You can refrigerate them for quicker results if needed.


How to Serve and Store These No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

Serve these sweet little puddings on a festive platter as a centerpiece for your dessert spread. They look stunning and taste even better when shared with holiday cheer.

For storing, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your home is particularly warm or humid, you can refrigerate them to keep the decorations firm. Just be sure to bring them to room temp before serving for the best texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these?

You can make these up to 5 days ahead. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, just chop them up so they melt more evenly. Mini marshmallows melt quicker and smoother, but both work fine.

Is there a substitute for fondant decorations?

Absolutely! You can use green and red M&Ms, fruit leather cut into shapes, or even colored icing if fondant isn’t your thing.

Can I freeze these puddings?

Freezing is not recommended since it can affect the texture of the cereal and fondant decorations. They’re best enjoyed fresh.

Are they safe for school lunchboxes?

Yes—just check that all decorative toppings comply with any allergy or food restrictions at your child’s school.

Can I make them vegan?

You can! Use vegan marshmallows, dairy-free butter, and make sure the white chocolate and decorations are also vegan-certified.


Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If these No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings brought a smile to your face, check out these other festive favorites:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go traditional with the decorations or get creative with candy toppings? Maybe even tried a twist with cinnamon or orange zest?

I love seeing your holiday creations! Questions are always welcome, too—let’s make festive baking fun and stress-free for everyone.

Looking for even more ideas? Follow me on Pinterest at Life with Jam for more no-bake treats, cozy desserts, and festive fun.


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No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings

No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings


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  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini puddings

Description

These No-Bake Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are festive, fun, and easy to make! Shaped like classic holiday puddings and topped with cute holly decorations, they’re a no-bake crowd-pleaser ideal for parties, cookie swaps, or a whimsical treat for your loved ones.


Ingredients

4 cups Rice Krispies cereal

3 cups mini marshmallows

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/2 cup dried fruit (like raisins or chopped cherries)

1/2 cup white chocolate (for topping)

2 tablespoons green fondant (for holly leaves)

12 red candies or fondant balls (for holly berries)


Instructions

1. Measure all ingredients in advance and grease your hands and a baking sheet with butter or oil.

2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.

3. Add mini marshmallows to the pan and stir until melted and smooth.

4. Stir in the cocoa powder until evenly mixed.

5. Add Rice Krispies and fold in until fully coated.

6. Mix in dried fruit and stir again.

7. While still warm, scoop and shape into small domes or balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.

8. Place shaped balls on the prepared tray and let set for 15–20 minutes.

9. Melt white chocolate and drizzle on top of each pudding to resemble custard.

10. Decorate each with green fondant holly leaves and red candies or fondant balls.

11. Let the decorated puddings set completely before serving.

Notes

Grease your hands lightly before shaping to prevent sticking.

Let the white chocolate cool slightly before drizzling for better control.

Use candy melts as an alternative to white chocolate if you prefer easier decorating.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: No-Bake Desserts
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Holiday Treats

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pudding
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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