If you’re looking for a whimsical and festive treat that brings childhood nostalgia and holiday cheer all in one bite, the Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine those classic crunchy, gooey Rice Krispies transformed into adorable little Christmas pudding shapes, topped with glossy green candy melts and festive red and green candies that mimic holly berries and leaves. This delightfully simple recipe captures the magic of the season while being a joy to make and share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you – these ingredients combine to create a perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and colorful holiday fun. Each component plays a role in achieving the iconic texture and look of traditional Christmas puddings, but with a fun Rice Krispies twist.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy base that gives that signature snap and chew.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallow mixture coat the cereal evenly.
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows: The gooey binder that holds everything together and adds sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor to the marshmallow mix.
- 1 1/2 cups green candy melts: For that vibrant, glossy “holly” drip topping that makes the puddings pop.
- 12 red candy-coated chocolates: Serve as festive holly berries, adding color and a little chocolatey crunch.
- 24 small green candy leaves or green M&Ms halved: These mimic holly leaves perfectly, completing the Christmas pudding look.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional): To thin the candy melts if they feel too thick for drizzling.
How to Make Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will create a non-stick surface where your mini puddings can cool and set without hassle. Having this ready ensures smooth workflow once your mixture is ready.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently, making sure it doesn’t brown. Then add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously. Watching them melt into a glossy, smooth mixture is satisfying — this sticky-sweet base is what binds your cereal and gives these puddings their delightful chew.
Step 3: Mix in Vanilla and Rice Krispies
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a subtle aromatic sweetness that elevates the flavor. Next, fold in the Rice Krispies carefully—coat every crispy flake evenly without crushing them, preserving their crunch.
Step 4: Shape Your Mini Puddings
Let the mixture cool just enough to be safe to handle but still warm enough to mold. Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture per pudding. Shape each mound into a rounded “pudding” form and place them on your parchment-lined sheet. Let them rest at room temperature for around 30 minutes to firm up before decorating.
Step 5: Create the Holly Drip Topping
Melt the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl using 20-second bursts, stirring frequently for a beautifully smooth texture. If too thick, add a teaspoon or so of vegetable oil to reach a pourable consistency. Spoon the glossy green candy over the top of each Rice Krispie pudding so it drips down the sides, replicating that charming holly topping effect.
Step 6: Add the Festive Finishing Touches
While the green candy is still soft, quickly press one red candy-coated chocolate as the holly berry and two green candy leaves or halved green M&Ms as leaves onto the top of each pudding. Let everything harden completely before plating or packing up.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
Garnishes
For a perfectly festive look, dust your puddings with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to imitate a fresh snowfall effect. You can also add edible glitter for a shimmering touch that will wow guests and kids alike.
Side Dishes
These sweet treats are fantastic on their own but pair wonderfully with a simple cup of hot cocoa or a creamy eggnog during holiday gatherings. Their crunch and marshmallow sweetness balance those rich drinks beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Rice Krispie Christmas puddings recipe on a rustic wooden board adorned with fresh holly sprigs and cinnamon sticks to enhance their seasonal charm. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with red and green ribbons also makes excellent holiday party favors or stocking stuffers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover puddings in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and freshness. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them a handy make-ahead holiday treat.
Freezing
Because of their marshmallow base, these puddings don’t freeze well. Freezing can alter their texture and cause the candy melts to crack. It’s best to prepare them fresh or store at room temperature until consumption.
Reheating
No reheating necessary here—these Rice Krispie Christmas puddings recipe items are best enjoyed at room temperature. If they feel slightly firm after storage, letting them sit out for a short while will bring back their chewy, tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can, but chopping regular marshmallows into smaller pieces helps them melt more evenly and quickly, making the process smoother and preventing clumps.
What if I don’t have candy melts? Can I use white chocolate instead?
Absolutely! White chocolate works well, and you can tint it with green food coloring to achieve that classic holly look. Just melt it slowly to avoid burning.
How long will the Rice Krispie Christmas puddings stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and crispy for up to 3 days. For best taste and texture, enjoy them within that timeframe.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Rice Krispies cereal is typically gluten-free, but it’s best to check your specific brand to be certain. This recipe naturally avoids gluten as long as the cereal and all other ingredients are confirmed gluten-free.
Can these be made in different colors besides green?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with red, white, or gold candy melts to match your holiday theme or personal style. The process remains the same and looks just as festive.
Final Thoughts
Making the Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe is a joyous way to add a homemade touch to your holiday celebrations. It’s simple, fun for all ages, and results in cute, tasty treats that bring smiles at every gathering. Don’t hesitate to try it yourself and watch these little festive delights become an instant family favorite.
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Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini puddings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings, featuring classic crispy marshmallow treats shaped into festive mini puddings and topped with a vibrant green candy melt ‘holly’ drip and colorful candy decorations. Perfect for parties, gift-giving, or a fun family activity.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- 1 1/2 cups green candy melts
- 12 red candy-coated chocolates
- 24 small green candy leaves or green M&M’s halved
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for thinning chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until completely melted.
- Melt marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously over low heat until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine with cereal: Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal gently to coat all the pieces evenly without crushing them.
- Shape the puddings: Allow the mixture to cool slightly until safe to handle. Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray and scoop about 1/4 cup portions, shaping them into small rounded mounds resembling mini puddings. Place the shaped puddings on the prepared baking sheet.
- Set the puddings: Let the Rice Krispie puddings set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt candy melts: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the green candy melts in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, stir in a small amount of vegetable oil to thin it out for easier drizzling.
- Decorate the puddings: Spoon the melted green candy over the top of each pudding to create a dripping effect resembling holly. Before the coating sets, immediately place one red candy-coated chocolate and two small green candy leaves or halved green M&M’s on top of each treat as holly decorations.
- Allow to harden: Let the decorations fully harden at room temperature before serving or storing.
Notes
- Grease your hands lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the sticky mixture from adhering while shaping.
- If green candy melts are unavailable, you can tint white chocolate with green food coloring as an alternative.
- Store the finished puddings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
