When the smell of chocolate fills the air, it’s hard not to be reminded of cozy family gatherings and festive celebrations. I recently discovered a delightful way to bring that joyful aroma to my kitchen in just 20 minutes, thanks to these Quick & Easy Mini Christmas Puddings. Made with store-bought chocolate mudcake, these little treats are not only a visual feast but also a breeze to whip up—perfect for families looking to bond over a fun, no-bake dessert.
Imagine the excitement as you transform simple ingredients into adorable, festive bites. With a creamy white chocolate drizzle and festive touches of spearmint lollies and bright red M&M’s, these puddings are begging to be shared at your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe is an uncomplicated way to spread cheer while crafting something that looks and tastes impressive. Let’s dive in and make this holiday season a little sweeter!
Why love these Mini Christmas Puddings?
Quick Preparation: Having only 20 minutes from start to finish, these treats allow you to spend more time enjoying the holidays with loved ones.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Perfect for involving kids in the kitchen, they can help mix, shape, and decorate, making it a delightful family activity.
Festive Presentation: Adorned with colorful M&M’s and spearmint lollies, these puddings are sure to wow guests and elevate any holiday spread.
No-Bake Convenience: Say goodbye to complicated baking steps—this recipe is as simple as assembling and decorating, making it easy for anyone.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to get creative by adding nuts or spices for a personal touch, ensuring every bite can be uniquely yours.
Made these with your family? Don’t forget to check out the helpful serving suggestions for more ways to enjoy this festive treat!
Mini Christmas Pudding Ingredients
For the Base
• 600g store-bought chocolate mudcake – This rich base gives our Mini Christmas Puddings their delightful chocolate flavor; you can easily swap it for homemade chocolate cake if you wish!
For the Drizzle
• ½ x 290g bag white chocolate melts – Adds a creamy sweetness to the puddings; feel free to use milk or dark chocolate for a different taste!
For Decoration
• 8 Spearmint lollies – These add festive flair as leaves on the puddings; peppermint or regular gummy candies can make a fun substitution.
• 24 red M&M’s – Perfect for mimicking berries, bringing vibrant color; mini M&M’s can be used for a more petite look!
For the Finishing Touch
• Icing sugar – A light dusting enhances the overall presentation; this step is optional but adds a lovely, snowy effect!
Gather your ingredients and get ready to create some unforgettable Mini Christmas Puddings that are not just delicious but also a joy to make!
How to Make Mini Christmas Puddings
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Prepare the Mudcake: Crumble the chocolate mudcake into a large mixing bowl. Add a few tablespoons of icing sugar, mixing well with your hands until everything is combined into a doughy texture.
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Shape the Mix: With slightly damp hands, take tablespoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into small balls. Place them on a tray lined with baking paper, then chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
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Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate on medium power in 30-second intervals. Stir between each burst until the chocolate is perfectly smooth and glossy.
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Decorate the Puddings: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over each ball generously. While still wet, gently press two pieces of spearmint lolly and a red M&M into each pudding to resemble leaves and berries.
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Set & Serve: Chill the decorated puddings for another 15 minutes until firm. Just before serving, dust them lightly with icing sugar to give a beautiful finish.
Optional: Serve on a festive platter for a striking holiday display!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Christmas Puddings are perfect for busy holiday schedules and can be made up to 24 hours in advance! To prep ahead, simply follow the first three steps of the recipe: crumble the chocolate mudcake, shape the mixture into balls, and chill them for 15 minutes. After shaping, keep the uncoated puddings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to impress your guests, finish by melting the white chocolate and decorating with the spearmint lollies and red M&M’s. This way, you’ll save precious time on the big day, ensuring your festive treats taste just as delightful!
What to Serve with Mini Christmas Puddings?
These delightful treats are perfect for festive gatherings, but what can you pair them with to create a cozy holiday atmosphere?
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Spiced Apple Cider: The warm, aromatic flavors of spiced apple cider complement the rich chocolate and festive decorations beautifully, enhancing the holiday spirit.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cooling contrast to the fudgy texture of the puddings, creating a delightful balance on the palate. Serve it alongside your puddings for an indulgent treat!
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Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced sweetness of gingerbread cookies pairs perfectly with the chocolatey richness of the puddings, adding a crunchy texture and festive flair to your dessert table.
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Eggnog: This classic holiday beverage, with its creamy texture and nutmeg notes, provides a comforting drink option that marries wonderfully with the rich flavors of your Christmas puddings.
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Chocolate Fondue: For those looking to elevate their dessert experience, a smooth chocolate fondue allows guests to dip their Mini Christmas Puddings into an extra layer of chocolatey goodness—decadent and delightful!
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Holiday Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring citrus and berries brightens up your dessert spread, providing a light and refreshing counterbalance to the rich chocolate flavors—perfect for cleaning the palate!
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Pecan Pie: A slice of pecan pie offers a sweet, nutty crunch that pairs well with your soft, creamy puddings, creating a lovely texture contrast. It’s a holiday classic everyone loves!
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Rich and comforting, this classic drink brings festive joy to your table and pairs seamlessly with the flavors and decorations of the Mini Christmas Puddings.
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Cheesecake Bites: These petite and creamy bites provide a delicious contrast to the chocolate cake, offering variations in flavor and texture for a well-rounded dessert experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a simple yet luxurious addition that complements the Mini Christmas Puddings while adding extra creaminess and elegance to each bite.
Mini Christmas Puddings Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful puddings, adding your own personal touch to make them truly special!
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Nutty Addition: Throw in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding.
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Sponge Cake Swap: Use sponge cake instead of chocolate mudcake for a lighter, airy texture that’s equally delicious. The fluffy experience is a nice twist!
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Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of festive spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mixture for a seasonal flavor boost. The spices will elevate your puddings into something wonderfully aromatic.
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Fruit Twist: Mix in some dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity surprise that adds sweetness and texture to every bite. The juiciness will beautifully complement the rich chocolate!
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Choco Delight: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding chocolate chips or chunks to the mix. This extra indulgence can take the pudding to the next level of chocolaty goodness!
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Dairy-Free Alternative: Opt for dairy-free chocolate and alternative icing to cater to dietary needs without losing the charming festive flavor. You can still celebrate deliciously!
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Combine a spoonful of creamy peanut butter into the chocolate mixture for a rich, nutty flavor. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is always a winner!
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Minty Freshness: Swap spearmint lollies for crushed peppermint candies to add a minty zing to your decorations. It’s a fresh twist that will give your puddings a jolly green touch!
Storage Tips for Mini Christmas Puddings
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Room Temperature: These Mini Christmas Puddings are best enjoyed fresh but can be left out for up to 2 hours at room temperature during gatherings.
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Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious taste and texture.
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Freezer: If you want to prepare them in advance, freeze unadorned pudding balls for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and decorate before serving.
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Reheating: There’s no need for reheating, but if you prefer them slightly warm, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Mini Christmas Puddings
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Chill Time: Remember to chill the mixture before rolling into balls. This step helps the puddings hold their shape better and makes them easier to handle.
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Crumbly Solution: If your mudcake is too dry, add a little more icing to achieve a moist consistency. Avoid making the mix too wet, or it will lose its shape!
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Decorative Timing: Decorate one pudding at a time while the melted white chocolate is warm. This ensures your toppings adhere beautifully and don’t slip off.
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Colorful Creativity: Consider using a mix of colored M&M’s for a festive twist. This adds a fun variation to your Mini Christmas Puddings while delighting guests!
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Non-Stick Surface: Use a non-stick tray for easy removal of the chilled puddings. This will prevent your lovely creations from sticking, ensuring a flawless presentation!
Mini Christmas Puddings Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate mudcake?
Absolutely! When selecting your store-bought chocolate mudcake, look for one that is moist and rich in chocolate flavor. Check for any dark spots or cracks, indicating freshness. You can also pick one that has a good balance of moistness without being too dry. If possible, try to taste a small piece in-store to ensure it meets your sweet tooth’s standards!
How should I store Mini Christmas Puddings?
Very! These delightful puddings should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and preserves their creamy texture. If you don’t have an airtight container, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Just remember to pull them out 15 minutes before serving for the best taste!
Can I freeze Mini Christmas Puddings?
Definitely! You can freeze the unadorned pudding balls for up to 3 months. To do this, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then decorate with melted chocolate and toppings just before serving.
What if my puddings are too crumbly?
No worries at all! If your pudding mix is crumbly, it might be too dry. Adding a little more icing can help bind it together. Start with a tablespoon, mixing thoroughly until the consistency is doughy but not overly wet—this should allow you to form perfect pudding balls!
Are Mini Christmas Puddings safe for kids?
Sure thing! These puddings are indeed kid-friendly—a fantastic way to involve children in holiday preparations. However, be mindful of any allergies, particularly with chocolate and candy elements. Always check for allergens in the packaging and supervise the use of melted chocolate to avoid burns.
Can I make Mini Christmas Puddings in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making them a day in advance can enhance their flavors as they chill. Just store them properly in the fridge, and they will be ready to impress your guests when it’s time to serve! It’s a clever way to lighten your holiday prep load.
Mini Christmas Puddings: Quick, No-Bake Holiday Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crumble the chocolate mudcake into a large mixing bowl. Add a few tablespoons of icing sugar, mixing well with your hands until everything is combined into a doughy texture.
- With slightly damp hands, take tablespoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into small balls. Place them on a tray lined with baking paper, then chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate on medium power in 30-second intervals. Stir between each burst until the chocolate is perfectly smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over each ball generously. While still wet, gently press two pieces of spearmint lolly and a red M&M into each pudding to resemble leaves and berries.
- Chill the decorated puddings for another 15 minutes until firm. Just before serving, dust them lightly with icing sugar to give a beautiful finish.