Irresistible 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding Bites Recipe

Posted on December 21, 2025

Desserts

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Cooking time

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Is there anything better than bite-sized chocolate treats during the holidays? I think not! These Chocolate Pudding Bites have become my family’s favorite festive tradition – they’re so easy to make that even my 5-year-old can help (and sneak a few chocolate chips while we’re at it). The best part? No oven required! Just melt, mix, and decorate for the most adorable no-bake holiday treats. I first made these when we were snowed in last December, and now my kids beg for them every year. They’re the perfect combination of crispy, chocolatey goodness with a fun holiday twist.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Chocolate Pudding Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these irresistible treats. Trust me, I’ve made these enough times to know – measure carefully, and you’ll get perfect bites every time!

4 cups Rice Krispies cereal (the classic crunch is key!)
1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips (use good quality – it makes a difference)
½ cup smooth peanut butter (creamy works best for binding)
¼ cup unsalted butter (room temp is ideal for melting)
1 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff, not imitation)
½ cup white chocolate chips (for that festive drizzle)
Red candy balls or sprinkles (our “holly berries”)
Green fondant leaves or green icing (for holly decorations)

How to Make Chocolate Pudding Bites

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! These little bites come together so easily, but I’ve got some tricks to make them perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have holiday magic in no time.

Melting the Chocolate Mixture

First, grab a medium saucepan (or use a microwave-safe bowl if you’re going that route). Combine your milk chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter over low heat. Stir constantly – I mean it! Chocolate burns if you blink wrong. When it’s all melted and smooth like satin, take it off the heat and stir in that vanilla. The smell alone will have your family hovering in the kitchen.

Combining with Rice Krispies

Pour that glorious chocolate mixture over your Rice Krispies in a big bowl. Now here’s my secret: fold gently but thoroughly until every single crispy piece is coated. Yes, your arm might get tired – consider it holiday workout! Grease your hands lightly (trust me, you’ll thank me later) and roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls. Line them up on parchment paper like little chocolate soldiers ready for decorating.

Decorating the Bites

After 30 minutes in the fridge (set a timer – no cheating!), melt your white chocolate. I use a plastic bag with the corner snipped for drizzling – way easier than fancy piping bags! Let the kids add the red candy “berries” and green fondant leaves while the drizzle is still wet. Their decorations might be wonky, but that’s part of the charm. Pro tip: work quickly before the chocolate sets!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pudding Bites

After making these dozens of times (and eating way too many “test” bites), here are my tried-and-true secrets for chocolatey success:

Grease those hands! A little butter or cooking spray on your palms makes rolling the bites infinitely easier – no sticky mess.
Chill before decorating – I know it’s tempting to rush, but letting them firm up first keeps your decorations from sliding off.
Parchment is your friend for both rolling and setting – nothing sticks, and cleanup is a breeze.
Substitute almond butter if you’re dealing with peanut allergies – it works just as well for binding.
Work fast with the drizzle – white chocolate sets quickly! If it hardens, just zap it for 5 seconds in the microwave.

The biggest tip? Have fun with it! Wonky decorations just add homemade charm.

Storing and Serving Chocolate Pudding Bites

These little bites disappear fast in my house, but if you somehow have leftovers (miracle!), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay perfect for up to 3 days – if they last that long! I like stacking them in holiday tins for gifting or arranging them on festive platters at parties. Pro tip: bring them to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving – the chocolate gets that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture again. Watch them vanish faster than Santa up the chimney!

Ingredient Substitutions for Chocolate Pudding Bites

Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient – I’ve tested all sorts of swaps over the years! For nut allergies, sunflower seed butter works beautifully (just expect a slightly earthier taste). Vegan? Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil instead of butter. The texture stays perfect! White chocolate chips can replace the drizzle with colored candy melts for extra festive flair. My cousin swears by adding mini marshmallows for extra gooeyness – just reduce the Rice Krispies by 1/4 cup if you try it. The beauty of these bites? They’re practically foolproof to customize!

Nutritional Information for Chocolate Pudding Bites

Now, let’s be real – these are holiday treats, not health food! But because I know you’re curious (and maybe keeping an eye on portions), here’s the scoop per bite. Remember, these are estimates – your decorations and exact measurements might change things slightly.

Calories: About 180 per bite (worth every one!)
Fat: 10g (mostly from that delicious chocolate and peanut butter)
Sugar: 12g (it’s the holidays – indulge a little!)
Protein: 3g (peanut butter to the rescue)
Fiber: 1g (thanks, Rice Krispies!)

My philosophy? Everything in moderation – except maybe holiday joy and chocolate!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these Chocolate Pudding Bites all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions that pop up in my kitchen (and inbox)!

Can I freeze these festive chocolate desserts? Absolutely! Just place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid first, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight – the Rice Krispies stay perfectly crisp!

How long do these easy holiday snacks last? In an airtight container in the fridge, they’re delicious for 3 days. But let’s be honest – they rarely make it past day one in my house!

Can I use different cereal for these Rice Krispies holiday bites? You bet! Cornflakes work great for a slightly different crunch. Just avoid super-sugary cereals – they can make the bites too sweet.

My white chocolate drizzle hardened too fast – help! Been there! Just microwave your drizzle in 5-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s pourable again. Works like a charm every time.

Are these too messy for kids to decorate? Not at all! That’s half the fun. Put down parchment paper first, and let their creativity run wild. The messier, the more memorable – that’s my motto!

If you make these Chocolate Pudding Bites, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a rating or share your holiday creations with me. Check out holiday creations for inspiration.