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Bring a touch of festive magic to your holiday table with this delightful White Christmas Recipe! This iconic no-bake treat is a true blast from the past, stirring up warm childhood memories with every bite. Simple to prepare and bursting with festive cheer, it’s the perfect addition to any celebration. You’ll love its irresistible appeal at all your holiday gatherings.
The “White Christmas” dessert is an Australian classic often made with Copha, a type of hydrogenated coconut oil, giving it a distinctive texture. Learn more about the traditional Australian White Christmas dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas White Christmas Recipe
This delightful no-bake White Christmas Recipe is a holiday favorite for so many reasons:
- No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and enjoy an effortlessly easy dessert. It’s perfect for freeing up oven space during busy holiday cooking.
- Quick Preparation Time: You can have this festive treat mixed and ready for chilling in under 15 minutes. It’s ideal for busy parents and quick dessert needs.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or sprinkles. Make it uniquely yours every time.
- Festive, Attractive Appearance: Its bright white base and colorful inclusions make it a beautiful, eye-catching addition to any holiday platter.
- Kid-Friendly Appeal: Children love helping to mix the ingredients, and they adore the sweet, crunchy texture. This makes a great holiday activity.
- Perfect for Holiday Platters: These sturdy, delicious squares are excellent for gifting, potlucks, or simply enjoying with family and friends.
Ingredients
To make this delightful White Christmas Recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. These create the perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and crunch, ensuring a truly special treat for the holidays.
- 3 cups White Chocolate Melts (chopped)
- 150 grams Organic Coconut Oil or Copha (5½ oz Crisco)
- 2 cups Rice Bubbles cereal (or Rice Krispies)
- ½ cup Candied Cherries (halved)
- 1 cup Desiccated Coconut
- 1 cup Dried Cranberries
Notes & Substitutions
The quality of your white chocolate significantly impacts the final taste. Opt for good quality white chocolate melts or bars for a smoother melt and richer flavor. Coconut oil provides a lovely subtle flavor and a firmer texture once chilled. Copha, a vegetable shortening, is a traditional choice for an even firmer set and more classic flavor profile. If you can’t find Copha, coconut oil works perfectly. Feel free to substitute candied cherries and dried cranberries with other dried fruits like chopped dried apricots, sultanas, or even glacé pineapple. For an extra layer of texture, add a handful of chopped nuts like pistachios, slivered almonds, or cashews. You can also experiment with other puffed cereals if Rice Bubbles aren’t available, or add festive elements like colorful sprinkles or a touch of orange zest.
Because virgin coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it provides important structure to no-bake desserts. Find out more about how coconut oil can be used in baking and no-bake treats.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy for this simple White Christmas Recipe.
- Square baking pan (8×8 or 9×9 inches)
- Parchment paper (also known as baking paper)
- Large mixing bowl
- Heatproof bowl for melting (glass or stainless steel)
- Small saucepan (for creating a double boiler)
- Spatula or sturdy spoon
Instructions
Creating this easy White Christmas Recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. Just follow these steps for a perfect festive treat.
Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan
Line your 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the paper overhangs the sides. This creates “handles” for easy removal of your set White Christmas Recipe.
Step 2: Melt Wet Ingredients
Set a heatproof bowl over a small saucepan filled with about an inch of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the coconut oil (or Copha) to the heatproof bowl and allow it to melt. Once melted, stir in your chopped white chocolate melts. Continue to heat gently, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the chocolate is completely smooth and blended with the oil. Remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for a few minutes. This prevents it from being too hot when combined with dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Bubbles cereal, desiccated coconut, dried cranberries, and halved candied cherries. Stir these ingredients gently with your spatula or spoon until they are well distributed. This ensures an even mix throughout your delicious White Christmas Recipe.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry
Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate and coconut oil mixture over the combined dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using your spatula, stir gently but thoroughly. Continue mixing until all the Rice Bubbles, coconut, and fruits are completely coated with the white chocolate mixture. This ensures every bite of your White Christmas Recipe is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Press into Pan
Spoon the entire mixture into your prepared square baking pan. Use the back of your spoon or your hands (lightly greased if sticking) to press the mixture down very firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan. The firmer you press, the better your slices will hold together.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Place the baking pan into the refrigerator. Chill for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or until the mixture is completely firm to the touch. This crucial step ensures that your White Christmas Recipe sets properly and is easy to cut.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once fully set, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of White Christmas Recipe from the pan onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into squares or any desired festive shapes. Serve immediately and enjoy, or store for later.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Melting White Chocolate:
Always melt white chocolate gently to prevent scorching. Use a double boiler method, ensuring the bowl never touches the simmering water. Stir constantly for a smooth, glossy melt. If your chocolate seizes (becomes thick and grainy), a tiny bit of extra warm coconut oil or vegetable oil can sometimes rescue it, but prevention is key.
Achieving Perfect Texture:
Press the mixture very firmly into the pan. This compression helps the bars hold their shape beautifully. Chill your White Christmas Recipe completely; impatience leads to crumbly, messy cuts. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before each cut.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t skip lining the pan; it’s essential for easy removal. Using too much oil can make the mixture greasy, while too little might make it crumbly. Resist the urge to cut the bars before they are thoroughly chilled and firm – this is the most common cause of disappointment.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions:
Present your vibrant White Christmas Recipe squares on festive platters alongside other holiday treats. They also make wonderful homemade gifts when packaged in clear cellophane bags with a pretty ribbon. Enjoy these delightful bars with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.
Storage Instructions:
Store your no-bake White Christmas Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making it an excellent make-ahead holiday treat.
Festive Variations:
Get creative with your Christmas white chocolate treat! Add green glace cherries for a classic red and green look. A touch of orange zest brightens the flavor profile beautifully. For extra indulgence, drizzle the set bars with melted dark chocolate. Sprinkle with edible glitter, crushed candy canes, or mini marshmallows for different textures and visual appeal.
Nutrition Information
| Per Serving (approx.) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 2g |
Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is intended as a general guide.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use milk chocolate instead?
Yes, you can. However, the result will be a “milk chocolate Christmas” bar, not the traditional Christmas White Christmas treat.
How long does it last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this festive treat lasts for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze Christmas White Christmas?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
What if my chocolate seizes?
If your white chocolate becomes grainy or thick, try adding a teaspoon of warm coconut oil or neutral oil and stirring vigorously. This sometimes helps to smooth it out.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance, as it needs chilling time and stores well.
Conclusion
This easy no-bake White Christmas Recipe proves that some of the best holiday treats are also the simplest. Its delightful combination of sweet white chocolate, crunchy cereal, and festive fruits makes it an instant hit with everyone. Whether you’re making it for a party, a gift, or just a sweet moment with family, this classic treat is sure to bring joy. Give this charming recipe a try, share your creations, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of homemade holiday magic!
