Christmas time calls for simple, festive treats, and this no-bake Christmas White Christmas recipe is an absolute winner. Hailing from Australia, this beloved slice brings holiday cheer with minimal effort.
This festive treat has been a part of Australian holiday traditions since the 1940s, offering a delightful no-bake option. Learn more about the history of White Christmas in Australia.
It is incredibly easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy parents or beginner bakers. Prepare a delightful, fuss-free dessert that tastes as good as it looks with this simple and delicious recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas White Christmas Recipe
You will adore this Christmas White Christmas recipe for countless reasons, especially during the hectic holiday season.
- It is completely no-bake, freeing up your oven for other festive dishes.
- Kids love helping assemble this colourful slice, making it a fun family activity.
- The vibrant red and white ingredients create a truly festive look on any dessert platter.
- You can whip up this treat in just 10 minutes of active preparation time.
- Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a piece.
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to create your delightful Christmas White Christmas recipe:
- 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
For the white chocolate, use good quality melts or compound chocolate for the best melting and setting results. Avoid premium white chocolate bars as they can seize more easily. Copha (a vegetable shortening popular in Australia) or Crisco provide a very firm set, while organic coconut oil offers a more natural, subtle coconut flavor and slightly softer texture. If using coconut oil, ensure it’s solid at room temperature. Rice Bubbles and Rice Krispies are interchangeable for the crunchy cereal base. You can use red or green candied cherries, or a mix of both, to enhance the festive look. Feel free to swap dried cranberries for other dried red fruits like chopped dried apricots or glacé cherries for a different flavor profile.
Equipment
You won’t need much to create this easy Christmas White Christmas recipe. A standard 8×8 square baking pan works perfectly for shaping. Ensure you have a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over a saucepan to create a double boiler. A large mixing bowl is essential for combining your dry ingredients. Parchment paper is crucial for easy removal, and a sharp knife will help you achieve clean slices.
Instructions
Creating this Christmas White Christmas recipe is delightfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect no-bake treat:
- Prepare Pan: First, line your 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper. Ensure the paper overhangs the sides; this creates “handles” that make removing the set slice much easier later on. Lightly grease the pan before lining to help the parchment stick.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: Next, set up a double boiler. Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with about an inch or two of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the organic coconut oil (or Copha) to the bowl and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the chopped white chocolate melts. Stir gently and continuously as the chocolate melts, allowing it to become smooth and fully blended with the coconut oil. Remove the bowl from the heat once combined and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: While the chocolate cools, take a large mixing bowl. Add the Rice Bubbles cereal, desiccated coconut, dried cranberries, and halved candied cherries. Gently toss these dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. This ensures every bite of your Christmas White Christmas recipe has a good mix of textures and flavors.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the slightly cooled melted coconut oil and white chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy spatula, stir everything together thoroughly. Continue mixing until all the dry ingredients are completely coated in the white chocolate mixture. This step is key to a cohesive slice.
- Transfer and Press: Spoon the entire mixture into your prepared square baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat spatula to press the mixture down very firmly and evenly into the pan. Compacting it well is essential for the slice to hold its shape once set. Pay extra attention to the corners and edges.
- Chill and Serve: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or until the slice is completely firm and set. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the slice out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board, then slice it into desired squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve chilled and enjoy your festive, no-bake creation!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Always grease your baking pan lightly before lining it with parchment paper. This helps the parchment stay put as you press the mixture. When melting, ensure your white chocolate is fully melted and smooth, with no lumps, for the best texture. Press the mixture very firmly into the pan to prevent your slice from crumbling later. This is perhaps the most critical step for success. Give your Christmas White Christmas recipe adequate time to chill; at least two to three hours ensures it sets perfectly. If your slice is falling apart, it might not have been pressed firmly enough, or it didn’t chill long enough. For clean, precise cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between slices. If you are preparing this during warmer weather, store the slice in the fridge right up until serving to prevent softening.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delightful Christmas White Christmas recipe chilled, straight from the refrigerator, as a refreshing festive treat. It makes a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert platter, adding a pop of color and sweetness. These individual slices are also perfect for edible gifts; simply wrap a few pieces in cellophane and tie with a ribbon.
Storage
Store leftover Christmas White Christmas recipe slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the slice for up to one month. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations
- Tropical: Add a taste of summer by mixing in chopped dried mango, pineapple, and papaya.
- Peppermint: Incorporate crushed candy canes into the mixture for a cool, minty flavor.
- Nutty: Enhance the texture and richness by adding finely chopped macadamia nuts or pistachios.
- Chocolate: Drizzle melted milk or dark chocolate over the set slice before cutting for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Gingerbread: Mix in crushed gingerbread cookies for a warm, spicy twist perfect for the holidays.
Nutrition
Please note that exact nutritional information can vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities. This Christmas White Christmas recipe is generally a sweet, energy-dense treat, primarily containing carbohydrates from sugars and fats from chocolate and coconut oil. It offers some fiber from dried fruits and the benefits of coconut. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, particularly during festive occasions.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving, 1 of 16 slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 30mg |
| Total Carbs | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 2g |
FAQ
- What is White Christmas Slice? White Christmas slice is a classic Australian no-bake confection. It typically combines dried fruit, rice cereal, desiccated coconut, and sometimes nuts, all bound together with melted white chocolate and coconut oil or Copha.
- Why is my White Christmas slice falling apart? The most common reasons are not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan or not chilling it for a sufficient amount of time. Ensure you really compact the mixture and give it at least 2-3 hours in the fridge.
- Can I use any white chocolate? For the best results in this Christmas White Christmas recipe, use white chocolate melts or compound chocolate. High-quality couverture white chocolate can sometimes seize or be harder to work with in no-bake recipes.
- How long does White Christmas need to chill? Your White Christmas needs at least 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator to become firm enough to slice cleanly. For best results, chill it overnight.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! This no-bake slice is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare it up to 5-7 days before you plan to serve it, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Are Rice Bubbles the same as Rice Krispies? Yes, Rice Bubbles is simply the Australian name for the puffed rice cereal known as Rice Krispies in other parts of the world. They are the same product.
Conclusion
This easy Christmas White Christmas recipe truly embodies the spirit of simple, delicious holiday baking. Its no-bake convenience means more time for festive fun and less stress in the kitchen. With minimal effort, you can create a beautiful, delicious treat that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. We encourage you to try this delightful slice and make it a new family tradition this holiday season. Share your cherished holiday memories with us!
