Chocolate Reindeer Pudding Cups

Featured in: Light Sweet Bowls & Treats

Create a festive centerpiece with chocolate pudding cups dressed as reindeer faces using candy eyes, red candies, and pretzel antlers. Arrange on a large board with marshmallows, cookies, strawberries, pretzels, brownie bites, and holiday candies for a fun and easy holiday treat. Perfect for family celebrations, this no-cook idea takes 30 minutes to assemble and offers options for nut-free or gluten-free adaptations.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:07:00 GMT
Festive chocolate reindeer pudding cups on a dessert board offer sweet, chocolatey holiday fun. Pin It
Festive chocolate reindeer pudding cups on a dessert board offer sweet, chocolatey holiday fun. | sweetcairn.com

A whimsical and festive dessert board featuring chocolate pudding cups decorated as reindeer, surrounded by an array of delicious treats—perfect for holiday gatherings or family fun.

I enjoyed creating these chocolate reindeer pudding cups with my family; it made our holiday gathering extra joyful and interactive.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate Pudding Cups: 8 individual chocolate pudding cups (store-bought or homemade)
  • Chocolate Pudding Cups: 16 mini pretzels (for antlers)
  • Chocolate Pudding Cups: 8 red candy-coated chocolates (for noses, e.g. M&Ms)
  • Chocolate Pudding Cups: 16 candy eyes
  • Chocolate Pudding Cups: 2 tbsp chocolate frosting (for attaching decorations)
  • Board Accompaniments: 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • Board Accompaniments: 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies, halved
  • Board Accompaniments: 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
  • Board Accompaniments: 1 cup chocolate-dipped pretzels
  • Board Accompaniments: 1 cup brownie bites
  • Board Accompaniments: 1 cup assorted holiday candies (optional)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Carefully open each pudding cup. Dab a small amount of chocolate frosting on the back of two candy eyes and one red candy. Attach them to each pudding cup to create reindeer faces.
Step 2:
Break each mini pretzel in half to form antlers. Gently insert two antlers into the top of each pudding cup.
Step 3:
Arrange the decorated pudding cups in the center of a large serving board or platter.
Step 4:
Surround the pudding cups with mini marshmallows, cookies, strawberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, brownie bites, and candies, creating an attractive, festive display.
Step 5:
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.
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| sweetcairn.com

Kids can help decorate the pudding cups for a fun family activity that everyone enjoys during the holidays.

Required Tools

Large serving board or platter Small knife (to halve cookies and fruit) Small spatula or spoon (for frosting)

Allergen Information

Contains milk (pudding, chocolate), gluten (cookies, pretzels, brownies), soy, and possible nuts (depending on candy and cookies). Always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 290 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 47 g Protein 4 g

Adorable close-up of chocolate reindeer pudding cups with pretzels and candy features. Pin It
Adorable close-up of chocolate reindeer pudding cups with pretzels and candy features. | sweetcairn.com
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This dessert board combines easy assembly with festive presentation for a memorable holiday treat.

Recipe FAQs

How do I make the reindeer faces on the pudding cups?

Use chocolate frosting to attach two candy eyes and a red candy nose to each pudding cup. Break mini pretzels in half and insert them as antlers on top.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the decorated cups and cover them in the refrigerator until ready to serve to keep them fresh.

What can I use instead of strawberries?

Swap strawberries for other seasonal fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples to suit your preference.

Are there adaptations for dietary restrictions?

Yes, use gluten-free pretzels and cookies for gluten sensitivities, and ensure all candies and cookies are nut-free to accommodate allergies.

What tools are needed for assembly?

A large serving board or platter, a small knife for cutting cookies and fruit, and a small spatula or spoon for frosting.

Chocolate Reindeer Pudding Cups

Festive chocolate pudding cups adorned as reindeer with assorted sweet treats on a holiday board.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
0
Time Needed
30 minutes
Recipe by Hunter Phillips


Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Notes Suitable for Vegetarians

Ingredient List

Chocolate Pudding Cups

01 8 individual chocolate pudding cups (store-bought or homemade)
02 16 mini pretzels (for antlers)
03 8 red candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&Ms, for noses)
04 16 candy eyes
05 2 tablespoons chocolate frosting (for attaching decorations)

Board Accompaniments

01 1 cup mini marshmallows
02 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies, halved
03 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
04 1 cup chocolate-dipped pretzels
05 1 cup brownie bites
06 1 cup assorted holiday candies (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Decorate pudding cups: Carefully open each pudding cup. Dab a small amount of chocolate frosting on the back of two candy eyes and one red candy. Attach them to each pudding cup to create reindeer faces.

Step 02

Prepare antlers: Break each mini pretzel in half to form antlers. Gently insert two antlers into the top of each pudding cup.

Step 03

Arrange pudding cups: Place the decorated pudding cups in the center of a large serving board or platter.

Step 04

Add accompaniments: Surround the pudding cups with mini marshmallows, halved cookies, halved strawberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, brownie bites, and assorted holiday candies, creating an attractive festive display.

Step 05

Serve or store: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Equipment Needed

  • Large serving board or platter
  • Small knife to halve cookies and fruit
  • Small spatula or spoon for frosting

Allergy Info

Look through each ingredient for allergens and check with a healthcare provider if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains milk, gluten, soy, and potential nuts depending on ingredients used

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Figures are for reference only—always seek medical advice when needed.
  • Caloric Value: 290
  • Fats: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 47 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams