Chocolate Reindeer Pudding Cups

Featured in: Sweet Whispers

This delightful holiday centerpiece features individual chocolate pudding cups whimsically decorated as reindeer using candy eyes, pretzels for antlers, and red candies for noses. The cups are arranged on a large board surrounded by mini marshmallows, halved chocolate sandwich cookies, fresh strawberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, brownie bites, and assorted candies. The preparation requires no baking, making it a quick and easy way to create a festive display perfect for family fun or gatherings. Variations include nut-free and gluten-free options, and kids can enjoy helping with the decorating process.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:30:00 GMT
Chocolate reindeer pudding cups sit on a festive dessert board amidst sweet treats. Save
Chocolate reindeer pudding cups sit on a festive dessert board amidst sweet treats. | butterhollow.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 making this chocolate reindeer pudding cups board with my family and watching the kids delight in creating their own reindeer faces.

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

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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| butterhollow.com

This dessert board became a favorite at our holiday gatherings and sparked wonderful family moments of creativity and fun.

Required Tools

Large serving board or platter, small knife (to halve cookies and fruit), and 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

Per serving based on one pudding cup plus accompaniments. Calories 290, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 47 g, Protein 4 g.

Adorable chocolate reindeer pudding cups, ready to devour, are surrounded by marshmallows and sweets. Save
Adorable chocolate reindeer pudding cups, ready to devour, are surrounded by marshmallows and sweets. | butterhollow.com

Enjoy this festive dessert board as a sweet and creative centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

How do you decorate the pudding cups to look like reindeer?

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

Can I use store-bought pudding cups for this dessert?

Yes, store-bought pudding cups work perfectly and save prep time, but homemade pudding cups can add a personal touch.

What treats can accompany the pudding cups on the board?

Arrange mini marshmallows, halved chocolate sandwich cookies, fresh strawberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, brownie bites, and assorted candies around the pudding cups for a festive look.

Are there any allergen considerations for this board?

This setup contains milk, gluten, soy, and possible nuts depending on candies and cookies. Check labels carefully for allergen info.

Can kids help decorate the pudding cups?

Absolutely! This is a fun and easy decorating activity that children can enjoy participating in during holiday gatherings.

How long does the preparation take?

It takes about 30 minutes to assemble and decorate the pudding cups and arrange the board for serving.

Chocolate Reindeer Pudding Cups

Festive chocolate pudding cups decorated as reindeer with assorted treats for holiday boards.

Prep duration
30 min
0
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll need

Chocolate Pudding Cups

01 8 individual chocolate pudding cups
02 16 mini pretzels
03 8 red candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&Ms)
04 16 candy eyes
05 2 tablespoons chocolate frosting

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)

Method

Phase 01

Assemble Reindeer Faces: Open each pudding cup and dab a small amount of chocolate frosting on the back of two candy eyes and one red candy. Attach these to each cup to form reindeer faces.

Phase 02

Attach Antlers: Break each mini pretzel in half and gently insert two halves into the top of each pudding cup to create antlers.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Add Surrounding Treats: Surround the pudding cups with mini marshmallows, halved cookies, halved strawberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, brownie bites, and optional candies to create a festive display.

Phase 05

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

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large serving board or platter
  • Small knife
  • Small spatula or spoon

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk, gluten, soy, and possibly nuts depending on candy and cookies. Check ingredient labels carefully.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 290
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 4 g