Chocolate Reindeer Pudding Cups

Featured in: Weekend Bright-Brunch Recipes

This festive board features individual chocolate pudding cups decorated as charming reindeer faces using candy eyes, red candy noses, and mini pretzels for antlers. The cups are artfully arranged on a serving board and surrounded by an inviting mix of mini marshmallows, chocolate sandwich cookies, fresh strawberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, brownie bites, and holiday candies. Preparing the display is simple, no baking required, and it offers a delightful centerpiece perfect for gatherings and family activities. Variations include gluten-free and nut-free options, making it an approachable treat for various dietary needs.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:02:00 GMT
Chocolate reindeer pudding cup dessert board with festive treats, perfect for holiday parties. Save on Pinterest
Chocolate reindeer pudding cup dessert board with festive treats, perfect for holiday parties. | lemoncairn.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.

This dessert board was a hit at our last holiday party and brought everyone together decorating the reindeer pudding cups.

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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Kids especially love helping to decorate the pudding cups and it makes the holidays even more joyful.

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 per serving

Adorable chocolate reindeer pudding cups with pretzel antlers, red noses, and sweet candy faces. Save on Pinterest
Adorable chocolate reindeer pudding cups with pretzel antlers, red noses, and sweet candy faces. | lemoncairn.com

This dessert board is sure to impress guests and become a holiday favorite year after year.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do you create the reindeer faces on the pudding cups?

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

Can the board be made nut-free?

Yes, choose nut-free candies and cookies processed in nut-free facilities to ensure the board is safe for those with nut allergies.

What are good alternatives to strawberries on the board?

Seasonal fruits like mandarin slices, grapes, or apple slices work well as fresh, colorful substitutes.

Is this board suitable for gluten-free diets?

It can be adapted by using gluten-free pretzels and cookies when assembling the board.

How long can the board be prepared in advance?

The decorated cups and treats can be arranged ahead of time and refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness.

What tools are needed to prepare the board?

A large serving board or platter, a small knife to halve cookies and fruits, and a spatula or spoon for frosting are recommended.

Chocolate Reindeer Pudding Cups

A whimsical holiday board showcasing chocolate pudding cups adorned as reindeer with assorted treats.

Prep Time
30 min
0
Overall Time
30 min


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free

What You Need

Chocolate Pudding Cups

01 8 individual store-bought or homemade 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)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Reindeer Faces: Open each pudding cup carefully. Dab chocolate frosting on the back of two candy eyes and one red candy, attaching them to form reindeer faces.

Step 02

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

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, strawberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, brownie bites, and assorted candies to create a 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
  • Small spatula or spoon

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients for allergens and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains milk, gluten, soy, and may contain nuts depending on candy and cookie selection.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Nutritional content is for informational use and is not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie Count: 290
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 4 g