White Christmas Slice Recipe: A Festive Holiday Treat

The White Christmas slice is a beloved Australian holiday tradition that brings pure magic to any festive gathering. Picture this: it’s Christmas morning, 1987, and my grandmother emerges from her tiny kitchen carrying a tray of perfectly cut white chocolate squares, each one studded with ruby-red cranberries and golden sultanas like edible Christmas ornaments.

The sweet aroma of toasted coconut fills the air as excited children gather around, their eyes wide with anticipation. This white christmas slice recipe has been passed down through generations, creating memories that last a lifetime while requiring absolutely no baking skills whatsoever.

There’s something truly special about this easy no bake Christmas slice that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a showstopping festive holiday dessert. Unlike complicated Christmas puddings or temperamental gingerbread houses, this white chocolate coconut slice comes together in mere minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy holiday hosts or last-minute gift needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This simple festive treat holds a special place in my heart because it saved Christmas dinner three years ago when my oven decided to break down on December 23rd. With guests arriving and no time for repairs, I remembered my grandmother’s foolproof recipe that required nothing more than a refrigerator and a little patience. The result? Everyone declared it the best dessert of the evening, and now it’s become our family’s most requested Christmas dessert idea.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its forgiving nature and stunning presentation. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these bars turn out perfectly every time, delivering that ideal combination of creamy white chocolate, satisfying crunch, and bursts of fruity sweetness. Explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to complete your holiday menu planning.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to create these magnificent holiday bars:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
White chocolate	500 g	Choose good quality for best results
Rice Bubbles (or puffed rice)	1½ cups (45g)	Provides delightful crunch
Dried cranberries (craisins)	160 g	Adds festive color and tartness
Sultanas	140 g	Sweet, chewy texture contrast
Slivered almonds	120 g	Toast for enhanced flavor
Desiccated coconut	1 cup (90g)	Essential for authentic taste

These six simple ingredients combine to create pure holiday magic. The toasted slivered almonds add a sophisticated nutty flavor that elevates this treat beyond ordinary confections, while the combination of cranberries and sultanas provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Find more delicious lunch ideas here to keep your holiday entertaining stress-free and delicious.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating these delightful festive bars is wonderfully straightforward. Start by lining a 20cm x 30cm slice tin with baking paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This preparation step ensures your White Christmas slice will lift out cleanly once set.

Break your white chocolate into pieces and melt it gently using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as white chocolate can seize easily. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly while you prepare your dry ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Bubbles, dried cranberries, sultanas, toasted slivered almonds, and desiccated coconut. Toss everything together until evenly distributed. Pour the slightly cooled white chocolate over the mixture and fold gently but thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is well-coated with chocolate.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared tin and press down firmly using the back of a spoon or offset spatula. Create an even surface for professional-looking results. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely set before cutting into squares.

Exact Timing to make White Christmas slice

The entire process takes approximately 20 minutes of active preparation time, with 2-3 hours of chilling required for the perfect set. Melting the chocolate requires 3-5 minutes, mixing ingredients takes 5 minutes, pressing into the tin needs 2-3 minutes, and cleanup is minimal at just 5 minutes. This timing makes it ideal for busy holiday schedules when you need impressive results without extensive time investment.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile helps you make informed decisions about this festive treat:

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 square)	% Daily Value
Calories	285	14%
Total Fat	16.2g	25%
Saturated Fat	10.1g	51%
Carbohydrates	32.8g	11%
Dietary Fiber	2.1g	8%
Sugars	29.5g	–
Protein	4.2g	8%
Sodium	45mg	2%
Vitamin E	2.1mg	14%
Magnesium	28mg	7%

Based on a recipe yielding 16 servings. Nutritional data sourced from USDA Food Database and manufacturer specifications for white chocolate and dried fruits.

Explore more delicious Desserts here for additional holiday treats that complement this festive slice perfectly.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your White Christmas slice into a more nutritious treat while maintaining its festive appeal:

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefits	Flavor Impact
White chocolate	Sugar-free white chocolate	Reduces calories by 30%	Maintains creamy texture
Rice Bubbles	Puffed quinoa	Adds protein and fiber	Slightly nuttier taste
Sultanas	Goji berries	Higher antioxidants	More tart, superfood boost
Dried cranberries	Fresh pomegranate seeds	Lower sugar, more vitamins	Bursts of fresh flavor
Slivered almonds	Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)	Increased omega-3s	Enhanced complexity
Regular coconut	Unsweetened coconut flakes	Reduces added sugars	Purer coconut flavor

These modifications can reduce overall sugar content by up to 25% while boosting protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. For dairy-free versions, ensure your white chocolate alternative is plant-based.

Serving Suggestions

Present your White Christmas slice on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins or parchment paper. Cut into neat squares and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant snow-dusted appearance that captures the Christmas spirit beautifully.

Pair these treats with hot beverages like spiced chai, peppermint tea, or rich hot chocolate to create a complete holiday dessert experience. The contrast between the cool, creamy slice and warm drinks creates a delightful sensory combination.

For gift-giving, wrap individual squares in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or arrange them in decorative tins lined with tissue paper. This presentation makes them perfect for neighbor gifts, office parties, or holiday potluck contributions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating the white chocolate is the most frequent error that can ruin your slice. White chocolate burns easily and becomes grainy when overheated. Always use gentle heat and stir frequently, removing from heat while a few small lumps remain – the residual heat will finish the melting process.

Insufficient chilling time leads to soft, difficult-to-cut squares that lose their shape. Resist the temptation to cut early; patience ensures clean, professional-looking pieces that hold together perfectly when served.

Using poor-quality white chocolate significantly impacts the final result. Cheap alternatives often contain less cocoa butter and more additives, resulting in a less creamy texture and artificial taste that diminishes this special treat.

Storing Tips

Store your completed White Christmas slice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Layer pieces between parchment paper to prevent sticking, and allow them to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

For longer storage, these squares freeze beautifully for up to three months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Keep away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator, as the white chocolate can absorb odors. A dedicated container with tight-fitting lid ensures your slice maintains its pure, festive flavors throughout the storage period.

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