White Christmas Slice is an iconic no-bake Australian holiday treat that brings the spirit of festivities to any gathering. Creamy, crunchy, fruity, and bursting with festive color, this slice is a staple of Down Under Christmases—from school parties to family barbecues.
With its snowy white appearance, bright pops of glacé cherries, sultanas, and colorful candied fruit, it looks beautiful on any dessert plate and disappears almost instantly whenever you serve it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Few desserts are as easy or as versatile as White Christmas. It skips the oven entirely for a “melt, mix, chill, and slice” process anyone can master in minutes. The recipe blends white chocolate and creamy milk powder for that signature melting texture, and adds rice bubbles (krispies), coconut, dried fruit, and sometimes nuts for crunch, chew, and colour.
The slice sets firm in the fridge yet remains creamy, with bursts of fruity flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for making ahead and ideal for gifts, cookie swaps, or potluck platters.
Even better, you can customise White Christmas to your taste—swap in your favorite dried fruit, make it nut-free, or even turn it gluten-free. Its simplicity is what’s made it a favourite on Aussie tables for generations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice Bubbles (Rice Krispies cereal)
- 1 cup full cream milk powder
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 3/4 cup icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 1 cup dried mixed fruit (sultanas, raisins, mixed peel, cranberries, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup glacé cherries, chopped (red and green for holiday color)
- 200 grams (7 oz) Copha (or coconut oil/baking coconut fat), chopped
- 200 grams (7 oz) white chocolate, finely chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios for extra crunch
- Optional: extra cherries or festive sprinkles for decorating
How to Make White Christmas Slice
Begin by lining a standard slice or lamington tin (about 8×12 inches) with nonstick baking paper, extending the paper up the sides for easy removal later.
In a large heatproof mixing bowl, combine Rice Bubbles, full cream milk powder, desiccated coconut, icing sugar, dried fruit, glacé cherries, and nuts (if using). Toss together until everything is evenly distributed for great colour in every bite.
Place the Copha or coconut fat and the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring after each, until everything is fully melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Don’t overheat—just melt until all solids are gone and chocolate and Copha combine (you can do this over a double boiler for extra gentle heat). Let cool just slightly, so you don’t melt the cereal or discolor the fruit.
Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and work quickly to combine, folding everything together with a sturdy spatula until well coated. The mixture will seem crumbly at first but will come together as you mix.
Tip the mixture into your prepared tin and use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to press down firmly and evenly, ensuring the surface is smooth and the slice is packed tight—this helps it hold together when sliced.
Scatter extra cherries or festive sprinkles on top for decoration, pressing lightly so they stick.
Transfer the tin to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2–3 hours—overnight is even better—for the slice to become firm.
Once set, lift out of the tin using the paper overhang and place on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into small squares or bars—these are rich, so smaller bites are best!
Tips, Tricks & Variations
If Copha is unavailable, you can use refined coconut oil (which stays solid when cold) or another baking coconut fat. Classic White Christmas is made with full-cream powdered milk—nonfat works in a pinch, but richness suffers. If you want extra creaminess, you can swap in a little more white chocolate and use less Copha, though the slice will be softer.
For more holiday color, add green glacé cherries, dried cranberries, and chopped dried apricots for extra brightness. Nuts are classic but optional; pistachios add lovely green flecks, almonds some crunch, and macadamias an Aussie twist. For a boozy adult version, soak the dried fruit in a little rum or brandy, then drain before adding.
Make it gluten-free by ensuring your Rice Bubbles/Rice Krispies are gluten-free and checking all packaged ingredients.
Storing, Freezing, and Gifting
White Christmas Slice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and in the freezer for up to two months. Layers of baking paper between slices keep them neat and prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
These slices are perfect for gifting—package in boxes or bags with festive ribbon and a note to keep them refrigerated for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve White Christmas on a platter with fresh summer fruit, pavlova, and other holiday sweets. These bars make a gorgeous addition to cookie exchanges, afternoon teas, or end-of-year school parties. Tuck squares into decorative bags or tins for hostess gifts, teacher thank-yous, or stocking stuffers.
Pair with hot coffee, iced chocolate, or fruity punches at your next summer or Christmas celebration.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
The slice is crumbly—what happened? Too little Copha/chocolate, or dry cereal; try pressing the mixture in more firmly and check quantities next time. Slice seems greasy? Too much Copha, or the mix wasn’t combined well before pressing; also, white chocolate varies—a bit more cereal can bring it together if needed.
Can I make this with butter? Butter doesn’t set as firmly as Copha or coconut oil, so the slice will be softer but still tasty.
Who Will Love This Recipe
Anyone seeking a creamy, crunchy, brightly colored, and beautifully shareable Christmas treat. White Christmas is naturally egg-free and can be nut-free and gluten-free with simple swaps, making it widely accessible for holiday gatherings, family parties, and school events. It’s beloved by all ages and carries both classic nostalgia and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Conclusion
White Christmas Slice brings a taste of Aussie holiday magic to any dessert table. Creamy, crunchy, and decked out in festive fruit and color, it’s quick to make, keeps forever, and never fails to delight. Take a tray to your party, gift it to friends, or stash a batch for your family—you’ll soon see why it’s a classic worth celebrating every year!
