White Christmas Recipe from Australia

White Christmas is a beloved Australian dessert that’s been a festive favorite for generations.

It’s a sweet, crunchy slice filled with crispy rice cereal, coconut, and dried fruits, all held together with melted coconut oil. This treat is especially popular during the holiday season when families come together to celebrate. Making White Christmas is simple and fun, and it’s a great way to bring a taste of Australian tradition to your home.

Ingredients

• 3 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cherries, craisins, etc.)
• 1 cup coconut oil, melted

For Serving:

• 1 tablespoon candied cherries
• 1 tablespoon melted white chocolate

Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, shredded coconut, powdered sugar, powdered milk, and dried fruit. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add the Melted Coconut Oil: Pour the melted coconut oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is well coated and the mixture starts to come together.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the slice once it’s set.
4. Transfer and Set: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Use a rubber spatula to press it down evenly and firmly, making sure it’s compacted well. Place the dish in the freezer for about 20 minutes or until the mixture has hardened.
5. Cut and Decorate: Remove from the freezer and lift the set mixture out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut into squares of your desired size. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and top with candied cherries, if desired.

Copha Substitute

In the traditional Australian recipe, Copha is used instead of coconut oil. Copha is a hydrogenated coconut oil that’s solid at room temperature, making it ideal for no-bake slices like White Christmas. If you can’t find Copha, melted coconut oil is an excellent substitute. Make sure to use coconut oil that solidifies when chilled to ensure the slice sets properly. Another alternative is to use white chocolate or a combination of white chocolate and coconut oil, which adds extra sweetness and helps the slice to set firmly.

How Did White Christmas Originate?

White Christmas has been part of Australian holiday traditions since the 1940s. It emerged as a festive treat that could be easily made without baking, which is convenient during the hot Australian summers. The recipe was popularized through advertisements and recipes printed on Copha packaging. The name “White Christmas” evokes the traditional snowy Christmas scenes of the Northern Hemisphere, providing a whimsical contrast to the warm weather in Australia. The white appearance of the slice, thanks to ingredients like coconut and powdered milk, also contributes to the name. Over the years, White Christmas has become a staple at holiday gatherings, school fairs, and as homemade gifts, cherished for its simplicity and delightful taste.

Storage Instructions

To keep your White Christmas slices fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, you can freeze the slices for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Serve chilled to keep them firm, especially in warmer climates.