Puffed Rice Baskets with Chocolate Cream: The Delicious Dessert Easy to Make!

The best kind of dessert is the one that surprises you twice, first with how it's made, then with how delicious it is. These puffed rice baskets do both without breaking a sweat and are built like tiny edible bowls and packed with chocolate filling.

What starts in a mixing bowl ends up looking like it was made in a 5 star restaurant, and all you need is a bit of dark chocolate, some humble puffed rice, and a few ingredients.

What are Puffed Rice Baskets?

This crisped-up grain has deep roots in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, showing up in street snacks, laddus, and even temple offerings. But this recipe takes things further by inserting dark chocolate.

These puffed rice baskets bring together texture and flavor to create crunch and a creamy treat.

Pro Tips for the Best Puffed Rice Baskets

• Use crisp puffed rice only. If your puffed rice feels soft or stale, pop it in a dry pan for a minute or two to revive its crunch.
• Use the back of a spoon to pack the rice-chocolate mix tightly into the mold so the shape holds.
• Since chocolate is the main flavor here, don’t cut corners. Go for at least 60–70% cocoa.
• Decorate just before serving to allow the cocoa powder and garnishes stay fresh and vibrant.

‘How Long Do the Baskets Stay Crunchy?

If stored properly in the fridge, the baskets hold their crunch for about 2 days. After that, the cream starts softening things a bit, but they’re still tasty.

Can I Add Fruits or Other Fillings?

Totally. Add berries, banana slices, or even a spoon of peanut butter before piping in the cream. It’s your basket, so fill it with joy.

Can I Serve These at a Party?

Oh yes. They’re bite-sized, neat, and super photogenic. Plus, they don’t need reheating or fancy plating.

Why Add Cornstarch to the Cream?

Cornstarch thickens the chocolate base, giving the filling structure without heaviness. It keeps the cream scoopable but stable, which is essential for piping.

How to Store Any Leftovers

You can stash them in the fridge for two days. If you’re making them ahead, keep the cream and baskets separate until a few hours before serving. However, freezing isn't ideal once they’re filled, as the cream can split when thawed.

How to Make Puffed Rice Baskets with Chocolate Cream

Step 1

Step 1

Place 200g of chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.

Place 200g of chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 2

Step 2

Heat the chocolate in the microwave for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning.

Heat the chocolate in the microwave for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning.

Step 3

Step 3

Pour the melted chocolate over the puffed rice and mix thoroughly with a spatula until every grain is coated.

Pour the melted chocolate over the puffed rice and mix thoroughly with a spatula until every grain is coated.

Step 4

Step 4

Spoon this mixture into a muffin mold and press down with the back of a spoon to shape them into baskets. Freeze for 20 minutes.

Spoon this mixture into a muffin mold and press down with the back of a spoon to shape them into baskets. Freeze for 20 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Once firm, dip the top edge of each basket into the melted chocolate and then immediately dip into chopped hazelnuts for a nutty crown.

Once firm, dip the top edge of each basket into the melted chocolate and then immediately dip into chopped hazelnuts for a nutty crown.

Step 6

Step 6

In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and milk. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.

In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and milk. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.

Step 7

Step 7

In a separate bowl, beat fresh cream with sugar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the cooled chocolate base into the whipped cream with a spatula and transfer this mixture into a piping bag.

In a separate bowl, beat fresh cream with sugar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the cooled chocolate base into the whipped cream with a spatula and transfer this mixture into a piping bag.

Step 8

Step 8

Pipe the chocolate cream into each basket generously. Decorate with cocoa powder and serve.

Pipe the chocolate cream into each basket generously. Decorate with cocoa powder and serve.