Delicious Christmas Desserts Made Simple
his holiday season, enjoy baking with these easy Christmas desserts that fit perfectly into your busy schedule. Moreover, it brings families together in celebration, and, as a result, no festive gathering ever feels truly complete without a delightful dessert to savor. Christmas desserts hold a special place on our tables, adding sweetness and spreading festive cheer. However, with packed schedules and endless to-do lists, finding the time to bake can often feel like a daunting task. That’s why, these recipes are designed to make the process easier while ensuring your holiday spirit shines through.
For that reason, we’ve put together a list of easy Christmas desserts that anyone can make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the very first time, these recipes are thoughtfully designed to guide you in effortlessly creating holiday magic right in your kitchen. Furthermore, their impressive versatility not only allows them to adapt to your preferences but also ensures they seamlessly fit into even the busiest of schedules. As a result, they are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a quiet evening at home.
If you’re still searching for more festive ideas, consider checking out AllRecipes and recipesbinder for some classic inspiration. Alternatively, Food Network offers plenty of creative holiday twists to try. Together, these resources will ensure your dessert spread is unforgettable.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab some festive ingredients, and dive into the sweet joy of holiday baking!
Quick and Easy No-Bake Christmas Desserts recipes
Short on time? These no-bake christmas desserts let you skip the oven while still delivering delicious and festive treats.
1. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
This festive favorite is quick, customizable, and perfect for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients:
- Dark chocolate
- White chocolate
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- First, melt the dark chocolate and spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once done, let it set slightly.
- Next, melt the white chocolate and pour it over the dark chocolate. Then, spread it to cover completely.
- After that, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and press them gently into the chocolate.
- Finally, refrigerate until firm, then break into pieces.
Why It’s a Winner: It’s beautiful, ready in 15 minutes, and can be customized with sprinkles or nuts for extra flair.
2. No-Bake Cheesecake
This creamy and dreamy christmas dessert is effortless to prepare and always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
Instructions:
- To begin, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Then, gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Next, spread the mixture into the crust and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- Finally, add optional toppings like caramel drizzle, crushed cookies, or fresh berries.
Why It’s a Winner: With no oven required, it’s a lifesaver for busy holiday schedules.
3. Cookie Truffles
These rich, bite-sized treats transform leftover cookies into fancy christmas desserts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed cookies (Oreos work great!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Melting chocolate
Instructions:
- First, combine the crushed cookies with the cream cheese until the mixture is smooth.
- Next, roll the mixture into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- After that, dip each ball in the melted chocolate and let them set.
Why It’s a Winner: Easy to make ahead, these truffles are versatile and look stunning with sprinkles or chocolate drizzles.
Bring Holiday Nostalgia to Life with Traditional Desserts
Bring holiday nostalgia to life with these traditional christmas desserts, simplified for stress-free baking. Here’s how you can recreate these classics:
4. Gingerbread Cookies
Nothing says Christmas like the spicy aroma of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- First, mix the flour, baking soda, and ginger together in a bowl.
- Next, cream the butter and brown sugar, then add the molasses and egg.
- Gradually, combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Finally, roll out the dough, cut it into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Why It’s a Winner:
The dough is easy to work with, and decorating is a fun activity for all ages.
5. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
This visually stunning centerpiece chrismtas desserts is easier to make than you think.
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Pre-made chocolate frosting
Instructions:
- First, bake the cake in a jelly roll pan and let it cool.
- Then, spread whipped cream inside the cake and carefully roll it up.
- After that, frost the rolled cake with chocolate frosting and use a fork to create a bark-like texture.
Why It’s a Winner:
Both elegant and delicious, it’s perfect for impressing your guests.
6. Classic Fruitcake
This holiday staple can be delicious christmas dessert with the right recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- First, soak the dried fruits in orange juice for an hour to enhance their flavor.
- Next, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs.
- Gradually, fold in the flour and soaked fruits until everything is evenly combined.
- Finally, bake at 325°F (165°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Why It’s a Winner:
This quick version skips the traditional weeks of curing but still delivers rich, fruity flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Plan Ahead with Make-Ahead Desserts
Planning ahead can save you time and stress during the busy holiday season. These desserts are perfect for preparing in advance while still delivering impressive results.
7. Holiday Pavlova
This light and elegant dessert features a crisp shell and soft center, topped with whipped cream and fruit.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Whipped cream and berries for topping
Instructions:
- To start, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually, add sugar, beating until the mixture is glossy.
- Next, gently fold in the cornstarch and shape the meringue into a circle on parchment paper.
- Then, bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1.5 hours, letting it cool completely afterward.
- Finally, top with whipped cream and fresh berries just before serving.
Why It’s a Winner:
Pavlova can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container, making it an effortless yet impressive dessert for any gathering.
Fun Desserts for Kids
Get the kids involved with these colorful and interactive treats. These recipes are as fun to make as they are to eat!
8. Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats
These adorable reindeer treats are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp butter
- Pretzels, candy eyes, and red M&Ms
Instructions:
- First, melt the butter and marshmallows together until smooth and gooey.
- Next, mix the melted marshmallows with the Rice Krispies cereal until well combined.
- Then, press the mixture into a pan and allow it to cool before cutting into rectangles.
- After that, decorate the rectangles with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and M&M noses, using melted chocolate as glue.
Why Kids Love It:
Decorating their own reindeer treats is a fun, creative holiday activity that adds a personal touch to snack time.
Healthy Holiday Desserts
Indulge guilt-free with these festive desserts that are both nutritious and delicious.
9. Dark Chocolate-Dipped Fruit
This simple yet elegant dessert pairs the richness of dark chocolate with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, orange slices, etc.)
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), melted
Instructions:
- First, dip each piece of fruit halfway into the melted chocolate.
- Next, place the dipped fruit on parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
Why It’s Healthy:
Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, while the fresh fruit provides essential vitamins and fiber, making this a wholesome treat.
Festive Desserts for Large Gatherings
When hosting a big holiday celebration, it’s important to choose desserts that are easy to prepare in bulk and appeal to a variety of tastes.
10. Sheet Pan Sugar Cookie Bars
Skip rolling and cutting individual cookies—these bars are perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- First, cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs and vanilla.
- Next, gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Then, press the dough evenly into a greased sheet pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Finally, once cooled, frost with icing and decorate with festive sprinkles before cutting into squares.
Why It’s a Winner:
These bars are easy to make, simple to serve, and customizable for any holiday theme.
Altogether, these easy christmas desserts recipes offer something for everyone, from nostalgic classics to kid-friendly treats and elegant desserts. By planning ahead and using these easy recipes, you’ll ensure a stress-free, delicious holiday season filled with memorable moments.
11. Make-Ahead Tiramisu Trifle
Layered desserts like this tiramisu trifle are perfect for feeding a crowd while making a stunning presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sponge cake or ladyfingers
- 2 cups strong coffee, cooled
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
- To begin, whip the mascarpone, heavy cream, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Next, dip the sponge cake slices or ladyfingers into the coffee, ensuring they are well-soaked but not overly soggy.
- Then, layer the coffee-soaked cake in a large trifle bowl.
- After that, alternate between layers of the soaked cake and mascarpone mixture, finishing with a mascarpone layer on top.
- Finally, dust the top with cocoa powder and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Why It’s a Winner:
This dessert is no-bake, decadent, and tastes even better when made ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
12. Holiday Dessert Charcuterie Board
A dessert charcuterie board is an interactive and visually stunning way to offer a variety of treats.
What to Include:
- Chocolate truffles
- Mini brownies or blondies
- Holiday cookies (e.g., gingerbread, sugar cookies)
- Candied nuts or chocolates
- Fresh fruit like grapes, apple slices, or berries
- Dipping sauces like caramel or chocolate
Setup Tips:
- First, arrange the items on a large board or platter with festive garnishes like sprigs of rosemary or cranberries.
- Next, provide serving tongs or spoons for easy access.
Why It’s a Winner:
This dessert option is highly customizable and ensures there’s something for everyone. Additionally, it doubles as a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
13. Big-Batch Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Warm and comforting, bread pudding is an excellent option for serving large groups.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
- 4 cups milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
- Next, mix the milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon together, then pour over the bread cubes. Add raisins if desired.
- Then, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soak.
- Finally, bake for 40–50 minutes until set, and drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.
Why It’s a Winner:
This dessert is easy to scale up, can be prepared in advance, and offers a warm, nostalgic flavor perfect for the holidays.
14. Christmas Cupcake Tower
Moreover, cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser and can be arranged in a tiered tower for a festive and eye-catching display.
Flavor Ideas:
- Red velvet with cream cheese frosting
- Chocolate with peppermint frosting
- Vanilla with green “Christmas tree” frosting and sprinkles
Tips for Decorating:
- First, use metallic cupcake liners or edible glitter to add extra sparkle.
- Next, top each cupcake with festive decorations like candy canes, star-shaped candies, or snowflake sprinkles.
Why It’s a Winner:
This dessert is easy to prepare in large batches, and the tower acts as both a treat and a decorative centerpiece.
15. Giant Holiday Pavlova
This light and elegant dessert combines a crisp meringue shell with a marshmallow-like center.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vinegar
- Whipped cream and fresh fruit for topping
Instructions:
- First, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until glossy.
- Next, fold in the cornstarch and vinegar.
- Then, spread the meringue into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Finally, bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1.5 hours and allow to cool completely before topping with whipped cream and fruit.
Why It’s a Winner:
This Christmas dessert is not only visually stunning but also highly customizable with seasonal fruit. Furthermore, it is perfect for impressing guests at any holiday gathering.
16. No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
This quick, crowd-pleasing christmas desserts tastes like an eclair without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 box graham crackers
- 2 boxes vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 1 tub whipped topping
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
Instructions:
- First, mix the pudding and milk, then fold in the whipped topping.
- Next, layer graham crackers, pudding mixture, and more graham crackers in a large dish.
- Then, spread chocolate frosting over the top layer of graham crackers.
- Finally, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Why It’s a Winner:
It’s incredibly easy to make, feeds a crowd, and gets better the longer it chills.
17. Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
This festive cheesecake is a Christmas dessert showstopper that effortlessly combines creamy textures, a minty kick, and just the right amount of chocolate. Moreover, it’s perfect for Christmas dessert parties or even better, as a stunning centerpiece dessert at your holiday table.
Ingredients
To make this delicious christmas dessert cheesecake, gather the following:
- 2 cups crushed chocolate cookies (for the crust)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- First, mix the crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter until combined.
- Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create the crust.
Make the Filling
- Then, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- After that, gently fold in the whipped cream and crushed candy canes, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Assemble the Cheesecake
- Next, spread the creamy filling over the prepared crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Chill and Serve
- Finally, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Why It’s a Winner
This peppermint bark cheesecake Christmas dessert is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- To begin with, the Festive Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake with mint and chocolate is holiday perfection.Additionally, it’s Easy to Make: No baking required, making it stress-free for busy holiday schedules.Finally, its Eye-Catching Presentation: The crushed candy canes add a festive pop of color.
Altogether, serve this cheesecake at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!
FAQs About Easy Christmas Desserts
Chocolate Cake stands out as a timeless classic, whether it’s layered, molten, or frosted to perfection.
Next, Cheesecake impresses with its creamy, rich texture and versatility, offering flavors ranging from classic vanilla to fruity delights.
In addition, Ice Cream is a universally loved treat, offering endless flavor combinations to suit every palate.
Moreover, Brownies—whether fudgy or cakey—remain a favorite for chocolate lovers everywhere.
Meanwhile, Cookies, from chocolate chip to snickerdoodles, are a must-have dessert that never fails to please.
Furthermore, Apple Pie brings warmth and comfort, especially as a beloved staple in American cuisine.
Not to mention, Tiramisu, the creamy Italian favorite made with coffee, mascarpone, and ladyfingers, adds an elegant touch to any table.
Additionally, Cupcakes provide perfectly portioned treats that are easy to decorate for any theme or celebration.
Finally, Pavlova, a light and airy meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, offers a refreshing and sophisticated option.
All in all, these desserts are not only diverse but also bring a universal sense of joy and indulgence to every gathering.
Christmas desserts in America often blend tradition with indulgence. To begin with, here are some favorites that highlight the festive spirit:
First, Pumpkin Pie—though more common at Thanksgiving, it still makes appearances at Christmas due to its warm, spiced flavors.
Next, Pecan Pie offers a sweet, nutty treat that feels perfect for the holidays.
In addition, Christmas Cookies are a staple, whether they’re decorated sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or spritz cookies.
Moreover, the Yule Log (Bûche de Noël), a chocolate sponge cake rolled with cream and frosted to resemble a log, adds a touch of elegance to the dessert table.
Meanwhile, Fruitcake remains a divisive classic—loved by some and avoided by others—but always present, packed with dried fruits and nuts.
Furthermore, Peppermint Bark combines layers of dark and white chocolate sprinkled with crushed candy canes, making it both festive and easy to share.
Not to mention, Chocolate Fudge is rich, indulgent, and often made in large batches, perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings.
Finally, Eggnog Cheesecake offers a festive twist on the classic cheesecake, with the added flavors of nutmeg and eggnog for a seasonal flair.
Altogether, these desserts not only capture the essence of Christmas but also ensure there’s something to satisfy every taste.
A dessert table is the centerpiece of any party, offering variety and something for everyone. To create an impressive spread, here’s what to include:
Start with mini desserts like mini cheesecakes, tartlets, or mousse cups.
Next, add an assortment of cookies, including chocolate chip, gingerbread, or sugar cookies.
Then, include brownie bites, which are easy to grab and perfect for chocolate lovers.
Follow with cake pops, offering fun, bite-sized versions of classic cakes.
After that, add bowls of candy such as chocolates, peppermint sticks, or toffee.
For a festive touch, include seasonal treats like pumpkin bars or eggnog pudding.
Balance the table with fruits like fresh fruit skewers or chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Finally, finish with cupcakes decorated with holiday themes to match the event.
Pro Tip: Add height and variety with tiered trays or stands to make the table visually appealing. With this mix, your dessert table is sure to be a hit!
A Christmas dessert platter should be festive, colorful, and filled with a mix of treats. To begin, here’s a guide to building the perfect platter:
First, include cookies like gingerbread men, sugar cookies with icing, and shortbread stars.
Next, add chocolate treats such as peppermint bark, truffles, or chocolate-covered pretzels.
Then, include mini desserts like bite-sized brownies, mini cheesecakes, or cream puffs.
After that, add candies such as candy canes, toffee, or wrapped chocolates.
For balance, include fruits like fresh berries, dried apricots, or pomegranate seeds to add pops of color.
Additionally, consider seasonal additions like mini fruitcakes, spiced nuts, or marshmallows shaped like snowflakes.
Finally, finish with garnishes like sprigs of rosemary, cranberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look.
With this variety, there’s something for everyone, making it a show-stopping holiday centerpiece.
Conclusion
With these easy Christmas desserts, you can create a magical holiday spread without stress. Whether you choose no-bake favorites, nostalgic classics, or crowd-pleasing large-batch recipes, there’s something to delight everyone.
Ready to get started? Dive into these recipes and enjoy a season filled with sweetness and joy. For even more inspiration, check out Taste of Home’s Christmas recipes or explore festive ideas from BBC Good Food.
Happy Holidays!