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15 Show-Stopping Christmas Desserts You’ll Want to Try

Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself and loved ones to sweet delights that brighten up the season. From cookies to cakes, this collection of 15 Christmas dessert ideas has got something for everyone.

Get ready to whip up some festive treats that will make your holiday gatherings even more special!

Pumpkin Pie

closeup of a slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream

There’s something special about pumpkin pie that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Its rich orange color and spiced aroma bring warmth to any gathering. This pie often finds its way to the table during Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it a cherished dessert for many.

The smooth filling, made mainly of pumpkin puree, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a comforting experience with every bite. Topped with whipped cream or served plain, pumpkin pie is a classic choice that never goes out of style.

For those interested in making their own, you can check out this perfect pumpkin pie recipe. It’s a great addition to your collection of Christmas baking recipes and will surely impress your guests!

As you prepare for your Christmas dinner, consider pairing this delightful pie with other desserts to create a festive dessert table. Pumpkin pie is not just a treat; it’s a tradition that many look forward to each year.

Gingerbread Cookies

A plate of decorated gingerbread cookies in festive shapes

Gingerbread cookies are a staple during the holiday season. These sweet treats bring warmth and cheer to any Christmas celebration. They come in fun shapes, like gingerbread men and Christmas trees, which makes them perfect for decorating and sharing.

The cookies in the image are beautifully crafted, with colorful icing and festive designs. Each cookie tells a story of creativity and holiday spirit. Making these cookies can be a fun activity for families and friends.

If you’re looking for a great recipe, check out this gingerbread cookie recipe. It includes all the ingredients you need and simple steps to follow. Baking together can turn into a lovely tradition, adding to the joy of the season.

These gingerbread cookies can also double as delightful Christmas dinner desserts. Whether you serve them at a gathering or gift them to loved ones, they are sure to spread holiday smiles.

Sugar Cookies

A festive display of decorated Christmas sugar cookies.

Nothing says festive like a plate full of beautifully decorated sugar cookies. These treats are decorated with vibrant icing and sprinkles, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. Whether shaped like Christmas trees, hearts, or stars, they bring a cheerful touch to the table.

Creating sugar cookies is a fun and rewarding process. The ingredients are simple: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix them together, chill the dough, and roll it out. Cut out your favorite shapes and bake until golden. Once they cool, get creative with icing and toppings!

If you’re looking for a classic sugar cookie recipe, check out this sugar cookie recipe. It’s a great addition to any Christmas baking recipes and makes for delightful Christmas dinner desserts.

Pecan Pie

closeup of a slice of pecan pie topped with whipped cream

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that many people look forward to during the festive season. This image showcases a delicious slice of pecan pie, topped with whole pecans, served alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The rich, nutty flavor and sweet filling are sure to please any dessert lover.

Making pecan pie can be a delightful experience. It typically includes ingredients like pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. The combination creates a sweet and gooey filling, perfectly balanced by the crunchy pecans on top.

If you’re considering adding this dessert to your holiday spread, here’s a great pecan pie recipe to try. It can easily become one of your go-to Christmas baking recipes!

Pecan pie is not just for Christmas dinner; it’s a year-round favorite that brings joy to many gatherings. Whether enjoyed at a family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s a dessert that never disappoints.

Apple Pie

closeup of an apple pie, depth of focus

Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort, especially around the holidays. This image captures a freshly baked pie, with a golden crust and perfectly arranged apple slices peeking through. The vibrant red and green apples sitting nearby hint at the sweet and tart flavors that await.

Making an apple pie is a delightful experience. You’ll need ingredients like crisp apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a flaky pie crust. Slice the apples, mix them with sugar and spices, and fill the crust. Then, bake until it’s golden and aromatic. It’s the perfect addition to your Christmas dinner desserts or a cozy winter evening.

Apple pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a tradition that brings families together. Enjoy a slice on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a sweet reminder of home and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

Make it yourself using this very highly rated and popular apple pie recipe.

Cranberry Cheesecake

christmas cranberry cheesecake
image credit: @willcookforsmiles

There’s something special about a cranberry cheesecake, especially during the festive season. This creamy dessert features a smooth and rich filling, perfectly balanced by the tartness of fresh cranberries. The vibrant red berries not only bring a pop of color but also add a refreshing taste that complements the cheesecake beautifully.

The image shows a beautifully decorated cranberry cheesecake, topped with a generous layer of glistening cranberries and a sprig of mint. It’s a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. Perfect for Christmas dinner desserts, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests.

Making this cheesecake is easier than you might think! Start with a simple crust made from crushed graham crackers and melted butter. For the filling, blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in some pureed cranberries for that unique flavor. Pour it all over the crust and let it set in the fridge. Top it off with fresh cranberries right before serving.

If you’re looking for a delicious holiday treat, check out this Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe. It’s a fantastic addition to your Christmas baking recipes!

Christmas Fruitcake

sliced christmas fruitcake topped with cream cheese icing

Christmas fruitcake is a timeless dessert that warms the holiday season. It’s a rich, dense cake packed with fruits and nuts, often decorated beautifully for festive displays. This delightful treat brings back memories of family gatherings and celebrations, making it a classic choice for Christmas dinners.

The image showcases a beautifully crafted fruitcake, adorned with an array of colorful dried fruits and nuts. The layers of textures and colors make it visually appealing, inviting you to take a slice. Each bite offers a unique blend of flavors, from sweet to nutty, and it fills the air with a warm aroma of spices.

If you want to try your hand at making this festive delight, this recipe is a great starting point. Gather your ingredients like dried cranberries, apricots, and various nuts, and get ready to enjoy the magic of Christmas baking.

Fruitcake can also be a charming gift for friends and family. Pack it up nicely and share the joy of homemade sweets. It truly is one of the best Christmas dinner desserts, bringing sweetness and cheer to the table.

Chocolate Fudge

Delicious chocolate fudge cubes topped with cocoa powder and chocolate curls

This chocolate fudge is a rich and smooth delight that captures the essence of indulgent treats. With a glossy finish and a dusting of cocoa powder, it looks as good as it tastes.

Making chocolate fudge is simple and fun, especially when it comes to Christmas baking recipes. You can whip this up quickly and impress your friends and family during the holidays. Imagine serving this as a standout piece among your Christmas dinner desserts! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a treat that everyone will love.

To create this delicious fudge, you’ll need basic ingredients like chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Melt everything together, pour it into a lined pan, let it set, and then cut into squares. For the full recipe, check out this creamy fudge recipe. It’s sure to become a favorite in your holiday traditions!

Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

closeup of cut end of christmas yule log cake

The Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, is a festive dessert that brings warmth and joy to Christmas gatherings. This cake resembles a wooden log, adorned with delightful decorations that make it stand out on any holiday table.

In the image, you can see a beautifully crafted Yule Log. It features a rich brown exterior, mimicking the bark of a tree. Atop the log, there are charming decorations like red mushrooms and holly leaves, which add a pop of color. The dusting of powdered sugar gives it a snowy touch, making it extra festive.

This cake is often filled with chocolate or coffee cream, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas dinner desserts. If you’re looking for a delicious recipe to try, check out this Yule Log recipe. It’s a wonderful way to impress your family and friends this holiday season!

Red Velvet Cake

A beautifully decorated red velvet cake with white frosting and red sprinkles.

Red velvet cake is a delightful treat that brings joy to any celebration. Its deep red color layered with creamy white frosting makes it not just tasty but also visually striking. This cake often steals the show on special occasions.

The flavor is unique and blends hints of cocoa with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a cake that people love to enjoy, especially during the holiday season. If you’re looking to impress your guests, this cake is sure to be a hit.

For those interested in baking, you can easily create this masterpiece at home. You’ll need ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and of course, red food coloring. Follow a simple recipe to whip up this classic dessert.

Perfect for Christmas dinners, this cake pairs well with other festive treats. Check out this red velvet cake recipe to get started on making one of your own!

Candy Cane Bark

image credit: @dinneratthezoo

Candy cane bark is a delightful treat that adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering. The image shows delicious layers of chocolate studded with pieces of crushed candy canes. This combination of smooth chocolate and crunchy peppermint creates a flavor explosion.

This festive bark is perfect for serving at Christmas dinner or for giving as a special gift. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it fits right into the lineup of classic Christmas baking recipes.

To make candy cane bark, you’ll need just a few ingredients: chocolate (dark or white), candy canes, and a pinch of salt. Start by melting the chocolate and spreading it out on a baking sheet. Then sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top. After letting it cool and harden, break it into pieces for easy snacking.

Try this very popular and high rated recipe today!

Peppermint Brownies

peppermint brownies
image credit: @nytimes

Peppermint brownies are the perfect treat during the holiday season. These delicious squares combine rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist, making them a hit at any festive gathering. Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie topped with a generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors!

For the ultimate Christmas baking recipe, gather these ingredients: unsweetened cocoa powder, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and of course, peppermint candies for that festive crunch.

Melt the butter and stir in cocoa powder for the base. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then mix in the flour. Pour the batter into a baking pan and bake until set. Once cooled, top with crushed peppermint for a pop of color and flavor.

These brownies are not only tasty but also make a lovely addition to any Christmas dinner dessert table. They look stunning on a platter and are sure to impress your guests. Want to see the full recipe? Check it out here.

English Christmas Trifle

english trifle in a clear glass dessert serving bowl
image credit: @whatgirlscaneat

Take a look at this beautiful English Christmas Trifle. It’s a treat that’s as festive as it is delicious. This layered dessert features sponge cake, fresh raspberries, and a creamy filling that comes together to create a delightful experience for the taste buds.

The layers are a feast for the eyes. You can see the vibrant red of the raspberries contrasting with the light cream and soft sponge. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for your holiday table. This trifle is perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Making this dessert is an enjoyable activity. If you’re searching for Christmas baking recipes, this is definitely one to try. The combination of textures and flavors will leave everyone wanting more. Pair it with your Christmas dinner for a sweet finish that everyone will love!

Get the recipe here.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A delicious serving of sticky toffee pudding topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with toffee sauce.

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic dessert that warms the heart and pleases the palate. This indulgent treat features a moist sponge cake, packed with dates and drenched in a rich toffee sauce. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it offers a delightful contrast of warm and cold.

In the image, you see a beautifully presented portion of sticky toffee pudding, complete with a generous drizzle of toffee sauce cascading over the fluffy dessert. The scoop of ice cream sits perfectly on top, inviting you to dig in. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dessert a popular choice, especially during the festive season.

If you’re looking to impress your friends and family this holiday, this pudding is a fantastic addition to your list of Christmas dinner desserts. It’s easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Get the full recipe here.

Eggnog Custard

A bowl of eggnog custard topped with nutmeg, surrounded by festive decorations like holly and berries.

Eggnog custard is a classic treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. This creamy dessert brings together the rich flavors of eggnog and a velvety texture that is simply irresistible. As you look at the image, you can see how beautifully it’s presented. The custard is topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg, enhancing its festive appeal.

Perfect for Christmas dinner desserts, this dish is both comforting and indulgent. It’s served in elegant glasses, making it a stunning addition to any holiday table. The surrounding decorations, like holly and red berries, add to the charm and make it feel like a special occasion.

If you’re planning your Christmas baking recipes, consider adding this custard tart recipe to your lineup. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with family and friends. With each spoonful, you’ll be reminded of the warmth and joy that the holiday season brings.

While you are here, check out some of our other great dessert recipe ideas!

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