11+ Holiday Dessert Recipes for Christmas

Imagine the warmth of a crackling fire, the twinkling of lights on a tree, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats dancing through the air. This holiday season, prepare to indulge in some of the most delightful and mouth-watering desserts that will leave your family and friends asking for more.

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake from Life Love and Sugar

Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews).

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake from Homemade In The Kitchen

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 5 hr 10 min.

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake from Tastes of Lizzy T

Rating: 4.4 (25 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr 5 min.

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This dessert is a magical fusion of creamy cheesecake and spicy gingerbread, offering a delightful twist on two beloved classics. With a crunchy gingerbread crust and a smooth, rich filling, this cheesecake is a holiday masterpiece.

What makes this cheesecake stand out is its perfect balance between sweetness and spice. The crust is made from crushed gingerbread cookies, adding a festive spice that complements the velvety cream cheese layer. The filling is a heavenly blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and a touch of molasses, bringing the rich flavors of gingerbread to life.

The best part? It’s topped with a luscious layer of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of crushed pecans, adding a delightful crunch. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, making it a must-have on your holiday table.

Peppermint Chocolate Mousse

Peppermint Chocolate Mousse

Peppermint Chocolate Mousse from My Food Book

Rating: 4.4 (46 reviews). Total Time: 12 min.

Mint chocolate mousse pots

Mint chocolate mousse pots from Olive Magazine

Total Time: 45 min.

Peppermint mousse

Peppermint mousse from Taste

Rating: 4.2 (4 reviews). Total Time: 4 h 20 min.

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This dessert is a winter wonderland in a cup. The combination of smooth, rich chocolate and cool, refreshing peppermint creates a flavor explosion that captures the essence of the holiday season.

The secret to this mousse is its airy, light texture that melts in your mouth. Made with high-quality dark chocolate and a hint of peppermint extract, it provides a perfect balance of sweet and minty. Whipped cream folded into the mixture gives it a cloud-like consistency that is both indulgent and satisfying.

Adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top not only enhances the peppermint flavor but also adds a festive crunch. This mousse is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect last-minute addition to your holiday dessert lineup.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Eggnog Bread Pudding with Warm Whiskey Sauce

Eggnog Bread Pudding with Warm Whiskey Sauce from The Crumby Kitchen

Rating: 5 (51 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 10 min.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Eggnog Bread Pudding from Dance Around the Kitchen

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 55 min.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Eggnog Bread Pudding from The Pioneer Woman

Rating: 5 (4 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 40 min.

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If you love the rich, creamy taste of eggnog, then this bread pudding is the dessert for you. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly winter day, combining the traditional flavors of eggnog with the comforting texture of bread pudding.

This dessert is made by soaking cubes of day-old bread in a mixture of eggnog, eggs, sugar, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. As it bakes, the pudding becomes wonderfully custardy, with the eggnog infusing every bite with its creamy, spiced goodness.

Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of caramel or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you’re a fan of eggnog or not, this bread pudding is bound to become a holiday favorite.

Cranberry Orange Trifle

Cranberry Orange Trifle

Cranberry Orange Trifle from The Recipe Rebel

Rating: 5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.

Cranberry Orange Trifle

Cranberry Orange Trifle from Food Network

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Cranberry Orange Trifle

Cranberry Orange Trifle from SugarHero

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 50 min.

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Bright, tangy cranberries paired with sweet, juicy oranges create a festive and refreshing dessert that’s both elegant and delicious. This trifle is a perfect centerpiece for your holiday spread, with its vibrant layers and burst of flavors.

The trifle starts with layers of soft sponge cake, soaked in a light orange syrup that enhances the citrus notes. Between these layers, you’ll find a creamy vanilla custard that balances the tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the oranges.

What makes this trifle special is the homemade cranberry compote, which adds a delightful tartness and a pop of color. Topped with a generous layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a refreshing finish to any holiday meal.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Holiday Desserts

Christmas Desserts: Classic Italian Tiramisu

Christmas Desserts: Classic Italian Tiramisu from What's Gaby Cooking

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr 20 min.

Cranberry Christmas Cake

Cranberry Christmas Cake from Barefeet In The Kitchen

Rating: 4.9 (11 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.

Easy christmas dessert

Easy christmas dessert from Simone's Kitchen

Total Time: 5 min.

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Use High-Quality Ingredients

The secret to any great dessert is starting with the best ingredients you can find. Opt for fresh cream, high-quality chocolate, and real vanilla extract to enhance the flavors of your holiday treats. This attention to detail will make a noticeable difference in your desserts.

Master the Art of Balance

When creating holiday desserts, it’s important to balance sweet and savory, rich and light. For example, pairing a sweet dessert with a hint of spice or a touch of citrus can elevate the flavors and keep your guests coming back for more.

Presentation is Key

Beautifully presented desserts are always a hit. Take the time to garnish your treats with seasonal touches like a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprig of mint, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. A little effort goes a long way in making your desserts look as good as they taste.