17+ Christmas Dessert Recipes for Holiday Celebrations

When the air turns crisp and holiday lights twinkle, there’s a certain magic in the kitchen. The aroma of festive spices and sweet treats fills the home, inviting everyone to gather and indulge.

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 delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread. With ingredients like cream cheese, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this cheesecake is a holiday favorite.

The crust, made from crushed gingerbread cookies, adds a crunchy texture that complements the smooth cheesecake filling. What makes this recipe stand out is its festive flavor profile—perfectly capturing the essence of Christmas in every bite. It’s a charming twist on a classic dessert, sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and unique taste.

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Peppermint Bark Fudge from Sugar Spun Run

Rating: 5 (57 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Peppermint Bark Fudge from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.7 (28 reviews). Total Time: 4 hr 25 min.

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Peppermint Bark Fudge from The Cafe Sucre Farine

Rating: 5 (13 reviews). Total Time: white chocolate, evaporated milk, marshmallow creme, mini chocolate chips, sweet chocolate chips.

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This fudge combines the rich, decadent taste of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Ingredients like dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint extract come together to create layers of flavor.

What makes this dessert special is its simplicity and the classic holiday combination of chocolate and peppermint. It’s a no-bake wonder, making it an easy yet impressive treat to whip up. The crushed candy canes on top add a festive touch and a satisfying crunch that everyone loves.

This fudge is a fantastic way to enjoy the nostalgic taste of peppermint bark in a new, creamy form. It’s perfect for gift-giving or adding a sweet note to your holiday dessert spread.

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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Eggnog lovers, rejoice! This bread pudding takes the traditional holiday drink and turns it into a comforting, custard-like dessert. With ingredients such as challah bread, eggnog, and nutmeg, each bite is rich and flavorful.

The magic of this recipe lies in its ability to transform leftover bread into a show-stopping dessert. The eggnog infuses the pudding with a creamy, spiced flavor that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Top it with a drizzle of bourbon sauce for an extra-special touch that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Chocolate Yule Log

Mary Berry's yule log

Mary Berry's yule log from BBC

Rating: 3.9 (141 reviews).

Bûche De Noël (Yule Log)

Bûche De Noël (Yule Log) from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.6 (234 reviews).

Yule Log

Yule Log from The Pioneer Woman

Rating: 4.4 (16 reviews).

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This traditional French dessert, also known as “Bûche de Noël,” is as delicious as it is beautiful. Made with a light, airy sponge cake and rich chocolate ganache, it’s rolled and decorated to resemble a festive log.

The combination of textures in this dessert is what makes it so irresistible. The sponge cake is tender and moist, while the ganache adds a luxurious richness. It’s a dessert that celebrates the artistry of baking and brings a touch of elegance to any holiday table. Dust it with powdered sugar to resemble snow and garnish with meringue mushrooms for an authentic, whimsical look.

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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This trifle is a burst of holiday flavors with layers of citrusy orange cake, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy vanilla pudding. It’s a refreshing and vibrant dessert that’s both light and satisfying.

What makes this trifle stand out is its bright, festive colors and the balance of sweet and tart flavors. The orange zest in the cake and the homemade cranberry sauce bring a fresh twist to the traditional trifle. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a lighter dessert option that’s still full of holiday cheer. Plus, it’s visually stunning, making it a centerpiece-worthy addition to your dessert table.

Spiced Apple Galette

Easy Apple Galette

Easy Apple Galette from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.8 (55 reviews).

Spiced Apple Galette Recipe

Spiced Apple Galette Recipe from Wine and Country Life

Apple butter galette

Apple butter galette from Ottolenghi

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This rustic, free-form pie is the essence of simplicity and comfort. Filled with spiced apples and wrapped in a flaky pastry crust, it’s a warm, inviting dessert that captures the cozy spirit of the season.

The beauty of a galette is in its imperfection—no need for perfect crusts or fancy designs. The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and apples creates a fragrant filling that’s reminiscent of a classic apple pie but with a more relaxed, homey feel. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s sure to please any crowd.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Christmas Dessert Recipes

Christmas Desserts: Classic Italian Tiramisu

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

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

20+ Best Chocolate Christmas Desserts (Easy Recipes!)

20+ Best Chocolate Christmas Desserts (Easy Recipes!) from Foodess

Rating: 5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

Irish Christmas Cake

Irish Christmas Cake from Bigger Bolder Baking

Rating: 4.7 (175 reviews). Total Time: 3 h 10 min.

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Mastering the Art of Presentation

Enhance your desserts with festive garnishes like fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These small touches can elevate the visual appeal and make your creations truly Instagram-worthy.

Balancing Flavors with Precision

When working with spices or extracts, start with small amounts and adjust to taste. This ensures your desserts have the perfect flavor balance without overpowering the dish.

Embracing the Make-Ahead Strategy

Many holiday desserts, such as cheesecakes and trifles, benefit from being made a day in advance. This allows flavors to meld beautifully and gives you more time to enjoy the festivities.