The holiday season is a time for joy, warmth, and of course, delicious treats. Whether you’re planning to host a festive gathering or just want to enjoy something sweet at home, there are plenty of desserts that capture the spirit of the holidays. From classic confections to new twists on old favorites, these desserts are sure to please your family and friends. Here are some of the best holiday desserts to try this year that will bring a little extra magic to your celebrations.
1. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a beloved British dessert that has made its way to holiday tables around the world, and for good reason. Made with moist sponge cake flavored with dates and drenched in a warm, rich toffee sauce, this dessert is perfect for chilly winter nights. The combination of dark brown sugar, butter, and cream creates a deep caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of heavy cream.
For an added twist, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or ginger to the sponge batter to give it a holiday flair. Sticky toffee pudding is simple to make ahead and reheat, which makes it a convenient choice for busy holiday schedules.
2. Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
If you love the combination of chocolate and peppermint, then Peppermint Bark Cheesecake should be on your holiday dessert list. This decadent dessert features a creamy cheesecake filling with bits of crushed peppermint candy and chocolate chunks for a festive touch. A chocolate cookie crust adds extra depth of flavor, while a white chocolate ganache topping makes it irresistible.
The cheesecake is both indulgent and festive, with just the right amount of peppermint flavor to capture the magic of the season. Garnish with extra crushed peppermint and whipped cream for a picture-perfect holiday dessert that will impress your guests.
3. Buche de Noel (Yule Log Cake)
The Buche de Noel, or Yule Log Cake, is a classic French holiday dessert that’s as much a centerpiece as it is a treat. This traditional cake is made from a light, rolled genoise sponge filled with buttercream or whipped cream, and then decorated to resemble a log. The exterior is typically coated with rich chocolate ganache and textured with a fork to mimic tree bark.
To elevate this classic dessert, consider filling the sponge with a hazelnut praline buttercream or adding a splash of espresso to the ganache for a more complex flavor. Decorate the Yule log with mushroom-shaped meringues, powdered sugar for a snowy effect, and even some fresh rosemary sprigs to make it look like a real woodland creation. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes a striking addition to any holiday table.
4. Eggnog Crème Brûlée
If you’re looking for a sophisticated dessert that still fits the holiday theme, Eggnog Crème Brûlée is a fantastic option. This festive take on the classic French dessert uses eggnog in the custard mixture, adding a hint of nutmeg and vanilla that perfectly embodies the flavors of the season. The creamy, rich custard is balanced by the crisp caramelized sugar topping, offering a delightful contrast in texture.
Eggnog Crème Brûlée is easy to prepare ahead of time, which makes it ideal for holiday entertaining. Simply make the custard and chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, then use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar on top right before serving. Your guests will love cracking through the sugar crust to reach the creamy custard beneath.
5. Gingerbread Trifle
A Gingerbread Trifle is an easy yet impressive dessert that combines layers of gingerbread cake, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and crushed ginger cookies. The warm spices of the gingerbread cake—like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger—blend beautifully with the creamy pudding and whipped cream, creating a comforting, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for the holidays.
You can also add some spiced rum or ginger liqueur to the cake or pudding for an adults-only version that has a little extra kick. Serve the trifle in a clear glass dish or individual cups to showcase the beautiful layers. This dessert is ideal for making ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen overnight.
6. Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan Pie Bars take all the goodness of a classic pecan pie and turn it into a more portable, easy-to-serve treat. The bars have a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey filling made of chopped pecans, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. These bars are perfect for those who want a dessert that’s just as delicious as pie but simpler to make and serve.
Cut the bars into small squares and serve them as part of a dessert platter or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra holiday twist, consider drizzling the bars with dark chocolate or adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
7. Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Nothing says winter quite like Spiced Apple Cider Donuts. These cake-like donuts are flavored with reduced apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making them taste like a bite of holiday warmth. The donuts are coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, adding a delightful crunch with every bite.
These donuts are ideal for a holiday brunch or a sweet snack alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They can be made in a donut pan for a classic shape, or simply rolled into doughnut holes for a bite-sized treat. Serve them warm for the best experience, and watch them disappear in no time.
8. Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding is a festive twist on a classic comfort dessert. Made with day-old bread soaked in a rich custard flavored with orange zest, cranberries, and warm spices, this dessert is full of holiday flavors. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the custard and the bright citrus notes from the orange.
Serve this bread pudding with a drizzle of vanilla sauce or a scoop of whipped cream to take it over the top. It’s a wonderful dessert for a cozy evening by the fire, and the tangy cranberries add a burst of color and flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
9. Chocolate Hazelnut Snowball Cookies
Chocolate Hazelnut Snowball Cookies are a delicious addition to any holiday cookie platter. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with finely ground hazelnuts and cocoa powder, then rolled in powdered sugar to give them their signature snowball look. The combination of chocolate and hazelnut is rich and decadent, making these cookies a crowd favorite.
These cookies are easy to make and store well, which means you can prepare them ahead of time for holiday parties or as homemade gifts. Pack them in festive tins or jars, and they make a delightful holiday treat to share with friends and family.
10. Panettone Bread Pudding
For an easy dessert that still feels elegant, Panettone Bread Pudding is a perfect choice. Panettone, the traditional Italian holiday bread, is naturally sweet and studded with candied fruits and raisins. When transformed into a bread pudding, it becomes a rich and comforting dessert with layers of flavor.
Simply cube the panettone, soak it in a mixture of eggs, milk, cream, and sugar, and bake until golden and set. Serve it warm with a caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent ending to your holiday meal. This bread pudding is a great way to use up leftover panettone and turn it into something truly special.
Bring Sweetness to Your Holidays
The holidays are a time for creating memories, and what better way to do so than by making and sharing delicious desserts? Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors like gingerbread and cranberry or you’re looking for something a little different, like eggnog crème brûlée or peppermint bark cheesecake, these desserts are sure to add an extra layer of joy to your celebrations. Gather your loved ones, grab your favorite recipe, and make this holiday season the sweetest one yet.
