18 Best Holiday Desserts to Impress Your Guests

When it comes to the holiday season, nothing brings people together like a table full of delicious desserts. Whether you want to stick with traditional favorites or try something new, these desserts will make your holiday gatherings extra special. Each recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Plus, they’re perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting out. With these mouthwatering holiday treats, your celebrations will surely be remembered long after the last bite is gone.

Chocolate Peppermint Cake

This rich chocolate peppermint cake is perfect for any holiday gathering. Start by mixing 1 ¾ cups of flour, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix both bowls together, then add 1 cup of hot water. Bake the batter at 350°F for 35 minutes. Once cool, frost with chocolate buttercream and top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish.

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Gingerbread cheesecake bars combine holiday spice with creamy cheesecake. To make them, start by mixing 1 ½ cups of crushed gingersnap cookies with ¼ cup of melted butter and press into a baking dish. Beat together 16 ounces of cream cheese, ¾ cup of sugar, and 2 eggs. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake at 325°F for 40 minutes. After cooling, cut into bars and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Cranberry Orange Cake

A bright and tangy cranberry orange cake brings a burst of flavor to any holiday table. Begin by creaming together 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of butter. Add 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the zest of one orange. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then fold in 1 cup of fresh cranberries. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, and finish with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

For a seasonal twist on two classics, pumpkin pie cheesecake is a must. Start by making a graham cracker crust with 1 ½ cups of crushed graham crackers and ⅓ cup of melted butter. In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of cream cheese, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, and 2 eggs. Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. Allow it to cool before serving with whipped cream.

White Chocolate Raspberry Tart

This elegant white chocolate raspberry tart is both simple and stunning. Start by baking a premade tart crust according to package instructions. Meanwhile, melt 8 ounces of white chocolate and mix it with ½ cup of heavy cream until smooth. Pour the white chocolate mixture into the tart crust and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Top with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Salted Caramel Apple Galette

A rustic salted caramel apple galette is sure to impress your guests with its homemade look and taste. Start by rolling out premade pie dough and place it on a baking sheet. Slice 4 apples thinly and toss with ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Arrange the apple slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, brush with egg wash, and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log

A holiday classic, the chocolate hazelnut yule log is both festive and indulgent. Begin by making a chocolate sponge cake with ¾ cup of flour, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, 4 eggs, and ¾ cup of sugar. Once baked, roll the cake in a clean towel and let it cool. For the filling, mix 1 cup of hazelnut spread and ½ cup of whipped cream. Unroll the cake, spread the filling, and roll it back up. Frost with chocolate ganache and decorate with powdered sugar to resemble snow.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars offer all the deliciousness of a traditional pie without the fuss. Start by making a shortbread crust with 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ¾ cup of butter. Press the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. For the filling, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup of corn syrup, ¾ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in 2 cups of chopped pecans and pour the filling over the crust. Bake for an additional 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Red Velvet Cake Trifles

Red velvet cake trifles are a beautiful, individual dessert perfect for entertaining. Bake a red velvet cake using a cake mix, then crumble it into pieces once cooled. In individual serving glasses, layer the cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries. Repeat the layers until the glass is filled, ending with a dollop of frosting and a strawberry on top. Chill before serving for a festive and impressive treat.

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Peppermint bark brownies combine two holiday favorites into one rich dessert. Start by preparing your favorite brownie mix and baking it in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked and cooled, melt 1 cup of white chocolate and spread it over the brownies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top and let the chocolate harden. Cut into squares and serve for a delicious blend of chocolate and mint.

Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies

These maple pecan shortbread cookies bring a nutty sweetness to the holiday dessert table. Begin by creaming together 1 cup of butter and ½ cup of maple syrup. Add 2 cups of flour and ½ cup of finely chopped pecans. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Slice into rounds and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle with additional maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Chocolate Mousse Cups

These chocolate mousse cups are rich, creamy, and easy to serve in individual portions. Start by melting 8 ounces of dark chocolate and letting it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the chocolate into the whipped cream until smooth and divide into small cups. Chill for at least 2 hours, then top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.

Spiced Pear Tart

A spiced pear tart adds elegance and seasonal flavors to your holiday dessert spread. Begin by making a pie crust and fitting it into a tart pan. Peel and slice 4 pears, then toss them with ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Arrange the pear slices in the tart shell and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Once cooled, brush with warm apricot preserves for a glossy finish.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

For a rich and indulgent treat, sticky toffee pudding is a perfect holiday dessert. Start by soaking 1 cup of pitted dates in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Puree the dates in a blender, then mix them with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. In a separate bowl, cream ½ cup of butter with 1 cup of brown sugar, then beat in 2 eggs. Stir in the date mixture, followed by 1 ½ cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Drizzle with warm toffee sauce and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

This easy-to-make white chocolate cranberry fudge is a great holiday gift or dessert option. Melt 3 cups of white chocolate chips and 1 can of sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. Once smooth, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ cup of dried cranberries. Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch pan and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until set. Cut into squares and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.

Coconut Macaroons

These coconut macaroons are chewy, sweet, and a great addition to any holiday dessert platter. Combine 3 cups of shredded coconut with ¾ cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a delicious finishing touch.

Almond Snowball Cookies

Almond snowball cookies are a classic holiday dessert that’s perfect for cookie swaps or serving with coffee. Start by creaming together 1 cup of butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 cups of flour, then mix in 1 cup of finely chopped almonds. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar to create a snowball effect.

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

This caramel pecan cheesecake is a showstopper for any holiday gathering. Start by making a crust with 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup of melted butter. Press the crust into a springform pan and bake at 325°F for 10 minutes. Beat together 24 ounces of cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and 3 eggs until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 50 minutes. Once cooled, top with a generous layer of caramel sauce and toasted pecans for a luxurious finish.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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