15 Festive Desserts That Elevate Your Holiday Parties

The holidays are the perfect excuse to indulge in desserts that dazzle as much as they delight. This year, it’s all about festive treats that don’t just taste amazing but also add a touch of elegance to your celebrations. These desserts are designed to impress your guests and satisfy every sweet tooth. Presentation is key too—edible decorations, shimmering finishes, and creative plating can transform a simple dessert into a centerpiece. If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday parties, these festive desserts are sure to steal the show.

Peppermint Bark

This classic holiday treat is a crowd-pleaser. Start by melting 12 ounces of high-quality dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread evenly. Melt 6 ounces of white chocolate and drizzle it over the dark chocolate layer. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and refrigerate for at least an hour. Once hardened, break into pieces and serve. This refreshing, crunchy bark is a perfect holiday snack for any party.

Gingerbread Cheesecake

For a twist on traditional cheesecake, make a gingerbread crust by mixing 1 cup of crushed gingerbread cookies, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Press into the base of a springform pan. For the filling, beat together 2 packs of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake at 325°F for 60 minutes. Let it cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours. This dessert captures the cozy flavors of gingerbread and cheesecake in one delicious bite.

Eggnog Custard Tart

Eggnog isn’t just for sipping—it’s also a rich base for a delightful custard tart. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out a tart crust and place it in a tart pan. Whisk 1 1/2 cups of eggnog, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg in a bowl until smooth. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 35–40 minutes or until set. Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This elegant dessert will bring the festive flavor of eggnog to your table.

Chocolate Yule Log

A traditional French dessert, the Yule log, or Buche de Noel, makes a dramatic statement at any holiday party. Start by whisking together 6 eggs, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fluffy. Sift in 3/4 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, folding gently. Pour the batter onto a greased jelly roll pan and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Once cooled, spread with chocolate ganache, roll the cake, and frost with more ganache. Decorate with powdered sugar and holly leaves to complete this festive masterpiece.

Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding

For a comforting, warm dessert, try cranberry orange bread pudding. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Tear up 4 cups of stale bread into pieces and stir in 1 cup of fresh cranberries and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 40 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious holiday treat.

Pecan Pie Brownies

Combining two holiday favorites, pecan pie and brownies, this dessert is sure to delight your guests. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. Prepare brownie mix according to the package directions. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. While it bakes, prepare the pecan topping by combining 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Pour the pecan mixture over the partially baked brownies and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares and serving.

Red Velvet Trifle

For a showstopping dessert that’s easy to prepare, make a red velvet trifle. Begin by preparing 1 box of red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions. Once baked and cooled, cut the cake into cubes. In a trifle dish, layer the cake cubes with whipped cream cheese frosting and fresh raspberries. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a layer of frosting on top. Garnish with more raspberries and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a stunning, delicious treat.

Sugar Cookie Bars

These easy-to-make sugar cookie bars are a festive hit. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, cream 1 cup of butter, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, and 2 eggs. Add 4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing until combined. Press the dough into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden. Once cooled, frost with a simple buttercream frosting and decorate with sprinkles or holiday-themed sugar decorations.

Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze

Warm spiced apple cake with a rich caramel glaze is perfect for any holiday gathering. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 2 chopped apples, mixing until well combined. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes. For the glaze, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of caramel sauce until warm. Drizzle over the cake before serving.

Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

This light, creamy mousse is perfect for a cool holiday treat. In a bowl, melt 8 ounces of dark chocolate and 1/2 cup of heavy cream over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold in 1 1/2 cups of whipped cream and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Spoon the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, top with crushed candy canes and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a festive touch.

Stollen (German Christmas Bread)

Stollen is a rich, fruit-filled bread that’s perfect for holiday mornings. Start by dissolving 1 tablespoon of yeast in 1/4 cup of warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup of melted butter, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of rum-soaked dried fruit, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough and let it rise for 2 hours. Shape into a loaf and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tiramisu Truffles

These decadent little bites combine the flavors of tiramisu in a fun, bite-sized form. Begin by mixing 1 1/2 cups of crushed ladyfingers, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 cup of mascarpone cheese. Add 1 tablespoon of espresso or coffee, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of rum, mixing until a dough forms. Roll the mixture into balls and chill for at least an hour. Once firm, dip the truffles in melted chocolate and refrigerate until set. These truffles will be a hit at your holiday party!

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Turn the beloved cinnamon roll into a dessert casserole for an easy yet festive treat. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Tear 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls into pieces and place them in the dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls and bake for 25–30 minutes. Drizzle with the icing from the cinnamon rolls for a decadent finish.

Pistachio Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Pistachio cake is a nutty and festive option for your holiday dessert table. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, combine 1 box of pistachio cake mix, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of oil, and 1 cup of water, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. While the cakes cool, prepare buttercream frosting by beating 1 cup of butter with 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Frost the cake and decorate with chopped pistachios for added crunch.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies with a citrus twist are perfect for the holidays. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the zest of 1 orange, and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, finely chopped. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined into a soft dough. Roll the dough into small balls, flatten slightly with a fork, and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Let them cool on a wire rack. These cookies offer the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them a delightful addition to your holiday spread.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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