The holidays are here, and you know what that means: it’s time to deck the dessert table. No matter what or how you celebrate the season, sweet treats to savor and share are a must. While we can’t get enough cookie recipes this time of year, sometimes you have to think outside the tin. These non-cookie Christmas desserts are perfect for entertaining, gifting, or just hanging out by the tree.
Chocolate Lovers Trifle
If you love Christmas desserts, serve this to a chocolate lover in your life. The rich and delicious trifle layers chocolate cake with espresso-spiked chocolate pudding and whipped cream. Boxed cake mix and instant pudding help this showstopping dessert come together with just 20 minutes of prep.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Lovers Trifle
Christmas Tree Brownies
If decorating is your favorite part of making holiday desserts, these customizable Christmas tree brownies are for you. Boxed mix streamlines prep for triangular brownies that become a festive forest with the addition of candy cane “trunks” and “ornaments” made from miniature candies and sprinkles. It’s a family-friendly treat the kids will love to decorate and eat.
Get the recipe: Christmas Tree Brownies
Gingerbread Berry Trifle
This elegant trifle doubles as a festive centerpiece that’s sure to steal the holiday spotlight. The dessert made from gingersnap cookies layered with jam, fresh berries, and a luscious cream cheese custard looks as good as it tastes.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Berry Trifle
Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
There’s no wrong time to enjoy this beautiful holiday treat made from a handy breakfast shortcut ingredient. Little ones can help create this Christmas tree made from refrigerated cinnamon roll dough that’s decked with marshmallow “snowflakes” and miniature candy “ornaments.” Bonus: It doubles as a breakfast delight OR a Christmas dessert.
Get the recipe: Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
Part dessert, part decoration, this celebration-ready centerpiece is totally delicious. A vibrant green cupcake “wreath” adorned with red holiday candies and sprinkles is easy to pull off using boxed cake mix and store-bought frosting.
Get the recipe: Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
Fruitcake Pound Cake
Traditional fruitcake gets a glow up in this crowd-friendly recipe that bakes in a Bundt pan. Cranberry juice is the secret ingredient that adds moisture and subtle tang to buttery cake studded with red and green candied cherries and any of your favorite dried fruits.
Get the recipe: Fruitcake Pound Cake
Easy Yule Log
You don’t need Santa’s elves to pull off this picture-perfect, no-bake dessert. A few simple decorative touches transform chocolate wafer cookies layered with vanilla cream into a classic holiday yule log finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional garnishes, like white merengues, cranberries, and fresh rosemary “branches.”
Get the recipe: Easy Yule Log
Chocolate Cherry Babka
This mostly homemade version of a babka looks impressive, but it’s easy to make, thanks to a store-bought shortcut. Refrigerated crescent dough creates a light and airy loaf spiraled with chocolate-hazelnut spread and studded with candied cherries. Bonus: It’s great for both Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations!
Get the recipe: Chocolate Cherry Babka
Gluten-free Gingerbread Cake
The inviting aroma of this freshly baked Christmas cake will greet your guests as soon as they arrive. Molasses and a trio of warm spices give this gluten-free gingerbread cake its distinctive holiday flavor.
Get the recipe: Gluten-free Gingerbread Cake
Christmas Wreath Pavlova
This airy, eye-catching pavlova hails from Australia, where it’s a fixture at holiday celebrations. Pillowy merengue shaped like a wreath and adorned with red and green fruits and nuts is a lighter dessert option that’s guaranteed to end your gathering on a sweet note.
Get the recipe: Christmas Wreath Pavlova
Sticky Toffee Cake
This beautiful Bundt cake takes its cues from traditional toffee pudding, a Christmas favorite in England. Chopped dates add natural sweetness to a moist, ginger-scented cake soaked in an easy homemade toffee sauce.
Get the recipe: Sticky Toffee Cake
Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Candy canes aren’t just for the kids this year. Crushed peppermint candies add flavor, color, and crunch to rich buttercream frosting on this layered chocolate cake that can be partially made and frozen up to a month in advance.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Eggnog Cheesecake
Two store-bought holiday ingredients turn this crowd-pleasing dessert into a treat fit for Santa himself. Crushed gingersnap cookies form the crust for a luscious cheesecake made with your favorite brand of eggnog.
Get the recipe: Eggnog Cheesecake
