25 Christmas Cakes Ideas For When Dessert Deserves a Little Holiday Spotlight

Holiday get-togethers feel complete once you have 25 Christmas cake ideas to choose from for dessert. A cake can be the centerpiece or just a treat to finish out the evening. Even a simple recipe goes a long way on a busy holiday. Planning ahead means you worry less and enjoy more sweet moments with family and friends.

Close-up of sliced pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, with plates in the background.
Moist Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Three chocolate cake pops shaped like reindeer, with pretzel antlers and red candy noses, on wooden sticks.
Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bright decorations often set the mood for the holiday table, and these playful treats steal the show. People always reach for this Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops before trying anything else on the dessert tray. Their cheerful look and sweet flavor spark smiles all around. Fun, festive desserts help everyone feel the spirit of the season.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with a caramelized sugar topping, resting on parchment paper with a crumbly base visible.
Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A creamy dessert topped with caramelized sugar turns any gathering into something memorable. Friends usually ask for a second slice once this Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake appears on the table. The smooth filling pairs beautifully with a crisp topping. Classic favorites are always a welcome highlight at holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce on a plate, with more cake in the background.
Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rich layers with a mix of sweet and a hint of salt make for an irresistible combo at dessert time. This Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake creates a buzz as soon as slices start making their way around. Chocolate fans often talk about it long after the last bite. Cakes like this feel extra special during December.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Rich Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Rich Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie crusts and creamy fillings bring out excited reactions at holiday get-togethers. Guests reach for this Rich Oreo Cheesecake the moment it hits the cake stand. Each bite combines the best of classic cheesecake with a playful twist. Oreo treats never fail to draw attention around Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Rich Oreo Cheesecake

Easy Apple Dump Cake

Close-up of an apple crumble dessert with a golden crust, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a spoon placed inside the dish.
Easy Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

No-fuss desserts are always a relief during busy December days. I like bringing this Easy Apple Dump Cake to potlucks because everyone enjoys its warm, comforting taste. It disappears faster than almost any other treat on the table. Simple cakes give home bakers a break without losing their holiday charm.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Dump Cake

Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Rudolph cupcakes featuring swirled frosting, candy eyes, a red candy nose, and pretzel antlers mimic the playful charm of a reindeer.
Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Whimsical cupcakes with bright colors often cause pure excitement on the dessert table. Kids and adults both rush for this Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes once they spot the fun faces. Each one brings a spark of joy along with its sweet bite. Creative decorations turn cupcakes into the life of the party.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

A slice of festive Christmas Poke Cake with red swirls and pink frosting, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry, sits elegantly on a plate with a fork.
Sweet Christmas Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bites packed with surprises and colorful layers make winter gatherings feel more festive. The first time I served this Sweet Christmas Poke Cake, partygoers kept asking about its swirled colors. Each slice cracks open a secret layer of flavor. Poke cakes are always a beautiful addition to Christmas dessert spreads.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Three cupcakes topped with swirled frosting, cranberries, rosemary sprigs, pinecones, and powdered sugar, with a small decorative house in the foreground.
Gingerbread Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Spices and fluffy cakes often win hearts when desserts are passed around. These Gingerbread Cupcakes puts everyone in a cozy holiday mood with its aroma alone. Warm spices and soft cake create a classic Christmas treat. Cupcakes like these help set the scene for joyful desserts.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes

Moist Chocolate Cake

A person holding a slice of chocolate layer cake with frosting from a chocolate cake recipe.
Moist Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A rich, tender cake at the center of the table brings out smiles from chocolate lovers and casual fans alike. People call this Moist Chocolate Cake the best kind of comfort food for winter evenings. Each generous slice feels like a well-earned reward after a long day. Chocolate always has a way of making December nights a bit sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Moist Chocolate Cake

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background.
Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing calls up cozy winter memories faster than a dessert inspired by a mug of hot cocoa. I noticed these Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes disappears almost instantly at any holiday party. Fluffy frosting and comforting flavor set the scene for fireside gatherings. Hot chocolate desserts are always welcome during Christmastime.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Amish Cinnamon Cake

Three pieces of crumbly coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl are stacked on a plate, with two white mugs partially visible around them.
Amish Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Spiced cakes send up a warm, welcoming aroma the moment the plate arrives. Often, this Amish Cinnamon Cake becomes the dessert people remember from holiday brunches and afternoon visits. Its tender crumb feels perfect for December. Cinnamon treats add a nostalgic touch to any Christmas menu.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Cake

Santa Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with red frosting swirled to resemble Santa hats, topped with powdered sugar and a small marshmallow, with miniature decorative trees in the foreground.
Santa Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet desserts designed to look like Santa instantly draw laughter and attention from guests young and old. These Santa Cupcakes never last long on any Christmas buffet. Each cupcake adds a festive touch and encourages plenty of photo moments. Desserts with a playful look brighten the holiday dessert lineup.
Get the Recipe: Santa Cupcakes

Moist Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake with whipped cream swirls on a cakestand.
Moist Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of red velvet with a luxurious finish set the scene for a rich winter treat. Folks often ask for seconds of this Moist Red Velvet Cake, saying it tastes like celebration in every slice. Its beautiful color fits perfectly with the holiday theme. Red velvet always brings a little luxury to Christmas desserts.
Get the Recipe: Moist Red Velvet Cake

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Starbucks pink cake pops in a glass on a table.
Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Small treats are big winners when everyone wants a bite-sized piece of dessert fun. I love making this Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop since guests ask how I managed to get them so close to the original. Each pop pairs perfectly with a warm mug of coffee or cocoa. Familiar desserts make everyone feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice topped with icing and sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cinnamon rolls turned into cake form feel just right for Christmas brunch or dessert spreads. Friends often reach straight for this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake, curious about how something so homey becomes a shareable slice. Gooey swirls and a tender crumb win plenty of praise. Cakes that remind us of breakfast always feel extra welcoming.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Easy Christmas Dump Cake

A plate of fruit crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, accompanied by a spoon.
Easy Christmas Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick desserts with layers of flavor and a festive finish often steal the spotlight at busy holiday parties. People usually clear the serving dish of this Easy Christmas Dump Cake in no time at all. Its simple presentation hides a comforting surprise in every scoop. Cakes that are low-stress bring more cheer to the host and the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dump Cake

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface.
Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Slices of golden pineapple and cherries stacked on top draw all eyes to the dessert plate. Baked upside-down, this Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake gets folks talking about favorite vintage recipes. Each piece is sweet, fruity, and a little bit retro. Old-school cakes add charm to modern holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Dense Fruit Cake

A close-up of a fruitcake with a slice being lifted out, showing its dense texture and pieces of dried fruit inside.
Dense Fruit Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Even skeptics change their minds after a rich, heavy slice full of festive flavor. This Dense Fruit Cake wins fans among those who love rustic, storied desserts for Christmas. It keeps guests talking about tradition and memory at every gathering. Fruit cake has a way of making everyone feel the spirit of the season.
Get the Recipe: Dense Fruit Cake

Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Cupcake with green frosting, adorned with red and green candy pieces, resembling a Christmas tree.
Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tree-shaped cupcakes topped with green and gold details always prompt grins and quick selfies. Seeing these Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes lined up on a plate makes the whole dessert table brighter. Each cupcake feels almost too pretty to eat. Decorations that echo holiday symbols bring instant cheer to the party.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board.
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Slices of cake with pumpkin and spice create a dessert that tastes just like winter mornings. This Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake means questions about the aroma are sure to follow. Its moist crumb and comforting flavor keep people coming back for more. Pumpkin coffee cake makes the holiday season feel like home.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Several red velvet cupcakes with swirls of cream cheese frosting and sprinkled crumbs on top, arranged on a light-colored surface.
Red Velvet Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Luscious red cupcakes with a creamy crown bring fun and celebration to any dessert tray. These Red Velvet Cupcakes often starts a line of people eager to try its bright color. The rich taste and smooth top are a hit at Christmas parties. Cupcakes with a pop of color always help the holidays feel brighter.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Rich German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
Rich German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers filled with rich coconut and chocolate filling impress even the pickiest dessert lovers. As soon as I serve this Rich German Chocolate Cake, guests come back for seconds without hesitation. It’s the kind of cake that makes desserts feel unforgettable. German chocolate always offers a unique treat for the Christmas season.
Get the Recipe: Rich German Chocolate Cake

Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with cherry sauce, sitting on a beige plate.
Sweet Cherry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Juicy cherries over creamy filling offer a cheerful look that’s tough for anyone to resist at Christmas. This Sweet Cherry Cheesecake at parties has made it my reliable go-to for brightening up the table. The mild tang and bright fruit make each forkful exciting. Cheesecake with fruit has a spot on every holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

Classic Strawberry Cheesecake

A slice of strawberry-topped cheesecake is being lifted above the rest of the cake, showing a graham cracker crust and creamy filling.
Classic Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple cheesecake with swirls of strawberry shows up at every kind of December gathering. Folks stop to admire the pretty berry topping before grabbing a piece of this Classic Strawberry Cheesecake. One slice is never enough once those sweet-tart flavors take over. Strawberries bring summertime joy to holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Classic Strawberry Cheesecake

Moist Pumpkin Cake

Close-up of sliced pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, with plates in the background.
Moist Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Pumpkin in cake form feels both comforting and festive as frost appears on windows. This Moist Pumpkin Cake tends to draw crowds who want a creamy, spiced flavor to finish their meal. Winter celebrations always need something warm and special. Pumpkin desserts are a seasonal highlight everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Cake

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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