47 Christmas Desserts I Never Take Off the Table

The holidays may change from year to year, but dessert traditions shouldn’t. That’s why these 47 Christmas recipes always make the cut, no matter how full the table gets. They’ve got the charm, the comfort, and just enough nostalgia to keep everyone coming back for seconds. If dessert could win awards, these would be lifelong champions.

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.
Christmas Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it.
Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

There’s something about a creamy dessert that makes everyone linger a little longer. Blueberry Cheesecake brings that perfect balance of sweetness and calm that keeps forks moving even after dinner’s done. It looks simple but always feels like a celebration. You’ll have people asking if there’s another one hiding in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Close-up of a slice of fruit pie with a golden, flaky crust. The filling is a mix of pink and red fruit, slightly oozing out onto the plate.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Few desserts start conversations like a good pie does. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie hits that sweet-meets-tart note that somehow makes everyone nostalgic. It’s cozy, classic, and never out of place on a crowded dessert table. Don’t be surprised if the last slice mysteriously disappears.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Hot Fudge Sundae

A glass filled with vanilla ice cream, crumbled cookies, and chocolate sauce being poured on top.
Hot Fudge Sundae. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cold treats meet warm toppings in the most comforting way. Hot Fudge Sundae brings that familiar joy of mixing temperature and texture that no one ever gets tired of. It’s simple enough for kids but still feels special for grown-ups. Someone’s always claiming they’re “just having one bite.”
Get the Recipe: Hot Fudge Sundae

Baked Alaska

A slice of baked Alaska with a toasted meringue exterior and green ice cream center being lifted from the dessert.
Baked Alaska. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some desserts don’t just taste good; they make an entrance. Baked Alaska does exactly that, looking bold and dramatic before melting into something soft and sweet. It’s the kind of treat that always earns a few wows from the table. Phones usually come out before forks.
Get the Recipe: Baked Alaska

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

A bowl of strawberry swirl ice cream topped with a rectangular shortbread biscuit, with a spoon on the side.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dessert gets playful when familiar flavors turn into something frozen. Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream takes all the fun of the original and wraps it in chill nostalgia. It’s creamy, fruity, and perfect for sharing after a big meal. Don’t expect leftovers if you set it out early.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate.
Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort doesn’t get any easier than this. Homemade Bread Pudding turns everyday ingredients into something soft, rich, and quietly unforgettable. It’s one of those desserts that feels like home from the first bite. You’ll find everyone sneaking “just a little more” before cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

A festive cookie stack resembling a Christmas tree, decorated with green frosting and pink and white edible pearls.
Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some treats are made to impress as much as they’re made to eat. Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies bring height, color, and a little playfulness to any spread. They’re as fun to look at as they are to share. Everyone ends up reaching for one “for the photo” first.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

German Chocolate Cake

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

A true crowd-pleaser never loses its charm. German Chocolate Cake delivers that layered sweetness that feels both bold and familiar. It always stands tall on the dessert table like it knows it belongs there. Expect the first slice to vanish faster than you can blink.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface.
Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A dessert with a name like that has to win hearts. Marry Me Cookies are soft, chewy, and somehow always end up being the favorite in any batch. They’re the kind of treat that makes people pause mid-conversation. You’ll be collecting compliments faster than you can pass the plate.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Cookies

Lemon Bars

Close-up of a lemon bar with a crumbly, light yellow top layer and a thicker, moist filling resting on a shortbread crust.
Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy desserts have their own kind of charm. Lemon Bars hit that balance between bright and sweet, making them impossible to forget once they appear. They’re fresh, light, and easy to love with every bite. Plates tend to come back spotless after these.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Tiramisu

A slice of tiramisu is being lifted from the dish, showcasing layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, topped with cocoa powder.
Tiramisu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Few desserts feel as effortlessly classy as this one. Tiramisu layers rich flavor and smooth texture in a way that makes everyone slow down a little. It’s timeless and always looks like more work than it really is. Someone always calls dibs on the corner slice.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

A close-up of a baked pastry ring dusted with powdered sugar, featuring multiple layers of golden-brown, flaky dough and hints of cinnamon apple strudel slices peeking through.
Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s something special about desserts that fill the room with warmth. Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices do exactly that; cozy, flaky, and full of comfort in every bite. They work as dessert or a sneaky breakfast leftover. Don’t blink or they’ll be gone before morning.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Basque Cheesecake

A close-up of several slices of a dense, golden-brown custard or cheesecake on parchment paper.
Basque Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple desserts sometimes steal the whole show. Basque Cheesecake has that caramelized top and creamy center that keeps people curious after the first slice. It feels fancy without trying too hard. Watch it vanish faster than the fancy desserts beside it.
Get the Recipe: Basque Cheesecake

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Two glass cups filled with layers of sliced strawberries, chocolate, granola, and chopped pistachios, with a blurred bowl of nuts in the background.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert feels like luxury when flavor meets style. Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup brings just enough drama to make guests lean in. It’s indulgent, modern, and hard to resist from the first glance. Everyone suddenly wants smaller spoons just to make it last longer.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Christmas Cheese Trees

Close-up of sliced cheese coated with mixed herbs and chopped nuts on parchment paper, resembling charming Christmas cheese trees.
Christmas Cheese Trees. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Playful treats always make a table more fun. Christmas Cheese Trees are cute, clever, and perfectly snackable between bites of everything else. They balance savory and sweet in a way that keeps everyone curious. No one eats just one; they stack their plates higher.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cheese Trees

Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Green cookies topped with powdered sugar and red, green, and white candy shapes resembling trees and candy canes.
Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some cookies are too fun not to talk about. Grinch Crinkle Cookies bring color, cheer, and just enough sweetness to win every crowd. They stand out on any dessert spread instantly. Watch smiles spread as fast as the cookies disappear.
Get the Recipe: Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Apple Crisp

Close-up of apple crumble with oats and brown sugar topping. A spoon is partially visible on the left.
Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm desserts always feel like a small reward. Apple Crisp combines sweet comfort with that little crunch everyone loves at the end of a meal. It’s simple, nostalgic, and impossible to stop eating. People start hovering near the pan before dinner’s even cleared.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Close-up of a Pumpkin Dump Cake, a baked dessert topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with caramel sauce, served in a white dish on a wooden surface.
Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A dessert this easy shouldn’t taste this good. Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake keeps things simple while still feeling like a special treat. It’s warm, rich, and perfect for sharing. Someone will definitely ask for the “secret” you didn’t overthink.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Peppermint Fudge

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate peppermint fudge, with visible crushed peppermint candy on top.
Peppermint Fudge. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A little cool mixed with sweet always feels festive. Peppermint Fudge gives that perfect bite-sized balance that everyone reaches for between conversations. It melts smooth and disappears fast. Keep a second plate ready just in case.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Fudge

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.
Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some recipes win hearts because they don’t try too hard. Apple Dump Cake is cozy, fragrant, and effortless from start to finish. It’s the kind of dessert that fits any table, any time. People go back for seconds before you can blink.
Get the Recipe: Apple Dump Cake

Peanut Butter Cake

Close-up of frosted square cake pieces with a light brown crust on parchment paper.
Peanut Butter Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort takes a fun turn with this one. Peanut Butter Cake brings that familiar, rich sweetness that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s dense, soft, and perfect with anything beside it. You’ll notice everyone quietly cutting “just one more slice.”
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookies don’t get more classic than this. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have that soft-center magic with a dusted top that always looks party-ready. They’re simple but always the first to vanish. Expect compliments with every crunch.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Rudolph Cupcakes

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

Playful desserts make everyone smile before they even take a bite. Rudolph Cupcakes are as fun to serve as they are to eat, with that little touch of personality that brightens any table. They’re lighthearted and always camera-ready. No one skips dessert when these show up.
Get the Recipe: Rudolph Cupcakes

Strawberry Mochi

Strawberry ice cream with a slice cut out.
Strawberry Mochi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Desserts that mix soft and chewy textures are always crowd-pleasers. Strawberry Mochi brings that gentle sweetness wrapped in something fun to bite into. It’s simple but feels like a treat worth slowing down for. Watch everyone’s eyes light up after one bite.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mochi

Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Close-up of three stacked blondies with chocolate chips, resembling cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars, one of which has a bite taken out of it.
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Easy recipes sometimes outshine the fancy ones. Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars give that chewy, gooey joy without the hassle. They’re quick to make and quicker to disappear. Someone always asks if you baked all day.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Biscoff Ice Cream

Scoops of ice cream with chunks of cookie and a whole cookie piece placed on top in a glass bowl.
Biscoff Ice Cream. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Familiar flavors meet cold comfort in this one. Biscoff Ice Cream turns a simple cookie flavor into something rich and creamy enough to feel special. It’s indulgent but easy to share. The bowl goes quiet once it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Ice Cream

Candy Cane Fudge

Two pieces of vanilla and red swirled candy cane fudge stacked, with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top. Greenery in the background.
Candy Cane Fudge. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet with a hint of cool, this treat brings cheer in every square. Candy Cane Fudge feels nostalgic yet modern at the same time. It’s smooth, colorful, and easy to love. People grab extras “for later” before you can blink.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Fudge

Starbucks Cake Pop

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

A tiny treat that feels like a reward after a long day. Starbucks Cake Pop brings that bite-sized sweetness that never fails to charm a crowd. It’s cute, simple, and just the right size to end a meal. Don’t be surprised if the tray’s empty in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Cake Pop

Christmas Dump Cake

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

Easy desserts can still steal the spotlight. Christmas Dump Cake keeps cleanup short but the compliments long. It’s soft, rich, and always hits the table with confidence. Guests usually ask for the recipe before dessert’s even done.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Dump Cake

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate cookies with a bottle of milk in the background on a white surface.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Extra chocolate means extra smiles. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver that soft-center magic that makes people reach for one more without thinking. They fit every occasion and never fail to please. Expect crumbs and happy faces every time.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Eggnog Pudding Shots

Plastic cups filled with creamy yellow eggnog pudding shots are topped with whipped cream, star anise, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Eggnog Pudding Shots. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fun desserts deserve a little twist. Eggnog Pudding Shots bring a playful vibe to the table that feels both nostalgic and new. They’re creamy, festive, and perfect for sharing laughs. Someone always asks when you’re making them again.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pudding Shots

Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some desserts go with everything. Coffee Cake is sweet, soft, and perfect for mornings that turn into dessert moments later. It’s humble but always hits the right note. The smell alone gets everyone curious, so prepare to have more of this!
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

Banana Pudding Brownies

Several squares of chocolate brownies with a yellow and brown marbled pattern are stacked and arranged on parchment paper.
Banana Pudding Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A mix of two comfort favorites never disappoints. Banana Pudding Brownies bring that smooth-meets-fudgy balance that keeps people guessing. They’re rich but never too heavy. You’ll see smiles from the first bite to the last crumb.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Brownies

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Desserts like this are made for slow bites. Salted Caramel Cheesecake brings creamy texture with just enough sweetness to feel luxurious. It looks stunning and tastes even better. No one ever turns down a second slice.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark

Stack of chocolate bark with swirled dark and white chocolate, topped with fresh sliced strawberries, on a red patterned cloth background.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet meets crunch in a way that’s just addictive. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark gives you layers of texture that make snacking feel classy. It’s colorful, crisp, and fun to break apart. The plate empties faster than any other.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark

Strawberry Crunch Cake

A slice of crumb-topped strawberry coffee cake sits on a white plate with a spoon beside it; additional cake and plates are in the background.
Strawberry Crunch Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nostalgia hits hard with this one. Strawberry Crunch Cake brings back those playful dessert memories with a soft crumb that never gets old. It’s lighthearted and full of charm. People keep asking what makes it so good.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cake

Chocolate Lasagna

A slice of layered dessert with a creamy white layer, chocolate filling, and crushed cookie topping.
Chocolate Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layers never fail to impress when dessert rolls around. Chocolate Lasagna gives that creamy-meets-crumbly texture that makes every bite feel special. It’s rich but not overwhelming, just perfectly balanced. You’ll be guarding your plate till the end.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lasagna

Strawberry Dump Cake

A close-up of a fruit crumble dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes the easiest recipes taste like they took hours. Strawberry Dump Cake is soft, juicy, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing. It’s great for last-minute plans that still feel thoughtful. Everyone ends up asking for seconds without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dump Cake

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background.
Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tart and smooth at once, these bars hit all the right notes. Key Lime Bars keep things simple while still feeling bright and fun to eat. They’re small but mighty in flavor. Friends will ask you to bring them again next year.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Cinnamon Roll Cake

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

Dessert that smells this good never lasts long. Cinnamon Roll Cake gives that warm, gooey comfort everyone loves in slice form. It feels homemade in the best way possible. You’ll catch people cutting “tiny” pieces that somehow turn huge.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cake

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A dessert with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, a layer of red gelatin, topped with a whipped cream dollop and a strawberry slice, on a white plate with a spoon.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet and salty desserts always win hearts fast. Strawberry Pretzel Salad combines crunch, creaminess, and fruit in perfect harmony. It’s playful yet totally dependable. Watch the plate clear before anyone’s done chatting, because it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Churro Cheesecake

A piece of creamy cheesecake with a dusting of cocoa powder on a white plate, accompanied by a silver spoon.
Churro Cheesecake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A little crunch with creamy filling goes a long way. Churro Cheesecake brings that mix of fun and comfort that makes dessert time unforgettable. It’s golden, sweet, and full of personality. Everyone suddenly claims it’s their new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Churro Cheesecake

Snowman Cookies

Christmas cookies with cherries and icing on a baking sheet.
Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cute desserts have a way of stealing attention before anyone eats them. Snowman Cookies are playful, soft, and perfect for gifting or sharing around the table. They make everyone grin before the first bite. The tray empties faster than snow melts.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Cookies

Lemon Cheesecake

A slice of lemon cheesecake with a graham cracker crust is being lifted from the whole cake, which is topped with whipped cream and lemon slices.
Lemon Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Some desserts just glow with freshness. Lemon Cheesecake brings creamy richness with a gentle brightness that never feels heavy. It’s polished yet simple enough to make everyone comfortable. People always ask for a bigger slice “just to even it out.”
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Christmas tree shaped cookies on a baking sheet.
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fun desserts always find a place at every table. Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies add a touch of charm with their colors and shapes that make everyone smile. They’re soft, sweet, and pure joy in cookie form. Expect laughter before the crumbs even hit the plate.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Pistachio Ice Cream

A glass bowl holds two scoops of pistachio ice cream topped with crushed pistachios, with a waffle cone placed upside down in the bowl.
Pistachio Ice Cream. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple yet elegant, this dessert always feels cool in more ways than one. Pistachio Ice Cream has that smooth flavor that doesn’t need to shout to impress. It’s light, nutty, and refreshing to the last spoonful. Bowls tend to come back completely clean.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

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.
Christmas Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bright, sweet, and full of cheer, this cake never disappoints. Christmas Poke Cake brings color, moisture, and fun together in one easy dessert. It’s festive without trying too hard. Everyone suddenly wants to be the one serving slices.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Poke 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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