Coastal Living Coastal Living
50 Mouthwatering Holiday Desserts
  • Subscribe
  • Homes
    • Showhouses
    • House Plans
    • Designer Network
    • Building To Last
    • Real Estate
  • Travel
    • Browse all
    • Atlantic
    • Best of Lists
    • California
    • Destination Guides
    • Great Lakes
    • Gulf Coast
    • Other Coasts
    • Pacific Northwest
  • Food
    • Seafood Basics
    • Dinner in a Breeze
    • Entertaining
    • Gadgets
    • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
    • Browse All
    • People
    • Coastal Communities
    • Products
    • The Environment
    • Capture the Coast
    • Weddings
  • Magazine
    • Browse All
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Give a Gift Subscription
    • Magazine Customer Service
  • Marketplace
    • Browse All
    • Shop Products We Love
    • Home Collection
    • Good Stuff Guide
    • Events
    • Contests & Promotions
  • Subscribe
  • Homes
    • Showhouses
    • House Plans
    • Designer Network
    • Building To Last
    • Real Estate
  • Travel
    • Browse all
    • Atlantic
    • Best of Lists
    • California
    • Destination Guides
    • Great Lakes
    • Gulf Coast
    • Other Coasts
    • Pacific Northwest
  • Food
    • Seafood Basics
    • Dinner in a Breeze
    • Entertaining
    • Gadgets
    • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
    • Browse All
    • People
    • Coastal Communities
    • Products
    • The Environment
    • Capture the Coast
    • Weddings
  • Magazine
    • Browse All
    • Advertising
  • Marketplace
    • Browse All
    • Shop Products We Love
    • Home Collection
    • Good Stuff Guide
    • Events
    • Contests & Promotions
  • Subscribe
  • Give a Gift
  • Magazine Customer Service
  1. Home
  2. Food
  3. Recipes

50 Mouthwatering Holiday Desserts

We hope you saved room! Our delicious dessert recipes are a festive finish to your meal.

More
By Brett Bralley
1 of 52 Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey

Rum Cake with Key Lime Buttercream

Any dessert that involves rum and key lime is sure to be the star of the party. But what about one topped with sugared key limes and cranberries and a delectable buttercream frosting? Place a sweet treat that stunning—and tasty—on the dessert table, and it might just take the cake.

Recipe: Rum Cake, Key Lime Buttercream, and Sugared Key Limes and Cranberries

Advertisement
2 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Ginger-Pumpkin Trifle with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream

Layers of pumpkin, mascarpone, crushed cookies, and a coffee mixture create this show-stopping holiday trifle. 

  • Recipe: Ginger-Pumpkin Trifle with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream
3 of 52 Photo: Tara Donne

Cranberry-Orange Tart with Browned Butter Crust

For a pretty presentation, top the tart with sugared cranberries: Steep whole berries in simple syrup in the refrigerator 8 hours, then roll in sugar and let stand 1 hour to dry.

  • Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Tart with Browned Butter Crust
Advertisement
4 of 52 Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

Smith Island Cake

Create a show-stopping holiday cake by icing each beautiful layer with decadent Chocolate Ganache icing.

  • Recipe: Smith Island Cake
Advertisement
5 of 52 Photo: Tara Donne

Cranberry-Pistachio White Chocolate Bark with Sea Salt

Microwaving the chocolate helps keep the temperature below 92°, ideal for tempering. Use the best-quality white chocolate you can find (not those labeled "baking chips").

  • Recipe: Cranberry-Pistachio White Chocolate Bark with Sea Salt
Advertisement
6 of 52

Browned Butter Chess Pie

For a pretty presentation, prepare a second recipe of the piecrust and cut out shapes with a small cookie cutter. Attach them to the edge of the crust with egg wash, and then bake and fill as directed.

  • Recipe: Browned Butter Chess Pie
Advertisement
7 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Recipe by Jackie Mills, R.D

Chocolate-Coconut Macadamia Pie

Macadamia nuts, chocolate, and espresso combine to make the filling of this decadent and delicious toasted coconut crust pie.

  • Recipe: Chocolate-Coconut Macadamia Pie
Advertisement
8 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Recipe: Kelly Kleisner

Almond-Pear Pie

A pinwheel of beautiful pears makes the perfect topping for this luscious pie.

  • Recipe: Almond-Pear Pie
Advertisement
9 of 52 Photo: Laurie Black; Styling: Chelsea Fuss    

Double Chocolate Bread Pudding

White chocolate, dark chocolate, French bread, and a Caramel-Coffee Sauce drizzle combine to make one irresistible end to any meal.

  • Recipe: Double Chocolate Bread Pudding
Advertisement
10 of 52 Photographer: Luca Trovato, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Instead of traditional pumpkin pie, try this rich, luscious cheesecake. The crust is made from gingersnap cookie crumbs. Yum!

  • Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Advertisement
11 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Recipe: Royal Phillips

Pumpkin Swirl Pie with Gingersnap Crust

Nothing says cool weather comfort like pumpkin and gingersnap. Silky cream cheese gives this pie its fun swirl design.

  • Recipe: Pumpkin Swirl Pie with Gingersnap Crust
Advertisement
12 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Napoleons

Pumpkin desserts don’t just belong in a pie shell. Try puff pastry sheets layered with the key ingredient—pumpkin butter. It’s the perfect finish to a holiday meal.

 

Recipe: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Napoleons

Advertisement
13 of 52 Photo: Jean Allsopp

Bourbon Balls

Prepare these bite-size delights a few days in advance so that the bold bourbon flavor has time to mellow. With hints of vanilla and pecan, all rolled in powdered sugar, these are just right for a cocktail party.

 

Recipe: Bourbon Balls

Advertisement
14 of 52 Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Linda Hirst

Maple-Glazed Pumpkin-Cranberry Coffee Cake

This moist, pretty cake features your favorite fall flavors--warm spices, tangy cranberries, and sweet maple syrup.

 

Recipe: Maple-Glazed Pumpkin-Cranberry Coffee Cake

Advertisement
15 of 52 Photo: Tara Sgrol

Plum Upside Down Pudding Cake

Prepare this creamy dessert in a cast iron skillet. The buttermilk batter is the perfect complement to the sweet plums.

 

Recipe: Plum Upside Down Pudding Cake

Advertisement
16 of 52 Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Pecan Tarts

Serve classic holiday flavor in a not-so-traditional way with these sweet tarts, which are as delicious as they are fun to nibble on.

 

Recipe: Pecan Tarts

Advertisement
17 of 52 Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

Whip up this Lowcountry favorite for an alternative to your everyday chocolate cake and a tasty addition to a casual holiday celebration.

 

Recipe: Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

Advertisement
18 of 52 Photo: Jennifer Davick

Spice Cake with Tipsy Vanilla-Rum Sauce

If you're also serving to children, the sauce tastes just as good without the rum.

 

Recipe: Spice Cake with Tipsy Vanilla-Rum Sauce

Advertisement
19 of 52 Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Coconut Buttermilk Pie

Impress your dinner guests with minimal effort. This simple pie includes toasted coconut, a buttermilk batter, and dots of semisweet chocolate morsels—all in a premade crust.

 

Recipe: Coconut Buttermilk Pie

Advertisement
20 of 52 Photo: Ray Kachatorian

Tres Leches Boston Cream Cake

Three different milks achieve the rich moistness of this spin on Boston Cream Pie.

 

Recipe: Tres Leches Boston Cream Cake

Advertisement
21 of 52 Photo: Ralph Anderson

Creamy Cheesecake with Espresso Fudge Sauce

If you love the tangy flavor of cheesecake, try adding a new layer of decadence with rich espresso fudge.

 

Recipe: Creamy Cheesecake with Espresso Fudge Sauce

Advertisement
22 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Banana Crème Brûlée

Helpful Hint: Prepare these the night before; they need to chill in the fridge at least eight hours.

 

Recipe: Banana Crème Brulee

Advertisement
23 of 52 Photo: Ralph Anderson

Berry Cobbler

Nothing says comfort food like warm berries baked in a doughy crust. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

 

Recipe: Berry Cobbler

 

 

Advertisement
24 of 52 Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Honey’s Carrot Cake

Enjoy the sweetness of carrots, spices, and pecans topped with a cream cheese frosting. Let the cake chill before serving so the frosting will set.

 

Recipe: Honey’s Carrot Cake

 

Advertisement
25 of 52 Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Lemon-Buttermilk Tart

Slice into this easy-to-prepare tart made of lemon zest, eggs, sugar, buttermilk, and cornmeal baked in a pie shell and sprinkled with nutmeg.

 

Recipe: Lemon-Buttermilk Tart

Advertisement
26 of 52 Photo: Tina Cornett

Holiday Gingerbread with Molasses Whipped Cream

It just isn’t the holidays without the timeless flavor of gingerbread. Give this traditional dessert an extra kick with molasses whipped cream.

 

Recipe: Holiday Gingerbread with Molasses Whipped Cream

Advertisement
27 of 52 Photo: Jean Allsopp

Caribbean Spice Cake

Channel the islands during even the coldest months with this cake made of butternut squash, tamarind nectar, and a blend of spices. Top with yogurt sauce and serve alongside Mango Compote.

Recipe: Caribbean Spice Cake

Advertisement
28 of 52 Photo: David Tsay

Pumpkin Custard

This dessert is incredibly simple and sure to wow friends and family. Just combine ingredients in a blender, pour into custard bowls, bake, and chill.

 

Recipe: Pumpkin Custard

 

Advertisement
29 of 52 Photo: Ralph Anderson

Macadamia Nut Tart

Sometimes the best dessert has a tropical crunch. Place nuts in a tart shell and pour over a delicious caramel mix.

 

Recipe: Macadamia Nut Tart

Advertisement
30 of 52 Photo: Howard L. Puckett

White Chocolate-Key Lime Pie

Tame the tartness of this dessert by introducing rich white chocolate. It’s sure to become a holiday favorite.

 

Recipe: White Chocolate-Key Lime Pie

Advertisement
31 of 52 Photo: Ralph Anderson

Orange Flan

Serve up this traditional Mexican dessert with a citrus spin. The trick to achieving the right texture is sweetened condensed milk.

 

Recipe: Orange Flan

Advertisement
32 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner , Styling: Fonda Shaia

Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting

Create a memorable dessert packaged in a pint-size liner. These too-cute-to-eat treats get their vibrant flavor from coconut extract.

 

Recipe: Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting

Advertisement
33 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chocolate-Walnut Brownies

This dessert classic is packed with nutty flavor and makes the perfect finger food for a party.

  • Recipe: Chocolate-Walnut Brownies
Advertisement
34 of 52 Photo: Caroline Kopp

Apple Huckleberry Tarts

Combine savory baked apples with the unexpected flavor of huckleberries.

 

Recipe: Apple Huckleberry Tarts

 

 

Advertisement
35 of 52 Photo: Jim Bathie

Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

Try this simple, handheld version of a Southern staple for a sweet surprise.

 

Recipe: Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

Advertisement
36 of 52 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Graham Cracker Shortbread S’mores

Preparing these tasty treats makes a fun activity for the kids.

 

Recipe: Graham Cracker Shortbread S’mores

Advertisement
37 of 52 Photo: Sara Gray

Chocolate Truffle Loaf with Raspberry Sauce

This frozen dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream. Drizzle with raspberry sauce—a cinch with frozen berries.

 

Recipe: Chocolate Truffle Loaf with Raspberry Sauce

Advertisement
38 of 52 Photo: Blake Pearson

Float Away Layer Cake

The name says it all—one bite of layers of coconut, mango, and pineapple will transport you to a sunny tropical island.

 

Recipe: Float Away Layer Cake

Advertisement
39 of 52 Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Linda Hirst

Open-Face Apple Pie with Salted Pecan Crumble

The sweet cinnamon topping get its crunch from pecans and a pinch of Kosher salt.

 

Recipe: Open-Face Apple Pie with Salted Pecan Crumble

Advertisement
40 of 52 Photo: Jim Franco , Styling: Rebecca Donnelly

Pineapple Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake puts a holiday spin on a traditional cake that will have your guests coming back for more.

 

Recipe: Pineapple Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake

Advertisement
41 of 52 Photo: Fran Gealer

Chocolate-Earl Grey Pound Cake

For topping, you can either douse cake in the dark chocolate sauce or provide dipping bowls so guests can control the amount.

 

Recipe: Chocolate-Earl Grey Pound Cake

Advertisement
42 of 52 Photo: Fran Gealer

Chocolate-Bourbon Cake

This rich chocolate cake gets a sensational finish from a Coffee-Bourbon Syrup. It's so delicious that you can skip the ice cream, and we never skip the ice cream.

 

Recipe: Chocolate-Bourbon Cake

Advertisement
43 of 52 Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Vanilla Buttermilk Crumb Cake

Cake flour helps to make this crumb cake light and airy.

 

Recipe: Vanilla Buttermilk Crumb Cake

Advertisement
44 of 52 Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Cake de Ron (Rum Cake)

For miniature Bundt cakes as pictured, fill each mini Bundt pan two-thirds full, and bake 35 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in center comes out clean.

 

Recipe: Cake de Ron (Rum Cake)

Advertisement
45 of 52 Photo: Levi Brown

Banana Crumble

Bitters aren't just for cocktails. Here, they add unique flavor and aroma to a classic dessert.

 

Recipe: Banana Crumble

Advertisement
46 of 52 Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Baklava Tartlets

Instead of layering the honey and nut mixture between buttery layers of phyllo dough as you would do when making traditional baklava, here you spoon the mixture into mini phyllo tart shells.  This is a great recipe for entertaining because your guests can pick these up with their fingers and not worry about making a mess.

 

Recipe: Baklava Tartlets

Advertisement
47 of 52 Photo: Alan Richardson , Styling: Betty Alfenito

Coconut Snowballs

Substitute ½ teaspoon coconut extract for vanilla and almond extracts.

 

Recipe: Coconut Snowballs

Advertisement
48 of 52 Photo: Jean Allsopp

Chocolate-Espresso Pots de Crème with Benne Seed Coins

Benne (an African word for sesame) seed cookies are a traditional Gullah recipe. The creamy chocolate mousse–like dessert makes a good contrast with these crispy treats. For a twist, we added coconut and almonds to give the cookie a sweeter flavor and extra texture.

 

Recipe: Chocolate-Espresso Pots de Crème with Benne Seed Coins

Advertisement
49 of 52 Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Cranberry and Pistachio Brownie Bites

These fudgy treats—which you can make ahead and freeze in an airtight container, unsliced, for up to three weeks—are an ideal addition to a cocktail party menu.

 

Recipe: Cranberry and Pistachio Brownie Bites

Advertisement
50 of 52 Photo: Laurie Black; Styling: Chelsea Fuss    

Sweet Potato Tart with Cream Cheese-Pecan Crust

This delicious spin on sweet potato pie packs plenty of holiday flavor thanks to cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It can be made ahead to suit your holiday schedule.

 

Recipe: Sweet Potato Tart with Cream Cheese-Pecan Crust

Advertisement
51 of 52 Photo: Miki Duisterhof

Lemon Soufflés with Raspberry Sauce

When I inherited my mother's wooden recipe box, inside were recipes in the handwriting of my mother, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother. My great-grandmother's soufflé was so simple, but it's just what you want at the end of a big meal: a light, lemony froth. Drizzling it with raspberry sauce enhances it, if that is possible.

  • Recipe: Lemon Soufflés with Raspberry Sauce
Advertisement
52 of 52 Photo: Michael Jensen

Baked Pear Caramel with Berry Sauce

The berry sauce and lemon zest add just the right amount of tartness to the caramelized sugar, chopped pears, and vanilla.

 

Recipe: Baked Pear Caramel with Berry Sauce

You May Like

Food
Our Favorite Holiday Recipes
Recipes
Coastal Holiday Cookies
Entertaining
Special Delivery: Cookies!

Read More

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Subscribe for charming coastal cottages, dreamy beach getaways, and more!
Sign up

Subscribe & Save

Subscribe today for less than $1 an issue!
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Subscribe for charming coastal cottages, dreamy beach getaways, and more!
Sign up
Coastal Living
MAIN
  • Food
  • Homes
  • Lifestyle
  • The Magazine
  • Marketplace
  • Travel
  • Online Community
  • Mobile Site
ABOUT
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Video
  • RSS Content Feeds
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Newsletters
  • Contact Us
COASTAL LIVING
  • Advertising
  • Careers
  • Subscribe to the Magazine
  • Magazine Customer Service
  • Special Promotions
  • Sweepstakes
  • Give a Gift
A part of Time Inc. Affluent Travel Group Copyright © 2017 Time Inc. Lifestyle Group. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy ( Your California Privacy Rights ). Ad Choices. Coastal Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.