50 Mouthwatering Holiday Desserts

1210 Baked Pear Caramel with Berry Sauce

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

1 of 53

Rum Cake with Key Lime Buttercream

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey

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

2 of 53

Ginger-Pumpkin Trifle with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

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 53

Cranberry-Orange Tart with Browned Butter Crust

Photo: Tara Donne

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

4 of 53

Smith Island Cake

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

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

Recipe: Smith Island Cake

5 of 53

Cranberry-Pistachio White Chocolate Bark with Sea Salt

Photo: Tara Donne

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

6 of 53

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

7 of 53

Chocolate-Coconut Macadamia Pie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Recipe by Jackie Mills, R.D

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

Recipe: Chocolate-Coconut Macadamia Pie

8 of 53

Almond-Pear Pie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Recipe: Kelly Kleisner

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

Recipe: Almond-Pear Pie

9 of 53

Double Chocolate Bread Pudding

Photo: Laurie Black; Styling: Chelsea Fuss

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

10 of 53

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Photographer: Luca Trovato, Writer: Rachel Bertone

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

Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake

11 of 53

Pumpkin Swirl Pie with Gingersnap Crust

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Recipe: Royal Phillips

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

12 of 53

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Napoleons

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

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

13 of 53

Bourbon Balls

Photo: Jean Allsopp

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

14 of 53

Maple-Glazed Pumpkin-Cranberry Coffee Cake

Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Linda Hirst

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

Recipe: Maple-Glazed Pumpkin-Cranberry Coffee Cake

15 of 53

Plum Upside Down Pudding Cake

Photo: Tara Sgrol

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

16 of 53

Pecan Tarts

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

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

17 of 53

Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

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

18 of 53

Spice Cake with Tipsy Vanilla-Rum Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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

Recipe: Spice Cake with Tipsy Vanilla-Rum Sauce

19 of 53

Coconut Buttermilk Pie

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

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

20 of 53

Tres Leches Boston Cream Cake

Photo: Ray Kachatorian

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

Recipe: Tres Leches Boston Cream Cake

21 of 53

Creamy Cheesecake with Espresso Fudge Sauce

Photo: Ralph Anderson

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

22 of 53

Banana Crème Brûlée

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

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

Recipe: Banana Crème Brulee

23 of 53

Berry Cobbler

Photo: Ralph Anderson

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

Recipe: Berry Cobbler

24 of 53

Honey’s Carrot Cake

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

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

25 of 53

Lemon-Buttermilk Tart

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

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

26 of 53

Holiday Gingerbread with Molasses Whipped Cream

Photo: Tina Cornett

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

27 of 53

Caribbean Spice Cake

Photo: Jean Allsopp

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

28 of 53

Pumpkin Custard

Photo: David Tsay

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

29 of 53

Macadamia Nut Tart

Photo: Ralph Anderson

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

30 of 53

White Chocolate-Key Lime Pie

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

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

31 of 53

Orange Flan

Photo: Ralph Anderson

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

Recipe: Orange Flan

32 of 53

Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner , Styling: Fonda Shaia

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

33 of 53

Chocolate-Walnut Brownies

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

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

Recipe: Chocolate-Walnut Brownies

34 of 53

Apple Huckleberry Tarts

Photo: Caroline Kopp

Combine savory baked apples with the unexpected flavor of huckleberries.

Recipe: Apple Huckleberry Tarts

35 of 53

Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

Photo: Jim Bathie

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

Recipe: Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

36 of 53

Graham Cracker Shortbread S’mores

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

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

Recipe: Graham Cracker Shortbread S’mores

37 of 53

Chocolate Truffle Loaf with Raspberry Sauce

Photo: Sara Gray

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

38 of 53

Float Away Layer Cake

Photo: Blake Pearson

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

39 of 53

Open-Face Apple Pie with Salted Pecan Crumble

Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Linda Hirst

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

Recipe: Open-Face Apple Pie with Salted Pecan Crumble

40 of 53

Pineapple Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake

Photo: Jim Franco , Styling: Rebecca Donnelly

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

41 of 53

Chocolate-Earl Grey Pound Cake

Photo: Fran Gealer

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

42 of 53

Chocolate-Bourbon Cake

Photo: Fran Gealer

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

43 of 53

Vanilla Buttermilk Crumb Cake

Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

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

Recipe: Vanilla Buttermilk Crumb Cake

44 of 53

Cake de Ron (Rum Cake)

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

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)

45 of 53

Banana Crumble

Photo: Levi Brown

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

Recipe: Banana Crumble

46 of 53

Baklava Tartlets

Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

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

47 of 53

Coconut Snowballs

Photo: Alan Richardson , Styling: Betty Alfenito

Substitute ½ teaspoon coconut extract for vanilla and almond extracts.

Recipe: Coconut Snowballs

48 of 53

Chocolate-Espresso Pots de Crème with Benne Seed Coins

Photo: Jean Allsopp

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

49 of 53

Cranberry and Pistachio Brownie Bites

Photo: Jennifer Davick , Styling: Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

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

50 of 53

Sweet Potato Tart with Cream Cheese-Pecan Crust

Photo: Laurie Black; Styling: Chelsea Fuss

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

51 of 53

Lemon Soufflés with Raspberry Sauce

Photo: Miki Duisterhof

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

52 of 53

Baked Pear Caramel with Berry Sauce

Photo: Michael Jensen

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

Replay gallery

Account

50 Mouthwatering Holiday Desserts

1 of 53

Rum Cake with Key Lime Buttercream

2 of 53

Ginger-Pumpkin Trifle with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream

3 of 53

Cranberry-Orange Tart with Browned Butter Crust

4 of 53

Smith Island Cake

5 of 53

Cranberry-Pistachio White Chocolate Bark with Sea Salt

6 of 53

Browned Butter Chess Pie

7 of 53

Chocolate-Coconut Macadamia Pie

8 of 53

Almond-Pear Pie

9 of 53

Double Chocolate Bread Pudding

10 of 53

Pumpkin Cheesecake

11 of 53

Pumpkin Swirl Pie with Gingersnap Crust

12 of 53

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Napoleons

13 of 53

Bourbon Balls

14 of 53

Maple-Glazed Pumpkin-Cranberry Coffee Cake

15 of 53

Plum Upside Down Pudding Cake

16 of 53

Pecan Tarts

17 of 53

Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

18 of 53

Spice Cake with Tipsy Vanilla-Rum Sauce

19 of 53

Coconut Buttermilk Pie

20 of 53

Tres Leches Boston Cream Cake

21 of 53

Creamy Cheesecake with Espresso Fudge Sauce

22 of 53

Banana Crème Brûlée

23 of 53

Berry Cobbler

24 of 53

Honey’s Carrot Cake

25 of 53

Lemon-Buttermilk Tart

26 of 53

Holiday Gingerbread with Molasses Whipped Cream

27 of 53

Caribbean Spice Cake

28 of 53

Pumpkin Custard

29 of 53

Macadamia Nut Tart

30 of 53

White Chocolate-Key Lime Pie

31 of 53

Orange Flan

32 of 53

Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting

33 of 53

Chocolate-Walnut Brownies

34 of 53

Apple Huckleberry Tarts

35 of 53

Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

36 of 53

Graham Cracker Shortbread S’mores

37 of 53

Chocolate Truffle Loaf with Raspberry Sauce

38 of 53

Float Away Layer Cake

39 of 53

Open-Face Apple Pie with Salted Pecan Crumble