When Christmas Day gets busy in the best way, it helps to have 13 easy desserts waiting in your back pocket. I like having choices that don’t require fussing around the kitchen but still feel right for the occasion. Each one brings a little comfort without pulling attention away from whatever else is happening. If you want desserts that keep the day light, relaxed, and enjoyable, this list covers that mood perfectly.
Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.
Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding
Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.
The holiday season is all about indulgence, and this Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding gives off those cozy, celebratory vibes in every bite. This dessert feels special, yet it’s the kind of warm, comforting treat you’d want to end the day with. Perfect for a festive centerpiece or just because you’re feeling like spoiling yourself after a Christmas feast.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding
Peppermint Crunch Oreos
Peppermint Crunch Oreos. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.
Crunchy, minty, and undeniably festive, these Peppermint Crunch Oreos are the kind of treat that feels tailor-made for Christmas. These are the kind of desserts people instinctively reach for at a holiday spread: bright, cheerful, and impossible to resist. If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that screams Christmas spirit, this one checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Crunch Oreos
Eggnog Tres Leches Cake
Eggnog Tres Leches Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
There’s something magical about bringing together creamy eggnog and a classic tres leches cake, and this Eggnog Tres Leches Cake is exactly that kind of fun twist. It feels luxurious, perfectly suited for the holiday mood, and adds a lovely touch of nostalgia to your dessert table. It’s a crowd pleaser that feels familiar yet exciting.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Tres Leches Cake
Peppermint Brownie Christmas Trees
Peppermint Brownie Christmas Trees. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, these Peppermint Brownie Christmas Trees instantly light up the dessert spread. These are playful, festive, and just plain fun to enjoy during the holidays. Perfect for adding a whimsical touch to Christmas Day, and let’s be honest; who doesn’t love peppermint and chocolate together at this time of year?
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Christmas Trees
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole takes the festive cinnamon spice everyone loves and turns it into a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for Christmas Day. It’s a crowd-pleaser that smells heavenly and tastes even better. Whether it’s for dessert or a sweet holiday brunch, this casserole brings that warm holiday cheer straight to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Pecan Pie Brownies
Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
If holiday desserts were a greatest hits album, these Pecan Pie Brownies would be right up there. Imagine combining everything people love about pecan pie with that signature fudgy brownie texture; it’s irresistible. This dessert feels rich and decadent, ideal for satisfying those post-Christmas dinner sweet cravings.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.
Known for its retro charm, this Watergate Salad feels right at home on a holiday dessert spread. Light and creamy, it’s the kind of easy-to-love dish that people always recognize and enjoy. Simple, nostalgic, and perfect for balancing out heavier holiday desserts; it’s like a little bite of Christmas past.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad
Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.
Refreshingly sweet with just the right amount of fun, this Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad adds a bright, cheerful note to the dessert table. Even after indulging in all the heavier holiday fare, this dish feels light and satisfying in the best way. It’s one of those desserts that people can’t help but scoop onto their plates for just “one more bite.”
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.
Classic and crowd-pleasing, this Pineapple Upside Down Cake never fails to hit the right festive note on Christmas Day. Its timeless appeal makes it a dessert that fits in at any holiday gathering, without overshadowing the season’s flashy sweets. If you want something with charm and elegance that everyone knows and loves, this is the one to make space for.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Rich, bite-sized, and eye-catching, these Red Velvet Christmas Truffles are as festive as they come. These little gems make any dessert spread feel extra special, and they’re perfect for when you want something decadent in a small package. If you’re aiming for sophisticated yet playful holiday treats, these truffles really steal the show with their Christmas charm.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles
Cranberry Bars
Cranberry Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
What’s Christmas without those sweet-tart hints of cranberry? These Cranberry Bars combine just the right mix of tangy and sweet, making them a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table. They’re great for cutting through the richness of heavier holiday fare and are an easy win for anyone who loves simple yet irresistible treats during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars
Hot Cocoa Cookies
Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.
From their soft, chocolatey texture to their holiday-inspired charm, these Hot Cocoa Cookies capture everything you love about cozying up with a mug of cocoa, but in dessert form. Perfect for pairing with hot drinks or just leaving out for Santa, they’ll bring warmth and smiles to everyone on Christmas Day.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies
Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.
The retro vibes of this Ambrosia Salad always feel right at home during the holiday season. Light and sweet, it’s one of those desserts that adds variety to the table and feels surprisingly refreshing amid richer treats. Whether serving it for longtime fans or first-timers, this dish always sparks a little moment of holiday joy.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad
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