The holiday season is the perfect time to gather around the table and enjoy desserts that bring people together. These 17 holiday sweets are the kind of recipes that make traditions memorable and celebrations extra special. From rich and indulgent to light and refreshing, there’s something here for every sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a little festive cheer, these desserts are guaranteed to hit the right note.
Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
These pistachio cranberry cookies are buttery, crunchy, and filled with tart bursts of dried cranberries. The recipe combines pistachios and cranberries with a simple cookie dough, creating a treat that's perfect for holiday gatherings. Ready in about 30 minutes, they offer a festive balance of nuttiness and sweetness. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful holiday snack.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
French Chocolate Orange Tart
This chocolate orange tart features a silky dark chocolate filling paired with a hint of bright citrus flavor. The combination of orange zest and chocolate creates a rich and zesty dessert perfect for holiday tables. It takes about an hour to prepare and delivers a balance of decadence and refreshing flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a luxurious end to any meal.
Get the Recipe: French Chocolate Orange Tart
Chocolate Hazelnut Bars
These chocolate hazelnut bars are a rich and satisfying dessert with layers of nutty crunch and creamy chocolate. Made with hazelnuts, chocolate, and a simple base, they’re naturally gluten-free and come together in under 40 minutes. The texture is a perfect balance of chewy and crisp, making them an ideal treat for festive occasions. These bars are great for gifting or enjoying with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Bars
No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
This no-bake chocolate pistachio cake layers rich chocolate ganache with the crunch of pistachios for a luxurious dessert. It’s quick to make, requiring just about 20 minutes of prep and time to set in the fridge. The smooth chocolate pairs beautifully with the subtle nuttiness of pistachios, creating an indulgent treat. Perfect for when you need an impressive dessert without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream
This gluten-free pecan pie features a rich maple syrup filling and a buttery crust that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Topped with a creamy maple dulce de leche drizzle, it combines classic pecan pie flavors with a touch of elegance. Ready in about an hour, it offers a warm, nutty sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee. It’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing dessert for any festive table.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream
Paleo Orange Cranberry Cake
This paleo-friendly orange cranberry cake is bursting with citrus and tart cranberry flavors. Made with almond flour and naturally sweetened, it’s a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste. The moist texture and bright flavors make it a standout dessert for any holiday table. It takes about 45 minutes to bake and is perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Orange Cranberry Cake
Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
This baked cranberry cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake layers with a tart cranberry topping for a festive dessert. The contrast of sweet and tangy flavors is balanced by a buttery crust, making it a holiday favorite. It requires about 90 minutes to bake and chill, ensuring the perfect texture. This cheesecake is a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table and pairs beautifully with seasonal drinks.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
Gluten Free Yule Log With Medjool Dates, Mascarpone Cream, Maraschino Cherries And Pistachios
This gluten-free Yule log is a holiday showstopper, filled with mascarpone cream, Medjool dates, and pistachios. Topped with maraschino cherries, it offers a festive mix of flavors and textures in every bite. Ready in under two hours, it’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for impressing guests with a traditional holiday treat made modern.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Yule Log With Medjool Dates, Mascarpone Cream, Maraschino Cherries And Pistachios
Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
This almond apple cake is as delicious as it is beautiful, with layers of almond sponge topped by intricate apple roses. Made with fresh apples, almond flour, and a touch of cinnamon, it has a warm and lightly spiced flavor. It takes about 90 minutes to prepare and bake, making it a great choice for special occasions. This dessert is ideal for creating a memorable holiday moment with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
Sticky Date Pudding With Pinot Noir
This sticky date pudding is rich and indulgent, featuring sweet dates and a hint of Pinot Noir in the syrupy sauce. The gluten-free cake is soft and moist, making it a comforting dessert for cold winter nights. It takes about an hour to prepare, with a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Serve it warm with cream or ice cream for a truly festive experience.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Date Pudding With Pinot Noir
Raspberry Mini Pavlovas
These raspberry mini pavlovas are light, airy meringue nests topped with fresh raspberries and cream. The crisp exterior and marshmallow-like interior make them a delightful treat for holiday gatherings. Ready in about an hour, they’re elegant yet simple to prepare. Their vibrant color and refreshing taste make them a stunning addition to any dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mini Pavlovas
Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse
This Brazilian passion fruit mousse is a creamy and tangy dessert that brings a tropical twist to holiday tables. Made with fresh passion fruit and cream, it’s a light option for balancing richer seasonal dishes. It comes together in just 30 minutes and sets in the fridge, making it a convenient make-ahead treat. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and unique holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse
Wine Poached Pears With Yogurt
These wine-poached pears are a sophisticated dessert with a deep, spiced flavor from cinnamon and cloves. The pears are simmered in red wine and served with creamy yogurt for a light yet satisfying finish. This recipe takes about an hour and offers a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth. Ideal for impressing guests without much effort, it pairs beautifully with a glass of wine.
Get the Recipe: Wine Poached Pears With Yogurt
Maple Sufganiyot With Dulce De Leche Filling
These maple-glazed sufganiyot are filled with creamy dulce de leche, offering a sweet and rich treat perfect for Hanukkah or any holiday occasion. The fluffy doughnuts are fried to golden perfection and take about 90 minutes to prepare. The combination of maple and caramel flavors makes them irresistibly festive. They’re a delightful way to elevate your dessert offerings during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Maple Sufganiyot With Dulce De Leche Filling
Snowflake Date Cookies
These snowflake date cookies are soft and chewy, with the natural sweetness of Medjool dates complemented by warm spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a quick and delicious option for holiday baking. Their delicate texture and subtle sweetness make them a comforting treat for cold evenings. Perfect for sharing or gifting, they bring a nostalgic touch to your holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Date Cookies
Pumpkin Pecan Pie
This pumpkin pecan pie combines two classic flavors into one rich, spiced dessert. The creamy pumpkin filling is topped with a crunchy pecan layer, creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is festive. It takes about an hour to bake and sets perfectly for slicing. A great choice for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, it’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
This chocolate raspberry tart offers a decadent combination of rich chocolate ganache and tangy raspberries. The tart takes about an hour to prepare and delivers a smooth, creamy texture with bursts of freshness from the fruit. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to enjoy anytime. Perfect for pairing with coffee or champagne, it’s a dessert that never fails to delight.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
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