Leigh Beisch

1 of 8

Dried Fruit and Nut Cake

A timeless classic, this Dried Fruit and Nut Cake is a holiday masterpiece that promises rich flavors and a delightful texture. In an era where a myriad of dried fruits are readily available, this recipe has become even more cherished, allowing for endless creative variations. For the cake featured in the photograph, a delectable combination of dates, dried Angelino plums, and succulent dried pears was used, showcasing the cake’s versatility. To elevate this fantastic recipe further, consider adding some homemade and truly delicious candied citrus peel, infusing it with bright, zesty notes. This cake isn’t just for dessert; it’s wonderfully inventive. Slice it thinly and add it to your cheese tray for an unexpected sweet-savory pairing, or serve it alongside after-dinner liqueurs for an elegant finish. It also makes for a wonderful, energy-boosting snack to keep in your desk for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up during the busy holiday season.

Wow! This fruit and nut cake is so delicious. I jam-packed mine with a little extra fruit and nuts and it still held together well — great to have a forgiving and versatile recipe. It’s the first fruitcake-style dessert I’ve ever made and I will definitely make it again!

COCO M.

Steve Painter

3 of 8

Eggnog Pie

Embrace the quintessential flavors of the holiday season with this effortlessly delightful Eggnog Pie. As easy to prepare as a batch of classic eggnog itself, this pie bears a striking resemblance to its rich namesake custard, often generously spiked with rum. The luscious, creamy filling, imbued with warm spices and a hint of boozy cheer, rests perfectly within a crisp graham cracker crust. Think of it as a subtly tipsy-inducing cheesecake, but with all the nostalgic charm of Christmas eggnog. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, embodying the spirit of celebration in every smooth, custardy bite. Its festive appeal and comforting flavor profile make it arguably the most quintessential holiday dessert imaginable when it comes to sweet Christmas endings. Serve it chilled with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for an elegant and utterly delicious treat.

Thanks so much for this delicious, so–easy and so seasonally-appropriate eggnog pie! It was a nice, not-so-rich dessert which presented beautifully as the final act of Christmas Eve dinner. I loved that I could make this the day before, stick it in the refrigerator, and not worry about it again until we were ready for dessert.

Lynn

Suech and Beck

5 of 8

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

Step into a world of heartwarming holiday aromas with this exquisite Gingerbread Bundt Cake. This magnificent cake captures all the warm, spicy goodness reminiscent of your favorite gingerbread cookies, but in an elegant and easy-to-slice Bundt form. Each moist crumb is infused with the inviting blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, evoking cozy winter evenings and festive celebrations. As if the rich, aromatic cake weren’t enough, it’s artfully gilded with a sassy and sweetly tart lemon glaze. The bright citrusy notes of the glaze provide a brilliant contrast to the deep, complex spices of the gingerbread, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and invigorating. This Gingerbread Bundt Cake is not only a delightful dessert but also a beautiful centerpiece, perfect for your Christmas table or as a thoughtful hostess gift. It’s incredibly satisfying and will leave your guests reaching for a second slice.

I just finished making this gingerbread Bundt cake, and while it was still warm, I cut a small “tasting“ section. Oh my! It’s moist, spicy, and wonderful.

I loved that I had all the ingredients in the house. It came together easily and would be a perfect cake for a beginning baker. Now I can’t wait till dessert!!

nancy

Scott Peterson

7 of 8

Eggnog Pound Cake

Bring the beloved flavors of creamy eggnog to your dessert table in a truly spectacular fashion with this Eggnog Pound Cake. This rich and dense pound cake is an embodiment of holiday cheer, crafted with a generous infusion of rum, aromatic nutmeg, and, of course, authentic eggnog, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful crumb. Adding to its festive character, the cake is generously studded with sweet currants, which plump up beautifully during baking and provide delightful bursts of fruity sweetness with every bite. The classic Bundt cake shape makes it an impressive centerpiece for any Christmas gathering, while its robust flavor makes it an ideal accompaniment to holiday coffee or tea. This eggnog pound cake is not just a dessert; it’s a versatile treat that also makes for a thoughtful and delicious hostess gift, perfectly capturing the spirit of giving. It’s truly a must-try for those who adore the traditional taste of eggnog during the festive season.

This pound cake recipe (dare I say it) “takes the cake!” With a super moist crumb and all of the traditional flavors of homemade eggnog, this recipe is one I will be dog-earring for holiday menus to come.

The recipe calls for rum-soaked currants and a rum glaze, but I had brandy on hand so I used that instead. I highly recommend this eggnog pound cake to anyone looking for a scrumptious and festive holiday dessert or brunch dish!

Anna

Sang An

8 of 8

Gingerbread Cheesecake

For a truly decadent and seasonally appropriate Christmas dessert, look no further than this magnificent Gingerbread Cheesecake. This dessert perfectly encapsulates the essence of the holidays, infusing the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the unmistakable warmth and spice of gingerbread. Each and every bite is a delightful journey through traditional Christmas flavors: aromatic cinnamon, fiery ginger, earthy nutmeg, and a hint of clove create a harmonious blend that sings of festive cheer. The smooth, velvety cheesecake sits atop a spiced graham cracker crust, providing a pleasant textural contrast. While sophisticated in flavor, this gingerbread cheesecake is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an accessible yet stunning holiday dessert that will impress without overwhelming your holiday baking schedule. Serve it chilled, perhaps with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar or a swirl of whipped cream, for an unforgettable sweet ending that embodies the magic of Christmas.

I made this over the weekend and it is a winner. This will become part of my yearly Christmas baking routine. Thanks for sharing!

Gillian

The most popular Christmas dessert can vary significantly by region and family tradition. Globally, a variety of treats are cherished. Cheesecake remains a common favorite for its rich and creamy texture, often customized with seasonal flavors like pumpkin, peppermint, or even gingerbread. Many people also adore classic gingerbread in various forms—from cookies to cakes—for its warm, spicy aroma. An assortment of festive cookies, such as sugar cookies, shortbread, or snickerdoodles, is also a perennial favorite, allowing for diverse flavors and creative decorating. For a truly classic and iconic choice, the elaborately decorated Bûche de Noël, or yule log dessert, remains incredibly popular, symbolizing the traditional yule log burned in winter solstice celebrations. Ultimately, the “most popular” is often the dessert that holds the most sentimental value and brings the most joy to your specific gathering.

When planning your Christmas dessert spread, it’s wise to consider both the number of guests and the desired variety. For even a small gathering, we suggest offering at least two different types of desserts. This caters to various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone finds something they love. For larger tables or if you want to create a truly decadent experience, offering three to four different desserts can be ideal. As a general guideline for portioning, plan on two slices or servings of dessert per person. This might sound generous, but guests often enjoy trying a small piece of a few different options, and it accounts for those with a particularly sweet tooth. Offering a mix of light and rich options, or a combination of baked goods and lighter, fruit-based desserts, can also enhance the overall appeal.

Proper storage is crucial to keep your Christmas desserts fresh and delicious. For any desserts containing eggs, milk, cream, or cream cheese (like cheesecakes, custards, or anything with a cream-based frosting), it is essential to store them in the refrigerator both before and after serving. Ensure they are covered tightly to prevent them from absorbing other odors or drying out. Many baked goods, such as fruit and nut cakes, pound cakes, gingerbread cakes, and most cookies, can typically be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for several days. However, if your room is particularly warm or humid, refrigerating even these items might be a safer bet for longevity. Pies with fruit fillings can often be left at room temperature for a day, but for longer storage, refrigeration is recommended. Always check specific recipe notes for the best storage instructions to maximize freshness and safety.