Christmas desserts - Discover the most popular recipes this season

Christmas is a time for traditions, and one of those traditions is eating dessert after dinner. Even though there are many kinds of desserts you can make for Christmas, some are more popular than others.

There are so many easy Christmas desserts that can be made in a short amount of time. From easy no bake cheesecakes to eggnog ice cream, these desserts will make your party so much easier.

Traditional Christmas Desserts

Some of the most popular traditional desserts are gingerbread, fruitcake, Christmas slices and Christmas pudding. But these days, you can find all kinds of different recipes for a variety of Christmas desserts.

Traditional Fruitcake

This type of cake is made from fruit, butter, eggs, flour, sugar and candied peel. The fruitcake can be soaked overnight in a mixture of sherry or brandy and chopped fruit. These ingredients will help preserve the cake for a few weeks. This means traditional fruitcake is a typical make-ahead Christmas dessert.

Gingerbread Cake 

Gingerbread cake is one of our favourite Christmas cakes. This type of cake is made from gingerbread dough which is usually baked for about 20 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). You can enjoy it warm topped with whipped cream, fresh sliced bananas, and vanilla cream sauce. 

Classic white Christmas slice recipe

This is a typical Australian dessert that should definitely make it to your Christmas dessert list. It is easy to make and it can be ready in 2 hours. It will definitely make your Christmas baking that much smoother.

Christmas cookies 

It wouldn’t be a complete Christmas dinner set up without Christmas biscuits or cookies right? Trust this simple dough recipe and use different Christmas-themed cookie cutters to make one of the best Christmas sweets that everyone will enjoy.

Gingerbread cookies

Gingerbread men are a staple, no doubt about that. But did you know you could also make other shapes of gingerbread cookies? You just need to be creative about your cookie cutting to make the most kid friendly Christmas recipes.

Gingerbread house

If you are big on Christmas decor and you go all out to make your Christmas menu look extravagant, then a gingerbread house is in order. Follow these easy steps to make the best gingerbread house ever.

Homemade crunchy nougat 

Nougat originated from Italy. Because it contains some nuts, it is quite an energising dessert. Remember to take it in moderation because it does contain quite a bit of sugar. You can also make nougat cocktails to add to your Australian Christmas cocktails list.

Homemade Trifle

What makes a trifle? The sponge cake, the sherry, white wine or brandy, the layers of custard and or jelly and fruit or jam. Top this up with whipped cream and you have yourself one of the most delicious Christmas recipes.

Traditional Mississippi mud cake

Don’t let the name fool you, this is a decadent dessert. This Christmas, make your Mississippi mud cake and serve it after one of these informative reads on what we have for Australian lunch ideas. 

Gingerbread men

Now this is a recipe you can’t go without.  Generally, Christmas gingerbread should be on your Christmas dessert menu. Gingerbread men are especially excellent as a kid friendly Christmas recipe that can be a make-ahead Christmas dessert. 

Christmas eggnog

Sweet, spicy eggnog is a favourite Christmas treat. The rum or brandy can be optional additions, especially if you wil be serving it to children. Drink it hot or cold, the taste remains delightful. 

Christmas ice cream cake

The list would not be complete without an ice cream cake! Your options are limitless because ice cream has a lot of flavours you can use for this recipe.

Gluten-free Christmas desserts

Some people have celiac disease or a wheat allergy and they must eliminate all sources of gluten from their diets. For these people, having a normal or traditional Christmas dessert can be difficult. Gluten-free desserts are often made with alternative ingredients, such as rice flour and tapioca starch.

There are many delicious options for gluten-free Christmas desserts, including gingerbread cake, pumpkin pie, and chocolate mousse, and gingerbread truffles. Some Christmas cheesecake is also an option for a decadent dessert without the gluten.

Here is another list of gluten-free desserts you can enjoy:

Gluten-free, diabetic friendly mulberry pie

Though a recipe that’s specifically for coeliacs and diabetics, anyone can enjoy  this mulberry pie. You can serve it with single flavoured ice cream (vanilla, strawberry etc.), just be careful to check the thickeners or flavours used to make sure they are also gluten-free. 

Gluten-free white chocolate caramilk slice

This is one of Australia’s favourite candies. It would make a great Christmas treat for those with a sweet tooth. Make sure to take the slices in moderation though.

Gluten-free and dairy-free cocoa cake

Gluten-free and dairy-free cocoa cake is the perfect substitute for chocolate cake for coeliacs and vegans. It makes a perfect dessert for a gluten free Christmas. 

Gluten-free chocolate spiders

Chocolate spiders are perfect Halloween treats, but because they are a fun shape, they can also double as Christmas treats. 

Glueten-free lemon slice bar

The crust and the filling are the two main components of this recipe. Although relatively simple to make, there are some subtleties to consider to guarantee success. So make sure to read the recipe below thoroughly! 

Dairy-free Christmas desserts

Dairy-free desserts are becoming more popular in the food industry. With the growing population of people with lactose intolerance, vegan diets, and those who just want to reduce their dairy intake for health reasons, dairy-free desserts are a great alternative for Christmas dinner.

These recipes below are some of the best dairy-free Christmas dessert recipes that you can find online. 

1) Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: These cookies are not only delicious but also gluten free and vegan! This is a great option for anyone who has dietary restrictions or just wants to try something new this Christmas season!

2) Cranberry Upside Down Cake: This is an amazing vegan dish that will be sure to please any guests at your dinner table. It is super easy to make and tastes delicious!

3) Vegan Gingerbread Cake: If you're looking for a dessert that will do well with any guests, this cake is perfect! It's gluten free, vegan, and so good!

Find more vegan Christmas recipes below.

Vegan carrot cake

Carrot cake is a great vegan Christmas dessert. The good thing is that you do not taste the carrots in the cake - for those who do not like their taste. 

Vegan dairy-free chocolate cake

Chocolate cake must be enjoyed by everyone. This recipe will ensure that. It is a perfect addition to a Christmas menu if you were looking for Australian Christmas lunch ideas. 

Vegan pumpkin peanut buttercup treats

These vegan pumpkin peanut buttercup treats are one of the best kid friendly Christmas recipes. Let your kids join in as you do your Christmas baking and let them make these treats.

Vegan banana-choc-chip cookies

Banana and choc-chip make a perfect combination in these Christmas cookies. This is a quick, healthy, and delicious recipe you will want to save even for baking after the holidays.

Vegan friendly banana muffins

Bananas are a good source of energy because they are full of antioxidants and rich in nutrients. In muffins, they still provide you with all that goodness. 

The best chocolate Christmas desserts

A Christmas without chocolate is like a night without stars. The best chocolate desserts are the ones that are rich in cocoa and add some crunch as well.

In this section, we will discuss the best Christmas chocolate desserts to make for your family and friends. 

Easy chocolate cake

Indeed this is an easy-to-make chocolate cake. It comes out very moist and it can easily become one of your new favourite Christmas cakes. Serve it with some hot chocolate and enjoy.

Slow cooker chocolate cake

Did you know you could bake a whole chocolate cake in a slow cooker? Yes, that’s right. It comes out so moist and perfect as a dessert after some great chicken tacos. 

Microwave chocolate brownie-in-a-mug cake

Microwaves are the best thing that ever happened to humans, before airfryers that is! You can make this beautiful brownie in a mug, in your microwave. It is especially ideal if you are spending the holidays alone.  

Easy chocolate cupcakes

These chocolate cupcakes are perfect to take to a cook-out or Christmas eve dinner. Everyone will enjoy their fluffiness and you’ll be a super guest.

Chocolate-Hazelnut crepe with banana

This chocolate hazelnut crepe will take you to the streets of Paris - it is that good! It will also make a good dessert for Christmas for kids.Try it and see.

Chocolate ripple cake

This is by far the best chocolate ripple cake recipe you’ll ever find. It is one of Australia’s popular desserts for Christmas and Australia day. It’s also perfect because it’s a no-bake recipe, making it one of the best Christmas desserts out there. 

Chocolate marquise cake

Don’t miss this chocolate marquise cake that’ll make a good dessert for your Christmas menu. 

White chocolate and raspberry muffins

If you need someone to bring dessert to your Christmas dinner, these white chocolate and raspberry muffins would be a good ask. 

Easy white Christmas tree 

Another Australian favourite. They are also great for decorating your Christmas dinner table. Enjoy!

Chocolate self-saucing pudding

This decadent self-saucing pudding is chocolate heaven. It is one of thse you want to keep and serve last on your Christmas menu. Everyone will appreciate it.