No Christmas celebration menu can be complete without dessert - whatever the cuisine. Whether to round out a meal if you are hosting, or to keep on hand for guests popping in to visit, this repertoire of easy Christmas dessert recipes has you covered over the festive season (and some of them do double duty as DIY edible gifts too).
From traditional favourites like spiced cookies and decadent fruitcakes to lighter and more refreshing options for summer, like an ice-cream log or tropical fruit coupes - Christmas dessert is served!
Pavlova with dried apricots in verjuice syrup
Where classic pavlova is typically topped with chopped and whole fresh fruit, this twist by Maggie Beer pairs crisp meringue with the tart sweetness of dried apricots soaked in verjuice syrup. It adds a little indulgent rich touch to the light meringue.
Strawberry, basil and lemon trifle
Equally bright and comforting, this pretty trifle layers juicy strawberries, fragrant basil, and zesty lemon for a refreshing take on a classic Christmas dessert.
Quandong Christmas cake
This Aussie take on a traditional Christmas cake uses native quandongs — their tart, fruity and salty flavour are a naturally aligned with the flavours of fruitcake. It's a crowd-pleasing way to incorporate local ingredients into holiday baking.
Tropical white chocolate coupes
Creamy white chocolate meets tropical fruits in these elegant coupes, making them a refreshing, no-bake option for warm-weather celebrations.
White chocolate bark
This simple yet striking treat combines creamy white chocolate with colourful festive toppings. An easy-to-make gift or party snack.
Mango and coconut ice-cream log
An ice-cream dessert appeals to a warm climate and nostalgia, and is a great option for a make-ahead dessert. This tropical, dairy-free take celebrates peak-season mangoes, with both mango ice-cream and a mango coulis topping along with ice-cream make from coconut cream.
Pfeffernüsse (spice cookies)
These traditional German cookies are packed with warming spices and a dusting of powdered sugar, making them a cosy addition to the Christmas table and perfect paired with a cup of tea or dessert wine.
Flambéed tropical dried fruit in a rum caramel sauce
Dried tropical fruits are flambéed in caramel and rum for a simple dessert with bold flavours. Perfect served with ice cream or cream.
Mangomisu
A tropical spin on classic tiramisu, this version combines mango, mascarpone, white chocolate along with Savoiardi biscuits soaked in orange juice and marsala wine, for a summery delight that is perfect as a make-ahead dessert.
Fragrant almond meal, citrus and rosewater roll up
This vegan-friendly and decorate dessert blends citrus, rosewater, and almond for a pretty and fragrant addition to the holiday table.
Pineapple and white chocolate nougat
Sweet and chewy nougat is infused with tangy pineapple and creamy white chocolate, offering a festive twist on a confectionery classic. Make extra for edible gifts!
Reindeer cupcakes with peanut butter frosting
Adorably decorated, these charming cupcakes are a sure to be hit with younger Christmas guests.
Chocolate chip peppermint roulade
Inspired by the nostalgic charm of after-dinner mints, this roulade features a rich dark chocolate cake with a cool peppermint centre. If your roulade cracks a little when rolling, don’t worry – as the sponge don’t contain any flour, this is part of their character.
Sweet Christmas taralli (roccocò)
These traditional Italian spiced biscuits, lightly sweetened and fragrant with citrus, are perfect for sharing during the festive season. Ideal with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee at the end of a meal.
Chocolate brandy truffles
Rich and boozy, these velvety chocolate truffles with a hint of brandy are a luxurious addition to any Christmas treat platter.
Finger lime marmalade syrup cake
Bring native flavours to the table with this moist cake, which highlights the bitter tang of finger limes, balanced by a syrup glaze. A delightful mix of sharp and sweet.
Oat roulade with berry cream
This sponge of this light roulade is made with oats, then filled with whipped berry cream for a healthier riff, and is perfect for gluten-free friends.
Passionfruit pavlova ice-cream sandwiches
Ice-cream sandwiches have a special place in many of our hearts. This version features crisp meringue discs sandwiched around creamy passionfruit ice cream for a playful take on pavlova.
Strawberry and pistachio meringue torte
This layers of this stunning torte are a pistachio dacquoise, making it suitable as a gluten-free option. Fresh strawberries, jam, whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra pistachios come together in a dessert that’s as visually striking as it is delicious.
Festive jam cookies, three ways
Whether you're making biscuits for a light dessert, or to have on hand when friends drop in for a cuppa, these three options offer up melting mouth textures.
Colombian black cake (torta negra Colombiana)
This rich and aromatic cake is dense with dried fruit, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and spiked with both rum and port for a deep, complex and moreish flavour.
Dutch spiced gingerbread
This plant-based version of speculaas – a Dutch spiced gingerbread – is fragrant with warming spices and hazelnut paste.
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