25 Simple Christmas Day Desserts Your Family Will Love

Christmas Day can be a whirlwind of excitement, but the dessert table doesn’t need to add to the stress. These 25 simple Christmas Day desserts are designed to be straightforward, delicious, and loved by everyone at your table, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. From no-bake treats to quick bakes, this list has everything you need to end your meal on a sweet note.

Why You’ll Love This List

• Time-Saving Recipes: Many of these desserts require minimal prep or oven time, perfect for a busy Christmas schedule.
• Kid-Friendly Options: A wide range of flavours and textures that appeal to both children and adults, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Several desserts can be prepared the day before, freeing up your oven and your hands on the big day.
• Simple Ingredients: Each recipe uses everyday ingredients you can easily find at your local supermarket, with no complicated techniques required.
• Variety of Flavours: From rich chocolate to fresh fruit and creamy puddings, there’s a dessert here to suit every palate.

25 Simple Christmas Day Desserts Your Family Will Love

15 min prep  ·  30 min cook  ·  4 servings

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1. No-Bake Chocolate Orange Tiffin

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick but impressive. A crunchy, chewy base of biscuits, dried fruit, and nuts is coated in a rich dark chocolate and infused with zesty orange oil. It sets beautifully in the fridge and slices like a dream.

Ingredients

• 200g digestive biscuits
• 100g unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp golden syrup
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 50g dried cranberries
• 50g chopped almonds

Instructions

1. Line a 20cm square tin with baking paper, then crush the digestive biscuits into small, uneven pieces in a bowl.
2. Melt the butter, golden syrup, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate together in a saucepan over a low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the orange zest, dried cranberries, and chopped almonds, then fold in the crushed biscuits until everything is well coated.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin and level the top with the back of a spoon.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight, then cut into squares to serve.

Quick tip: For a cleaner cut, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing each square.

2. Mini Pavlovas with Berries and Cream

Individual pavlovas offer a stunning, elegant presentation with a crisp shell and a soft, marshmallow-like centre. Topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a medley of fresh berries, they are light, refreshing, and a wonderful contrast to a rich Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites
• 200g caster sugar
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• 300ml double cream
• 250g mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 120°C (100°C fan) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Whisk the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until stiff peaks form, then gradually add the caster sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking well after each addition until the meringue is glossy and thick.
3. Fold through the cornflour and vinegar, then spoon six equal mounds onto the prepared trays, creating a small well in the centre of each.
4. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the pavlovas inside to cool completely without opening the door.
5. Just before serving, whip the double cream until soft peaks form, spoon it into the wells, and top with the fresh berries.

Quick tip: Ensure no yolk gets into the egg whites, as any fat will prevent them from whipping properly.

3. White Chocolate and Cranberry Blondies

These blondies are the festive cousin of the classic brownie, with a buttery, vanilla-flavoured base that is studded with creamy white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries. They are chewy, sweet, and incredibly moreish, with a beautiful golden top.

Ingredients

• 125g unsalted butter, melted
• 200g light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150g plain flour
• 100g white chocolate chips
• 75g dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper.
2. Mix the melted butter and light brown sugar together until smooth, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Fold in the plain flour until just combined, then stir through the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spread it evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and a skewer inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Quick tip: Let the blondies cool completely in the tin before slicing, as they are very soft when warm and will crumble easily.

4. Easy Chocolate Mousse

A light, airy, and intensely chocolatey mousse that comes together in minutes. Using just three ingredients, this dessert is a testament to simplicity, offering a silky smooth texture that feels wonderfully indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredients

• 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, then add the caster sugar and whisk for another 30 seconds until glossy.
3. Beat the egg yolks into the cooled melted chocolate until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Gently fold a third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to loosen it, then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until no white streaks remain.
5. Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or pots and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Quick tip: For a festive touch, top each mousse with a dollop of whipped cream and a few pomegranate seeds before serving.

5. Festive Chocolate Cupcakes

Rich, moist chocolate cupcakes topped with a creamy peppermint or vanilla buttercream and festive sprinkles. These are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, and they are incredibly easy to decorate for a Christmas party. For another great chocolate option, check out our Festive Christmas Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe.

Ingredients

• 150g plain flour
• 40g cocoa powder
• 200g caster sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 large eggs
• 120ml milk
• 120ml vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the buttercream: 125g unsalted butter, 250g icing sugar, 2 tbsp milk, green or red food colouring

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
2. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, caster sugar, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl.
3. In a jug, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, then pour into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the paper cases, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 18-20 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
5. Cool the cupcakes completely on a wire rack, then beat the buttercream ingredients together until fluffy, colour as desired, and pipe onto the cooled cakes.

Quick tip: To make a simple chocolate buttercream, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the icing sugar before mixing.

6. Baked Apples with Oat Crumble

Warm, tender baked apples filled with a spiced oat crumble topping are the essence of a cosy Christmas dessert. The apples soften beautifully in the oven, releasing their natural sweetness, while the topping becomes golden and crisp. Serve with custard or ice cream.

Ingredients

• 4 large cooking apples (such as Bramley)
• 50g rolled oats
• 40g plain flour
• 40g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 40g light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp sultanas or raisins

7. Sticky Toffee Pudding (Individual Ramekins)

A classic British dessert that is pure comfort in a cup. These individual sticky toffee puddings are wonderfully moist, thanks to the chopped dates, and are smothered in a luscious, buttery toffee sauce. Serve them warm for the ultimate winter treat.

Ingredients

• 150g pitted dates, chopped
• 150ml boiling water
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 150g self-raising flour
• For the sauce: 100g butter, 100g dark brown sugar, 150ml double cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease six individual ramekins or a 20cm square tin.
2. Pour the boiling water over the chopped dates, stir in the bicarbonate of soda, and leave to soak for 10 minutes.
3. Cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until pale and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Fold in the self-raising flour, then stir through the date mixture until just combined, and divide the batter evenly among the ramekins.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and springy to the touch, then while they bake, melt the sauce ingredients together in a pan and simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Turn the puddings out onto plates, pour over the warm toffee sauce, and serve immediately.

Quick tip: The puddings can be baked a day ahead and reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds before serving with the sauce.

8. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes

These bite-sized treats are warm, soft, and coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mix. Made from a simple batter baked in a mini muffin tin rather than fried, they are a quick and mess-free way to enjoy the taste of fresh doughnuts on Christmas morning or after dinner.

Ingredients

• 200g plain flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 120ml milk
• 60g unsalted butter, melted
• For coating: 50g caster sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a 24-hole mini muffin tin.
2. Whisk the flour, 100g caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon together in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and melted butter, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin holes, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and springy.
5. Mix the coating sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl, then while the doughnut holes are still warm, toss them in the mixture until evenly coated.

Quick tip: Serve these immediately for the best texture, as the sugar coating will soften over time.