As the holiday season unfolds, there’s no better way to spread joy and warmth than through delightful Christmas desserts. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to treat your loved ones, these top 5 Christmas desserts are sure to dazzle your taste buds. From classic favorites to innovative twists, let’s embark on a culinary journey to create sweet memories this holiday season.
1. Peppermint Chocolate Yule Log
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add cocoa powder and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Carefully unroll the cake, spread whipped cream, and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies. Roll it back up and refrigerate before serving.
2. Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Whipped cream and gingerbread cookie crumbs for topping
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of the pan.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in molasses, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
Pour the batter over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
Allow to cool, refrigerate, and cut into bars. Top with whipped cream and gingerbread cookie crumbs before serving.
3. Cranberry Orange Trifle
Ingredients:
1 pound cranberries
1 cup orange juice
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 package of pound cake, cubed
2 cups vanilla pudding
2 cups whipped cream
Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. Simmer until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Stir in orange zest and let it cool.
In a trifle dish, layer cubed pound cake, cranberry sauce, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream.
Repeat the layers and finish with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
4. White Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Ingredients:
16 oz white chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix peppermint extract into melted white chocolate.
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and refrigerate until set.
Break into pieces before serving.
5. Pecan Pie Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
In a bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Fill cupcake liners with the mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Allow cupcakes to cool before topping with whipped cream.
This Christmas, let your dessert table shine with these delectable treats that capture the essence of the season. Whether you opt for the timeless classics or venture into new flavors, these recipes are bound to make your celebrations even sweeter. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
Until next time…
C.V. Williams-Realtor® | One Click Realty