Countdown to delicious: 25 decadent desserts for your New Year’s celebration

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From the rich and chocolatey to the light and fruity, each of these 25 desserts is a star in its own right, ready to make your New Year’s celebration truly memorable.

Slice of chocolate peanut butter lasagna on a plate.
Chocolate Lush. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Dump Cake

Chocolate dump cake topped with colorful M&Ms.
Chocolate Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Start your New Year indulgence with a Chocolate Dump Cake that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Layers of chocolate cake, chocolate chips, and M&M’s create a dessert that’s decadently gooey and perfect for a celebration. It’s the kind of treat that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the sweet beginning of a new year.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake

Cinnamon Roll Pie

Slice of cinnamon roll pie with cream cheese icing on a white plate.
Cinnamon Roll Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Imagine waking up on New Year’s Day to the aroma of Cinnamon Roll Pie, a delightful twist on breakfast and dessert. This Cracker Barrel-inspired creation combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the tradition of pie, all topped with a sweet glaze.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie

Mini Cheesecake Parfaits

Cheesecake parfaits in shot glasses with blueberries and strawberries for a red white and blue dessert.
Mini Cheesecake Parfaits. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Mini Cheesecake Parfaits are the perfect bite-sized treat to toast to the new year. They’re layered with rich cheesecake filling and fruit, served in elegant shot glasses that make them ideal for a fancy New Year’s affair.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheesecake Parfaits

Air Fryer Ice Cream

Air Fryer Ice Cream on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Ice Cream. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Take your dessert game to the next level with Air Fryer Ice Cream, where creamy meets crispy for an unexpected twist. Drizzle it with chocolate syrup and a dollop of whipped cream to craft the ultimate ice cream sundae experience. This unique treat is a conversation starter and a decadent way to ring in the new year.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ice Cream

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Slice of chocolate cherry cake topped with cherry pie filling.
Chocolate Cherry Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Cherry Cake is your shortcut to a show-stopping New Year’s dessert with minimal effort. Just mix a box of cake mix with cherry pie filling and top it off with a rich chocolate glaze for a delectable treat. This “cheater” cake recipe is a sweet way to celebrate new beginnings without the hassle of baking from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cake

Mini Rum Cake

Adding cherries to mini rum cakes on a white plate.
Mini Rum Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Mini Rum Cakes are a sophisticated dessert that’s soaked in rum and perfect for a New Year’s toast. They start with a simple cake mix base and are finished with powdered sugar and cherries for a festive look. These little cakes pack a punch and are sure to be a hit with adults looking to celebrate in style.
Get the Recipe: Mini Rum Cake

Instant Pot Oreo Cheesecake

Slice of Oreo cheesecake topped with mini Oreos on a white plate.
Instant Pot Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Oreo Cheesecake is the ultimate cookies and cream indulgence to kick off the new year. Packed with Oreos in the crust, filling, and topping, it’s a cookies-and-cream dream come true.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Oreo Cheesecake

Rum Balls

Chocolate rum balls on a red tartan cloth.
Rum Balls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rum Balls are the no-bake, easy-to-make treats that bring a boozy kick to your New Year’s festivities. They’re perfect for popping in your mouth as you mingle and celebrate, offering a rich flavor. These bite-sized delights are a classic way to add a little spirit to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Rum Balls

Chocolate Lush

Slice of chocolate peanut butter lasagna on a plate.
Chocolate Lush. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Lush is a no-bake peanut butter and chocolate lasagna that layers Oreo cookies, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate pudding, and Cool Whip. It’s a decadent four-layer dessert that’s simple to assemble and a hit with guests of all ages. This easy-to-make treat is a heavenly way to pile on the sweetness as you count down to the new year.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Beat the summer heat during your New Year’s Day celebration with a classic Cherry Salad, also known as Pink Fluff. With just six ingredients and taking only five minutes to make, it’s a staple at potlucks and cookouts, and now, your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Peanut Butter Pie

Side view of a slice of peanut butter pie topped with whipped cream on a plate.
Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Peanut Butter Pie is a no-bake delight that’s ready to satisfy your peanut butter and chocolate cravings as you ring in the new year. With just six simple ingredients, this easy dessert is a creamy, dreamy addition to your festive lineup. It’s the kind of pie that will have everyone asking for seconds as they celebrate the start of something new.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Tiramisu Trifle

Layers of cake, coffee pudding and whipped cream in a trifle glass.
Tiramisu Trifle. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This no-bake Tiramisu Trifle is an effortless take on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for a sophisticated New Year’s Eve gathering. Layers of coffee and rum-soaked cake are topped with a creamy Mascarpone layer, making each spoonful a celebration in itself. It’s a dessert that looks as fancy as it tastes, ensuring your new year starts on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Trifle

Amish Apple Fritter Bread

A slice of apple cinnamon bread on a cutting board.
Amish Apple Fritter Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cozy up to the new year with the comforting flavors of Amish Apple Fritter Bread, a delightful treat that’s perfect for a chilly January 1st. This soft, cinnamon-spiced apple bread is swirled with a sweet glaze, offering a perfect blend of cozy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Icebox Cake

Icebox cake with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries on a pink plate.
Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

An old-fashioned Icebox Cake is the simple, no-bake dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia to your New Year’s celebration. With layers of graham crackers, summer berries, and whipped cream, it’s a refreshing way to end the year’s first meal.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Blueberry upside down cake on a white plate before slicing.
Blueberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry Upside Down Cake is a delicious way to incorporate the bright flavors of summer into your New Year’s dessert spread. This cake is as beautiful as it is tasty, with blueberries that burst with flavor in every bite. It’s a sweet reminder of sunny days to come and a perfect way to add a splash of color to your table.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes

Mini lemon bundt cakes on a cool rack drizzled with icing and topped with raspberries and blueberries.
Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes are a zesty, refreshing choice for a New Year’s dessert that’s pretty and delicious. They’re sure to be a bright and cheerful addition to your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes

Bløtkake

Norwegian cream cake on a cake stand decorated with strawberries and blueberries.
Bløtkake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bløtkake, the traditional Norwegian Cream Cake, is a sponge layer cake that’s filled with pudding and peaches, then topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. It’s a visually stunning dessert that’s light and airy, just like the fresh start of a new year. This cake is a festive and elegant way to impress your guests and honor new beginnings.
Get the Recipe: Bløtkake – Norwegian Cream Cake

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Chocolate chips skillet cookies topped with ice cream.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the New Year with a warm, gooey Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie, fresh from the oven and topped with a scoop of ice cream. Baking it in a cast-iron skillet gives it crispy edges and a soft center, making it the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to bring everyone together for a sweet start to the year.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips

Gooey coconut bars on a wooden cutting board with coconut.
Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bite into the New Year with these Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips, where the tropical flavor of coconut meets the classic taste of chocolate. These bars are a breeze to whip up and offer a chewy, buttery treat that’s perfect for a laid-back New Year’s Day. They’re just the thing to enjoy with a cup of coffee after a night of celebration.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips

Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake

Chocolate coca cola cake on a white plate topped with ice cream and a cherry.
Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your chocolate cravings on New Year’s Day with the rich, moist goodness of Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake. This copycat recipe brings the famous restaurant’s chocolate fudge flavor right into your home. It’s a comforting, decadent dessert that’s sure to be a hit as you ring in the new year.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake

Classic Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bar squares topped with sliced strawberries.
Classic Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Classic Cheesecake Bars are the no-fuss, creamy delight that makes New Year’s Day a little more special. They sit on a traditional graham cracker crust and are topped with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. These bars are the perfect way to indulge in a little luxury without the work of a full cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cheesecake Bars

Blueberry Cobbler

Blueberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Welcome the New Year with a Blueberry Cobbler that’s bursting with sweet and tangy berries. The flaky biscuit topping perfectly complements the juicy fruit, ensuring berry goodness in every bite. It’s a homey, heartwarming dessert that’s ideal for sharing with loved ones as you look ahead to the year’s blessings.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Swedish Almond Cake

Slices of Swedish almond cake dusted with powdered sugar and topped with almonds.
Swedish Almond Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slice into a Swedish Almond Cake for an effortlessly chic dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is simple to make. This traditional Scandinavian treat, with its subtle almond flavor, is just right for a New Year’s celebration. Dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze to add a touch of sweetness to your festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Almond Cake

Blueberry Swiss Roll Cake

A slice of blueberry roll cake on a plate.
Blueberry Swiss Roll Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Roll into the New Year with a Blueberry Swiss Roll Cake, featuring a light sponge cake filled with whipped cream and fresh blueberries. This elegant dessert is not only delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s a refreshing and pretty treat that’s sure to impress your guests as you welcome the new year.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Swiss Roll Cake

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