21 desserts that’ll have you ditching the cookie cutters this Christmas

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Get ready to step away from the usual holiday treats and dive into something new with these 21 Christmas desserts. From indulgent cakes to festive pies, these recipes will add a fresh twist to your holiday baking. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter traditions and embrace these creative, crowd-pleasing sweets that are sure to become your new favorites.

A bowl of chocolate-covered peanut butter balls with one cut in half.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate mousse in mason jars with whipped cream and chocolate chips.
Chocolate Mousse. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving something nostalgic this holiday season? This classic chocolate mousse is the way to go! Just melt some chocolate, whip up some cream, and you’re all set. It’s super easy, totally delicious, and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, it’s the perfect dessert to impress without all the fuss!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mousse

No Bake Brownies

Close up side view of three no bake brownies on white plate.
No Bake Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Looking for a classic dessert that’s incredibly easy and super tasty? These No-Bake Brownies are about to be your new go-to! They’re rich, chewy, and just what you need for those “I need chocolate NOW” cravings. No oven required!
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

A close-up of a powdered sugar-dusted bundt cake with several slices cut and placed on a white plate. Orange foliage is visible in the background.
Pumpkin Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This pumpkin bundt cake is a holiday fave! It’s super moist, fluffy, and loaded with warm spices. Whip it up for Christmas, and watch everyone go back for seconds—it’s that good! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday fun.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Apple Pie

A slice of crumb-topped pie on a white decorative plate with a fork next to it. A red and white cloth is partially visible in the corner.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This classic apple pie is super easy to throw together! You probably have everything you need for the crust already, and the topping is just some crushed cornflakes. It’s loaded with yummy spiced apples that are totally irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Cheesecake Bars

Close-up of crumbly dessert squares with a cream filling, topped with bits of nuts. A red and white checkered cloth is in the background.
Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These cheesecake bars are a total throwback to Grandma’s recipe box and perfect for the holidays! They’ve got a buttery, nutty crust, creamy filling, and a crunchy brown sugar and walnut topping that makes every bite so satisfying. You’ll definitely want these on your holiday dessert table!
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Bars

Fudge

A plate of chocolate fudge squares is stacked into a pyramid, with another plate of fudge squares in the background.
Fudge . Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This classic fudge is so creamy and packed with gooey marshmallows and chocolate chips! It’s super easy to whip up and tastes amazing—perfect for when you need a quick sweet treat. Seriously, you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!
Get the Recipe: Fudge

Mock Apple Pie

Slice of pie with crumb topping on a stack of plates, surrounded by crackers and cinnamon sticks.
Mock Apple Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving apple pie but don’t have any apples? This Mock Apple Pie uses Ritz Crackers instead, and it’s way more delicious than you’d think! It’s a fun twist that’ll surprise everyone at your next holiday gathering. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Mock Apple Pie

Peanut Brittle

A white plate filled with pieces of peanut brittle on a wooden table.
Peanut Brittle. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Throw together some classic homemade peanut brittle that’s sweet, salty, and super crunchy—perfect for the holidays! It’s super easy to make and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

A bowl of chocolate-covered peanut butter balls with one cut in half.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are super easy to whip up with just four ingredients, and you can even make them peanut-free if you want! They come together in no time and are perfect for Christmas get-togethers. Everyone will love them, and they make a great holiday gift too!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Coconut Cake

A cake with a slice taken out of it.
Coconut Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This old-school Coconut Cake is a must for the holidays! It’s light, fluffy, and packed with coconut goodness. Super easy to make and always a hit—everyone will be coming back for seconds. Just a heads up, it might disappear pretty quickly!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cake

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

A slice of chocolate bundt cake with walnuts on a white plate, accompanied by a fork. The cake is partially seen on a red plate in the background, with a floral napkin next to it.
Chocolate Zucchini Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Add some sweetness to your holiday baking with this super moist Chocolate Zucchini Cake, loaded with rich cocoa flavor. The secret? Freshly grated zucchini, just like grandma used to make! We even tossed in some walnuts for a little crunch in every bite. You’re gonna love it!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Chocolate Macaroon Pie

A slice of chocolate coconut pie on a plate.
Chocolate Macaroon Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Chocolate Macaroon Pie is the perfect holiday treat! With rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and an easy crust, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. It’s so simple to make, you’ll find yourself making it all season long!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Macaroon Pie

No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

A glass bowl filled with scoops of chocolate ice cream topped with colorful sprinkles and a red cherry, placed on a wooden surface.
No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This chocolate ice cream is a total breeze to whip up for the holidays—no fancy gear needed! Just mix cream, chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and half-and-half, freeze overnight, and you’re good to go with an awesome dessert!
Get the Recipe: No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of peanut butter pie topped with whipped cream and peanuts, on a white plate with the whole pie in the background.
Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Ditch the store-bought pies this holiday season and whip up this homemade Peanut Butter Pie! It’s got a super creamy peanut butter filling in a graham cracker crust—so easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves a rich, peanut buttery treat!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Black Bottom Pie

A slice of chocolate cream pie on a plate.
Black Bottom Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Black Bottom Pie is the ultimate holiday treat! It’s got that rich, dark chocolate flavor with a hint of rum that’s totally addictive. Okay, it takes a bit of time to make, but it’s worth every minute. One bite and you’ll be hooked—your family and friends will love it too!
Get the Recipe: Black Bottom Pie

Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

A slice of chocolate chip pizza on a plate.
Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving something nostalgic this holiday season? This Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza’s got you! With a chewy cookie crust, melty marshmallows, and gooey chocolate chips, it’s like a warm hug in every bite. And it’s super easy to whip up!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

Divinity Candy

A glass bowl containing white candy with nuts, placed on a red and white plaid cloth.
Divinity Candy. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Looking for a sweet and nostalgic Christmas treat? Divinity candy is a fluffy, heavenly delight that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s a bit of a labor of love, but the result is totally worth it. With just sugar, syrup, and egg whites, you can create this simple yet elegant dessert. Want to add a little crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts for a festive twist.
Get the Recipe: Divinity Candy

Tomato Soup Cake

A piece of cake is sitting on a plate next to a can of soup.
Tomato Soup Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

You’ve gotta try this Tomato Soup Cake for the holidays! It’s crazy easy to make and full of cozy vibes. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner—bet you can’t stop at just one slice!
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup Cake

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Slice of coconut cream pie on white plate with pink tablecloth in background.
Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving a classic Christmas treat? This Coconut Cream Pie is a no-brainer! It’s super easy to whip up, and the creamy coconut filling is to die for. Perfect for a cozy night in with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Cherry Pie Bars

A square cherry pie bar drizzled with a vanilla glaze.
Cherry Pie Bars. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Buttery flaky crust, juicy cherries, and a sweet glaze – what more could you want? This cherry pie is the perfect dessert for potlucks. Plus, it’s super easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Bars

Mini Pavlova Nests

Mini pavlova nests with whipped cream and berries.
Mini Pavlova Nests. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These mini pavlovas are the perfect festive treat! You’ll love how easy they are to make, plus they look super impressive. Learn how to whip up fluffy, crunchy meringue nests, then pile ’em high with whipped cream and fresh berries. They’re the perfect Christmas dessert, guaranteed to wow your guests.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pavlova Nests

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