37 Best Make-Ahead Christmas Desserts

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? These make-ahead Christmas desserts are here to save the day–and your sanity! Christmas is the most wonderful (and delicious) time of the year, and these treats are packed with all the festive magic you love.

Plus, they’re perfect for making ahead, so you can enjoy the season without the last-minute stress of baking multiple desserts. It’s the best way to spread cheer without sacrificing flavor!

1.No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Looking for a dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive? This no-bake cherry cheesecake is the perfect treat. It’s every bit as rich and creamy as a classic cheesecake, but with a light, airy texture that makes it feel like a cloud in every bite.

And here’s the magic: it’s loaded with sweet cherry pie filling that gives it a festive Christmas twist. It’s a simple touch that takes this classic dessert to a whole new level of delicious.

2.Candy Cane Dessert

Ready to shake things up this Christmas? This dessert is the ultimate holiday show-stopper! Imagine layers of crunchy Oreo crust, creamy peppermint cheesecake, smooth vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream all coming together in perfect harmony.

It’s a fresh, exciting twist on classic Christmas flavors that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This dessert is the perfect way to add some festive flair to your holiday gathering.

3.Peppermint Bark

Looking for a classic holiday treat that’s as easy as it is elegant? Peppermint bark is your answer! This festive favorite features layers of peppermint-infused white and dark chocolate, sprinkled with crushed candy canes for a fun crunch.

It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. The best part? You can make it ahead of time and store it until Christmas Day, making your holiday prep a total breeze.

With its refreshing peppermint twist and chocolatey goodness, this treat is sure to be a showstopper!

4.Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Pumpkin crunch cake is the ultimate holiday treat, blending two seasonal favorites–pumpkin and crunch–in one delicious dessert. Imagine a moist, flavorful pumpkin cake topped with a layer of crunchy candied pecans for the perfect texture contrast.

This festive dessert is sure to steal the spotlight at any holiday gathering. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves fall flavors and wants a little extra crunch in their holiday treats.

5.Passion Fruit Tart

Take a bite of this passion fruit tart and get ready for a truly magical experience. The buttery, crumbly crust sets the perfect stage for the light and airy passion fruit creme.

Together, the layers blend in a harmony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s a delightful treat that’s as much a pleasure to eat as it is to look at!

6.Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites

Looking for a show-stopping Christmas dessert that’s sure to impress? These adorable Santa hat cheesecake bites are the perfect treat! Each bite is topped with an upside-down strawberry to create that festive Santa hat look.

Not only are they super cute, but they also have a creamy texture that just melts in your mouth. Simple to make yet oh-so-impressive, these little cheesecakes are guaranteed to bring big smiles to your holiday gathering.

7.Classic British Christmas Cake

Step into the holiday spirit with a classic British Christmas cake that’s as rich as it is festive. This dense, fruity, and delightfully boozy treat is a tradition worth savoring.

Many start crafting it as early as September, giving it weeks of love by ‘feeding’ it with brandy. The final touch? A layer of creamy marzipan topped with a smooth royal icing.

For inspiration, check out last year’s creation, where a simple drizzle of royal icing and a sprinkle of rosemary and cranberries added a fresh, elegant flair.

Whether you’re a tradition keeper or a modern twist maker, this cake is sure to be the star of your holiday table.

8.Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Holiday cookies are a beloved tradition, and these chocolate crinkle cookies always make the cut. With their shiny, crackly sugar coating and soft, chewy centers loaded with rich chocolate, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time.

Not only do they look festive, but each bite delivers that deep, chocolatey flavor you crave. This holiday season, don’t miss out on the magic of these irresistible chocolate crinkle cookies!

9.Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Looking for a refreshing twist on Christmas desserts? This strawberry pretzel salad is here to brighten up your holiday spread. It starts with a buttery, crumbly pretzel crust, followed by a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer.

Next, a vibrant strawberry jelly adds a fruity pop, and it’s all topped off with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. The mix of textures–crunchy, creamy, and smooth–and the blend of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors will have everyone coming back for more.

A perfect treat that brings summer vibes to your Christmas table!

10.Lemon Meringue Roulade

Looking for a show-stopping dessert? This lemon meringue roulade is your answer. A light-as-air sponge cake is rolled up with a creamy, tangy lemon curd and topped with toasted meringue for a delightful crunch.

The light sponge perfectly balances the bold, zesty lemon and the sweetness of the meringue. It’s the perfect way to wow your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.

11.Rum Balls

Rum balls are the perfect no-bake, make-ahead treat for your next holiday gathering! Made with a mix of crushed Nilla wafers and toasted pecans, these bite-sized goodies are blended with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a splash of rum for a rich, indulgent flavor.

Think chocolate truffles, but with a grown-up twist. Plus, you can swap in butterscotch, brandy, or other liqueurs if you want to mix things up. Best of all, they’re a breeze to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks–so you can prep them well ahead of time and keep the stress out of entertaining.

12.Classic Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars are a beloved Canadian Christmas tradition hailing from Nanaimo, British Columbia. These scrumptious treats feature a rich chocolate crust, a creamy custard buttercream layer, and are finished with a layer of melted chocolate on top.

They’re the perfect way to add a touch of festive joy to any celebration, no matter where you’re from.

13.Gingerbread Ice Cream

Looking for a one-of-a-kind ice cream flavor? Gingerbread ice cream is here to spice things up! This festive treat blends molasses, ginger, orange zest, and a mix of warming spices for a Christmas-inspired flavor that’s as cozy as a crackling fireplace.

It’s sweet, it’s spicy, and it’s packed with holiday cheer. Perfect for the season, this ice cream offers a taste of warmth and joy in every creamy bite.

Ready to give it a try?

14.Biscoff Cheesecake

Meet the Biscoff Cheesecake, a dessert that’s about to become your new obsession! This indulgent treat brings together the smoothness of cream cheese and the sweetness of cookie butter in perfect harmony.

Imagine a Biscoff cookie crust topped with a fluffy cream cheese layer and finished with a rich cookie butter filling. The combination of tart and creamy, crunchy and buttery, creates a flavor experience that’s simply irresistible.

Ready to take your dessert game to the next level?

15.Christmas Chocolate Ripple Cake Wreath

This show-stopping Christmas Chocolate Ripple Cake Wreath is the ultimate festive dessert. Made with chocolate Ripple biscuits, a hint of cream, and a touch of icing sugar, it’s as delicious as it looks.

Decked out with M&M’s, Maltesers, and colorful candies, this wreath is almost too pretty to eat. With its playful flavors and jaw-dropping presentation, your guests won’t be able to resist digging in.

16.Gingerbread Cookies

There’s nothing quite like a gingerbread cookie to bring that cozy, classic comfort to your holiday season! These Christmas cookies strike the perfect balance between crisp and chewy.

Each bite is packed with all those classic flavors you adore–think molasses, butter, and warm spices. And let’s not forget how downright adorable they are!

17.Church Window Cookies

These church window cookies are a treat for the eyes and your taste buds. Packed with walnuts, shredded coconut, and colorful marshmallows, they’re all wrapped up in a smooth, crunchy chocolate shell.

They’re a holiday classic, but let’s be honest–they’re the perfect sweet pick-me-up any day of the year.

18.Christmas Gingerbread Trifle

Take your holiday dessert game to new heights with this show-stopping gingerbread trifle. It’s Christmas in a bowl–layers of gingerbread cookies soaked in your favorite booze, creamy dulce de leche whipped cream, and light-as-air vanilla whipped cream.

Easy to make and effortlessly impressive, this dessert is perfect for the holidays. Plus, it’s stress-free and feeds a crowd. Merry Christmas to you!

19.Chocolate Mousse

Homemade chocolate mousse is a timeless treat that’s sure to impress. Light, creamy, and bursting with chocolate flavor, it’s the perfect way to cap off a big meal, especially around the holidays.

Serve it as-is for a simple yet elegant dessert, or go all out by topping it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a fresh strawberry slice, or a dollop of sweetened cream.

Either way, it’s pure indulgence in every bite.

20.Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies are the perfect Christmas treat, no matter what you call them. Imagine two soft, light pumpkin-flavored cookies sandwiched together with a tangy sweetened cream cheese frosting.

The sweet and spicy cinnamon aroma will draw everyone in, even before they’re done baking. These tender autumn treats are sure to make your winter holidays a little brighter.

21.Christmas Rocky Road

Get ready to make the classic rocky road even more festive with this holiday twist! Loaded with macadamias, mini marshmallows, pistachios, dried cranberries, and the surprise addition of Turkish delight, this Christmas rocky road is packed with unique flavors and textures that make it a standout treat.

Whether you’re serving it as an after-dinner delight or packing it in a lunch box, this Christmas rocky road is sure to be a hit.

22.Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These crinkle cookies are a delightful twist on the classic, blending the deep richness of red velvet with the bright zest of lemon. The result? A soft, velvety cookie that practically melts in your mouth.

Enjoy them warm, paired with a scoop of ice cream, or cool on their own for a sweet treat. Either way, they’re sure to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season.

23.Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Make the holidays brighter with a batch of homemade whipped shortbread cookies–so buttery, they practically melt in your mouth! Light, airy, and irresistibly tender, these treats are impossible to stop at just one.

Pair them with a steaming mug of cocoa for the ultimate holiday experience. It’s not Christmas without a plate of these delightful, buttery bites!

24.Texas Pecan Pie

If you’re looking for the ultimate Southern Christmas dessert, Texas pecan pie is the way to go! Imagine the perfect mix of crunchy pecans and a deliciously gooey filling.

This Texas-born treat has been a holiday favorite for over a century. Sure, the recipe has evolved over the years, but sometimes you just can’t beat the classics.

And don’t worry, this traditional Texas pecan pie recipe has got you covered!

25.White Chocolate Bark

White chocolate bark is proof that the simplest treats can be the most amazing. With melted white chocolate as your base, you can mix in just about anything to create something totally unique.

This version adds pistachios for a satisfying crunch, dried cranberries for a sweet and tangy touch, and candies for a burst of color and flavor. But don’t stop there–feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make each piece one-of-a-kind.

26.Christmas Ice Cream Cake

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults? This festive holiday ice cream cake is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Start with a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, then layer in creamy ice cream sandwiches for an extra-sweet touch. Top it all off with peppermint ice cream, melted chocolate, and a sprinkle of Christmas sprinkles for the ultimate festive finish.

Trust me, this outrageously decadent dessert will be the talk of your holiday party!

27.Lamingtons

Meet the lamington, a beloved Australian dessert that’s won hearts worldwide. Imagine tender squares of sponge cake, dipped in a light chocolate icing, and rolled in desiccated coconut for a delightful texture.

This treat is as moist as it is sweet, making it a perfect indulgence any time of day. The lamington’s story began in 1895 when Lord Lamington’s chef crafted them as a snack for tea time in Brisbane.

Today, these charming cakes come in a variety of flavors, from fruity twists to coffee-infused delights, ensuring there’s a lamington for every craving.

28.Cream Cheese Fudge

This cream cheese fudge is a game-changer, blending rich, velvety chocolate with the tangy zip of cream cheese. The cream cheese doesn’t just add a unique flavor twist–it also balances out the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced taste.

Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a skeptic, this fudge is sure to win you over. It’s a delightful twist on classic flavors that’s as fun as it is delicious.

And if you’re feeling festive, it’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle in every bite!

29.Christmas Chocolate Truffles

Add some holiday magic to your treats with these Christmas Chocolate Truffles! They’re ridiculously easy to make–just two main ingredients: chocolate and sweetened condensed milk.

Mix it up, let it set, then roll into bite-sized balls. You can stop there, but why not add some festive fun with holiday sprinkles? It’s the perfect way to give your truffles a little extra cheer!

30.Christmas Tiramisu

Looking for a show-stopping Christmas dessert? This Christmas tiramisu is a game-changer! It puts a festive spin on the classic Italian treat by using panettone, a traditional Italian Christmas bread loaded with dried fruits and nuts.

Layered with smooth pastry cream and creamy mascarpone, this dessert is pure holiday magic. The finishing touch? A dusting of cocoa powder on top, making it as stunning as it is delicious.

Perfect for the season, this tiramisu is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!

31.Pumpkin Dump Cake

Looking for an easy holiday dessert that’s sure to impress? This pumpkin dump cake is your answer! It’s made with canned pumpkin, yellow cake mix, crunchy pecans, and warm holiday spices for that extra oomph of flavor.

The best part? It only takes a few minutes to prep, and all you need is a mixing bowl and an oven. Perfect for the holidays, and so simple to make!

32.Traditional Christmas Pudding

Step into the holiday spirit with a classic dessert that’s been delighting people for centuries–Traditional Christmas Pudding. Also known as plum or figgy pudding, this rich treat is a dense cake packed with spices and dried fruits soaked in brandy.

It’s a timeless symbol of Christmas celebrations that brings families together. Many households still carry on the beloved tradition of making their own plum pudding from scratch to share during the holidays.

It’s a taste of holiday magic in every bite!

33.Rudolph Reindeer Cookies

These treats are as cute as Christmas gets! Featuring a soft sugar cookie base, pretzels for the antlers, chocolate chips for the eyes, and M&M’s for the iconic red nose, they’re the perfect Christmas cookies.

Serve them at your holiday party and watch your guests’ eyes light up with delight!

34.Gingerbread Cheesecake

Looking for a creative twist on holiday desserts? This gingerbread cheesecake is here to impress! By blending the warmth of gingerbread into both the crust and the creamy filling, this cheesecake gets a fun and festive flavor boost.

Perfect for a cozy holiday dinner or as a show-stopping centerpiece, this dessert is sure to wow your guests with its rich, spicy charm.

35.Japanese Strawberry Shortcake

Add a touch of Asia to your American celebration with this Japanese strawberry shortcake. It starts with a light-as-air strawberry sponge cake that’s as fluffy as a cloud.

Layer on some fluffy whipped cream for extra sweetness. Top it off with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and a burst of juicy flavor. Each bite is a perfect mix of sweet and tangy, making it a delightful twist for any special occasion.

36.Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie

Bring some fall magic to your holiday table with Patti LaBelle’s famous sweet potato pie. This Southern dessert gets a special touch from the star baker, featuring a buttery crust and warm, cozy spices.

While it’s delicious any time of year, there’s something extra special about enjoying a slice during the winter holidays. It’s the perfect way to cozy up by the fire with a taste of seasonal sweetness.

37.Christmas Cheesecake

Looking for a show-stopping dessert this holiday season? This cheesecake takes the classic dessert to the next level with a creamy white chocolate mousse on top and a sprinkle of sweet, tangy candied cranberries.

Whether you’re gathered around the table with family or enjoying a cozy Christmas dinner for two, there’s always room for a slice of this irresistible treat.