23 Delectable Holiday Desserts

Sunset Magazine

These festive favorites and elegant show-stoppers create holiday cheer with every bite.


Cranberry Obsession Snow Cake
With its jewel-like filling, this cake is as festive as it gets.
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Orange Trifle with Grand Marnier Cream
A super-refreshing way to usher in the new year, and great with champagne.
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Peppermint Ice Cream Bon Bons
A cute and tasty dessert version of cocktail snacks.
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Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch
This towering cake, garnished with chunks of coffee-flavored toffee, makes a luscious centerpiece for the holiday dessert table.
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Peppermint-Topped Brownies
These rich chocolate brownies are topped with a delicate layer of peppermint candy. They're perfect for the holidays.
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Eggnog Cheesecake
It's so rich that even a small slice is satisfying.
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Caramel-Cloaked Chocolate-Hazelnut Torte
This show-stopping dessert is both elegant and delicious-just the thing for capping off your holiday in style.
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Crushed Peppermint Cheesecake
Peppermint's cool bite gets smoothed out when paired with creamy cheesecake.
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Clementine Sorbetto
Clementines create a pure, intense sorbetto (sorbet) that practically explodes with flavor. Serve with chocolate biscotti for a little decadence.
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Cholly's World-Famous Gingerbread Cake
This dark, moist cake is a favorite of guests at the Vista Verde Ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where it's cut into rounds and set on a pool of custard sauce.
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