10 Terrific Holiday Desserts

Katie Morford

2 days ago

wedge of gingerbread cake with whipped cream

I’ve been thinking about my holiday menu for weeks now and have finally settled on a game plan for appetizer, main, and sides. I’m struggling with dessert though, since there are so many good ones this time of year. Do I go cake or pie? Chocolate or cranberry? Pumpkin or persimmon? Fancy or fuss-free?

Perhaps you’re in the same boat, so to help us sort out this oh-so-essential question, I’ve combed the archives and pulled out 10 seasonal favorites. I figure between now and next week, I’ll decide on one (or maybe two)! A few details:

With the exception of the eggnog floats, all the recipes can be made a day ahead.
My aim is for desserts to be festive and fabulous, but I also like to make them more wholesome than most. The majority of these pack in less sugar and include nourishing ingredients, like pumpkin, persimmons, nuts, and whole-grain flour.
I prioritize ease. The holidays are busy enough without desserts that take all day to bake.
If you want to serve any of these with whipped cream, consider taking it to the next level by making yogurt whipped cream, as I do in this recipe or Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream. Folding yogurt or crème fraîche into whipped cream gives it a heavenly texture and pleasing tang.