15 Sweet and Simple Treats to Brighten the Holidays

Bring extra cheer to your kitchen this holiday season with desserts that are as fun to make as they are to eat. These festive recipes are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights at home. From rich and indulgent treats to lighter, creative options, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. With simple steps and delicious results, holiday baking has never been easier or more enjoyable.

Candy Cane Pie

A slice of chocolate chip pie topped with whipped cream and peppermint candies sits on a red plate with a fork, next to festive holiday decorations. — Candy Cane Pie. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

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This pie features a creamy filling flavored with peppermint. The crust provides structure and contrast to the smooth center. Candy cane pieces add crunch and visual appeal. It slices cleanly once fully chilled.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Pie

Easy Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe

Two dessert cups with chocolate mousse in white chocolate bowls coated with crushed peppermint, with a Letters to Santa box in the background. — Easy Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

Melted chocolate is layered and topped with crushed peppermint. The bark sets firmly as it cools. Each piece breaks with a clean snap. It is easy to portion for gifting or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe

Salted Caramel Date Bark Recipe

Five chocolate-covered caramel bars are arranged on parchment paper, with visible caramel oozing out from the sides and a sprinkling of salt on top. — Salted Caramel Date Bark Recipe. Photo credit: Entirely Emmy.

Dates form a naturally sticky base for this bark. Caramel flavor blends with a light sprinkle of salt. The texture is chewy with a smooth topping. It stores well once set.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Date Bark Recipe

Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies

Twelve chocolate brownies topped with chocolate chips and sea salt are arranged on crinkled white parchment paper, with green and purple flowers at the edges. — Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies. Photo credit: Entirely Emmy.

These brownies bake into a dense, chocolatey crumb. The center stays soft and rich. The top develops a slight crust as it cools. Squares cut neatly after resting.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies

Christmas Fudge: A Sweet, Simple, and Festive Holiday Treat

Squares of white chocolate bark topped with red, green, and white sprinkles are arranged on a white plate against a white background. — Christmas Fudge: A Sweet, Simple, and Festive Holiday Treat. Photo credit: Cultivating Brilliant Minds.

This fudge sets into smooth, sliceable squares. The flavor stays rich without being overpowering. It holds its shape well at room temperature. Pieces stack easily for serving.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Fudge: A Sweet, Simple, and Festive Holiday Treat

Easy Probiotic Panna Cotta Recipe With Berry Sauce

A serving of panna cotta topped with raspberries and a mint leaf, surrounded by raspberry sauce on a white plate. — Easy Probiotic Panna Cotta Recipe With Berry Sauce. Photo credit: Food For Life Garden.

Panna cotta sets into a silky, spoonable texture. Berry sauce adds color and contrast. The dessert unmolds easily when chilled properly. Each serving looks polished and clean.
Get the Recipe: Easy Probiotic Panna Cotta Recipe With Berry Sauce

Simple Peach Galette – Vegetarian Recipes for Mindful Cooking

Peach slices bake inside a free form crust. The edges turn golden and crisp. Fruit juices thicken as the galette cools. Slices hold together well when served.
Get the Recipe: Simple Peach Galette – Vegetarian Recipes for Mindful Cooking

Traditional British Christmas Pudding

A round fruitcake with white icing dripping down the sides, topped with a sprig of holly, sits on a white decorative plate. — Traditional British Christmas Pudding. Photo credit: Christina’s Cucina.

This pudding steams into a dense, rich dessert. Dried fruits are distributed evenly throughout. The texture stays moist after cooling. It is often served in slices or scoops.
Get the Recipe: Traditional British Christmas Pudding

Christmas Zeppole or Frittelle for an Italian Christmas

A plate of sugar-coated, ring-shaped fritters sits on a patterned dish, with oranges and green leaves in the background. — Christmas Zeppole or Frittelle for an Italian Christmas. Photo credit: Christina’s Cucina.

These fried pastries cook until golden and light. The inside stays soft and airy. A dusting of sugar finishes them nicely. They are best served shortly after frying.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Zeppole or Frittelle for an Italian Christmas

Creamy Raspberry Fluff

A white bowl filled with pink yogurt topped with two raspberries and a gold spoon, placed on a striped cloth. — Creamy Raspberry Fluff. Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

This dessert blends whipped ingredients into a light texture. Raspberry flavor comes through clearly. The mixture holds its shape when chilled. It serves well in bowls or cups.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Raspberry Fluff

Pumpkin Crisp (gluten free)

A baked apple crisp topped with three scoops of melting vanilla ice cream in a white skillet, with a serving spoon and striped towel beside it. — Pumpkin Crisp (gluten free). Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

Pumpkin filling bakes into a smooth base. The topping adds crunch and contrast. Spices deepen as it cools. Portions scoop easily from the dish.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crisp (gluten free)

Death by Chocolate

A glass trifle bowl filled with alternating layers of chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, topped with crumbled cake pieces. — Death by Chocolate. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

This dessert layers multiple chocolate elements together. Each layer brings a different texture. The flavor stays bold from top to bottom. It is rich and visually striking.
Get the Recipe: Death by Chocolate

Ultimate Turtle Brownies – Gooey, Fudgy, and Irresistible!

Sliced brownies topped with caramel, chopped pecans, and drizzled chocolate are arranged on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. — Ultimate Turtle Brownies – Gooey, Fudgy, and Irresistible!. Photo credit: Little Chef Within.

Brownies are topped with caramel, chocolate, and nuts. The layers stay distinct once cooled. The center remains fudgy. Squares hold together well when sliced.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Turtle Brownies – Gooey, Fudgy, and Irresistible!

Clementine Posset

Glass cup of creamy dessert topped with orange zest and gold leaf, with a spoon resting inside. Another cup is partially visible in the background. — Clementine Posset. Photo credit: Rachel Phipps.

Cream and citrus set into a smooth, spoonable dessert. Clementine flavor adds brightness. The surface stays glossy when chilled. It serves well in small cups.
Get the Recipe: Clementine Posset

Christmas Kitchen: Eggnog Panna Cotta with Boozy Cherries

Two glass bowls of creamy dessert topped with dark berries and red sauce, lightly sprinkled with spice, next to two spoons and string lights on a light surface. — Christmas Kitchen: Eggnog Panna Cotta with Boozy Cherries. Photo credit: Rachel Phipps.

Eggnog flavors blend into a creamy panna cotta base. Cherries add contrast in both flavor and texture. The dessert sets firmly enough to unmold. It looks elegant when plated.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Kitchen: Eggnog Panna Cotta with Boozy Cherries