Christmas is without a doubt my favorite holiday of the year, and I start planning for it as soon as the leaves start to fall. I just love thinking about all the delicious foods I’m going to serve during the holidays, and I spend A LOT of time on the dessert portion of my menu.
I also love hosting, and I always throw a few fun holiday parties for friends and family each year, which keeps me quite busy, but gives me the perfect opportunity to try a ton of different Christmas desserts.
This roundup is a collection of my favorite holiday dessert ideas, from airy and light mousse desserts to baked goodies like cupcakes and cheesecakes.
Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas Eve dinner this year or need some ideas for a holiday party with friends, these simple recipes are here to bring a ton of holiday flavors.
Pumpkin Mousse
This pumpkin mousse is like a cloud of fall flavors – light, silky, and spiced just right. A blend of pumpkin puree, whipped cream, egg whites, and cozy spices makes this a simple yet stunning dessert. Serve it in little cups with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed gingersnaps for that perfect holiday touch.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Cups
Layers of Christmas flavor in every spoonful, these mousse cups start with a buttery cookie crumb base and are topped with a creamy mix of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and whipped cream. It’s like the best parts of pumpkin pie and cheesecake combined in a cute little cup. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible no-bake dessert your guests will love.
Christmas-Themed Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
These Christmas-themed pumpkin sugar cookies are soft, spiced, and the perfect holiday season dessert. Made with wholemeal flour and coconut sugar, they’re a slightly healthier twist on the classic sugar cookie, topped with a creamy butter and cream cheese icing. A sprinkle of red and green sugar on top adds that perfect festive feeling, making them great for holiday cookie swaps or serving at a Christmas brunch.
Mixed Berry Tiramisu
This colorful twist on traditional tiramisu swaps coffee for berries, making it feel extra fresh and festive. Layers of mascarpone and Greek yogurt are spread between ladyfinger biscuits and juicy, cooked blueberries-strawberries, creating a beautifully creamy, fruit-filled dessert. It’s a perfect Christmas dessert option if you’re looking for something a little lighter but still luxurious.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing
These cozy cupcakes are a bite-sized take on a classic holiday favorite. The pumpkin base is rich and moist, with that perfect cheesecake tang, and the cinnamon cream cheese icing adds a warm, spiced finish. They’re a sweet little showstopper that looks pretty on a Christmas dessert tray and tastes even better.
Cranberry Mousse Dessert
This cranberry mousse is light, fluffy, and irresistibly festive in all the right ways. Tart cranberries are blended into a silky mousse with whipped egg whites and heavy cream, creating a delicious combination of sweet and tangy. Served in individual glasses, this dessert is elegant enough for your Christmas dinner table but simple enough to prep ahead and stash in the fridge.
Apple Mousse Dessert
If you’re thinking of serving something a bit unexpected for this year’s holidays, this apple mousse is the perfect dessert option. The fluffy, whipped egg white base is perfectly balanced with a spoonful of homemade apple sauce at the bottom and decadent whipped cream on top, making every bite creamy, fruity, and light as air. It’s an easy make-ahead Christmas dessert that feels like a little holiday secret.