47 Holiday Dessert Recipes: Easy, Festive & Crowd-Pleasing Sweets for Every Party
These 47 holiday dessert recipes are my go-to lifesavers every year. Super easy, super yummy, and literally perfect for last-minute parties, classroom treats, potlucks, or when you just wanna make something sweet without stressing your whole soul. I kept everything simple — quick steps, easy ingredients, and desserts that always look cute on the dessert table even if you lowkey messed up a step (been there, done that).
Whether you’re team cookies, cakes, bars, or “I’m only here for anything with chocolate,” you’re gonna find something your fam will beg you to make again. So grab your mixing bowl (or just a spoon, no judgement), and let’s make the holidays extra sweet this year.
Lemon Desserts
1. Lemon Curd
Lemon Curd
This Easy Lemon Curd Recipe is smooth, creamy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with simple ingredients like lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter, this Sweet Sauce is perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or using as a filling for Lemon Desserts. Once you try this Homemade Lemon Curd, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Check out this recipe
2. Lemon Brownies
Lemon Brownies
These Easy Lemon Brownies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. They have the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie but with a sweet-tart citrus twist. Topped with a simple lemon glaze, this Lemon Dessert is perfect for any occasion—quick, easy, and full of sunshine!
Check out this recipe
3. Lemon Tiramisu
Lemon Tiramisu
A bright & creamy twist on classic tiramisu, bursting with fresh lemon flavor! No baking required, perfect for warm weather and make-ahead convenience.
Check out this recipe
4. Lemon Bar Cake
Lemon Bar Cake
This Lemon Bar Cake combines the sweet, tangy flavors of homemade lemon bars with the soft, fluffy texture of cake. It’s an easy lemon bars recipe that’s perfect for potlucks, brunches, or when you just need a bright and refreshing dessert.
Check out this recipe
5. Lemon Icebox Cake
Lemon Icebox Cake
This Lemon Icebox Cake is a no-bake, refreshing dessert made with layers of graham crackers, sweet whipped cream, and a tangy lemon filling. It’s the perfect refrigerator dessert for warm days, family gatherings, or whenever you need a quick and easy treat. The best part? No oven required!
Check out this recipe
6. Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy toasted meringue. It combines the best of lemon meringue desserts with the rich, smooth texture of a perfect cheesecake. A buttery graham cracker crust holds everything together, making this a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Check out this recipe
7. Lemon Curd Ice Cream
Lemon Curd Ice Cream
This Lemon Curd Ice Cream is creamy, tangy, and incredibly easy to make—no ice cream machine required! With just four ingredients, this easy ice cream recipe homemade is the perfect lemon curd dessert for warm days or whenever you need a refreshing treat.
Check out this recipe
8. Classic Lemon Bars
Classic Lemon Bars
This Easy Lemon Bars Recipe features a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy, sweet lemon filling. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or just a simple Fast Lemon Dessert at home.
Check out this recipe
9. Lemonade Pie
Lemonade Pie
This no-bake Lemonade Pie is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet. It’s one of the best lemon desserts for summer, family gatherings, or whenever you need an easy, refreshing treat. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this easy lemon dessert will quickly become a favorite!
Check out this recipe
10. Lemon Meringue Recipe
Lemon Meringue Recipe
This easy lemon meringue recipe combines a rich, tangy lemon curd with fluffy, toasted meringue for a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you're making mini tarts, layering in cups, or eating straight from the spoon, this is one of the best lemon desserts for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
11. Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
A ridiculously easy lemon dessert that’s sweet, tangy, and ultra-creamy. No mixing, no fuss—just dump, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for a quick family dessert, summer gatherings, or anytime you need a delicious lemon treat fast.
Check out this recipe
12. Lemon Creme Brulee
Lemon Cream Brûlée
This Lemon Cream Brûlée is a creamy, tangy twist on the classic French dessert. With a silky custard base and a crisp caramelized sugar topping, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. Despite its fancy appearance, this is an easy sweet recipe that’s simple enough for home cooks but impressive enough for guests!
Check out this recipe
13. Lemon Cinnamon Rolls
Lemon Cinnamon Rolls
These Lemon Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and full of bright citrus flavor! A fun twist on classic cinnamon rolls, they have a zesty lemon-sugar filling and a tangy lemon glaze that takes them over the top. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day!
Check out this recipe
14. Lemon Pie
Lemon Pie
This Easy Lemon Pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a smooth, creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. Made with fresh lemon juice and simple ingredients, this is one of the best lemon desserts for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
15. Lemon Trifle
Lemon Trifle
This easy lemon dessert is light, creamy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Made with layers of cake, pudding, lemon curd, and whipped cream, it’s the perfect summer lemon dessert that looks fancy but takes minimal effort. Great for potlucks, BBQs, or just a sweet treat at home!
Check out this recipe
16. Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
A bright and zesty twist on a classic crinkle cookie! These soft, chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are packed with fresh lemon flavor and have a beautifully crinkled, powdered sugar coating. They’re one of the best lemon desserts for spring, summer, or whenever you need a little citrusy pick-me-up.
Check out this recipe
17. Lemon Curd Cookies
Lemon Curd Cookies
Soft, buttery shortbread cookies with a bright and tangy lemon curd center. These easy lemon desserts are perfect for using up fresh lemons and will disappear fast!
Check out this recipe
Mousse Desserts
18. Peanut Butter Mousse
Peanut Butter Mousse
This Peanut Butter Mousse Recipe is light, creamy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. It’s an Easy Peanut Butter Dessert that requires no baking and comes together in just a few minutes. Perfect as a stand-alone treat, a Peanut Butter Mousse Filling, or a layered parfait!
Check out this recipe
19. Vanilla Mousse
Vanilla Mousse
This light and creamy vanilla mousse is an easy, no-bake dessert that feels fancy but comes together with simple ingredients. Perfect for an elegant vanilla sweet or a comforting homemade treat, this mousse is smooth, fluffy, and full of rich vanilla flavor.
Check out this recipe
20. White Chocolate Mousse
White Chocolate Mousse
This Easy White Chocolate Mousse is rich, fluffy, and requires only a few ingredients. It’s perfect on its own or as a White Chocolate Mousse Filling for cakes and pastries. No baking required—just melt, whip, and chill!
Check out this recipe
21. Mango Mousse
Mango Mousse
Looking for easy mango desserts? This mango mousse recipe is a light fruity dessert that’s creamy, fluffy, and made with just a few ingredients! Perfect for mango dessert cups, a mango mousse cake, or even a no-bake summer treat. Save this if you're wondering what to make with mango!
Check out this recipe
22. Creamy Cottage Cheese Chocolate
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse
Looking for a healthy yet indulgent dessert? This Cottage Cheese Mousse Recipe is rich, chocolatey, and packed with protein! A perfect Sweet Cottage Cheese Dessert that’s smooth, airy, and easy to make. Try this No-Bake Cottage Cheese Mousse today!
Check out this recipe
23. Raspberry Mousse
Raspberry Mousse
Craving something sweet yet refreshing? This Raspberry Mousse Recipe is the perfect light and fruity raspberry treat! It’s a no-bake raspberry mousse that’s incredibly creamy, fluffy, and made with fresh raspberries. A must-try if you’re looking for quick raspberry desserts or fresh raspberry dessert ideas!
Check out this recipe
24. Lemon Mousse
Lemon Mousse
Need a quick dessert? This Easy No-Bake Lemon Mousse is light, creamy, and refreshing. Made with fresh lemons, it’s one of the easiest Lemon Dessert Recipes you’ll ever try. Perfect for summer, brunch, or a fancy-looking treat without the hassle!
Check out this recipe
25. Coffee Mousse
Coffee Mousse
This Easy Coffee Mousse is a rich and creamy dessert perfect for coffee lovers. Made with espresso, whipped cream, and fluffy egg whites, it’s light and airy yet packed with bold coffee flavor. Plus, it’s a no-bake treat that comes together in just a few steps—perfect for dinner parties or a little late-night indulgence.
Check out this recipe
26. Strawberry Mousse
Strawberry Mousse
A light, creamy, and no-bake strawberry mousse that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple strawberry mousse is made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a light and fluffy mousse that’s both delicious and impressive!
Check out this recipe
27. Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Mousse
This homemade chocolate mousse is light, creamy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. It’s an easy chocolate dessert that feels fancy but is simple enough for any occasion. Perfect for Chocolate Mousse Cups, Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake, or a quick treat when the chocolate craving hits!
Check out this recipe
Cheesecake Recipes
28. Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy toasted meringue. It combines the best of lemon meringue desserts with the rich, smooth texture of a perfect cheesecake. A buttery graham cracker crust holds everything together, making this a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Check out this recipe
29. Chocolate Cheesecake
Chocolate Cheesecake
This Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. With a buttery Oreo crust, a smooth chocolate cheesecake filling, and a glossy ganache topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just because you need some indulgence, this Homemade Chocolate Cheesecake is sure to impress.
Check out this recipe
30. Red Velvet Cheesecake
Red Velvet Cheesecake
This Red Velvet Cheesecake combines the rich, cocoa-flavored goodness of red velvet cake with a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or when you just want to impress your family with an incredible dessert!
Check out this recipe
31. Cherry Cheesecake
Cherry Cheesecake
This creamy, rich cherry cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping, this homemade cheesecake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!
Check out this recipe
32. Mini Cheesecake
Mini Cheesecakes
This easy mini cheesecake recipe gives you rich, creamy, and perfectly portioned cheesecakes that are great for parties, family treats, or anytime you need a quick sweet dessert. No water bath, no stress—just delicious cheesecake bites ready in no time!
Check out this recipe
33. Lemon Cheesecake
Lemon Cheesecake
This lemon cheesecake is rich, creamy, and packed with fresh citrus flavor. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy filling, it’s the perfect lemon dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, birthday, or just because you need a sweet treat, this easy homemade cheesecake recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Check out this recipe
34. New York Style Cheesecake
New York Cheesecake
This New York-style cheesecake is thick, creamy, and rich with a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect homemade cheesecake recipe—smooth, slightly tangy, and incredibly indulgent. Whether you're a cheesecake pro or a first-time baker, this easy homemade cheesecake will be a guaranteed hit!
Check out this recipe
35. Biscoff Cheesecake
Biscoff Cheesecake
This no-bake Biscoff cheesecake is rich, creamy, and packed with the warm, spiced caramel flavor of Lotus Biscoff cookies and cookie butter. With a crunchy Biscoff crust and a smooth, airy filling, this is the ultimate easy cheesecake recipe—no oven required!
Check out this recipe
36. Strawberry Cheesecake
Strawberry Cheesecake
This Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and topped with a fresh, sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Topping. With a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth cheesecake filling, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is simple enough for beginners but tastes like it came from a fancy bakery!
Check out this recipe
37. Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Apple Crumble Cheesecake
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the perfect mashup of creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a buttery oat crumble. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for fall, holidays, or just because you deserve dessert.
Check out this recipe
38. Oreo Cheesecake
Oreo Cheesecake
This homemade Oreo cheesecake is rich, creamy, and packed with cookies and cream goodness. With a buttery Oreo crust, smooth cheesecake cream cheese filling, and extra Oreos on top, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a fun baking project!
Check out this recipe
39. No Bake Cheesecake
No Bake Cheesecake
This No Bake Cheesecake is a creamy, delicious dessert that comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for busy moms, it requires no oven time and is customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether it’s for a quick family treat or a party dessert, this cheesecake will impress everyone without all the fuss.
Check out this recipe
40. Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
This Brownie Bottom Cheesecake is the perfect dessert mashup, combining a rich, fudgy brownie layer with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to eat! Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
Check out this recipe
41. No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
This No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake is a creamy, rich, and refreshing dessert that requires no oven time! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a sweet-tangy blueberry topping, this is the perfect Easy Summer Dessert for any occasion.
Check out this recipe
42. Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Peanut Butter Cheesecake
This Homemade Peanut Butter Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and perfect for peanut butter lovers. With a simple graham cracker crust, a smooth peanut butter filling, and optional delicious toppings, it’s an easy yet impressive dessert for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a family dinner or enjoy it as a late-night treat, this cheesecake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Check out this recipe
43. Carrot Cake Cheesecake
Carrot Cake Cheesecake
This Carrot Cake Cheesecake combines two classic desserts—moist, spiced carrot cake and rich, creamy cheesecake—into one indulgent treat. With a simple prep time and a few hours of chilling, this dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating your family. The easy-to-make layers come together beautifully, offering a mix of flavors and textures that’ll leave everyone asking for more.
Check out this recipe
Pies
44. Apple Pie
Apple Pie
This classic homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling. It’s easy to make, full of warm cinnamon flavor, and perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Check out this recipe
45. Peanut Butter Pie
Peanut Butter Pie
Rich, creamy, and no-bake—this homemade peanut butter pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a smooth peanut butter filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, it’s a crowd favorite!
Check out this recipe
46. Cherry Pie
Cherry Pie
This homemade cherry pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery, flaky crust and the best cherry pie filling made from fresh or frozen cherries. Whether you’re making a fresh cherry pie recipe for a holiday or just craving a classic cherry dessert, this easy recipe is sure to be a family favorite!
Check out this recipe
47. Salted Caramel Pie
Salted Caramel Pie
This Salted Caramel Pie is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, creamy caramel filling. It's an easy homemade pie recipe that’s rich, decadent, and perfect for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
That’s all 47 holiday dessert recipes, and honestly I’m kinda proud of us for making it this far without getting sugar all over the place. Every year I swear I’m gonna keep things simple, and then my kids start begging for “just one more dessert,” and suddenly I’m baking like it’s my full-time job. But that’s what makes the holidays fun… a little messy, a little loud, and always sweet.
I hope you found a few new favorites to try this season. These recipes are easy, quick, and perfect for those days when you’re juggling a million things but still wanna bring something yummy to the table. Whether you’re hosting a whole crowd or just trying to keep your own crew happy, these desserts got you covered.
So go ahead and pick one (or three, no judgement), make your kitchen smell amazing, and enjoy every sweet little moment this holiday season. You got this, mama.
