57 Christmas Desserts That'll Feed A Crowd

By

Kimberly Holland

and

Patricia S York

Updated on February 15, 2024

Chocolate Gingerbread Wreath Cookies — Photo:
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

Take some of the pressure off of holiday hosting with these big-batch desserts. Southerners love showing our hospitality and doting on guests, and that's on full display during the holidays. We've got go-to appetizers, parting gifts at the ready, and signature house cocktails. Our entertaining expertise really shines on the dessert table, though. If you have a full house this holiday season, let these big-batch dessert recipes take a little worry out of your plans. From trays of bite-sized Pecan Bourbon Balls to elegant gingerbread layer cakes, these Christmas desserts will help the holidays go off without a hitch.

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The Redbird Cake

Southern Living The Redbird Cake sliced on a cake plate to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

Redbirds, or cardinals, are said to be the spirit of deceased loved ones coming to visit us. This cake, a spin on our traditional Hummingbird Cake, is a tribute to that Southern tale—and to the spirits that are no long with us.

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Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Southern Living Red Velvet Bundt Cake sliced on a cake plate ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Turn the classic layer cake into a fuss-free Bundt cake, and proudly serve it up at a party. It'll feed up to a dozen people, more if you cut thinner slices.

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Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls

Southern Living Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls in the skillet ready to serve — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This Christmas, upgrade your classic cinnamon rolls recipe with this cookies and cream twist. The filling is packed with cinnamon, sugar, and cocoa powder, and cream-filled chocolate Oreo crumbles are mixed into the luscious cream cheese icing, making a special holiday treat for up to a dozen people.

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Christmas Tree Brownies

Christmas Tree Brownies — Micah A. Leal

Cut these brownies into triangles and decorate with green homemade frosting for a perfect holiday treat.

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Peppermint Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting

Peppermint Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting — Hector Manuel Sanchez

That's right—the impressive egg white frosting crowning the cake only takes seven minutes to come together.

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Buche De Noel

Buche De Noel — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

This rendition of a yule log in cake form is sure to impress the neighbors. Garnish with meringue "mushrooms" and glossy maraschino cherries.

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Eggnog Spice Cake with Bourbon Custard Filling and Eggnog Buttercream

Gingerbread Latte Cake with Vanilla Whipped Cream Frosting — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Incorporating both eggnog and bourbon, this boozy holiday cake tastes as good as it sounds.

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Caramel Pie

Southern Living Caramel Pie sliced in the pie dish to serve — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

This old-fashioned favorite is sweet and rich with the creamy texture of a custard pie and a golden color that's perfect for serving this hoilday.

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5-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

5-Ingredient Sugar Cookies — Photo: Hector Sanchez

All it takes is five ingredients to whip up these fuss-free sugar cookies. Let the kids take over on the decorations for a fun family activity.

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White Cake with Cranberry Filling and Orange Buttercream

White Cake with Cranberry Filling and Orange Buttercream — Hector Sanchez

It may look simple from the outside, but just wait until you slice into this cake to reveal the bright layers of spiced cranberry filling.

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Pecan Pie Brownies

Pecan Pie Brownies - Southern Living — Molly Bolton

Two holiday favorite treats—pecan pie and brownies—collide to make one decadent bar perfect for sharing among all guests.

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Peppermint Divinity

Peppermint Divinity — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Spend an afternoon in the kitchen making these vintage candies with your children or grandchildren. It'll become their new favorite holiday tradition.

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Gingerbread Cake Roll with Eggnog Cream

Gingerbread Roulade and Eggnog Cream — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

If you're going to pull off a stunning roulade this holiday season, pack it with lots of festive flavors. This gingerbread roulade is as festive as it gets.

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Ugly Sweater Cake

Ugly Sweater Cake - Southern Living — Frederick Hardy II; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Ugly Christmas sweaters are an adorably unstylish holiday tradition, and this recipe highlights them perfectly. The red velvet cake is delicious, but the real star is the cute sweater decoration.

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Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Southern Living Pumpkin Bundt Cake sliced on a plate to serve — Molly Bolton

This reader recipe has become a favorite for its moist texture and spicy flavor. With only 15 minutes of active time, this is the perfect cake for the holiday spread.

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Rum Balls

Rum Balls - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

These rum balls are the most searched Christmas candy in the South, and for good reason. This boozy confection is from the December 1993 issue and has become a fan favorite.

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Ginger Loaf Cake

Southern Living Ginger Loaf Cake sliced on a platter to serve — Christopher Testani, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This tender bake is warmly spiced, tangy, and delicately sweet. Ginger is a wonderful flavor during the holidays and this loaf highlights it.

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Apple Pecan Carrot Cake

Southern Living Apple-Pecan Carrot Cake — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Add some flair to your traditional carrot cake by throwing in a few new holiday flavors. This recipe features apples and pecans to add nutty and fruity elements for a unique twist on this classic cake.

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Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley

No holiday spread is complete without bourbon balls, and this version is rolled in crushed pecans for extra crunch.

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Chocolate-Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies

Chocolate-Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies — Joy Howard

Rich chocolate pairs nicely with classic gingerbread in these tasty cookies.

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Christmas Buttermints

Christmas Buttermints — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Keep a bowl of these creamy, silky-smooth treats on the table at all times.

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Chocolate Gingerbread Wreath Cookies

Chocolate Gingerbread Wreath Cookies — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

Make gingerbread cookies that will be a hit at the Christmas cookie table. The chocolate mixed with ginger is a lovely touch and the royal icing makes for a visually beautiful look.

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Apple Bourbon Pie

Apple-Bourbon Pie Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Add some extra spice and sweetness to your typical apple pie with some bourbon. This recipe was published in our November 1995 issue as part of a feature on classic holiday desserts.

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No-Bake Dark Chocolate-Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

No-Bake Dark Chocolate-Peppermint Sandwich Cookies — GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS

No oven is necessary to make these festive and fancy cookies. Add them to your cookie board to please your guests.

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies — Joy Howard

After combining the colorful dough and chilling, simply slice and bake these butter cookies.

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Auntie's Apple Cake

Aunties Apple Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

This age-old recipe combines the comfort of a Bundt cake with the indulgence of dripping caramel and apples. The result? Absolute decadence.

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Mississippi Mud Cake

Mississippi Mud Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

When we're cooking for a crowd, sheet cakes are our go-to move. Topped with marshmallows and fudge, Mississippi Mud Cake has what it takes to become a fan favorite.

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White Texas Sheet Cake

White Texas Sheet Cake — Micah A. Leal

Who else has been dreaming of a white Christmas…and a White Texas Sheet Cake?

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Coconut-Carrot Cake with Coconut Buttercream

Coconut-Carrot Cake with Coconut Buttercream — Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Coconut buttercream lightens up this spiced sheet cake to make a refreshing, yet satisfying dessert.

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Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Poke Cake — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Looking for a mess-free way to serve banana pudding to a crowd? Meet our Banana Pudding Poke Cake.

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Sprinkle Stocking Cookies

sprinkle stocking cookies — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

The perfect cookies for a decorating party, you can adorn these sweet snacks with sprinkles of your choice.

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Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Channel all the spices of the season in this moist, fluffy Pumpkin Cake. Stack the sponges with spiced whipped cream for extra seasonal flair.

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Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cream Cheese Pound Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

This simple recipe is a household favorite for a reason. Serve it with spiced whipped cream or cranberry jelly to bring a pop of Christmas cheer.

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Spritz Cookies

Spritz Cookies — Micah A. Leal

Who says sweets are just for dessert? Your guests can snack on these dainty cookie press creations all throughout the day.

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Christmas Pudding

Christmas Pudding — Micah A. Leal

If you're looking for a big-batch Christmas showstopper, this elegant (and dense) Christmas Pudding is guaranteed to impress.

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Butterscotch-Spice Trifle

Butterscotch-Spice Trifle — Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

A trifle is a great way to offer guests generous portions of dessert without meticulously dividing up slices.

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Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies

Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies — Emily Laurae

Dress up easy cream cheese cookies for the holidays by coating the rolls in festive red or green sugar crystals.

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No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars

No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars — Iain Bagwell

The flaky layers of chocolate and toffee simply melt in your mouth. Plus, you never even have to turn on the oven.

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Homemade Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes — Southern Living

Everyone in the South looks forward to Little Debbie holiday cakes, and this recipe makes them even better than the originals.

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White Chocolate Poinsettia Cake

White Chocolate Poinsettia Cake — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Pay homage to a familiar Southern flower with this elegant holiday layer cake.

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Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce

Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce — Southern Living

Find yourself with an extra box of Krispy Kreme donuts leftover from Christmas morning breakfast? We have the perfect way to put it to use.

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Sea Salt-Caramel Cake

Gingerbread Latte Cake with Vanilla Whipped Cream Frosting — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

There's no better way to feed a crowd than with a showstopping layer cake, and this sea salt-caramel version holds the sweet-and-salty combination of your dreams.

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Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies — Caitlin Bensel

Enlist the kids to help in the kitchen with this easy recipe that's straight from Grandma's files.

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Chocolate-Peppermint Swirl Sandwich Cookies

Dog Chocolate Sugar Cookies — Victori Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

With a stunning swirl of red-and-white peppermint icing, these sandwich cookies are sure to charm.

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Homemade White Cake

Best White Cake — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Garnished elegantly with gingerbread and sugar-dusted rosemary sprigs, this simple rendition of our White Cake will be the star of any holiday party.

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Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines

Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

A tin of these classic Southern candies is sure to keep your guests happy (and snacking) all day long.

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Brown Sugar Cookie Stars

Brown Sugar Cookie Stars — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Ramp up the flavors of those classic sugar cookies with brown sugar. Cut these cookies into any shape you desire—but you can't go wrong with festive stars!

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Salted Butter-Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Butter-Pecan Shortbread Cookies — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Top each shortbread round with a whole pecan for a tasty embellishment.

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Persimmon Pudding with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Persimmon Pudding — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Our Christmas feast isn't complete without at least one version of a pudding, and this sliceable Persimmon Pudding just tastes like the holidays.

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Classic Gingerbread

Brown Sugar-and-Ginger Whipped Cream — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

You've had dry, crispy gingerbread before, but have you had a slice of moist gingerbread cake? Pass on brittle cookies and treat your guests to this old-fashioned dessert.

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Potato Candy

Citrus Mints — Photo: Alison Miksch

This nostalgic treat is still a great way to make a tasty dessert with few ingredients.

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Cornflake Wreath Christmas Cookies

Cornflake Wreaths — Southern Living

These fun treats are cute and a cinch to make. Get the little ones involved for an easy bake.

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Cheesecake Cookies

Cheesecake Cookies — Caitlin Bensel

It couldn't be easier to turn cheesecake into a bite-sized treat this holiday season.

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Icebox Fruitcake

Icebox Fruit Cake — Micah Leal

This fruitcake imparts the delicious flavor of classic fruitcake minus all the hard work.

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Texas Pecan Cake

Texas Pecan Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

This cake is an essential crossover between pecan pie and icebox fruitcake.

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Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Sweet Potato Pound Cake - Southern Living — Jennifer Davick

Elevate your traditional pound cake by adding a classic holiday ingredient. This recipe for sweet potato pound cake adds an earthy flavor perfect for Christmas.

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Heavenly Angel Food Cake

Heavenly Angel Food Cake — Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Serve your guests a slice of heaven this Christmas. This classic angel food cake is made in a 13-by-9 pan, which makes it easy-to-slice and great for a crowd.

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