59 No-Bake Christmas Desserts To Sweeten The Season

Find your new favorite holiday dessert.

By

Updated on April 8, 2024

No-Bake Fudge Toffee Bars — Photo:
Iain Bagwell

Between the cookie swaps, church potlucks, and holiday parties on the calendar this season, it's hard to keep up with all those cookies. When we get a little burnt out on baking our favorite Christmas cookies—or when our cookies get a little burnt because of the many holiday distractions—it's time to break out the Christmas miracle that is the no-bake holiday treat.

These delicious bites mean no hounding over the oven to ensure the cookies don't bake a minute too long. There will be no facing the disaster of crumbling cookies when moving them from sheet pan to cookie tins. From decadent bars to chewy cookies, these Christmas dessert recipes will be the hit of any party without even touching the oven.

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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

These cookies look fancy enough to fool any party guest, thanks to store-bought chocolate wafers. Crushed peppermint adds extra festive sparkle. Adding coconut oil to the chocolate is a baking tip to increase the cookie's shine.

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Hot Chocolate Lasagna

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Lasagna sliced on a plate to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

An easy layered dessert that's reminiscent of sipping on a mug of hot chocolate? Pretty please with marshmallows on top! You'll only spend 45 minutes putting it together, before sticking it in the fridge for at least four hours. Sprinkle with marshmallows and drizzle with dark chocolate right before serving.

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Chocolate Mousse

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse in glasses to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you have a mixer and a microwave, you can whip up this decadent chocolate mousse. Make the dessert at least three and a half hours before you intend to serve it, so it has time to properly chill.

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Peppermint Bark

Southern Living Peppermint Bark broken into pieces on a plate to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A handful of ingredients are all you need for this classic Christmas treat. You can keep it simple with two layers of chocolate and a sprinkle of peppermint, or add another layer and some sprinkles.

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Coconut Brown Sugar Fudge

Coconut brown sugar fudge squares on red background — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Coconut adds a sweet and festive spin to a classic fudge recipe.

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Tiramisu

Southern Living Tiramisu two servings on plates with a small cup of coffee — Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

Didn't know this impressive dessert was no-bake? As long as you have time to let the ladyfingers soak in the coffee-bourbon mixture, this is an impossibly easy option for Christmas dinners.

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Peanut Butter Balls

Southern Living Peanut Butter Balls on a tray to serve — Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling

Peanut butter balls are great year-round, but they're especially beloved at Christmas. In cookie tins or on dessert trays, they're the perfect no-bake, low-effort treat.

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Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Southern Living Ultimate Vanilla Pudding in bowls ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Don't for a second think vanilla pudding is boring. Rich and creamy, this classic dessert can be a showstopper, even at Christmas. Top with whipped cream and sugared cranberries. It'll be a nostalgic hit.

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No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Prissy Lee Montiel

Christmas cookies just got a lot easier. Speckle these rich, soft, chewy balls with peanuts for a cookie dough-inspired treat. You won't believe you can make these cookies in one bowl.

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Cornflake Wreath Christmas Cookies

Southern Living Cornflake Wreath Cookies on a platter to serve — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Make these whimsical wreath cookies using cornflake cereal. With some help from microwaved marshmallows and green food coloring, you'll have an incredibly festive treat. Get your little ones to cover the wreaths with fun holiday candies for a homemade treat and activity.

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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

These decadent little delights are a cross between bourbon balls and chocolate truffles. They make the easiest throw-together treat for any holiday occasion with only four ingredients. Dark chocolate and pecans jazz up the classic bourbon ball taste.

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Marbled Brown Sugar Fudge

Marbled brown sugar fudge squares on red background — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This silky fudge gets its depth of flavor from bittersweet chocolate.

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Peppermint Divinity

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

This classic Southern candy is made with granulated sugar, corn syrup, and stiffly beaten egg whites. Adding peppermint punches it up for a Christmastime special. This Peppermint Divinity texture is without rival: fluffy, crunchy, and completely divine.

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Butterscotch Fudge

butterscotch fudge — Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

What easier gift than a batch of sweet and nutty butterscotch fudge?

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Gingerbread Bark

Southern Living Gingerbread Bark broken into pieces on a plate to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Bring the flavors of gingerbread to this no-bake candy bark. Ground ginger and cinnamon, crystallized ginger, and gingersnap cookies all lend this a spiced, warm flavor.

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Bourbon Balls

Bourbon Balls — Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

These no-bake bourbon balls make a batch big enough for your gifting and party needs. They pack a nice little punch, too! We love them rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

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Salted Caramel Fudge

salted caramel fudge — Photographer: Frederick Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

The saucepan, microwave, and fridge are the major players during the prep phrase of this giftable fudge recipe.

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No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie

No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't celebrate the season with ice cream pie. This no-bake peanut butter pie is next-level good. Try using a hot knife to slice this pie so that it stays neat and everyone can enjoy a taste of each layer.

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No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

Southern Living No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie sliced on a plate to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

A gorgeously silky shell tops the even creamier peanut butter interior of this fan-favorite pie.

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No-Bake Chocolate Mint Snowballs

Mint Chocolate Snowballs — Southern Living

These sweet chocolate truffles get a holiday touch from the mint chocolate candy surprise in the center. This seasonal staple is simple, quick, and easy to pack into your holiday cookie tins. They taste exactly like Christmas.

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Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake

Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

Even though this dessert requires some planning, it doesn't require an oven. Mix the layers of graham crackers, a cool whipped filling, and cherry preserves into this no-bake icebox cake. Refrigerate it overnight and enjoy it for the next three days—if it lasts that long.

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Classic Peanut Brittle

Classic Peanut Brittle — Charles Walton

It's a classic for a reason. Making a batch of peanut brittle during the holidays is always a great idea because you can give it to friends as a gift or set it alongside your holiday cookies on a tray. This no-bake solution is a sweet and simple Christmas treat, but keep stirring until it's resting and cooling on the baking sheet.

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No-Bake Banana Split Pie

Banana Split Pie — Photographer and props: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

This no-bake pie is full of classic nostalgic flavors. Just like an ice cream banana split on a hot summer's day, this pudding pie combines bananas, strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and wafers into this reimagined dessert. Not only does this recipe taste great, but it also looks lovely covered in sprinkles—red and green if you prefer.

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No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie

No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie — Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hilegas

Gingersnaps add a Yuletide quality to this lemony dessert. Allow for ample time to freeze. Top this dessert with any fruit to customize it to your preferences.

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Mocha Bark

Southern Living Mocha Bark broken into pieces to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

The flavors of espresso and chocolate are a beautiful pair, and they're captured in this easy candy bark. Great as a food gift, this treat comes together quickly for last-minute desserts.

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No-Bake Oreo Pie

Southern Living No Bake Oreo Pie in the pie plate to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

With seven ingredients and little hands-on time, you’re on your way to a make-ahead dessert that’s great to have on hand for the holidays. Decorate this cookie-loaded pie with piped whipped cream and more crushed cookies.

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Saltine Peppermint Bark

Saltine Peppermint Bark — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

You probably already have a box of saltines in your pantry. Break them out to make a tray of this minty bark that’s sure to be a hit at holiday parties.

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Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle

Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle

Purchased frozen pound cake makes this holiday-flavored dessert a breeze to assemble. Layer with orange custard and fresh or frozen cranberries and let it chill for up to three days. The longer it sits, the better the flavor.

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Homemade Pralines

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

Fill holiday gift tins with these sweet candies, and you’re sure to be on the nice list. This recipe swaps molasses for corn syrup and heavy cream for milk, resulting in chewy, thick pralines.

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Christmas Fudge

Christmas Fudge — Micah A Leal

It’s not a holiday dessert buffet without fudge and this recipe is just right. Opt for this simple and classic version with red and green sprinkles that make it festive.

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Homemade Turtles

Southern Living Homemade Turtles ready to serve — Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

You absolutely can make your own chocolate turtles. Chocolate-covered chewy caramel and toasted pecan candies are sprinkled with flaky sea salt. Make a few batches because everyone will want some.

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Potato Candy

potato candy — Alison Miksch

Recipients of these divine sweets will be surprised to learn they are made from potatoes. A product of the Great Depression, the candies were an inexpensive way to make something sweet.

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Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs

Pecan Logs — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

Caramel candies help save time in this vintage recipe. You’ll get 32 servings from each batch, so you’ll have plenty for neighbors, parties, and nibbling.

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No-Bake Honey Cheesecake

Southern Living No-Bake Honey Cheesecake on a cake plate with a slice out to serve — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

This no-bake cheesecake spends most of its prep time in the fridge. Drizzle Tupelo honey on top for added sweetness.

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Cranberry-Pistachio Bark

Southern Living Cranberry Pistachio Bark — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Bring the flavors of Christmas to candy bark with dried cranberries and pistachios.

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Triple-Decker Saltine Toffee Bars

Triple-Decker Saltine Toffee Bars

Saltine crackers give toffee bars a crisp crunch. Layer the crackers with a thick toffee mixture and finish with a generous layer of chocolate.

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Ambrosia Trifle

Ambrosia Trifle — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Giulietta Pinna; Food Styling: Ali Ramee

Really impress your crowd with a dessert that looks complicated but is oh-so-easy to make. Store-bought angel food cake means no baking is required.

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Spiced Coconut-Cherry Mold

Spiced Coconut-Cherry Mold — Hector Sanchez

Need a make-ahead, no-bake dessert that’s festive and special enough for holiday entertaining? This spiced gelatin mold will impress.

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No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars

No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars — Iain Bagwell

These gooey bars will be your new favorite holiday dessert, thanks to their perfect combination of chocolate, caramel, graham crackers, and toffee. You won't have to worry about overcooking or burning cookies. Plus, the graham cracker crust adds a nice texture to these bars.

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Christmas Butter Mints

Christmas Buttermints - Southern Living — Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley.

Cool and creamy, this sweet peppermint-flavored butter mints simply melt in your mouth. And, thanks to their festive red swirls, they make a handsome Christmas gift.

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Preacher Cookies

Southern Living Preacher Cookies on serving platters — Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

These humble no-bake cookies make the most of simple ingredients and are perfect for the holiday season.

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Brown Sugar Fudge

Foolproof brown sugar fudge squares on red background — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

You can't go wrong with this easy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge recipe, which incorporates the dazzle and sweetness of brown sugar.

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

Southern Living Chocolate-Peanut Butter Icebox Cake on a platter to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Icebox cakes are so handy to have in the (you guessed it) icebox because they're a breeze to whip out when company knocks.

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Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake — Caitlin Bensel

Think ice cream sandwiches are just for summer? Think again! This fun cake is a blast to put together, and it's a sweet treat perfect for the whole family during the holidays.

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Mascarpone Cheesecake

Mascarpone Cheesecake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Use the blend of juicy berries seen here, or top this creamy cheesecake with whatever seasonal additions you have on hand.

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No-Bake Chocolate-Oatmeal Cookies

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies — Photo: Zoe Denenberg; Prop Stylist: Rachel Mulcahy

These cookies are so easy, you can recruit the whole family to help make them.

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Millionaire Pie

Southern Living Millionaire Pie in a pie plate to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean you can't celebrate with tropical flavors. Sweet coconut, pineapple, and whipped topping form the base for this no-bake pie. You'll discover why they call it Millionaire Pie after topping it with cherries and chopped pecans.

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Bourbon-Pecan Brown Sugar Fudge

Bourbon-pecan brown sugar fudge — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Add bourbon and pecans to a classic brown sugar fudge to take it the flavor profile up several notches.

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Red Velvet-Raspberry Tiramisù Trifle

Red Velvet-Raspberry TiramisÃ¹ Trifle — Jim Franco; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Few desserts are as showstopping (or as deceptively simple) as this tiramisu trifle, which has juicy raspberries and ready-made red velvet madeleines.

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Millionaire Candy

Millionaire Candy — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

These gooey, milk chocolate-enrobed candies start with a genius store-bought ingredient—caramels! The additions of pecans and flaky sea salt make them extra delicious.

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Key Lime Icebox Cake

Key Lime Icebox Cake — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Break out the winter citrus and assemble a zingy dessert to cap off a delicious holiday meal.

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Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars — Hector Manuel Sanchez

A quick dig into our old microwave column recipes left us pleasantly surprised with these chocolate-peanut blondies. Chopped salted peanuts give the perfect finishing touch to the sweet bars packed with chocolate and brown sugar.

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Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge

Southern Living Mamie Eisenhower Chocolate Fudge cut and ready to serve — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

Former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower swore by this fudge recipe. You'll want to share it with your loved ones too.

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Éclair Cake

Eclair Cake — Molly Bolton/Southern Living

A recipe with its own fan club, this eclair cake is the best of all worlds.

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Stained Glass Candy

stained glass candy — Photographer: Frederick Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Shining like the windows at church on Christmas Eve, this colorful stained glass candy is festively delicious and a breeze to make.

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Homemade Peppermint Patties

Homemade Peppermint Patties

Under a shiny shell of rich chocolate, a sweet filling made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract awaits.

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Honeycomb Candy

honeycomb candy on a small plate — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This crispy, airy candy is almost as fun to make as it is to eat! The bounty of bubbles come about when baking soda is adding to boiling sugar, creating this crackly Christmas candy.

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Pulled Candy

Pulled Candy — Southern Living

If you thought you had to wait for the county fair to get fresh-pulled taffy, you'll be thrilled to have this recipe in your hands. Sweet and chewy, this no-bake candy also makes a great gift.

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Divinity Candy

Divinity Candy — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Topped with pecan halves, this sweet, meringue-based candies are a Southern icon. Be sure to make them on a dry, sunny day for the best results.

You can always have more desserts during the holidays. Check out our heavenly holiday desserts that will wow guests.

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