Grandma's Favorite Christmas Desserts
These classic holiday sweets are Grandma-approved.
Molly Bolton/Southern Living
When it comes to Christmas, Grandma knows how important it is to serve up sugar and spice in the form of dessert. Even though dessert is the last course of the holiday menu, it's most likely planned first and thought about most. Plus, in Grandma's opinion (and ours), there's no such thing as too many desserts.
From luscious layer cakes to decadent pies to flavor-filled cookies and more, we've rounded up Grandma's favorite Christmas desserts that we'll always make.
Related: Grandma’s Favorite Christmas Casseroles
Cherry Delight
Though the graham cracker crust for this classic church cookbook dessert requires a little bit of baking, the filling and topping don't require any cooking. It sets while chilling in the fridge.
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Unlike the cookies, this old-fashioned gingerbread is tender and fluffy. Not only will the gingerbread be filled with the warm flavors of the season when you take a bite, but your kitchen will smell just like Grandma's while they're baking.
Rum Balls
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This classic Christmas treat can be made in advance of Christmas dinner, but just make sure to store them in a safe place where you (or your family members) aren't tempted to eat them all before the holiday gathering.
Easy Sugar Cookies
Whether served plain or covered with icing and sprinkles, sugar cookies in festive shapes always belong on the menu. They cook quickly, so just make sure to keep an eye on them like Grandma does.
Classic Red Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Molly Bolton/Southern Living
Homemade layers of red velvet cake are the ideal base for cream cheese frosting. Not to mention, the festive colors make it ideal for Christmas.
Pecan Pie
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
While pecan pie is a classic on Thanksgiving tables, Grandma knows it deserves a spot on the Christmas menu as well. We prefer serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.
Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake
Courtney West
Grandma knows there's no occasion that can't be made better with a homemade caramel cake and Christmas is no exception.
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
This classic Christmas cookie recipe calls for 36 milk chocolate kisses. So, if you're tempted to enjoy one or two while unwrapping them, just make sure you still have enough for your cookies.
Hummingbird Cake
Since it first appeared in the pages of Southern Living in 1978, the Hummingbird Cake has become a beloved dessert. In fact, it's one of our most popular recipes ever.
Fruitcake
Southern Living
While you may be a skeptic of fruitcake, this recipe just may change your mind. It's not only filled with plenty of fruits and warm spices, but you'll also find brandy and bourbon on the ingredient list.
Cherry Winks
These old-fashioned cookies are coated in crushed cornflakes which create a crunchy coating which pairs nicely with the soft texture of the inside.
Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Chocolate and mint are a classic duo, especially during the Christmas season. Chocolate cake is given a holiday makeover with the addition of peppermint extract in the frosting as well as using peppermints for garnish.
Punch Bowl Cake
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Grandma knows it's possible to transform boxed cake mix and instant pudding into a holiday-ready dessert and this recipe proves just that. Punch bowl cake looks impressive, but is much easier to pull together than a time-consuming layer cake.
Buche de Noel
The name of this holiday dessert can be translated to "yule log". Though it looks impressive, it's simpler than you may think to pull together.
Spritz Cookies
This classic Christmas cookie gets its shape from a cookie press. If you want to decorate with sprinkles, we recommend brushing cookies with light corn syrup so they'll stick to the surface.
Christmas Fudge
While there are many variations of fudge made during the holiday season, Grandma knows that classic is best. Colorful sprinkles add a fun seasonal touch.
Gingerbread Bundt Cake
Molly Bolton
Grandma knows gingerbread flavor isn't just for cookies. It's also delicious in Bundt cake form. Even though it's not a layer cake, a cream cheese glaze and sugared cranberries make it just as pretty.
Millionaire Pie
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
You can use homemade or store-bought crust as the base for this no-bake pie. No matter which you use, we bet there won't be a slice left after the holiday meal.
White Cake With Cranberry Filling And Orange Buttercream
Cranberry filling and orange buttercream upgrade white cake into an impressive Christmas layer cake that delivers layers of flavor in every bite.
Over-The-Moon Chocolate Pie
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Chocolate lovers will always rejoice when there's a chocolate pie on the table. It does call for a homemade graham cracker crust, but it's easy to make.
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