38 Small-Batch Christmas Desserts

38 Small-Batch Christmas Desserts
Read Time: 13 mins
38 Small-Batch Christmas Desserts
to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:
to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Most cake recipes feed a crowd. So we came up with this elegant little cake that serves six. That’s enough for two…with just the right amount of leftovers! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 3/38 Hot Cocoa Souffle 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Hot Cocoa Souffle Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A friend invited me to a church cooking demo years ago, and one of the recipes we prepared was this luscious souffle. It’s decadent and delicious. —Joan Hallford, North
Give it a try
Richland Hills, Texas 4/38 Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 2 hours 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Cheesecake in a slow cooker? It’s true! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. I promise you’ll be absolutely amazed by the results! —Krista Lanphier Milwaukee, WI 5/38 Upside-Down Apple Cake with Butterscotch Topping 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Upside-Down Apple Cake with Butterscotch Topping Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total
Time 45 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:
Time 45 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This cake is a favorite of mine. I love the smell of the apples and butterscotch as it is baking. It fills the house with a perfect autumn aroma. —Sabrina Haught, Spencer, West Virginia 6/38 Red Wine & Cranberry Poached Pears 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Red Wine & Cranberry Poached Pears Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: While being poached, the pear absorbs the sweetness and spice from the sugar, wine, cinnamon
and peppercorn
and peppercorn. It makes an easy yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for a special night. —Kiersten Atkinson, Birmingham, Alabama 7/38 Mocha Baked Alaskas Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Make these baked Alaskas ahead of time—you can torch the completed desserts and freeze them up to 24 hours before serving. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida 8/38 Tangerine Chocolate Semifreddo Test Kitchen Approved GRACE NATOLI SHELDON FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 35 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I wanted
It’s great on its own or served with a scoop of
a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia 9/38 Classic Apple Cranberry Crisp Classic Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: For a little old-fashioned goodness, treat your clan to this divine dish that bakes up warm and bubbly. It’s great on its own or served with a scoop of
My slow cooker allows me to serve a heartwarming dessert without much effort
ice cream. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California 10/38 Slow-Cooked Gingered Pears Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 4 hours 35 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My slow cooker allows me to serve a heartwarming dessert without much effort. Topped with caramel sauce, these tender pears feature a surprise filling of nuts and brown sugar. —Catherine Mueller, St. Paul, Minnesota 11/38 Rice Pudding 94 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Grandma’s Rice Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My sisters and I always
loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made
loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I’m glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan 12/38 French Silk Pie 50 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I first made French silk pie when I was in high school. Years later, I tinkered with the recipe until
I was happy with it
I was happy with it. Now it’s one of my husband’s favorites. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama Christmas pieCaken is here for the holidays, but there’s only one place to find it. 13/38 Lemon Creme Brulee 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Orly Catz for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 5 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: After being disappointed in this recipe the first time I tried it, I experimented. When I felt it was fit for competition, the judge was impressed, too—I won a blue ribbon and an Award of Excellence. —Sara Scheler, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration
14/38 Flan de Queso 64 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy, caramel flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida 15/38 Butterscotch Pudding 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe photo by Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From
The butterscotch in this recipe adds a caramel-sweet touch
the Recipe Creator: Homemade pudding reminds me of my grandma and how she turned milk and eggs into creamy textures before my eyes. The butterscotch in this recipe adds a caramel-sweet touch. —Teresa Wilkes, Pembroke, Georgia 16/38 Vanilla Cheesecake 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 25 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: To me, there is nothing better than a simple, elegant cheesecake where the vanilla takes center stage. And when I’m feeling decadent, I’ll add the rich chocolate ganache topping. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro,
There’s plenty of old-fashioned cinnamon flavor
Tennessee 17/38 Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Pudding 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This rich bread pudding recipe comes together in minutes. There’s plenty of old-fashioned cinnamon flavor. The treat is sure to become a favorite! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana 18/38 Apple Dumplings 27 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Apple Dumplings with Sauce Recipe photo by Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 50 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This warm and
The season is short, so I use them in everything while I can get them
comforting apple dumplings recipe is incredible by itself or served with ice cream. You can decorate each dumpling by cutting 1-inch leaves and a 1/2-inch stem from the leftover dough. —Robin Lendon, Cincinnati, Ohio 19/38 Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 6 servings. Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I never had blood oranges until I moved to California. The season is short, so I use them in everything while I can get them. That sweet orange flavor with
some brown sugar is a perfect combination
some brown sugar is a perfect combination. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this dessert. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California 20/38 Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme 92 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 2 pounds (64 pieces) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane
He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding he enjoyed as a child
Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania 21/38 Bread Pudding with Nutmeg 41 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri 22/38 Pear Pandowdy 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Pear Pandowdy Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I pulled out this recipe one
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 4/38 Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 2 hours 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Cheesecake in a slow cooker?
Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.
The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for?
Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.
⭐ Expert Tips
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Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.
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Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.
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Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.
✅ Key Takeaways
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These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.
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Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.
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Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.
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