Christmas is the best time of year to indulge your sweet tooth. From the fruity to the creamy to the chocolatey, there are so many festive delights to enjoy – and everyone has a favourite. There’s no better feeling than making people smile with your baked goodies, and since tis the season to be jolly, why not cook up a storm in the kitchen for one and all?

Whip up one (or all) of our nine impressive desserts this Christmas, and you’ll quickly become more popular than Santa Claus himself.

1. Black forest pavlova 

Christmas desserts don’t have to be complicated to be magnificent. Pavlova is truly one of the greatest desserts of all time, and it just got better with this extra-special twist. Simply make a traditional pavlova mixture, sift in some cocoa powder and fold carefully to leave cocoa-coloured streaks. Shape into two rounds on a baking tray, pop the meringues into the oven and leave to cool once baked. Top off both layers with whipped cream, Morello cherries and a hearty sprinkle of chocolate curls for a real crowd pleaser.  

2. Layer cake with spun sugar Christmas trees

Whether it be chocolate, vanilla, coconut or any other taste sensation, you can use any flavour to make the cake. Split your cake mixture into two tins, bake until light and fluffy and leave to cool on a wire rack. Once completely cool, layer your cake high with plenty of icing in a flavour of your choice. For the extra wow-factor, make some thickened syrup with sugar, lemon juice and green food colouring and use it to create spun sugar Christmas trees for the top of your cake.

3. Eggnog panna cotta

We all know that panna cotta is a mighty impressive dessert to master, but you can make it even more memorable with a true taste of Christmas. Whip up a standard panna cotta mixture, stir in two cups of warm eggnog, and don’t be stingy on the mixed spice. Once all the mixture is hot (but not boiling) add gelatine and remove from the heat. Pour into ramekins or festive cocktail glasses and refrigerate until fully set.

4. Candy cane brownies

Take your favourite super chocolatey brownie recipe and add a few drops of mint essence. Once whipped up nicely, spread your tempting batter into a pan and bake for around 30 minutes. Remove from oven, add mint icing and a yummy sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Not only will they make your house smell delightful, but they’re also really moreish – try to eat just one.

5. Gingerbread men ice cream sandwiches

Take your favourite sweet treat to the next level with this easy recipe. Bake up a traditional batch of gingerbread men, leave to cool and grab some ice cream from the freezer. Vanilla is classic, but you can use whatever you like. You can even mix some leftover gingerbread dough into the ice cream for an extra layer of deliciousness. Spread the softened ice cream over the bottom half of two men, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for one hour. Gingerbread men are definitely tastier with some finger licking ice cream.

6. Christmas tree cupcakes

Dig out your most-loved cupcake recipe and whip up a batch. Once they’re done and cooled, use a frosting bag with a large star tip to pipe the green icing into a tree shape. Then, add M&M’s, Smarties, lollies, sprinkles or whatever cake decorations you like to make the tree ornaments. You can even use fondant to make tiny presents if you like. Oh – and don’t forget to leave one out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

7. Summer berry trifle

Trifle is a Christmas classic and one of the easiest desserts to make. Shop around for the best selection of summer fruits, and don’t forget to buy some apple juice or sherry for bonus flavour. Layer serving bowls with slices of large jam sponge rolls for added berry goodness, and add a dash of juice or sherry. Continue to layer with summer fruits, jelly and custard to make your trifle merrier.

8. Frozen Christmas pudding

For a show-stopping end to your Christmas dinner, try this frozen version of a yuletide dessert staple. It makes a far more refreshing alternative for the hot Aussie holiday. Put some vanilla ice cream in the bowl of an electric mixer, then add dried currants, cranberries and cinnamon and beat for one minute. You can add some nuts and brandy if you like too before freezing overnight. Before serving, top with a dusting of icing sugar and a handful of zingy berries.

9. Fruit mince pie pops

Just the thought of Christmas makes everyone think of mince pies. Get some shortcrust pastry and cut out Christmas trees or any festive shape you like with a shaped cookie cutter. Add a paddle pop stick and some fruit mince filling to the middle of the pastry and press a second piece of pastry over the top. Brush with a beaten egg, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, and cook until golden. You get all the best bits of a mince pie, and also make it an extra fun eating experience for the kids. 

Try our delicious Christmas desserts that even picky eaters will love. Also, don’t forget to browse Yellow Pages to find festive kitchenware and baking supplies near you.