Kirbie's Cravings

25 Holiday Desserts (That Aren’t Cookies!)

With the holiday season here, I wanted to share some of my favorite holiday dessert recipes. I love Christmas cookies, but sometimes it’s nice to make something different, so I’ve gathered up my favorite holiday cakes, candy, fudge and mug cakes that are perfect for the season. There are lots of ideas for parties, holiday gifting and plenty of treats just for you!

photo of two matcha green tea lava cakes

Holiday Cakes and Cupcakes

Instead of offering up a platter of Christmas cookies for holiday desserts, what about making a beautiful cake or cute batch of cupcakes for the holidays? I’ve got a little bit of everything for you to browse – chocolate cakes, holiday-themed cupcakes, and decadent lava cakes that are great for dinner parties or as a special dessert for one or two.

photo of a red velvet chocolate lava skillet cake

Red Velvet Chocolate Lava Skillet | This red velvet cake is festive and has a rich chocolate ganache center that oozes when you cut into it. Or, if you like cupcakes, you should check out my red velvet roses.

Matcha Green Tea Molten Lava Cake | Matcha green tea is mixed with white chocolate to create delicate cakes with a molten lava center. It’s an easy holiday dessert to make for a dinner party.

Keto Lava Cake | If you or someone you cook for is following the keto diet, they don’t have to miss out on a holiday dessert. This lava cake is low-carb, easy to make and so rich and decadent.

4 Ingredient Eggnog Cupcakes | These cupcakes are a fun way to use up leftover eggnog at the holidays. Or, for a cute mini version, try my mini eggnog muffins, too.

sour cream chocolate cake

The Best Chocolate Cake | The holidays are the perfect excuse to make this chocolate cake. It’s moist with a tender crumb and the recipe I make for special occasions.

No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake | I love cheesecake and this cookies and cream no-bake cheesecake is a cool and creamy dessert.

Molten Nutella Lava Cakes | Another lava cake recipe but this time with Nutella. If you love chocolate and hazelnut these are a decadent holiday dessert. I also have an Instant Pot lava cake recipe with Nutella, too.

Fudge Recipes

Fudge is a go-to holiday dessert and it’s one of my favorite things to make for gifting or as a last-minute holiday dessert. All of my fudge recipes are very easy and most you can make in the microwave. You’ll want to try them all!

peppermint fudge squares

Microwave Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge | You only need four ingredients to make this easy peppermint fudge. It’s a sweet treat to make for yourself or give away as a gift. Or try my fudge made with crushed peppermint candies for a different twist.

5 Minute Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge | This easy fudge is perfect for peanut butter lovers and is quick to make.

Microwave Nutella Fudge | Or, for the Nutella fans you have to make a batch of this Nutella fudge. Like all the others, it’s a simple holiday dessert recipe!

peanut butter cup fudge

Peanut Butter Cup Oreo Fudge | Peanut butter cups and Oreos together in a quick fudge that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Andes Mint Fudge | Do you love Andes mints? Then you have to try this easy fudge. You only need about 10 minutes to make it.

5 Minute Cookies and Cream Fudge | I love cookies and cream so of course, I had to turn it into fudge! This mint fudge keeps well making a great gift for the holidays.

Candy Recipes

I love making homemade candy and experimenting with different flavors. Wine gummy bears, truffles with a healthy twist, and creative candy cups are just a few of the fun candy recipes I’ve made over the years. I hope you find some new ones to try!

Wine Gummy Bears

Wine Gummy Bears | These adult-only gummy bears are so fun to make and give as gifts. You can use a mix of red, white and rose wine so you have a colorful assortment of gummy bears. Or, try my champagne gummy bears that are perfect for Christmas and New Year’s.

Chocolate Nutella Cups | These are basically like peanut butter cups, but filled with Nutella instead and are as good as they sound. They’re a fun treat to make.

Chocolate Avocado Truffles | Chocolate truffles are made healthier by using avocado instead of heavy cream. The end result is a rich, silky chocolate treat. With only 3 ingredients, these are really easy to make and are perfect for gifting, parties or just for yourself.

cookies and cream candy cups

Cookies and Cream Chocolate Candy Cups | Another candy cup recipe but this time it’s a cookies and cream version. Cookies and cream filling is encased in a winter white chocolate coating. These are one of my favorite candy treats to make for the holidays.

Cheddar Caramel Popcorn Balls | These popcorn balls are the perfect combination of salty and sweet. They’re fun to make for parties and very easy to make.

Oreo Cookies and Cream Chocolate Bark | Chocolate bark is a classic holiday treat and this version is cookies and cream, which, as you know, I really love!

Holiday Mug Cakes

Of course, I had to include some of my favorite holiday mug cake recipes for you to browse. If you follow my blog you know how much I love a single-serving microwave cake! Here are some that are the perfect way to treat yourself this holiday season.

peppermint cookies and cream mug cake

Candy Cane Cookies and Cream Mug Cake | Peppermint candy cane is mixed with cookies and cream for a wintery, holiday mug cake. Or if you want to skip the cookies, try my peppermint mug cake!

Red Velvet Lava Mug Cake | This single-serving red velvet mug cake has a molten lava chocolate center. It’s a festive cake for the holidays that is ready in just a few minutes.

Peppermint Swirl Mug Cake | This mug cake tastes just like peppermint candy and has swirls of red mixed in, making it very festive.

rose champagne mug cake

Rose Champagne Mug Cake | This fluffy cake is flavored with rosé champagne and cooks in the microwave in just 1 minute. You can even cook it directly in the champagne glass!

Matcha Latte Mug Cake | This mug cake is made with matcha green tea and has a vibrant beautiful green color that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake | This mug cake tastes just like hot chocolate in a cake form. It’s a perfect treat for chillier days and best eaten warm with the marshmallows still gooey.

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