These New Year's Eve desserts pair perfectly with a glass of bubbly or a champagne cocktail. So grab a slice of these treats and toast to the year to come!
50 New Year’s Eve Desserts to Celebrate in Style
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Grasshopper Baked Alaska
Total Time: 50 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Unsweetened chocolate, vanilla ice cream, mint Andes candies, creme de menthe
Level: Intermediate
End the year with a bang! Baked Alaska is a showstopping dessert that your guests will love. For extra flair (and fun), toast meringue with a kitchen torch.
“Can you believe it? This stunning dessert is completely make-ahead, including the meringue. All you need to do is bake it for a few minutes in the oven before serving.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Millionaire Shortbread
Total Time: 1 hour + chillingMain Ingredients: Sweetened condensed milk, bittersweet chocolate baking chips, heavy whipping cream
Level: Intermediate
Crisp shortbread meets gooey caramel and a layer of chocolate ganache in these rich, crowd-favorite millionaire bars.
“This three-in-one bar brings together the delectable flavors of buttery shortbread, sweet caramel and rich chocolate for a treat worth a million bucks. Cut it easily into any size bar you wish.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Fondue
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter
Level: Easy
Made with simple ingredients right from your pantry, this dessert won’t require a trip to the store. Soak up the yummy fondue with marshmallows, pineapple, strawberries and bananas.
“Whenever the family wanted to do a little celebrating over the years, I would make this fondue. It’s fun gathering around the table to get a taste of it.” —Recipe contributor Beverly Olthaus, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Chocolate Cheesecake
Total Time: 1 hour + chillingMain Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate chips, cream cheese, chocolate wafer crumbs
Level: Easy
New Year’s Eve desserts are meant to be decadent and rich, like this chocolate cheesecake. A sliver of this treat is just right when paired with a flute of sparkling wine.
“Everyone’s a chocolate lover when it comes to this special dessert. It melts in your mouth, and it’s very smooth and fudgy. For a fun taste twist, spoon cherry or strawberry topping over each slice right before serving.” —Recipe contributor Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
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Berries in Champagne Jelly
Total Time: 50 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Champagne, fresh raspberries, fresh blueberries, fresh blackberries
Level: Intermediate
On New Year’s Eve, don’t stop at opening a bottle of champagne just for sipping. You can also use this sparkling wine to make a tasty gelatin. Be sure to top with plenty of fresh berries.
“My sister gave me this recipe a few years back when I was looking for an elegant fruit dish to serve guests. I sometimes serve this party-pretty fruit treat at brunch—just before the main dish. It’s also sparkly and special enough to double as a light dessert.” —Recipe contributor Andrea Barnhoom, Scottsville, New York
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Caramel Bars
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Butter, caramels, dark chocolate chips
Level: Easy
A cross between a cookie and a candy bar, our decadent salted caramel bars are a grown-up version of your favorite childhood indulgences.
“I enjoy experimenting with different recipes and combining classic and new flavors. I have been making this shortbread for over 20 years and finally found the perfect pairing! I adore salted caramel and dark chocolate, so I layered these two flavors with my favorite shortbread crust. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good, and it is quickly becoming a favorite with my family, friends and customers! For even more gooey goodness, drizzle bottled caramel sauce over the top.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Glenn, Sarasota, Florida
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New Year’s Eve Cupcakes
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: White cake mix, vanilla frosting, jimmies, Air Heads candies
Level: Intermediate
Looking for super cute New Year’s Eve desserts? These cupcakes fit the bill. To decorate, simply mold taffy candies into champagne bottles, flutes and streamers.
“What better way to ring in the New Year than with cupcakes? To decorate, simply mold AirHead candies into champagne bottles, flutes and streamers. Happy New Year!” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Champagne Truffles
Total Time: 1 hour + chillingMain Ingredients: Champagne, semisweet chocolate, heavy whipping cream, dark chocolate candy coating
Level: Intermediate
Champagne truffles might just be one of our best-ever New Year’s Eve desserts. Champagne syrup is stirred into chocolate ganache to make an easy and elegant truffle. For a little extra flair, nestle these candies into gold foil cups.
“Who can resist champagne truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look.” —Recipe contributor Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
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Grand Marnier Frozen Souffles
Total Time: 30 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Egg yolks, orange liqueur, orange juice, heavy whipping cream
Level: Intermediate
Souffles are always an impressive way to finish a meal. This recipe uses Grand Marnier, an orange liqueur, to infuse the batter with a delightful citrus flavor. If Grand Marnier isn’t your style, try another flavorful liqueur to bake with instead.
“This delicious no-bake frozen souffle is perfect for summer and will impress just about everyone. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert!” —Recipe contributor Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
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Flourless Chocolate Cake
Total Time: 50 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, eggs
Level: Easy
Flourless chocolate cake is an elegant and decadent dessert that’s actually quite easy to make at home. It will serve a crowd because a little slice is all you need.
“One bite of fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake and you’ll see why it’s pure pleasure for confirmed chocoholics! A small slice of this rich, dense dessert goes a long way.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cappuccino Mousse Trifle
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Instant coffee granules, instant vanilla pudding mix, frozen pound cake
Level: Intermediate
Need a hit of caffeine to make it through a night of partying? This espresso-infused trifle is a perfect New Year’s Eve dessert. It’s easy to assemble and can even be prepped a day in advance.
“This is the easiest trifle I’ve ever made, yet it looks like I spent time on it. I like to pipe whipped topping around the edge of the bowl, grate chocolate in the center, and sprinkle with cinnamon. It gets rave reviews.” —Recipe contributor Tracy Bergland, Prior Lake, Minnesota.
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Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Total Time: 25 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Dried mission figs, dairy-free dark chocolate chips, avocados
Level: Intermediate
This rich and creamy vegan chocolate mousse is so satisfying you’d never guess it’s dairy-free. Sweet figs blend with avocado and other natural sweeteners for a taste that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Top with fresh berries, toasted nuts or shredded coconut for a dressier presentation.
“My son is allergic to dairy and eggs, so I created this silky chocolate mousse that he could enjoy. It’s also gluten-free and grain-free. If you’re having company over, it can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator.” —Recipe contributor Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
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Rainbow Cake
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Sour cream, gel food coloring, confectioners’ sugar, heavy whipping cream
Level: Intermediate
Rainbows are considered a sign of good luck. Bring that sentiment into the New Year as you slice into this multi-colored layer cake.
“How fun is this rainbow birthday cake? It will add a festive touch to any celebration. Be sure to use gel food coloring for the most vibrant look.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Grape and Berry Crumble
Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Gluten-free flour, seedless grapes, blueberries, strawberries
Level: Easy
We love learning about New Year’s traditions from around the world. In Spain and parts of Latin America, eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight ensures good luck for the coming year. You can take inspiration from this tradition and bake those grapes into a tasty crumble.
“My daughter follows a restricted diet and told me that I nailed it with this berry crumble recipe. I combined grapes from my garden with blueberries and strawberries and used gluten-free flour and coconut oil. We had eaten nearly the whole pan when I realized I’d better write down the recipe.” —Recipe contributor Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
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Slow-Cooker Chocolate Pots de Creme
Total Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Heavy whipping cream, bittersweet chocolate, instant espresso powder
Level: Easy
Pot de creme is a traditional French dessert that requires finesse. This recipe uses the same ingredients and flavors but makes cooking simple by using a slow cooker. This method is perfect since these New Year’s Eve desserts will be ready whenever your guests are.
“Lunch on the go just got a whole lot sweeter. Tuck the jars of rich chocolate custard into lunch bags for a midday treat. These portable desserts are fun for picnics too.” —Recipe contributor Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Harvey Wallbanger Cake
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Orange cake mix, Galliano liqueur, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Easy
Have a little fun with your New Year’s Eve desserts by adding a splash of your favorite tipple to the batter. This Harvey Wallbanger cake uses a splash of vodka and Galliano.
“This recipe is from my Aunt Martha, who passed away recently at the age of 94. She found ways to substitute the water in almost any cake recipe with vodka or rum. She left this recipe for Harvey Wallbanger Cake taped to her kitchen cabinet.” —Recipe contributor Lynda Szczepanik, Highland Park, Illinois
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Decadent Chocolate Crepe Cake
Total Time: 2 hours + chillingMain Ingredients: Bittersweet chocolate, white baking chocolate, heavy whipping cream, semisweet chocolate
Level: Intermediate
New Year’s is the perfect time to pull out all the stops and make a dessert that impresses. This towering crepe cake will test your skills—but the end result is delicious and rewarding.
“No other dessert has wowed family and friends the way this stunning crepe cake did the first time I made it. A showstopper in every sense of the word, it features layers of tender chocolate crepes and rich white chocolate buttercream frosting draped in a semisweet chocolate ganache.” —Recipe contributor Tina Sawchuk, Ardmore, Alberta
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Butterscotch Pudding
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Dark brown sugar, 2% milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract
Level: Easy
This nostalgia-inducing butterscotch pudding is scented with comforting ingredients like melted butter, hot milk and caramelized sugar for a heartwarming dessert.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Teresa Wilkes, Pembroke, Georgia
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Red Velvet Cheesecake
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Chocolate cream Oreo cookies, cream cheese, red food coloring, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Intermediate
This vibrant red cheesecake will certainly draw attention at your party. It has that classic red velvet cake flavor you love (that’d be a whisper of cocoa) but in an all-new form.
“Festive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your Christmas dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust.” —Recipe contributor Karen Dively, Chapin, South Carolina
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Chocolate Pecan Fondue
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate, half-and-half, pecans, honey
Level: Easy
Go into the New Year feeling extra fancy with this fondue dessert. Semisweet chocolate gets a nutty addition with pecans for that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
“When our kids have friends sleep over, I like to surprise them with this chocolate treat. Our favorite dippers include fruit, marshmallows, cookies and pound cake.” —Recipe contributor Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
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Peppermint Bark Trifle
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Peppermint bark, prepared angel food cake, cream cheese, peppermint extract
Level: Easy
Cream cheese and whipped cream are beaten together to create a creamy layer of goodness between angel food cake and peppermint bark. Save any leftover peppermint bark for an extra treat to enjoy once the guests leave.
“We’re always looking for those showstopping desserts, especially during the holidays. This one is very impressive, but couldn’t be easier to make. No one will ever know it’s made with a store-bought angel food cake.” —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Surprise Cake
Total Time: 55 minutes + decorating and coolingMain Ingredients: White cake mix, assorted gel food coloring, assorted candy
Level: Intermediate
Start the New Year with a surprise! When guests cut into this cake, they’ll discover an inner chamber full of goodies. The best part: The baker gets to pick the filling. Try candies, sprinkles or even small party favors.
“We filled our surprise cake with M&M’s, sprinkles and mini chocolate chips, but there are other options. A few mini Oreos would be fun, as would Sixlets or malted milk balls. Get creative, but remember that you want the candies to easily fall out of the cake. Sour Patch Kids and gummies might not come tumbling out of the cake on their own.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Chocolate Pomegranate Candies
Total Time: 10 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: White baking chocolate, flaked coconut, pomegranate seeds, dark chocolate
Level: Easy
In several countries, including Turkey and Brazil, pomegranates are part of New Year’s celebrations. You can transform this fruit into a dessert by scattering the arils over the top of chocolate bark.
“This recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas.” —Recipe contributor Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
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Coconut Cake
Total Time: 1 hour + chillingMain Ingredients: Cake flour, sweetened shredded coconut, coconut extract
Level: Intermediate
Our three-layer coconut cake recipe packs plenty of tropical vibes with its sweet coconut flavor and a decadent, creamy frosting.
“I found this coconut cake recipe in a newspaper many years ago and modified it to suit my taste. This is my all-time favorite cake, and my family and friends absolutely love it.” —Recipe contributor Lynne Bassler, Indiana, Pennsylvania
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Jellied Champagne Dessert
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Unflavored gelatin, white grape juice, champagne, strawberries
Level: Easy
Fill flutes with jellied champagne for festive individual desserts on New Year’s Eve.
“This refreshing dessert looks just like a glass of bubbling champagne.” —Recipe contributor Vickie McLaughlin, Kingsport, Tennessee
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Rich and Creamy Tiramisu
Total Time: 25 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Mascarpone cheese, Marsala wine, strong brewed coffee, crisp ladyfinger cookies
Level: Easy
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s hard to mess up but tastes like it came from a restaurant, then this delicious tiramisu is for you.
“Tiramisu is Italian for “pick-me-up,” and this one is definitely true to its name! My version of the classic Tuscan trifle has both coffee and espresso for layers of java flavor.” —Recipe contributor Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Salted Dark Chocolate Tart
Total Time: 35 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Chocolate wafers, heavy whipping cream, dark chocolate chips, sea salt
Level: Easy
Dark chocolate, caramel and a hit of salt—what’s not to love? Be prepared to hand out the recipe for this decadent dessert.
“When I was little, my grandpa always had a bag of caramels in his truck and a few in his pocket. Whether we were camping or going to a movie, I enjoyed sharing caramels with him. Now I try to put caramel in as many of my desserts as possible, including this sweet and salty tart.” —Recipe contributor Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas
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Winter Fruit with Prosecco Sabayon
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Blood oranges, Prosecco, vanilla bean, sugar
Level: Easy
Want to serve something a little lighter as a New Year’s Eve dessert? This recipe pairs citrus fruits with a simple sparkling wine-infused sauce.
“This recipe is special to me because it allows me to treat my dinner guests to a special, unusual dessert. The bright, vivid colors are perfect for the holidays. Omit the Prosecco when serving to children.” —Recipe contributor Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Icebox Cake
Total Time: 15 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Heavy whipping cream, Oreo Thins, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract
Level: Easy
Icebox cakes get a lot of play during the warm months, but they also make great New Year’s Eve desserts! These no-bake treats can be prepped in advance and stashed in the freezer until you’re ready to party.
“You don’t have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This “cake” is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.” —Recipe contributor Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
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Baklava Cheesecake
Total Time: 2 hours, 5 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Phyllo dough, chopped walnuts, cream cheese, mascarpone cheese
Level: Intermediate
With walnuts and honey, this unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for special events and holidays.
“My unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for office parties and other special events.” —Recipe contributor Aryanna Gamble, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Semisweet Chocolate Mousse
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate chips, egg yolk, heavy whipping cream
Level: Easy
Chocolate mousse is wonderfully light but still rich. It’s a great dessert to serve up in small glasses and share at a party. Top with fresh whipped cream and the fruit of your choice.
“A friend shared this rich, velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to make.” —Recipe contributor Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
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Madeira Cake
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Unsalted butter, grated lemon zest, all-purpose flour, baking powder
Level: Easy
Thanks to creamy butter and tart lemon zest, Madeira cake is dense in texture but light, crisp and fresh in flavor. Essentially, it’s quite similar to a pound cake, and as such, it’s especially delightful when served alongside berries, fresh cream and a cup of tea.
“This classic British cake is often served with Madeira wine, which is how it got its name. Similar to a pound cake, it is commonly flavored with lemon and can also be served with tea or other sweet liqueurs.” —Recipe contributor Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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Copycat Olive Garden Black Tie Chocolate Mousse Cake
Total Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Baking cocoa, dark chocolate chips, white baking chocolate
Level: Intermediate
Olive Garden’s indulgent Black Tie Chocolate Mousse Cake should be your next copycat baking project.
“To slice this cake, run a sharp knife under hot water and dry. Cut the first slice. Rinse the knife under hot water and dry. Repeat with every slice.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Rice Pudding
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Cooked rice, raisins, ground nutmeg, whole milk
Level: Easy
In Sweden and Norway, it’s tradition to hide an almond in the rice pudding that’s served on New Year’s Eve. Whoever discovers the almond in their dish is thought to have good luck for the year ahead.
“My sisters and I always 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.” —Recipe contributor Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Strawberries, semisweet chocolate, white baking chocolate
Level: Easy
Chocolate-covered strawberries may be simple to make but are always a hit. For a little extra finish, drizzle with some white chocolate or top with sprinkles or even edible glitter.
“A bumper crop of berries turned into a real treat when I dipped them in chocolate! I like to make these chocolate-covered strawberries before dinner and put them in the fridge, so they’re ready when we’re finished eating. My family can’t get enough of these chocolate strawberries.” —Recipe contributor Valerie Gee, Depew, New York
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Cherries Jubilee
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh dark sweet cherries, cherry brandy, orange juice
Level: Easy
These liqueur-soaked cherries are hard to resist. Add them to a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
Made with sweet or tart cherries and doused in brandy, this simple dessert will be a flaming success! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Marzipan Bars
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Raspberry jelly, almond paste, unsweetened chocolate
Level: Intermediate
In Germany, it’s traditional to eat marzipan shaped like a pig on New Year’s Eve. This is supposed to bring good luck in the coming year. Can’t find these candy piggies? Use this almond-flavored ingredient in these tasty layered bars.
“My husband’s grandmother made these lovely layered bars for us as our newlywed Christmas present.” —Recipe contributor Jeanne Koniuszy, Nome, Texas
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Pineapple & Macadamia Nut Cake
Total Time: 45 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: White or yellow cake mix, unsweetened pineapple juice, unsweetened crushed pineapples, chopped macadamia nuts
Level: Easy
In the dead of winter, a treat full of tropical flavors like macadamia nuts and pineapple is so welcome. Be prepared for guests to ask for seconds of this pretty layer cake.
“This delicious cake is one of my own inventions. It’s been a huge hit among family and friends and even inspired fierce bidding at a local charity auction!” —Recipe contributor Greta Kirby, Carthage, Tennessee
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Affogato
Total Time: 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Gelato, brewed espresso, instant espresso powder
Level: Easy
Keep the party going and fire up the espresso machine! Pour a shot of espresso over a scoop of gelato to make an affogato, a treat that’s as sweet as it is energizing.
“Transport to Italy with this indulgent coffee shop-inspired drink. Cold vanilla gelato and hot espresso create a simple, swirly combination that’s impossible to resist.” —Recipe contributor Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
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White Chocolate Truffles
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Heavy whipping cream, white candy coating, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Easy
A snowy New Year’s Eve calls for a corresponding treat. These white chocolate truffles are rolled in coarse sugar to make them look like they’ve been touched with a bit of frost.
“This is the perfect holiday gift candy. It is so easy to make and will look so pretty in a gift box.” —Recipe contributor Gloria Nolan, Peoria, Pennsylvania
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Old English Trifle
Total Time: 40 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Sponge cake, heavy whipping cream, fresh raspberries, sliced almonds
Level: Intermediate
If you want a special dessert recipe to wow your guests, this is it. When you serve it, the only sound after that will be the scraping of spoons against bowls—and the occasional sigh of extreme satisfaction.
“Loaded with cake cubes and fruit, a lovely layered trifle is always welcome at a holiday dinner. The creamy, homemade custard is well worth the effort.” —Recipe contributor Nancy O’Connor, Glen Ridge, New Jersey
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Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake
Total Time: 55 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Sauerkraut, unsweetened chocolate, baking cocoa
Level: Easy
In Germany, it’s a tradition to dine on pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. You can put a sweet spin on this tradition and use that sauerkraut in a chocolate cake—really! Sauerkraut adds moisture and keeps the cake extra tender.
“For an adventurous cake, try this recipe. People might need a little coaxing to try it, but once they do, they will love it.” —The Fremont Company
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Honey-Nut Swirls
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Chopped walnuts, chopped pistachios, brown sugar, turbinado sugar
Level: Intermediate
In Georgia, the Eastern European country, it’s common for folks to enjoy a honeyed walnut candy called gozinaki. Take some inspiration from this Georgian treat and use the flavors to make these spiral sweets full of chopped walnuts, pistachios, honey and cinnamon.
“Puff pastry creates a quick and easy ‘dough’ for pretty pinwheel-type cookies featuring two types of nuts. The flaky treats are hard to resist.” —Recipe contributor Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
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Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
Total Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Chocolate wafer crumbs, cream cheese, hot caramel ice cream topping
Level: Intermediate
Combine your two favorite treats into one—a bourbon-flavored cheesecake. If you’d like to make this a nonalcoholic dessert, replace the bourbon with heavy whipping cream and an extra dash of vanilla extract.
“This Kentucky Derby-inspired cheesecake will wow your guests and your taste buds. Serve in spring during the derby or at any other special occasion throughout the year.” —Recipe contributor Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
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Italian Cream Cheese Cake
Total Time: 1 hour + coolingMain Ingredients: Sweetened shredded coconut, cream cheese, chopped pecans
Level: Intermediate
This five-star cake recipe is one that guests will rave about. It’s full of flavor, thanks to pecans and coconut.
“Buttermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round.” —Recipe contributor Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri
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Million-Dollar Pie
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Crushed pineapple, sweetened shredded coconut, frozen whipped topping, graham cracker crusts
Level: Easy
Is there any better way to wish for wealth and prosperity in the New Year than serving up a slice of Million-Dollar Pie? This dessert is wonderfully easy: It starts with a premade crust, and it’s no-bake!
“This classic pie has become an instant family favorite. I like to replace some of the ingredients with low-sugar versions. Add blueberries for a beautiful Fourth of July pie!” —Recipe contributor Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
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Mini Bundt Cakes
Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, butter, eggs, vanilla extract
Level: Easy
Love the idea of individual cakes but don’t want to go the cupcake route? These mini Bundt cakes are just-right to serve to each guest at your holiday fete.
“Now that I’ve retired from teaching, I have more time to bake. This buttermilk cake is the one I make most often. It is a truly southern recipe, and one I think can’t be topped—once people taste it, they won’t go back to their other recipes with buttermilk.” —Recipe contributor Gracie Hanchey, De Ridder, Louisiana
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Mimosa Butter Cookies
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Butter, grated orange zest, orange juice, champagne
Level: Intermediate
Orange zest, orange juice and champagne make these cookies taste like everyone’s favorite brunch cocktail. Enjoy them as New Year’s Eve desserts or at the next morning’s brunch.
“You can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up.” —Recipe contributor Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico
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Rich Rum Cake
Total Time: 1 hour + coolingMain Ingredients: Orange juice, rum, brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Intermediate
This contest-winning recipe is full of flavor thanks to plenty of rum, cinnamon, orange juice and nutmeg.
“We like a touch of rum for the holidays, and this orangy rum cake is decadent alone or with big swoops of whipped cream.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Chocolate Tart
Total Time: 50 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Heavy whipping cream, bittersweet chocolate, eggs
Level: Intermediate
This rich pastry turns basic ingredients like chocolate, butter, egg and flour into a sublime filling and crust combo that even the most discerning chocolate lover will appreciate.
“Delicious and elegant.” —Recipe contributor Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon
