As the Christmas feast winds down and the last gift is unwrapped, a sweet tradition takes centre stage across India. It's the moment for desserts that encourage lingering at the table, shared spoonfuls, and the inevitable request for a recipe. This year, bring a touch of British festive flair to your celebrations with six classic Christmas dessert recipes curated by BBC UK. These creations, ranging from light make-ahead options to rich, warm puddings, promise comfort, nostalgia, and just the right amount of holiday indulgence.
Classic Showstoppers: The Pavlova and The Trifle
For a dessert that combines crisp meringue with pillowy cream, Mary Berry’s Christmas pavlova is a timeless choice. The recipe requires 4 large egg whites, 225g caster sugar, 1 tsp cornflour, and 1 tsp white wine vinegar for the base. The meringue is baked at 150°C (130°C fan) for one hour and left to cool in the oven. Once ready, it's topped with 300ml of whipped double cream and a vibrant scattering of fresh berries, creating a visually stunning centrepiece.
Another no-fuss crowd-pleaser is the Easy sherry trifle. This layered delight starts with Madeira sponge or ladyfingers soaked generously in sherry. Layers of fresh fruit and set jelly cubes follow, topped with a thick blanket of 300ml custard and a final cloud of softly whipped 300ml double cream. Chilled to perfection, it's a make-ahead dream for busy hosts.
Warm Winter Comforts: Sticky Pudding and Spiced Crumble
When the December chill sets in, a warm pudding is pure bliss. The Sticky toffee pudding delivers deep, caramelised flavours. The sponge, made with 175g of chopped dates soaked with bicarbonate of soda, 175g butter, brown sugar, eggs, and self-raising flour, bakes for 35–40 minutes at 180°C. It's then drenched in a luxurious sauce made by heating 200g brown sugar, 200ml double cream, and 75g butter until gloriously thick and glossy.
Merging classic British crumble with festive mincemeat, the Christmas apple and mincemeat crumble is a harmonious blend. Sliced apples are dotted with 200g of rich mincemeat in a baking dish. A simple crumble topping, created by rubbing 100g butter into 150g flour and 75g sugar, is scattered over the fruit. Baked at 190°C for 30–35 minutes, it turns golden and bubbling, perfect served with custard or cream.
No-Bake Elegance: Tiramisu and Snowball Cheesecake
For those seeking elegance without oven time, Christmas tiramisu offers a sophisticated coffee-kissed treat. A creamy mixture of 250g mascarpone, egg yolks beaten with 75g sugar, and gently folded whipped egg whites is layered with sponge fingers quickly dipped in strong, cooled coffee. A final dusting of cocoa powder completes this chilled dessert.
Finally, the Snowball no-bake cheesecake is as whimsical as it is delicious. A base of 300g digestive biscuits crushed and mixed with 150g melted butter is pressed into a dish. The filling is a light blend of 300ml double cream whipped with 100g icing sugar, folded into 300g cream cheese. Once set in the fridge, a final dusting of icing sugar mimics a gentle snowfall on top.
Frequently Asked Questions for Your Festive Prep
Hosts often wonder about preparation. Yes, several of these desserts can be made ahead of time, which is a major advantage for Christmas Day. Dishes like the trifle, pavlova (without the cream), and the no-bake cheesecake are ideal for preparing in advance, freeing up valuable time.
For those expecting a full house, these recipes are wonderfully scalable. All six desserts are suitable for large holiday gatherings. Whether you're hosting an intimate family dinner or a grand festive party, you can easily adjust the quantities to serve all your guests generously, ensuring everyone gets a taste of Christmas joy.
