A lavish holiday feast isn't complete without the perfect dessert. From classics like pecan pie to innovative twists like eggnog pudding, any of these holiday delights will be a sure winner.
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This delicious three-layer vanilla bean cake is drizzled with chocolate and garnished with fresh raspberries. Try using vanilla bean paste instead of the traditional extract for more flavorful results.
It's apple season, so why not make the most of it with apple cake? The combination of fresh apples and spices makes for a moist dessert. Serve with a creamy caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Gelatin is a dessert classic. This year, use a festive holiday mold or a uniquely shaped pan for your gelatin, and add fresh pieces of fruit for texture.
Baked pears with raspberry sauce are a perfect choice for a simple, light dessert. For an elegant finish, serve with a dry white or red wine.
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Try a raspberry topping with your traditional cream pie recipe. For another holiday twist, bake the pie filling in a graham cracker crust instead of a regular pie shell, and garnish it with fresh figs.
Moon cakes are made with flour and brown sugar and stuffed with sweets or a paste filling. This Chinese pastry is usually served at the mid-autumn festival.
One of the most recognizable Christmas desserts is a chocolate sponge cake rolled with buttercream to imitate tree bark. Score your Yule log and sprinkle it with powdered sugar to mimic the look of snow.
Add some holiday flair to chocolate cake by layering it with buttercream filling and topping it with fresh fruit.
Eggnog is most often enjoyed as a holiday beverage with a hint of brandy -- why not bring the same flavors to dessert? Combine your favorite eggnog with instant vanilla pudding, and don't forget that splash of brandy for a new holiday flavor. Garnish with
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Fold red raspberries into a simple vanilla or yellow cake batter for a refreshing surprise. After the cake is frosted, sprinkle with more berries and shredded coconut.
Homemade pecan pie is a traditional favorite. Adding a dollop of cold whipped cream gives your dish a memorable mix of flavors, textures and temperatures.
Old-fashioned bread pudding is usually served with bourbon sauce. For a lighter, sweeter substitute, try a plum sauce infused with wine instead.
Wow your guests with bite-sized cream puff treats. Don't worry if you're not a pastry pro -- you can use instant pudding for a quick, easy filling in a pinch.
The serving of twelfth night cake (or king's cake) traditionally represents the end of the holiday season. This classic fruitcake has a rich history and usually has a small religious figurine baked within its center.
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