There’s something truly magical about the holidays, and Christmas time is such a wonderful time to enjoy delicious desserts. The smell of a cake baking in the oven, or the smell of a family gathering in the kitchen to make sweets. It’s a wonderful time of year to gift baked goods and treats to friends and family.
These old-fashioned Christmas desserts are the kind that bring families together, and their recipes are passed down, shared, and cherished. Whether you prefer simple cookies or vintage cakes, these desserts will make your holiday season even sweeter.
Old Fashioned Cake & Pie
Southern Christmas tables are filled with pies and cakes that have been decades in the making. A dessert with a homely taste! I make jam cakes every year!
Tropical jam cake
If you’ve been following our website for any length of time, you know how much this cake means to us. It’s been in our family for over 80 years and we make it every Christmas. It’s our tradition and we will never waver from it. This is an old classic, but if you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? It’s classic! Read more about why we love this cake.
coconut cake with coconut frosting
Our nanny made this cake and it was always a hit. Perfect for Christmas, you can also mix the coconut with green or red food coloring to make it a little more holiday-y. You can make it in advance, but it tastes better the next day. For an easier version, check out this coconut cake.
watergate cake
This vintage cake goes way back. If you like Watergate salads, you’ll love this. It is made by mixing, but no one knows. We love this layer cake and it’s another cake that can be made ahead of time.
sweet chocolate pie
This pie is the perfect addition to any Christmas gathering. This recipe has great reviews and is always popular. If you love chocolate, be sure to add it to your holiday menu.
gingerbread cream pie
This pie comes together quickly and doesn’t require many ingredients. It can be made ahead of time and is a great addition to your holiday dessert table. It can be served cold, but it also goes great with hot coffee.
white chocolate raspberry cake
This cake is made with a mix, but you would never know. Next, mix in the raspberries and create a swirl in the center of the cake. Add white chocolate chips and you have the most amazing Christmas cake.
italian cream cake
A creamy cake perfect for the holiday season! A layer cake filled with delicious cream cheese, coconut, and nuts that your friends and family will love.
classic christmas cookies
Whether you’re baking for Santa or filling cookie tins for your neighbors, these Christmas cookies will bring back sweet memories of your childhood kitchen.
mexican wedding cookies
These cookies are sure to be a hit during the Christmas season. It reminds me of short-breed cookies and melts in your mouth. It also makes a wonderful gift.
christmas cool whip cookies
These crinkle cookies require few ingredients and come together quickly. You can add food coloring to make it very festive for the holidays. Also a perfect gift for your family and friends.
old fashioned clove cookie
If you like the taste of spices such as cloves, this is a great cookie. Every time we make it, we all talk about how wonderful it is. While baking, the whole house will be filled with the scent of Christmas!
tea sweets
These delicious little cookies go back a long way, and are something my grandmother used to make for her friends and we always enjoy. We love making them at Christmas and putting them in festive tins for great food gifts.
molasses cookies
These cookies are delicious all year round, but they’re perfect for the Christmas season. These are easy to make and your friends and family will appreciate them.
old fashioned sugar cookie
These Christmas cookies are always a winner. You can decorate it any way you like and kids will love making it. These Christmas cookies make a great tradition during the holidays. Great gifts too!
southern pecan cookies
A traditional Southern cookie, perfect for the holidays. We try to make it every Christmas and always put it in gift bags.
holiday candy
It’s the season for making sweets! You don’t need a candy thermometer for these easy recipes. Perfect for any gift bag.
easy christmas divinity
This was a difficult candy to make until this microwave recipe arrived in the 1970s. It is one of the most popular Christmas recipes and has great reviews.
microwave peanut brittle
This is another great Christmas recipe that we enjoy every year. It’s also great to make as gifts for friends and family. It is very versatile as it can also be made with pecans and cashews.
old fashioned potato candy
This is a classic recipe that has been around for many years. Some people call it “depression candy.” Call it what you like, but we call it delicious!
kentucky bourbon balls
These are Kentucky treats that people love to make during the holiday season. If you’re not a fan of Buburon, don’t worry. I will explain how to make it with or without buburon.
martha washington candy
This is probably a candy your grandma made and your friends and family will love during the holiday season. It’s easy to make too!
I have to make fudge
Who said fudge was difficult to make? This is an easy recipe perfect for the holiday season.
5 minute fudge
This is a very easy and versatile recipe! It can be peanut butter, butterscotch, or any flavor you like. This is also a no-fail recipe.
Old Fashioned Penuche Fudge
This is an old fudge recipe and one of the best. It has long been a family favorite and is a staple during the holiday season.
maple walnut fudge
If you’re a maple fan, this is the recipe you’ll fall in love with..it’s really delicious! It’s easy to make and it’s loaded with walnuts too. You can also use pecans!
Easiest fudge ever
We love fudge that comes together quickly, is versatile, and simple, and this is just that. Super easy and really delicious.
Vintage holiday favorites and easy recipes
You can’t leave out these vintage recipes. They have stood the test of time.
tangerine cake
This is a classic cake that many people make during the holiday season! It’s refreshing and delicious, so it’s a dish that your whole family will love.
cherries in the snow
This is a super easy recipe that anyone can make! A perfect addition to your Christmas dessert table. If you love angel food cake, this is for you.
3 day coconut cake
This is a vintage cake that has been around for a long time. It needs to be made at least 3 days in advance, making it perfect for the holiday season.
southern maple pecan pie
This pecan pie is a little different, using maple syrup instead of Karo syrup. This recipe has great reviews and is perfect for Christmas.
mini cheesecake tart
These little cheesecakes are so easy to make and so delicious! It’s perfect for Christmas, so you can even make it in advance. Looks great on the dessert table.
kentucky bread pudding
This is a standard item that has been loved for many years. The sauce is what makes this dish! You can use biscuits, sourdough bread, etc.
appalachian stack cake
This vintage cake is very unique. It is made of thin layers, similar to a pancake, with apple butter or dried apples sandwiched between the layers.
Every recipe here has a story, whether it’s the pie your grandma baked or the sweets you always made with your kids. We hope these old-fashioned Christmas desserts bring back memories and inspire new traditions.
What dessert do you usually make for Christmas? Let us know below — we’d love to hear your story.
Our new print cookbook is now available!
Relive your sweetest memories with our new cookbook… “SOUTHERN SWEETS!!” Our family’s many-requested recipes for classic Southern treats.
