No-Bake Holiday Desserts

If you're looking for Christmas dessert recipes that satisfy, savor a super-rich bite of this chocolately treat. Crushed vanilla wafers, grated orange rind, Marsala wine, and honey add bright punches of flavor. Serve with a cup of espresso and dessert is done.

Recipe: Sweet Chocolate Log

Need an easy dessert for holiday guests or potluck parties? Spice things up with these simple sweets that come together in no time. For mellower bourbon flavor, prepare at least one week ahead.

Recipe: Bourbon Balls

Dress up plain figs with almonds and an orange-and-cream-cheese filling for a simple, elegant-looking dessert that's perfect for a crowd. The figs can be made ahead, but let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe: Uptown Figs

A quick roll in shredded coconut gives these sweet-and-tart treats a snow-dusted presentation. Graham cracker crumbs lend this dessert its crunchy texture. If you can’t find Key limes, use regular limes instead.

Recipe: Key Lime Coconut Snowballs

Plan a quintessential quick-and-easy, no-bake dessert: a rich and tasty smoothie. Make a pitcher for a special on-the-go snack during the holiday season, or for a smooth treat on late nights while listening for reindeer on the rooftop.

Recipe: Banana Cream Pie Smoothie

Breeze through dessert by picking up a few key ingredients ahead of time. Purchase a pound cake from your local supermarket, then jazz it up with toppings, sauces, and drizzles. This fruit-filled ambrosia, spiked with sweetened coconut and dark rum, makes for a colorful—and tasty—cake topper.

Recipe: Ambrosia

You'd never know this decadent chocolate parfait contains fat-free, sugar-free instant pudding, but it's true. The Southern Living Test Kitchens made the creamy dessert with both regular and sugar-free pudding mixes and were pleasantly surprised to find they preferred the taste of sugar-free. Seconds, anyone?

Recipe: Chocolate Parfaits

Serve this colorful trifle in a large glass bowl to showcase the combination of sliced strawberries, lemon pound cake, and whipping cream. A splash of dry red Zinfandel gives this strawberry shortcake an upscale punch.

Recipe: Strawberry Zinfandel Trifle

Shortcut this classic Italian dessert by using split ladyfingers, a rich mascarpone cheese filling, and a hint of raspberry-flavored liqueur. Dust the plate with cocoa and garnish with mint sprigs for a beautiful presentation. If your sweet tooth needs another hit, drizzle chocolate sauce over the dessert before serving.

Recipe: Chocolate-Raspberry Tiramisu