21 Festive Holiday Desserts You Can Make This Year That Don't Require Cream Cheese
While we must say we love to use cream cheese when making desserts and often reach for it while baking, we realize there are times when you may prefer a recipe that doesn't call for a block. Whether you're having trouble finding cream cheese on the shelves of the supermarket or have family members that don't particularly love the flavor, there are still plenty of dessert recipes you can make without it. From cakes to cookies to fudge and more, there is a long list of festive dessert recipes that don't need cream cheese to be delicious. We've rounded up 21 of our best Christmas dessert ideas you can make this year without cream cheese.
Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Our Test Kitchen recommends following the steps exactly in this recipe to make sure the frosting doesn't deflate.
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Red Velvet Cake Crinkle Cookies
Recipe: Red Velvet Cake Crinkle Cookies
While most Red Velvets desserts require cream cheese, these crinkle cookies don't.
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Eggnog Bundt Cake
Recipe: Eggnog Bundt Cake
If desired, you can substitute the bourbon for heavy cream.
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Christmas Fudge
Recipe: Christmas Fudge
We've included a secret ingredient to ensure this fudge has a creamy texture and won't crumble or crystallize.
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Santa's Kitchen-Sink Cookies
Recipe: Santa's Kitchen-Sink Cookies
You can follow this recipe exactly, or tailor to your family by adding your favorite mix-ins.
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Snowball Cake
Recipe: Snowball Cake
A biscuit cutter will allow you to make these miniature snowball cakes from a simple sheet cake.
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Gingerbread Latte Cake with Vanilla Whipped Cream Frosting
Recipe: Gingerbread Latte Cake with Vanilla Whipped Cream Frosting
Brewed coffee gives this gingerbread cake the same flavor as your favorite holiday latte.
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Old Fashioned Gingerbread
Recipe: Old Fashioned Gingerbread
Fresh, homemade gingerbread will fill your home with the smell of the spices of the season. Plus, it's simple to make.
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Triple Chocolate Brownie-Mousse Stacks
Recipe: Triple Chocolate Brownie-Mousse Stacks
Not only are these triple stacks cute, but they can also be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of time.
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Peppermint Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting
Recipe: Peppermint Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting
A peppermint buttercream gives the inside of this cake a pop of color and mint flavor.
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Chocolate-Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
Recipe: Chocolate-Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
If you tend to prefer the taste of chocolate over gingerbread, give this recipe a try.
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Buttermilk-Chocolate Cake
Recipe: Buttermilk-Chocolate Cake
We topped this chocolate cake with Magnolia cake flowers, but you can decorate however you'd like.
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Hot Chocolate Brownies
Recipes: Hot Chocolate Brownies
When it's time to cut these brownies, dusting the knife with powdered sugar between each cut will help each square come out perfectly.
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Sprinkle Sandwich Cookies
Recipe: Sprinkle Sandwich Cookies
Whether you give them as a gift, bring them to a party, or just make them for your family, these sprinkle cookies are sure to be a hit.
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White Chocolate-Peppermint Blondies
Recipe: White Chocolate-Peppermint Blondies
Peppermint extract and crushed peppermints make sure these blondies have plenty of minty flavor.
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Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts
Recipe: Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts
This recipe makes five dozen, so they're great to gift or serve a larger crowd.
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Buche de Noel
Recipe: Buche de Noel
If you want to try your hand at something other than a layer cake this year, this festive yule log is for you.
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Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
A dessert that needs just four ingredients and doesn't even require turning on the oven is our kind of recipe.
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Mint Meringue Christmas Trees
Recipe: Mint Meringue Christmas Trees
Baking these tree cookies at a low temperature for two hours will allow the meringue to dry out and stand firmly.
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Nicola Blaque's Christmas Rum Cake
Recipe: Nicola Blaque's Christmas Rum Cake
This is one cake that you'll want to make sure you prepare a day in advance of serving. It needs at least 8 hours (or up to 24 hours) to soak up the rum.
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Linzer Tree Cookies
Recipe: Linzer Tree Cookies
Poking holes in the cookies and sandwiching a red jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, between the two pieces lends the appearance of ornaments.