Holidays & Occasions Christmas Christmas Recipes Christmas Desserts That'll Feed a Crowd By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on April 15, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Take some of the pressure off of hosting for the holidays with these big-batch dessert hacks. For most Southerners, entertaining can be a beloved, yet daunting task. We love showing our hospitality and doting on our guests. From baking fresh breakfast breads in the morning to turning down their sheets, Southern hosts live by a philosophy of open hearts and homes. Many years of experience have helped us master the art of entertaining—we've got go-to appetizers, parting gifts at the ready, and probably a signature house cocktail. But the holidays are another game entirely. They require 24/7 activities and amusement, with lots of out-of-town house guests looking for all-day entertainment. And when you've got a big meal to prepare, there's little time to spare. If you'll have a full house this holiday season, let these big-batch dessert recipes take a little worry out of your plans. From trays of bite-sized Pecan Bourbon Balls to elegant gingerbread layer cakes, these Christmas desserts will help the holidays go off without a hitch. 01 of 48 Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls No holiday spread is complete without bourbon balls, and this version is rolled in crushed pecans for extra crunch. 02 of 48 Snowball Cake Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Recipe: Snowball Cake These cute, coconut-dusted mini cakes are cut out of a sheet cake, making this festive seasonal dessert easy to prepare for a crowd. 03 of 48 Christmas Buttermints Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Recipe: Christmas Buttermints Keep a bowl of these creamy, silky-smooth treats on the table at all times. 04 of 48 Sweet Potato Sheet Cake Southern Living Recipe: Sweet Potato Sheet Cake A delightfully unexpected pop of bacon takes this fall-inspired dessert to the next level. 05 of 48 Gingerbread Cake Roll with Eggnog Cream Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Gingerbread Cake Roll with Eggnog Cream If you're going to pull off a stunning roulade this holiday season, pack it with lots of festive flavors. This gingerbread roulade is as festive as it gets. 06 of 48 Auntie's Apple Cake Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Recipe: Auntie's Apple Cake This age-old recipe combines the comfort of a Bundt cake with the indulgence of dripping caramel and apples. The result? Absolute decadence. 07 of 48 Mississippi Mud Cake Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cake When we're cooking for a crowd, sheet cakes are our go-to move. Topped with marshmallows and fudge, Mississippi Mud Cake has what it takes to become a fan favorite. 08 of 48 White Texas Sheet Cake Micah A. Leal Recipe: White Texas Sheet Cake Who else has been dreaming of a white Christmas…and a White Texas Sheet Cake? 09 of 48 Coconut-Carrot Cake with Coconut Buttercream Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas Recipe: Coconut-Carrot Cake with Coconut Buttercream Coconut buttercream lightens up this spiced sheet cake to make a refreshing, yet satisfying dessert. 10 of 48 Coconut-Butter Pecan Sheet Cake Southern Living Recipe: Coconut-Butter Pecan Sheet Cake The warm, toasty flavors of roasted butter pecans star in this crowd-friendly sheet cake. 11 of 48 Banana Pudding Poke Cake Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Banana Pudding Poke Cake Looking for a mess-free way to serve banana pudding to a crowd? Meet our Banana Pudding Poke Cake. 12 of 48 Pumpkin Cake Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Recipe: Pumpkin Cake Channel all the spices of the season in this moist, fluffy Pumpkin Cake. Stack the sponges with spiced whipped cream for extra seasonal flair. 13 of 48 Cream Cheese Pound Cake Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound Cake This simple recipe is a household favorite for a reason. Serve it with spiced whipped cream or cranberry jelly to bring a pop of Christmas cheer. 14 of 48 Buche De Noel Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Recipe: Buche De Noel This rendition of a yule log in cake form is sure to impress the neighbors. Garnish with meringue "mushrooms" and glossy maraschino cherries. 15 of 48 Spritz Cookies Micah A. Leal Recipe: Spritz Cookies Who says sweets are just for dessert? Your guests can snack on these dainty cookie press creations all throughout the day. 16 of 48 Christmas Pudding Micah A. Leal Recipe: Christmas Pudding If you're looking for a big-batch Christmas showstopper, this elegant (and dense) Christmas Pudding is guaranteed to impress. 17 of 48 Peppermint Divinity Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Recipe: Peppermint Divinity Spend an afternoon in the kitchen making these vintage candies with your children or grandchildren. It'll become their new favorite holiday tradition. 18 of 48 Eggnog Spice Cake with Bourbon Custard Filling and Eggnog Buttercream Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Eggnog Spice Cake with Bourbon Custard Filling and Eggnog Buttercream Incorporating both eggnog and bourbon, this boozy holiday cake tastes as good as it sounds. 19 of 48 White Cake with Cranberry Filling and Orange Buttercream Hector Sanchez Recipe: White Cake with Cranberry Filling and Orange Buttercream It may look simple from the outside, but just wait until you slice into this cake to reveal the bright layers of spiced cranberry filling. 20 of 48 Peppermint Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting Hector Manuel Sanchez Recipe: Peppermint Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting That's right—the impressive egg white frosting crowning the cake only takes seven minutes to come together. 21 of 48 Butterscotch-Spice Trifle Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Butterscotch-Spice Trifle A trifle is a great way to offer guests generous portions of dessert without meticulously dividing up slices. 22 of 48 Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies Southern Living Recipe: Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies Dress up easy cream cheese cookies for the holidays by coating the rolls in festive red or green sugar crystals. 23 of 48 No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars Iain Bagwell Recipe: No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars The flaky layers of chocolate and toffee simply melt in your mouth. Plus, you never even have to turn on the oven. 24 of 48 White Chocolate Poinsettia Cake Hector Manuel Sanchez Recipe: White Chocolate Poinsettia Cake Pay homage to a familiar Southern flower with this elegant holiday layer cake. 25 of 48 Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce Southern Living Recipe: Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce Find yourself with an extra box of Krispy Kreme donuts leftover from Christmas morning breakfast? We have the perfect way to put it to use. 26 of 48 Sea Salt-Caramel Cake Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Sea Salt-Caramel Cake There's no better way to feed a crowd than with a showstopping layer cake, and this sea salt-caramel version holds the sweet-and-salty combination of your dreams. 27 of 48 Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Caitlin Bensel Recipe: Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Enlist the kids to help in the kitchen with this easy recipe that's straight from Grandma's files. 28 of 48 Chocolate-Peppermint Swirl Sandwich Cookies Victori Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Chocolate-Peppermint Swirl Sandwich Cookies With a stunning swirl of red-and-white peppermint icing, these sandwich cookies are sure to charm. 29 of 48 Homemade White Cake Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Homemade White Cake Garnished elegantly with gingerbread and sugar-dusted rosemary sprigs, this simple rendition of our White Cake will be the star of any holiday party. 30 of 48 Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Recipe: Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines A tin of these classic Southern candies is sure to keep your guests happy (and snacking) all day long. 31 of 48 Brown Sugar Cookie Stars Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Brown Sugar Cookie Stars Ramp up the flavors of those classic sugar cookies with brown sugar. Cut these cookies into any shape you desire—but you can't go wrong with festive stars! 32 of 48 Ginger Bourbon Balls Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Recipe: Ginger Bourbon Balls Ditch the store-bought box of chocolates for a homemade arrangement of truffles. They may look fancy, but we promise, they're incredibly easy to make. 33 of 48 Salted Butter-Pecan Shortbread Cookies Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Salted Butter-Pecan Shortbread Cookies Top each shortbread round with a whole pecan for a tasty embellishment. 34 of 48 Persimmon Pudding with Cinnamon Whipped Cream Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Persimmon Pudding with Cinnamon Whipped Cream Our Christmas feast isn't complete without at least one version of a pudding, and this sliceable Persimmon Pudding just tastes like the holidays. 35 of 48 Classic Gingerbread Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Classic Gingerbread You've had dry, crispy gingerbread before, but have you had a slice of moist gingerbread cake? Pass on brittle cookies and treat your guests to this old-fashioned dessert. 36 of 48 Potato Candy Photo: Alison Miksch Recipe: Potato Candy This nostalgic treat is still a great way to make a tasty dessert with few ingredients. 37 of 48 Cornflake Wreath Christmas Cookies Southern Living Recipe: Cornflake Wreath Christmas Cookies These fun treats are cute and a cinch to make. Get the little ones involved for an easy bake. 38 of 48 Melted Snowman Cookies Micah A. Leal Recipe: Melted Snowman Cookies These whimsical cookies steal the show on any dessert table. 39 of 48 Sprinkle Stocking Cookies Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Recipe: Sprinkle Stocking Cookies The perfect cookies for a decorating party, you can adorn these sweet snacks with sprinkles of your choice. 40 of 48 No-Bake Dark Chocolate-Peppermint Sandwich Cookies GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS Recipe: No-Bake Dark Chocolate-Peppermint Sandwich Cookies No oven is necessary to make these festive and fancy cookies. Add them to your cookie board to please your guests. 41 of 48 Cheesecake Cookies Caitlin Bensel Recipe: Cheesecake Cookies It couldn't be easier to turn cheesecake into a bite-sized treat this holiday season. 42 of 48 Icebox Fruitcake Micah Leal Recipe: Icebox Fruitcake This fruitcake imparts the delicious flavor of classic fruitcake minus all the hard work. 43 of 48 Texas Pecan Cake Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis Recipe: Texas Pecan Cake This cake is an essential crossover between pecan pie and icebox fruitcake. 44 of 48 Christmas Tree Brownies Micah A. Leal Recipe: Christmas Tree Brownies Cut these brownies into triangles and decorate with green homemade frosting for a perfect holiday treat. 45 of 48 Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Joy Howard Recipe: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies After combining the colorful dough and chilling, simply slice and bake these butter cookies. 46 of 48 Chocolate-Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies Joy Howard Recipe: Chocolate-Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies Rich chocolate pairs nicely with classic gingerbread in these tasty cookies. 47 of 48 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookies Photo: Hector Sanchez Recipe: 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookies All it takes is five ingredients to whip up these fuss-free sugar cookies. Let the kids take over on the decorations for a fun family activity. 48 of 48 Heavenly Angel Food Cake Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas Recipe: Heavenly Angel Food Cake Serve your guests a slice of heaven this Christmas. This classic angel food cake is made in a 13-by-9 pan, which makes it easy-to-slice and great for a crowd. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit