From boozy trifles to gold-dusted cupcakes, these New Year’s desserts deliver rich flavor for a finish as festive as the countdown itself.
40 Festive New Year’s Desserts to Impress Everyone
Updated on Jul. 24, 2025
1/40
Grasshopper Baked Alaska
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Can you believe it? This stunning dessert is completely make ahead, including the meringue. All you need to do is bake it for a few minutes in the oven before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
End the year with a bang! Baked Alaska is a showstopping dessert that your guests will love. For extra flair (and fun), toast meringue with a kitchen torch.
2/40
Millionaire Shortbread
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This three-in-one bar brings together the delectable flavors of buttery shortbread, sweet caramel and rich chocolate for a treat worth a million bucks. Cut it easily into any size bar you wish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Crisp shortbread meets gooey caramel and a layer of chocolate ganache in these rich, crowd-favorite millionaire bars.
3/40
Chocolate Cheesecake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone’s a chocolate lover when it comes to this chocolate cheesecake. It melts in your mouth, and it’s very smooth and fudgy. For a fun taste twist, spoon cherry or strawberry topping over each slice right before serving. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
New Year’s Eve desserts are meant to be decadent and rich, like this chocolate cheesecake. A sliver of this treat is just right when paired with a flute of sparkling wine.
4/40
Berries in Champagne Jelly
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister gave me this recipe a few years back when I was looking for an elegant fruit dish to serve guests. I sometimes serve this party-pretty fruit treat at brunch—just before the main dish. It’s also sparkly and special enough to double as a light dessert. —Andrea Barnhoom, Scottsville, New York
On New Year’s Eve, don’t stop at opening a bottle of champagne just for sipping. You can also use this sparkling wine to make a tasty gelatin. Be sure to top with plenty of fresh berries.
5/40
New Year’s Eve Cupcakes
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What better way to celebrate than with New Year's Eve cupcakes? To decorate, simply mold AirHead candies into champagne bottles, flutes and streamers. Happy New Year! —Taste of Home Food Styling Team
Looking for super cute New Year’s Eve desserts? These cupcakes fit the bill. To decorate, simply mold taffy candies into champagne bottles, flutes and streamers.
6/40
Champagne Truffles
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist champagne truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Champagne truffles might just be one of our best-ever New Year’s Eve desserts. Champagne syrup is stirred into chocolate ganache to make an easy and elegant truffle. For a little extra flair, nestle these candies into gold foil cups.
7/40
Grand Marnier Frozen Souffles
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious frozen souffle is perfect for summer and will impress just about anyone. It's a great make-ahead dessert! —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Souffles are always an impressive way to finish a meal. This recipe uses Grand Marnier, an orange liqueur, to infuse the batter with a delightful citrus flavor. If Grand Marnier isn’t your style, try another flavorful liqueur to bake with instead.
8/40
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite of fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake and you'll see why it's pure pleasure for confirmed chocoholics! A small slice of this rich, dense dessert goes a long way. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Flourless chocolate cake is an elegant and decadent dessert that’s actually quite easy to make at home. It will serve a crowd because a little slice is all you need.
9/40
Cappuccino Mousse Trifle
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the easiest trifle I've ever made, yet it looks like I spent time on it. I like to pipe whipped topping around the edge of the bowl, grate chocolate in the center and sprinkle with cinnamon. It gets rave reviews. —Tracy Bergland, Prior Lake, Minnesota
Need a hit of caffeine to make it through a night of partying? This espresso-infused trifle is a perfect New Year’s Eve dessert. It’s easy to assemble and can even be prepped a day in advance.
10/40
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son is allergic to dairy and eggs, so I created this silky vegan chocolate mousse recipe that he could enjoy. It's also gluten-free and grain-free. If you're having company over, it can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. —Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
This rich and creamy vegan chocolate mousse is so satisfying you’d never guess it’s dairy-free. Sweet figs blend with avocado and other natural sweeteners for a taste that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Top with fresh berries, toasted nuts or shredded coconut for a dressier presentation.
11/40
Grape and Berry Crumble
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter follows a restricted diet and told me that I nailed it with this dairy-free berry crumble recipe. I combined grapes from my garden with blueberries and strawberries, and used gluten-free flour and coconut oil. We had eaten nearly the whole pan when I realized I'd better write down the recipe. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
We love learning about New Year’s traditions from around the world. In Spain and parts of Latin America, eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight ensures good luck for the coming year. You can take inspiration from this tradition and bake those grapes into a tasty crumble.
12/40
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Pots de Creme
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These rich, custardy chocolate 'pots' are the sweetest treat! I love the ease of using a slow cooker water bath for gentle heating—no need for the oven. They're a simple, make-ahead dessert, perfect for any occasion, any time of year. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Pot de creme is a traditional French dessert that requires finesse. This recipe uses the same ingredients and flavors but makes cooking simple by using a slow cooker. This method is perfect since these New Year’s Eve desserts will be ready whenever your guests are.
13/40
Harvey Wallbanger Cake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is from my Aunt Martha, who passed away recently at the age of 94. She found ways to substitute the water in almost any cake recipe with vodka or rum. She left this recipe for Harvey Wallbanger Cake taped to her kitchen cabinet. —Lynda Szczepanik, Highland Park, Illinois
Have a little fun with your New Year’s Eve desserts by adding a splash of your favorite tipple to the batter. This Harvey Wallbanger cake uses a splash of vodka and Galliano.
14/40
Mille Crepe Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No other dessert has wowed family and friends the way this stunning crepe cake did the first time I made it. A showstopper in every sense of the word, it features layers of tender chocolate crepes and rich white chocolate buttercream frosting draped in a semisweet chocolate ganache. —Tina Sawchuk, Ardmore, Alberta
New Year’s is the perfect time to pull out all the stops and make a dessert that impresses. This towering crepe cake will test your skills—but the end result is delicious and rewarding.
15/40
Red Velvet Cheesecake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Festive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your Christmas dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. —Karen Dively, Chapin, South Carolina
This vibrant red cheesecake will certainly draw attention at your party. It has that classic red velvet cake flavor you love (that’d be a whisper of cocoa) but in an all-new form.
16/40
Peppermint Bark Trifle
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We're always looking for those showstopping desserts, especially during the holidays. This one is very impressive, but couldn't be easier to make. No one will ever know it's made with a store-bought angel food cake. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Cream cheese and whipped cream are beaten together to create a creamy layer of goodness between angel food cake and peppermint bark. Save any leftover peppermint bark for an extra treat to enjoy once the guests leave.
Start the New Year with a surprise! When guests cut into this cake, they’ll discover an inner chamber full of goodies. The best part: The baker gets to pick the filling. Try candies, sprinkles or even small party favors.
18/40
Chocolate Pomegranate Candies
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 1/2 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
In several countries, including Turkey and Brazil, pomegranates are part of New Year’s celebrations. You can transform this fruit into a dessert by scattering the arils over the top of chocolate bark.
19/40
Coconut Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this coconut cake recipe in a newspaper many years ago and modified it to suit my taste. This is my all-time favorite cake, and my family and friends absolutely love it. —Lynne Bassler, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Our three-layer coconut cake recipe packs plenty of tropical vibes with its sweet coconut flavor and a decadent, creamy frosting.
20/40
Jellied Champagne Dessert
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing dessert looks just like a glass of bubbling champagne. —Vickie McLaughlin, Kingsport, Tennessee
Fill flutes with jellied champagne for festive individual desserts on New Year’s Eve.
21/40
Rich and Creamy Tiramisu
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tiramisu is Italian for pick-me-up, and this one is definitely true to its name! My version of the classic Tuscan trifle has both coffee and espresso for layers of java flavor. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s hard to mess up but tastes like it came from a restaurant, then this delicious tiramisu is for you.
22/40
Salted Dark Chocolate Tart
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was little, my grandpa always had a bag of caramels in his truck and a few in his pocket. Whether we were camping or going to a movie, I enjoyed sharing caramels with him. Now I try to put caramel in as many of my desserts as possible, including this sweet and salty tart. —Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas
Dark chocolate, caramel and a hit of salt—what’s not to love? Be prepared to hand out the recipe for this decadent dessert.
23/40
Winter Fruit with Prosecco Sabayon
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is special to me because it allows me to treat my dinner guests to a special, unusual dessert. The bright, vivid colors are perfect for the holidays. Omit the Prosecco when serving to children. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Want to serve something a little lighter as a New Year’s Eve dessert? This recipe pairs citrus fruits with a simple sparkling wine-infused sauce.
24/40
Icebox Cake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious. —Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
Icebox cakes get a lot of play during the warm months, but they also make great New Year’s Eve desserts! These no-bake treats can be prepped in advance and stashed in the freezer until you’re ready to party.
25/40
Baklava Cheesecake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for office parties and other special events. —Aryanna Gamble, New Orleans, Louisiana
With walnuts and honey, this unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for special events and holidays.
26/40
Chocolate Mousse
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared this rich, velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Chocolate mousse is wonderfully light but still rich. It’s a great dessert to serve up in small glasses and share at a party. Top with fresh whipped cream and the fruit of your choice.
27/40
Copycat Olive Garden Black Tie Mousse Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
16 servings
Olive Garden’s indulgent Black Tie Chocolate Mousse Cake should be your next copycat baking project.
28/40
Rice Pudding
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
In Sweden and Norway, it’s tradition to hide an almond in the rice pudding that’s served on New Year’s Eve. Whoever discovers the almond in their dish is thought to have good luck for the year ahead.
29/40
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 9 strawberries
From the Recipe Creator:
A bumper crop of berries turned into a real treat when I dipped them in chocolate! I like to make these chocolate-covered strawberries before dinner and put them in the fridge, so they're ready when we're finished eating. My family can't get enough of these chocolate strawberries. —Valerie Gee, Depew, New York
Chocolate-covered strawberries may be simple to make but are always a hit. For a little extra finish, drizzle with some white chocolate or top with sprinkles or even edible glitter.
30/40
Cherries Jubilee
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Made with sweet or tart cherries and doused in brandy, cherries jubilee will be a flaming success! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
These liqueur-soaked cherries are hard to resist. Add them to a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
31/40
Marzipan Bars
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's grandmother made these lovely layered bars for us as our newlywed Christmas present.
In Germany, it’s traditional to eat marzipan shaped like a pig on New Year’s Eve. This is supposed to bring good luck in the coming year. Can’t find these candy piggies? Use this almond-flavored ingredient in these tasty layered bars.
32/40
Pineapple Cake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious cake is one of my own invention. It's been a huge hit among family and friends and even inspired fierce bidding at a local charity auction! —Greta Kirby, Carthage, Tennessee
In the dead of winter, a treat full of tropical flavors like macadamia nuts and pineapple is so welcome. Be prepared for guests to ask for seconds of this pretty layer cake.
33/40
Affogato
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 affogato
From the Recipe Creator:
Transport to Italy with this indulgent coffee shop-inspired drink. Cold vanilla gelato and hot espresso create a simple, swirly combination that’s impossible to resist. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Keep the party going and fire up the espresso machine! Pour a shot of espresso over a scoop of gelato to make an affogato, a treat that’s as sweet as it is energizing.
34/40
White Chocolate Truffles
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I use this white chocolate truffle recipe to make homemade holiday gifts. The candies are so easy to make and will look so pretty in a gift box. —Gloria Nolan, Peoria, Pennsylvania
A snowy New Year’s Eve calls for a corresponding treat. These white chocolate truffles are rolled in coarse sugar to make them look like they’ve been touched with a bit of frost.
35/40
English Trifle
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded with cake cubes and fruit, an old English trifle is always welcome at a holiday dinner. The creamy, homemade custard is well worth the effort. —Nancy O'Connor, Glen Ridge, New Jersey
If you want a special dessert recipe to wow your guests, this is it. When you serve it, the only sound after that will be the scraping of spoons against bowls—and the occasional sigh of extreme satisfaction.
36/40
Sauerkraut Cake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For an adventurous cake, try this recipe. People might need a little coaxing to try it but once they do, they will love it. —The Fremont Company
In Germany, it’s a tradition to dine on pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. You can put a sweet spin on this tradition and use that sauerkraut in a chocolate cake—really! Sauerkraut adds moisture and keeps the cake extra tender.
37/40
Honey-Nut Swirls
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Puff pastry creates a quick and easy 'dough' for pretty pinwheel-type cookies featuring two types of nuts. The flaky treats are hard to resist. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
In Georgia, the Eastern European country, that is, it’s common for folks to enjoy a honeyed walnut candy called gozinaki. Take some inspiration from this Georgian treat and use the flavors to make these spiral sweets full of chopped walnuts, pistachios, honey and cinnamon.
38/40
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Kentucky bourbon pecan cheesecake will wow your guests and your taste buds. Serve in spring during the Kentucky Derby or at any other special occasion throughout the year. — Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
Combine your two favorite treats into one—a bourbon-flavored cheesecake. If you’d like to make this a nonalcoholic dessert, replace the bourbon with heavy whipping cream and an extra dash of vanilla extract.
Is there any better way to wish for wealth and prosperity in the New Year than serving up a slice of Million-Dollar Pie? This dessert is wonderfully easy: It starts with a premade crust, and it’s no-bake!
40/40
Mimosa Butter Cookies
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up. —Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico
Orange zest, orange juice and champagne make these cookies taste like everyone’s favorite brunch cocktail. Enjoy them as New Year’s Eve desserts or at the next morning’s brunch.
New Year’s Desserts FAQ
What are popular desserts for New Year’s Eve?
Some of the most popular New Year’s desserts are the ones that feel festive and special without being too complicated. Classics like layered trifles, rich chocolate cakes and champagne-infused treats are popular. You’ll also find mousse, baked puddings and no-bake bars at many parties because they’re easy to prep and plate. Many cozy winter desserts double as fitting choices for New Year’s menus.
Can I make New Year’s desserts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make many New Year’s desserts in advance so you’re not tied up during the party. You can set freezer mini cheesecakes overnight or chill trifles in the fridge. Brittles or barks can be made several days ahead and stored in airtight food storage containers. If you’re serving something soft—like mousse or pudding—portion it into cups or jars the day before. When storing make-ahead desserts, keep toppings like whipped cream and fruit separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Are there festive dessert ideas for kids?
Kid-friendly festive dessert ideas are usually playful, colorful and interactive. Ice cream cone cupcakes decorated with edible confetti, cookies shaped with festive cookie cutters, marshmallow pops, chocolate-covered pretzels and mini trifles served in clear cups are always a hit. You can also try holiday baking projects that let kids help with decorating. If you’re planning for a group of children, consider setting up a DIY dessert bar with toppings, sprinkles or sauces so they can customize their treats.
