Hamdi Saidani If you’re like me, Christmas just isn’t complete without a few of Ina Garten’s desserts on the table. From her bright and zesty Lemon Bars to the classic Coconut Cake, these recipes are always a hit.
They’re easy to make, and you can prep most ahead of time, which makes holiday baking so much simpler! Let’s make this Christmas sweet and stress-free with these delicious Ina Garten treats.
1. Chocolate Lava Cake
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert this Christmas, Ina’s Chocolate Lava Cake is your answer. Rich, molten chocolate oozes out from the center with every bite.
It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the best part? You can prepare these ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar and some fresh berries for a simple, elegant touch. Perfect for impressing guests!
2. Lemon Yogurt Cake
Ina’s Lemon Yogurt Cake is a citrusy delight that’s perfect for Christmas. It’s light, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
The best part? It’s drizzled with tangy lemon syrup and topped with a sweet lemon glaze, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
This cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and it only gets better as it sits, so it’s great for making ahead.
3. Pumpkin Muffins
Ina’s Pumpkin Muffins are everything you want in a holiday treat—warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a sweet maple frosting that takes them over the top.
These muffins are perfect for breakfast on Christmas morning or as a snack throughout the holiday season.
Top them with chopped Heath bars for a bit of crunch, and you’ve got a treat that’s sure to be a hit!
4. Tres Leches Cake
Ina’s Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate holiday indulgence—moist, rich, and perfectly soaked in a blend of three creamy milks.
Topped with fresh berries and a dollop of make-ahead whipped cream, this cake is a dessert that never fails to impress.
Make it the night before, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on Christmas Day!
5. Peach Cobbler
There’s something about a warm peach cobbler that feels like home, and Ina’s recipe nails it every time.
Sweet peaches baked in a buttery crust, topped with cinnamon, and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s the perfect way to wrap up Christmas dinner.
Plus, it’s easy to make, leaving you more time to relax.
6. Carrot Cake
This is not your average carrot cake. Ina’s version is extra moist, loaded with carrots, walnuts, and raisins, and topped with a dreamy ginger mascarpone frosting.
The secret? A touch of crystallized ginger for added zing. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, this cake is always a showstopper!
7. Blackberry Pie
Ina’s Blackberry Pie is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a buttery, flaky crust that’s to die for. Fresh blackberries are gently tossed with sugar and cinnamon, then baked until bubbling.
Serve it warm, and don’t forget the ice cream—this pie will be the highlight of your holiday dessert table!
8. Coconut Cake
We’ve all had that slice of coconut cake that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise, even in the middle of Christmas. Ina’s version? It’s perfection.
Moist, buttery layers topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and a generous sprinkle of coconut.
This cake is a must for anyone who wants to bring a little sunshine to their holiday table. And trust me, it’s easier than it looks!
9. Pecan Sandies
There’s something so comforting about a buttery cookie with a nutty crunch, and Ina’s Pecan Sandies deliver exactly that.
Toasted pecans and demerara sugar give these cookies a rich flavor and irresistible texture.
Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas cookie exchange or just for yourself (no judgment), these cookies will disappear faster than you expect.
10. Tiramisu Recipe
Who doesn’t love tiramisu? Ina’s take on this classic Italian dessert is the perfect addition to your Christmas feast.
With layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream, this tiramisu is indulgent and just the right amount of boozy.
Make it the day before, and let it chill overnight—by the time dessert rolls around, it’s all ready to impress.
11. Fruit Tart
Want to wow your guests this Christmas? Ina’s Fruit Tart is the way to go.
With a buttery, flaky crust and a creamy homemade custard, this tart is topped with vibrant, juicy fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches.
It’s fresh, colorful, and the perfect dessert to add a little elegance to your holiday table. And yes, it tastes as good as it looks!
12. Lemon Bars
If you’re a fan of bright, tangy desserts, these lemon bars are a Christmas must. The buttery shortbread crust pairs perfectly with a silky lemon filling that’s both sweet and tart.
Dust them with powdered sugar for a festive finish, and watch them disappear from the dessert table. These bars are the perfect balance of refreshing and rich!
13. Lemon Angel Food Cake
Light, airy, and full of zesty lemon flavor, Ina’s Lemon Angel Food Cake is a dessert that feels like a cloud.
The secret is all in those whipped egg whites—making it the fluffiest cake you’ll ever serve at Christmas.
It’s simple, elegant, and perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
14. Lemon Icebox Cake
Looking for a no-bake dessert this Christmas? Ina’s Lemon Icebox Cake is exactly what you need.
Layers of graham crackers and a creamy, tangy lemon filling come together for a chilled treat that’s easy to make ahead.
Just pop it in the fridge overnight and let the flavors meld. It’s a refreshing dessert that’s perfect after a hearty Christmas meal!
15. Apple Cranberry Cake
This Apple Cranberry Cake is the ultimate blend of sweet and tart. Juicy cranberries and crisp apples baked with a hint of cinnamon and orange zest make this cake feel like Christmas in every bite.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Trust me, it’s going to be a hit at your holiday gathering!
