There’s something truly magical about sharing desserts during the Christmas season, isn’t there? The joy of gathering with loved ones, laughter echoing around the table, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked goodies in the air—it just warms my heart! That’s why I’m excited to share my easy Christmas desserts for a crowd. These delightful treats come together effortlessly and are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they’re perfect for serving up at holiday parties or cozy gatherings. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds, and you’ll be the star of the show!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (feel free to use semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate!)
- 1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade for an extra touch)
- Fresh berries (like strawberries or blueberries) for garnish
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important, so don’t skip it! It gets your oven nice and hot, ensuring even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Now, it’s time to add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until the batter is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a sturdy spatula—whatever you have on hand works!
- Next, gently fold in those luscious chocolate chips. Trust me, this is the best part! You want to get them evenly distributed without over-mixing the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help it bake uniformly and makes for easy serving later.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once it’s done, let it cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. This cooling time helps the squares hold their shape when you serve them!
- Before serving, top each square with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries for that festive touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish!
- Decadent chocolate flavor that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfectly festive with a touch of whipped cream and fresh berries on top.
- Great for serving a crowd—yielding 12 generous squares in one go!
- Versatile and adaptable; you can customize it to suit your taste.
- It’s a make-ahead dessert, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities!
- Every bite is a delightful combination of soft cake and rich chocolate chips.
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your festive baking goes off without a hitch! Here are my top tips to help you create these easy Christmas desserts for a crowd, perfectly every time.
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise with your measurements. Use a kitchen scale for the flour if you have one; it’ll make a big difference in the texture of your cake!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light and fluffy texture we want.
- Check for doneness: Every oven is different! Start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Look for that beautiful golden brown color and a toothpick that comes out clean.
- Allow cooling time: Don’t rush to cut the cake right out of the oven. Giving it a little cooling time in the baking dish helps it set and keeps your squares from crumbling apart when you serve them.
- Customize with toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of nuts can elevate the dessert and add a personal touch.
- Make it ahead: This dessert can be made a day in advance, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules! Just store it covered at room temperature and top with whipped cream and berries right before serving.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your delicious holiday treats!
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to make it your own, and trust me, your guests will love the surprises. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out the chocolate chips for a mix of dark, white, and milk chocolate chips for a decadent twist. You can even add chocolate chunks for that extra gooeyness!
- Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well with the batter.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, holiday spice flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and a pop of color. It adds a nice holiday vibe to your dessert!
- Minty Fresh: If you love mint, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter. It’ll give your dessert a delightful fresh twist that’s perfect for Christmas!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the whipped cream before adding the berries for an indulgent touch that will take your dessert to the next level.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas—there’s no wrong way to make these easy Christmas desserts for a crowd! Get creative and have fun with it, and you’ll be sure to delight your guests!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these delicious easy Christmas desserts for a crowd, let’s talk about how to elevate your serving game! Pairing these sweet squares with a few delightful accompaniments can really enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Warm Beverages: Serve with hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a festive eggnog. The warmth of the drinks complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully!
- Seasonal Fruits: Fresh fruits like sliced oranges, pomegranate seeds, or even spiced poached pears can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.
- Cheese Board: Create a small cheese platter with a mix of creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese. The savory flavors of the cheese balance out the sweetness of your dessert perfectly!
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream on the side adds a lovely creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate squares.
- Nutty Bites: Serve a small bowl of spiced nuts or candied pecans alongside your dessert. They make for a great crunchy contrast and are perfect for nibbling!
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the whipped cream and berries just before serving. It adds an extra layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will adore!
Mix and match these suggestions based on your gathering’s vibe! The goal is to create a festive atmosphere where everyone can indulge and enjoy the holiday spirit together. Happy serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you have a delicious batch of these easy Christmas desserts for a crowd, let’s talk about how to store those leftovers! I mean, if you have any left after the festivities—trust me, they’re that good! But just in case, here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty.
To store your squares, simply place them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay nice and fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week.
If you find yourself with some extra squares and want to save them for later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Now, if you prefer your dessert warm (who doesn’t?), here’s how to reheat those tasty squares: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the squares on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a rubbery dessert!
Store them well, and they’ll be just as delightful as when you first made them! Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these easy Christmas desserts for a crowd, it’s always good to have a rough idea of the nutritional values! Just keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline rather than precise measurements.
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: Approximately 180
- Sugar: About 12g
- Sodium: Around 150mg
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Saturated Fat: About 5g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
- Cholesterol: About 40mg
Remember, these values are just for a typical serving, and they might change if you customize the recipe or use different ingredients. Enjoy the deliciousness of these treats while keeping in mind that balance is key!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch up the chocolate chips with your favorites. Dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate can all work wonderfully in these easy Christmas desserts for a crowd!
How can I make these desserts gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check the blend’s packaging for any specific instructions or adjustments needed.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these delicious squares a day in advance! Just store them covered at room temperature and add the whipped cream and berries right before serving for that fresh look.
What can I serve with these desserts?
These easy Christmas desserts for a crowd pair beautifully with warm beverages like hot cocoa or spiced cider, and they also shine alongside a scoop of ice cream or a cheese platter!
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving!
Easy Christmas Desserts for a Crowd: 7 Delightful Options
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy desserts perfect for a crowd during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool and cut into squares.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh berries before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy christmas desserts for a crowd











