Ah, Christmas Pudding! It’s as traditional as Santa Claus and mistletoe. But let’s be honest, not everyone’s a fan. If the thought of raisins makes you cringe and the rich, dense texture isn’t your thing, you’re not alone.
Don’t worry, though; there’s no need to force down a dessert you don’t enjoy just to keep up with tradition this 2023. I’ve got you covered with some fantastic alternatives that will have you and your family eagerly awaiting dessert time.
1. Chocolate Yule Log
A festive rolled sponge christmas log cake filled with chocolate buttercream and dusted to look like a log.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 100 g caster sugar
- 100 g plain flour
- 20 g cocoa powder
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 200 g butter, softened
- 100 g icing sugar
Method:
Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Gently fold in sifted flour and cocoa. Bake in a lined jelly roll tin at 180 °C for 12 minutes. While warm, roll sponge in a tea towel dusted with icing sugar—let cool. Melt chocolate and beat with butter and icing sugar to form buttercream. Unroll sponge, spread chocolate buttercream, re-roll, then frost the outside. Use a fork to create a bark pattern. Chill, then dust with icing sugar to mimic snow.
2. Mince Pies with a Twist
Traditional mince pies reimagined with apples and cranberries instead of raisins.
Ingredients:
- 250 g ready-made shortcrust pastry
- 2 apples, peeled & chopped
- 150 g cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Egg wash
Method:
Preheat oven to 190 °C. Mix apples, cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll pastry, cut circles, and fit into a muffin tin. Fill with fruit mixture. Top with pastry lids (stars or rounds), brush with egg wash. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
3. Festive Pavlova
Light meringue shell with cream and seasonal fruit.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 200 g caster sugar
- 1 tsp cornflour
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 300 ml heavy cream, whipped
- 100 g pomegranate seeds, kiwi, berries
Method (400–450 words):
Preheat to 150 °C. Whisk egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar until stiff and glossy. Fold in cornflour and vinegar. Spoon onto baking parchment as a disc with slightly raised edges. Bake 1 hour, then cool in oven with door ajar. Top with whipped cream and fruits before serving.
4. Christmas Trifle
Layered dessert with sponge, custard, fruit, jelly, and cream.
Ingredients:
- 200 g sponge cake or leftover Madeira
- 500 ml custard
- 200 g mixed berries
- 1 packet jelly (fruit-flavoured)
- 300 ml whipped cream
Method:
Make jelly as per packet instructions—let it set halfway. Layer sponge soaked in juice in a trifle dish. Add berries, pour custard, then jelly. Top with whipped cream and garnish with fruit or mint.
5. Apple and Pear Crumble
Comforting, warm, and perfect with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples and 2 2 pears, sliced
- 50 g caster sugar
- 150 g plain flour
- 100 g butter
- Pinch salt
Method
Preheat to 180 °C. Toss fruit with sugar, and place in a baking dish. Rub cold butter into flour and salt to form crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden. Serve with ice cream.
6. Tiramisu
Italian classic with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone.
Ingredients:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 3 large eggs (separated)
- 75 g caster sugar
- 200 ml strong coffee, cooled
- 200 g ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder
Method:
Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale. Fold in mascarpone. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and fold into mascarpone mix. Dip ladyfingers briefly in coffee, and layer in a dish. Spread half the cheeseeese mixture, and repeat. Dust with cocoa. Chill at least 4 hours.
7. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Warm, sweet British dessert that’s moist and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 150 g dates, chopped
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 300 ml boiling water
- 100 g butter
- 150 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 150 g flour
- Sauce: 100 g butter, 100 g dark brown sugar, 100 ml cream
Method:
Soak dates in water and soda. Cream butter and sugar, and beat in eggs. Combine flour. Stir in date mixture. Bake in a greased tin at 180 °C for 25 minutes. Melt sauce ingredients, and and pour over pudding to soak. Serve warm.
8. Lemon Tart
A bright, zesty palate cleanser post-feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 ready-made shortcrust shell
- 3 eggs
- 150 ml double cream
- 2 lemons, zest and juice (about 150 ml)
- 100 g sugar
Method:
Pre‑bake the tart shell at 180 °C for 10 minutes. Whisk eggs, cream, sugar, and and lemon juice/zest. Pour into shell, bake 25–30 minutes until just set. Cool & chill. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Elegant and easy—perfect when you’re stuffed!
9. Cheese Board
Choose a mix: aged cheddar, blue cheese, soft goat, and and brie. Add accompaniments: grapes, figs, nuts, honey, and crackers. Arrange artfully. Provide cheese knives & tasting notes.
10. Fruit Salad
Light, colourful, and refreshing.
Ingredients & Tips
Use pomegranate, kiwi, oranges, grapes, and apple slices. Add mint, a squeeze of orange or lemon juice, and a honey drizzle. Chill before serving.
Related Articles
- “18 Alternative Christmas Desserts” at Only Crumbs Remain
- “14 Easy Christmas Party Dessert Recipes” by Ain’t Too Proud To Meg
- “21 Christmas Dessert Ideas That’ll Make Santa’s Belly Jiggle” at Jully’s Place
- “30 Festive Christmas Desserts to Make This Season” by Food & Wine
- “Festive Christmas Desserts (That Aren’t Cookies!)” by Sugar Spun Run
Conclusion
Don’t feel stuck with traditional Christmas pudding—these 10 tasty Christmas dessert alternatives offer something for everyone. Whether you crave chocolate, fruit, warmth, or elegance, there’s a festive treat ready to shine at your holiday table. Enjoy with loved ones and make this Christmas truly delicious!
