Best winter dessert recipes (2024)

Liberate the doughnut from the greasy clutches of the fairground – it’s definitely the star of the show in this decadent dessert recipe. Pear and chocolate are a heavenly combination and matched with a light and freshly cooked doughnut makes this a dish to remember.

Try this cinnamon ring doughnut with a Perry-poached pear and hot chocolate sauce recipe

This is a light and deliciously comforting dessert that’s the perfect alternative for those who don’t like the dark richness of Christmas pudding. Laced with the warm spicing of whisky and tangy sweetness of marmalade, this is a perfectly wintery dessert that’s a definite step up from the usual bread and butter pudding.

Try this apple, marmalade and whisky bread-and-butter pudding recipe

Apple pie with cheese is an old-time favorite in American diners and coffee shops. This is an updated version that highlights the surprisingly satisfying combination of apples and a savory cheese. Make the most of the apple crop with a hearty pie to round off a meal.

Try this apple and caramel Gouda tart recipe

This gluten-free cake manages to remain moist and very moreish. The citrus syrup adds a sticky sweet finish, but if you love a frosting you can drizzle a citrus icing over the top instead using icing sugar and clementine juice.

Try this sticky clementine cake recipe

These pretty éclairs are perfect for Christmas and make a lovely treat over the whole festive period. They’re deceptively easy to make so there’s plenty of incentive to get baking. Vary the decorative topping and they’ll make a great treat for the whole chilly period.

Try this Christmas wreath éclairs recipe

Wow friends and family with this impressive looking chocolate roulade; it’s a recipe worth deviating from your usual winter desserts for. Made with sloe gin and blackberries, it’s a deliciously boozy and grown up treat that’s perfect for Christmas.

Try this chocolate roulade with boozy blackberries recipe

This elegant dessert is a doddle to make but is a great way to round off a winter meal. Serve up to dinner guests with a spoonful of the gently spiced cream – they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time.

Try Shelina Permalloo’s poached pears with cider and spiced cream recipe

A classic sticky toffee pudding is hard to beat but this irresistible recipe gives it a tea-infused update. Sweet, sticky and deliciously moreish, they are sure to make the ultimate comforting Sunday dessert.

Try this black tea sticky toffee pudding recipe

This ice cream-filled chocolate sponge role is a delight to eat. Children will love discovering the hidden centre and the recipe is easily adaptable to suit their favourite flavours. The recipe works extra well when made with vanilla, salted caramel or mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Try Ruby Violet’s Antarctic roll recipe

This traditional Spanish baked cream dish is given a twist with the addition of richly-flavoured saffron. The easy dessert is perfect for dinner parties as it can be prepared in advance. The crisp caramel topping gives way with a satisfying crack, giving the dish a little drama.

Try this orange crema Catalana with saffron recipe

There’s nothing more comforting in winter than a sweet rice pudding to finish a meal. This recipe is slightly more sophisticated and rich – it’s gently spiced and sweet with the molasses of dark brown sugar and condensed milk. It makes a velvety smooth dessert that’s great for family dinners or even a dinner party.

Try this spiced rice pudding recipe

Oranges come into their own in the depths of murky winter so make the most of their sweet zing with this Moroccan-inspired citrus salad. The fresh and tangy flavours in this fruit salad make a lovely refreshing end to a meal and are great for a simple dinner party dessert.

Try this Moroccan citrus fruit salad recipe

Serve your mulled wine cold rather than hot this year with this simple yet impressive dessert. The shards of sweetly spiced wine make a wonderfully festive way to end a meal.

Try this mulled wine granita recipe

This dessert contains all the flavour of traditional gingerbread, but is much lighter. A hot spiced soufflé is sure to impress your guests while capturing all the requisite flavours of a warming winter dessert.

Try this hot gingerbread soufflé recipe

This warm soft-centred chocolate pudding is heavenly. The contrasting textures of the pudding and vanilla praline elevate the dish to an impressive dinner party dessert. Serve with creamy ice cream for a decadent and indulgent way to finish a meal.

Try this warm chocolate pudding with almond-vanilla praline recipe

This easy dessert is a great way to use up leftover croissants and children will mop it up – just leave out the rum to cater for them. Moreish and comforting, this is a bread and butter pudding with a difference – it’s so delicious the dish will be scraped bare in no time.

Try this rum, raisin and chocolate bread and butter pudding recipe

For occasions when a full menu isn’t on the cards, sweet-toothed diners will love our afternoon tea recipes.