7 Christmas Dinner Dessert Ideas Featuring Citrus, Cranberries and Warm Spices

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, I find that desserts can truly elevate the festive atmosphere. This year, I’m focusing on the delightful combination of citrus, cranberries, and warm spices. These flavors not only brighten up any gathering but also add a comforting touch. I’ve come up with some dessert ideas that are sure to impress. Let’s explore these unique treats that will leave your guests eagerly anticipating what’s next.

Citrus Pavlova With Pomegranate Seeds

Citrus Pavlova with Pomegranate Seeds is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for Christmas dinner. This light and airy meringue-based treat is topped with luscious whipped cream and a vibrant mixture of citrus fruits and pomegranate seeds, offering a beautiful presentation and a burst of flavor. It’s a stunning centerpiece on any festive table and an indulgent yet light way to end your meal.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 9-inch circle in the center to serve as a guide for your pavlova.
2. Prepare the Meringue: In a clean mixing bowl, add the egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat them on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
3. Add Cornstarch and Vinegar: Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the meringue is stiff, gently fold in the cornstarch, white vinegar, and vanilla extract with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.
4. Shape the Meringue: Spoon the meringue onto the prepared parchment paper within the circle you drew. Using a spatula, spread and slightly hollow out the center to create a nest-like shape with a raised edge.
5. Bake the Meringue: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The pavlova should be dry on the outside and slightly soft in the center. Once done, turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar.
6. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want the cream to remain light and fluffy.
7. Assemble the Pavlova: Once the pavlova is completely cool, carefully transfer it to a serving plate. Spoon the whipped cream into the center of the pavlova, spreading it gently.
8. Top with Fruit: Evenly distribute the diced mixed citrus fruits over the whipped cream, followed by a generous sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for color and crunch.
9. Garnish: If desired, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for an added touch of elegance and freshness.
10. Serve: Slice the pavlova into wedges and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors!

Enjoy this festive treat that will surely impress your guests during the holiday season!

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Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake

Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake is a festive and visually appealing dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright and zesty flavor of oranges. Topped with a sweet glaze and baked upside-down to showcase the vibrant fruit, this cake makes a wonderful addition to any Christmas dinner. Its moist texture and beautiful presentation are sure to impress your guests and provide a delightful ending to your meal.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Prepare the Cranberry Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture begins to bubble, and the sugar dissolves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cranberries start to soften. Remove from heat and pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
3. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Pour Batter Over Cranberries: Carefully spread the cake batter over the cranberry mixture in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool and Invert the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, place a serving plate over the top of the cake pan and carefully invert it to release the cake onto the plate. Gently lift off the cake pan to reveal the cranberry topping.
8. Serve: Let the cake cool to room temperature before slicing. Serve alone or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy this festive treat!

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Spiced Gingerbread Cookies With Lemon Glaze

Spiced Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Glaze are a delightful holiday treat that captures the warmth and spice of Christmas. These cookies are infused with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and they are perfectly complemented by a bright and tangy lemon glaze. They’re not only delicious but also make for a charming addition to any holiday dessert platter, ideal for gifting or sharing with friends and family.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In another mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and molasses until fully combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
6. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll and Cut the Cookies: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly darker. They should be firm but soft in the center. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
10. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over them. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
11. Serve and Enjoy: These spiced gingerbread cookies are now ready to be served as a festive treat during your holiday celebrations!

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Vanilla Bean Tapioca Pudding With Citrus Fruit

Vanilla Bean Tapioca Pudding with Citrus Fruit is a creamy, comforting dessert that offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The velvety sweetness of the vanilla bean tapioca pudding pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy citrus fruits, making it a refreshing choice for a festive holiday meal. This dish can be served warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of citrus zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Soak the Tapioca: Place the small pearl tapioca in a bowl, cover it with 1 cup of water, and let it soak for about 30 minutes to soften.
2. Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring the remaining 2 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
3. Cook the Tapioca: Drain the soaked tapioca and add it to the boiling water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tapioca becomes translucent.
4. Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla beans (or vanilla extract).
5. Combine Mixtures: Once the tapioca is cooked through, slowly stir in the milk mixture. Continue cooking on low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
6. Add Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the warm tapioca mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously (this tempers the yolks). Then, slowly whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the tapioca.
7. Finish the Pudding: Stir constantly for another 2-3 minutes until the pudding thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve with Citrus Fruits: Spoon the warm or cooled tapioca pudding into serving bowls. Top with diced citrus fruits and garnish with fresh mint if desired.
9. Chill (if preferred): If serving chilled, cover the bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy your Vanilla Bean Tapioca Pudding with the refreshing burst of citrus!

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Warm Cranberry Apple Crisp With Cinnamon

Warm Cranberry Apple Crisp with Cinnamon is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, all topped with a crunchy oat and cinnamon streusel. This cozy dish is ideal for holiday gatherings, providing a warm and comforting finish to your Christmas dinner. Best served straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this crisp will have everyone coming back for more.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries and sliced apples. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to the fruit mixture. Toss gently until the fruit is well-coated.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the cranberry and apple mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and evenly combined.
5. Assemble: Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the top of the cranberry and apple mixture in the baking dish, covering the fruit completely.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
7. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle.
8. Serve: Serve the warm cranberry apple crisp in bowls, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Warm Cranberry Apple Crisp with Cinnamon as a sweet and tangy finish to your festive feast!

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Tangerine Cheesecake With Ginger Snap Crust

Tangerine Cheesecake with Ginger Snap Crust is a zesty and creamy dessert that perfectly captures the bright flavors of tangerines, making it an excellent choice for holiday celebrations. The ginger snap crust adds a wonderful spiced crunch that beautifully complements the smooth, rich filling. This cheesecake is a refreshing twist on the classic dessert, ideal for those seeking a sweet yet tangy finish to their Christmas dinner.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, crush the ginger snap cookies into fine crumbs. Combine the crumbs with the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Crust: Press the ginger snap mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan. Make sure it covers the bottom evenly. You can use a flat-bottomed glass to help pack it down tightly.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool while preparing the filling.
5. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully combined.
6. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
7. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the sour cream, tangerine zest, tangerine juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
8. Pour Filling into Crust: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled ginger snap crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
10. Cool and Chill: Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the oven door and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour to help prevent cracking. After that, remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
11. Serve: Before serving, remove the springform pan sides. Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled, garnished with extra tangerine zest or whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Tangerine Cheesecake with Ginger Snap Crust as a refreshing end to your festive meal!

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Spiced Honey Cake With Orange Zest Frosting

Spiced Honey Cake with Orange Zest Frosting is a delightful and aromatic dessert that brings warmth and cheer to any Christmas gathering. The cake is infused with a medley of warm spices and sweet honey, creating a moist and tender crumb. Topped with a zesty orange frosting, this cake is not only visually appealing but also a refreshing way to round off a festive meal.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Honey and Eggs: Mix in the honey until fully combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the whole milk and orange zest until just combined.
6. Incorporate Dry Mixture: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
10. Flavor the Frosting: Stir in the orange juice and orange zest until well combined and spreadable.
11. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the orange zest frosting over the top and sides using a spatula.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve it at your Christmas gathering, delighting your guests with its rich flavors and festive aroma!