The holiday season is filled with friends, family, food and fun. From caroling to watching classic Christmas movies, every family has their own traditions. In 2020, some of those traditions may be tweaked, but we can still embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy the 12 Days of Christmas. And, more importantly, we can still enjoy all of our favorite Christmas desserts! To help spur your seasonal spirit and embrace the 12 Days of Christmas, we suggest the 12 Days of Desserts!
Day 1: Holly Jolly Village
One the first day of Christmas, my true love brought to me a partridge in a pear tree. To start your 12 Days of Desserts journey, the Holly Jolly Village is packed with wonderful Christmas cheer! The arrangement includes a Christmas tree shaped pineapple covered in semisweet chocolate and green drizzle, along with plenty of reindeer, snowmen and even a holiday wreath!
Day 2: Chocolate Orange Cake
On the second day of desserts, we’ll refer to Ashton Swank of Something Swanky Dessert Recipes for a second treat based on the Holly Jolly Village. The following recipe features several decadent layers of chocolate cake, homemade orange syrup and a fudgy chocolate cream cheese frosting. Don’t worry, no turtle doves were hurt devouring this dessert.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix + ingredients listed on box (don’t worry– we’ll fancy this up!)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 oranges
- 3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (use extra dark if you can find it)
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Mix the cake batter according to the directions on the box.
- Grease 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, and divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
- Bake according to the directions on the box.
- Meanwhile, make the orange syrup by mixing the 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Zest two oranges into the saucepan, and then slice the oranges and add the slices to the saucepan as well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow to simmer for about 30 minutes (it should be reduced to about ⅓ of the original amount of liquid.
- Strain the syrup into a bowl or jar and set aside.
- Make the frosting: use a stand mixer to beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Mix in the cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add another tablespoon of milk if needed to make the mixture smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in the powdered sugar a cup at a time, scraping down the sides as needed and adding a tablespoon of milk as needed to keep the mixture smooth. Mix in the salt.
- One the cakes have cooled completely, use a cake leveler or a long serrated knife to split the cakes into two even layers (four layers total).
- Anchor the first layer of cake to the serving plate with a little bit of frosting. Spoon the orange syrup evenly over the cake. Spread chocolate frosting on top.
- Continue to layer the cake, syrup, and frosting alternately until all layers are complete.
- If desired, decorate the top of the cake with any remaining frosting and fruit slices.
Day 3: Merry Christmas Platter
On the third day of desserts, the French hens will be calling for this Merry Christmas Platter! Filled with sweet chocolate covered strawberries and topped with delicate flourishes of red and green swizzles. Topped with an Edible Apple Donut designed wreath, this dessert this platter fits families of all sizes and creates an intimate holiday spirit this season.
Day 4: Snowman Chocolate Pineapple Spiced Cake
On the fourth day of desserts, Elinor Floyd of flour + floyd shares a baking recipe that will attract at least four calling birds. In this chocolate pineapple spice cake, Elinor plans to #ShareTheSweetness with her friends and family, especially as they won’t be gathering. Inspired by the Holly Jolly Village, the following recipe offers a great holiday treat or host a virtual baking party!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 cup chopped chocolate covered pineapple
- décor: 2-3 cups vanilla buttercream, powdered sugar, 2-3 sprigs of rosemary, fresh cranberries & chocolate covered snowmen
Directions
- Preheat 350 F. Prepare three 6” cake rounds with a layer oil and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet & dry ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into your dry mix & whisk together until a smooth batter forms, medium speed, don’t over mix!
- Fold in your chopped chocolate covered pineapple.
- Divide batter into your 3 6” cake rounds.
- Bake 30-35 mins. Cool cakes completely before assembling.
- To assemble, place a dollop of buttercream on your cake plate. Add one layer of cake, then ½ – ¾ cup of buttercream on top. Spread towards the edges of the cake in an even layer. Add your next layer of cake. Repeat with the remaining cake layers.
- Using a flat knife, scrape around the edges of the cake to seal the cake layers with buttercream & create the naked cake look.
- Top with a thick dusting of powdered sugar. Place 2 chocolate covered snowmen on the top (cutting the plastic sticks if necessary). Garnish with a few sprigs of rosemary and fresh cranberries.
Day 5: Happy Holidays Curated Gift Box
On the fifth day of desert, this Happy Holidays Curated Gift Box will make you forget all about gold rings! Perfect as a beautiful gift for friends and family, this curated box includes all of your favorite arrangements and new treats that will offer a golden and delicious dessert. The box is crafted with the sweetest combination of fresh fruit and real, gourmet chocolate. Plus, add some holiday crunch to the fun with a seasonally sweet bag of Maddy & Maize Fudge Peppermint Popcorn. Finally, top off the holiday spirit with some irresistible locally sourced Black Bow nuts and a charming quartette of handmade Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory treats.
Day 6: Gluten-Free Strawberry Chocolate Waffles
On the sixth day of desserts, Elinor Floyd of flour + floyd offers another way to #ShareTheSweetness with a new take on Christmas brunch with these chocolate covered strawberry waffles that are super easy and equally delicious. The geese won’t miss the waffle bar this year with this recipe, which pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, whatever you like!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped chocolate covered strawberries
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl to create waffle batter.
- Heat waffle iron & grease with a layer of cooking spray or butter.
- Spoon 1/3 cup of batter into waffle iron. Cook until golden & serve with fresh berries, maple syrup, chocolate, powdered sugar…whatever you’d like!
Day 7: Season’s Eatings Dessert Platter
On the seventh day of desserts, Andressa of Twinkle Twinkle Little Party helps ensure the swimming swans earn their dessert! Her family is sharing the sweetness by celebrating the season at home with countless Christmas movie and hot cocoa nights. Not to mention the intimate holiday themed parties that have been a family tradition every year. Show loves how we can easily incorporate their dessert platters into our holiday table without the fuss.
The Season’s Eatings Dessert Platter is perfect for celebrating the season at any day at any time. It’s such a wonderful platter filled with fresh baked sweets, such as rich brownies topped with signature white chocolate Swizzle®, gourmet cheesecakes and, of course, four different varieties of yummy cookies, like chocolate chip, pineapple, sugar, and strawberry. Let’s not forget the cheesecake topped with chocolate-dipped fruit, whipped topping, or fresh berries.
Day 8: Lizzy Early Recipe
On the eighth day of desserts, the maid’s will get up early to start milking so they’ll be home for breakfast with this recipe from Lizzie at Your Cup of Cake for pineapple cranberry bundt cake.
Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
2/3 C. oil
4 eggs
1 small box vanilla instant pudding
1 C. sour cream
2/3 C. crushed pineapple, canned and with juice
1 1/2 C. cranberries, halved
For the Glaze:
2 C. powdered sugar
2-4 Tbsp. milk or pineapple juice
Sugared Cranberries for garnish, optional
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a bundt pan.
- Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl (except cranberries). Stir until combined and then add cranberries.
- Pour into bundt pan, spread batter out evenly and bake for 45-60 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Let cool.
- Glaze: Whisk ingredients together until smooth, if you want a thick glaze add as little milk as possible and pour over cooled Bundt cake! Enjoy!
Day 9: Chocolate Dessert & Cheesecake Platter
On the ninth day of desserts, this incredible Chocolate Dessert & Cheesecake Platter had the ladies dancing as they indulged on the fresh juicy strawberries, big Bavarian pretzels, chocolate-covered sandwich cookies and more. The combo platter features creamy cheesecakes with semisweet and white chocolate dipped bananas, strawberries and pineapple. A delicious dessert for everyone in the family!
Day 10: Pineapple Cake with Chocolate Filling
On the tenth day of desserts the lords are certainly leaping for this pineapple cake with chocolate filling. Stephanie’s Sweet Treats created this perfectly moist chocolate cake that will make you think you are sitting on a tropical island. The vanilla layer cake is inspired by an Edible Arrangements Christmas gift baskets and filled with a whipped chocolate ganache, while topped with a silky buttercream, chocolate drip, chocolate covered pineapples and snowmen!
Day 11: Cheerful Winter Celebration Snowman
On the eleventh day of desserts, the pipers and snowmen joined forces to create the Cheerful Winter Celebration Snowman arrangement! To help spread the holiday spirit, this festive fruit arrangement includes everything you need to satisfy the sweet tooth in your family (or for yourself)! The arrangement features a delicious assortment of fresh fruit, semisweet chocolate dipped strawberries, and our signature white chocolate dipped pineapple snowmen. Plus, it’s all made in our limited-time-only Snowman Keepsake for a fun and festive touch to make this a memorable holiday season.
Day 12: Merry Christmas Dessert Box
On the twelfth day of desserts, the drummers will certainly be drumming as they indulge in this Merry Christmas Box. For uncertain times, but certain holiday cheers, this box is a great way to wish everyone in your life a very merry Christmas! Packaged in a ‘Merry Christmas’ box, this array of indulgences includes semisweet-dipped strawberries topped with red Swizzle®, white chocolate-dipped strawberries topped with green Swizzle® and semisweet-dipped apple wedges topped with white Swizzle®.
Looking for more desserts for those that were naughty and nice?
Edible Arrangements offers a variety of Christmas gift ideas that will provide some much needed joy this unique season.
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