If, like most, your festive to-do list is as long as your arm, choose your Christmas desserts wisely and invest a little time upfront to lighten the last-minute load. Whether you opt for gradually filling your freezer over time, start preparations with a week to go, or even tick off an easy pud a day or two in advance, anything you can make ahead is time well spent.
Use pockets of free time in the lead up to Christmas to gradually tick your Christmas desserts off the list. Approaching the busy festive period knowing that you’re ahead of the game will give you a calmer overall mindset and ultimately more quality time to spend with your loved ones on the big day.
1-2 months ahead
Bursting with flavour, but also budget friendly, these clever little combos are a convenient way to whip up a refreshing Christmas dessert without the hassle. With an incredible 5-minute prep time, it’s a handy back-up pud to have in the freezer all year round! Choose from mandarin, cherry, strawberry, pear or pineapple – or invent your own combo. Have fun!
Make, bake and freeze your mince pies in advance ready for those much-loved festive gatherings. Cook them straight from frozen in just 35 minutes – they’re super-handy for any last-minute visitors. Made with squash, maple syrup and almonds mixed through the mincemeat, they’re a delicious twist on the usual fare.
Lighter and brighter than your average Christmas pud, this easy version is definitely worth a try. If you’re taking part in Stir-Up Sunday or making this 4 to 6 weeks in advance, it’s important to store your pudding correctly once you’ve made it. Leave to cool completely, replace the greaseproof and foil and seal really well, so it’s airtight. Keep in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to reheat it.
MORE: Cracking Christmas pudding recipes for every diet
Everyone loves a good crumble, but this festive number is a real winner with shards of mince pie in the topping for bonus flavour and texture. Fully assemble, but freeze before baking so you can cook it straight from frozen. Bake for slightly longer than stated, until golden and bubbling at the edges.
1-2 weeks ahead
Loaded with clementine ice cream and a layer of cranberry sauce, this retro chocolatey pud can be assembled and frozen weeks in advance, with only the decorative curls of chocolate to be added at the last second. Pull it out of the freezer just 30 minutes before you need it – it’s a great one for feeding a crowd.
Make the meringue for this beautiful dessert a couple of weeks in advance. Once cooled completely, keep it in an airtight container and pop it somewhere safe until you’re ready to assemble. The poached pear topping can also be made ahead and frozen, so that you’ll only have to build and top it on the day.
Dazzle your guests with this chocolate-cherry showstopper. Make the cheesecake itself in advance and freeze until you’re ready to serve, then simply knock together the chocolate glaze topping in just a few minutes on the day. Go as fancy as you like with the decorations – gold leaf, sparklers, festive berries… the more the merrier!
If you’re after a refreshing sweet treat to cut through the indulgence of the season, this yoghurt bark will hit the spot and can be assembled in just 10 minutes flat. Freeze, then snap up and store in an air-tight container for up to a week. Feel free to switch up the toppings – it’s a great way to use up any fruits and nuts that might be hanging around at this time of year.
1-2 days ahead
Simply delicious, this chocolate take on a tiramisù will sit happily in the fridge for a couple of days. The prep can be broken down into a few smaller tasks, so it can easily fit in around last-minute present wrapping or cocktail making. Finish it off just before serving with a heavy dusting of cocoa, plus a good few scrapings of orange zest for a lovely festive zing.
If you’re leaving your Christmas dessert prep to the last minute, keep it simple and achievable. Set yourself up for success with this 5-ingredient cheesecake that can be baked and chilled on Christmas Eve – with a short shopping list and failsafe method, you’re in safe hands. Serve as is, top with festive berries, or make the Christmassy compote (also in advance) for a real wow factor.
Not a fan of traditional Christmas pud? Why not give this simple but delicious recipe a go? Make the ginger nut biscuits from scratch, if you like (they make a super-cute Christmas gift wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon) or swap in a shop-bought alternative. Set it in a tray then slice it up and serve (also a great edible gift), or if you’re after a seriously fancy festive centrepiece, use a pudding bowl and finish with a white chocolate drizzle and a sprig of holly.
For more ways to get organised this Christmas, check out our Get-ahead Christmas cooking tips or start planning with Jamie’s Christmas Day masterplan.
