When you think about it, dessert can be the simplest part of the holiday feast. That’s because you can get it all done–or at least, mostly done–a couple of days ahead so you have plenty of time to attend to other chores and dishes. Here are eight delicious, seasonal make-ahead desserts that you can prep at least two to three days in advance and savor throughout the holidays.
A Better Apple Brown Betty
I'm a big fan of any kind of dessert that involves, essentially, piling a bunch of good things in a baking dish and popping it in the oven, and this Apple Brown Betty fits that bill. You can make both the filling and topping ahead of time and store them separately, and then just assemble and bake when it's time.
Eggnog Flans with Maple and Toasted Walnuts
Wondering what else to do with those cartons of pre-made eggnog besides adding a splash to your coffee? How about using it as a shortcut to make these easy individual desserts. Flans are the ultimate make-ahead desserts because you have to prep them at least one day (and up to three days) ahead so they can infuse with maple flavor.
Saffron Cardamom Coconut Macaroons
This recipe, adapted from Monica Bhide’s Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen, is for simple, coconut-y cookies that look like little snowballs. Even better, it uses two spices Bhide loves for holiday baking: saffron and green cardamon, which she calls “diva spices” because of their heady flavor and aroma. For the best results, she recommends buying whole green cardamom pods; grind the skin and seeds in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. When buying saffron, choose whole threads.
Dark Chocolate Puddings
These mini chocolate puddings are proof that good things come in small packages. Most kitchenware stores have inexpensive ramekins in varying sizes, so grab a few 2-ouncers the next time you’re out. This dessert comes together in less than 15 minutes and stores beautifully in the fridge for easy, elegant desserts.
Pumpkin Tart with Maple Whipped Cream
Graham crackers, sugar and butter add up to the world’s easiest crust for this tart. Add a simple, spicy pumpkin filling and you’re good to go. Bake the tart up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also whip the cream a day or two in advance and refrigerate it. Toast the nuts a day or two ahead and stash them in an airtight container.
Apple Pie with Chinese Five Spice & Hazelnut Crumb Topping
Chinese five-spice powder adds a surprising, bright note to the cooked caramel-y apple filling while a nutty crumb topping adds crunch. You can make the Toasted Nut Pastry Dough up to a week ahead, pop it in the fridge, and then cook the filling, blind-bake the crust and finish off the pie a couple of days before the holiday. (Pressed for time? Pick up a pre-made whole-wheat pastry crust. We won’t tell.)
Fair-Trade Chocolate Earthquake Cookies
Alison made a version of these addictive chocolate cookies in culinary school. Rolling the dough in two kinds of sugar creates a crackled appearance when the cookies spread as they bake. Since chocolate is the main ingredient, they’re an ideal way to showcase an artisanal product like Fair Trade-Certified chocolate, and they get even better after they “age” a few days.
Cherry Almond Crumble
You can make this crumble topping ahead of time and then stir together the filling (using frozen cherries) in the moment. Then just top and pop in the oven for a fabulous dessert.
Boozy Orange-Pecan Truffles
Rich-tasting, impressive, and not too heavy, these homemade gourmet candies are a remarkably easy make-ahead dessert. Make extra and freeze ‘em to share with unexpected guests throughout the holiday season.
