If you are planning your Christmas meals and still don’t know what to make for dessert, we have prepared a list of easy recipes from around the world for you to try, that are guaranteed to please a crowd.
Tiramisu
This Italian classic is nothing more than espresso-soaked biscuits with a sweet mascarpone cream, topped with chocolate shavings. You don’t need many ingredients (or a lot of skill) to make a good tiramisu. The preparation will only take 30 minutes, but remember to make it ahead of time because your tiramisu will need to rest for at least 4 hours.
Cheesecake
The number one crowd pleaser. The best thing about a cheesecake, is that it is a very versatile dessert. Once you learn how to make a good cheesecake base, you can get creative by making different toppings for it every time. Mixed berries, caramel and chocolate are all good options for a cheesecake topping.
We have listed a few different recipes here:
Pavlova
Pavlova is a traditional summer dessert in Australia and New Zealand, that always makes an appearance around the holidays. The meringue is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. After baked, the Pavlova is topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere and celebrate Christmas in winter, feel free to use what is in season, because most fruits work well for a Pavlova.
Brazilian Rice Pudding: Arroz Doce
Arroz Doce is a creamy rice pudding, spiced with cinnamon and vanilla and is very often the dessert of choice at family gatherings in Brazil – Christmas included. It can be eaten warm or cold and only takes approximately 30 minutes to make. Every family have their own recipe, but we have linked an easy and authentic recipe for you here:
Mince Pies
Despite their name, there is no meat in a mince pie. Although in the past they were originally made with mincemeat, nowadays mince pies are British sweet pies, filled with a mix of dried fruits, sugar, spices and brandy.
Tres Leches Cake
Tres Leches originated in Latin America and is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. The whipped egg whites in the batter make this cake extremely light and fluffy. After baking it, you let it cool, poke holes in it with a fork and soak the cake with the milk mixture. Tres Leches is ideally made ahead of time, so you can let it soak overnight in the fridge. Before serving, top it with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Signature Dish
Lastly, a special recipe created by COLUMBIA signature’s Corporate Chef, Yannick Peltier: Chocolate Christmas Log, or Yule Log.
Yule Log is a traditional cake, often served around Christmas, especially in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
