NOTE - I have updated this post to include 5 extra suggestions for an alternative to Christmas pudding. In particular, I have pointed you towards some ideas that might be popular with the children in your festive gathering. Enjoy!
Not everyone likes it - Christmas pudding that is. I get that - it's quite a specific taste. And apart from anything else, there's also a significant chance of dried fruit overload during the festive season. Plus there are more than the usual number of opportunities to indulge in dessert over the holidays so having a few extra ideas up your sleeve to treat your friends and family feels like a good idea.
So let's have a go at finding alternatives to Christmas pudding. There are many, many lovely, stylish, no-fuss desserts that you can rustle up for the holidays, but particularly if having guests for dinner makes you feel a bit anxious, don't be trying out something new when you're under pressure. Do a dummy dessert run. Your family will enjoy being part of the practice. I guarantee.
So what desserts might be delicious alternatives to Christmas pudding?
Mochaccino Pots - This was my top alternative dessert recommendation last Christmas and it proved to be mighty popular. These little pots are ideal to prep ahead of time and their rich decadence makes them look terribly stylish too.
Individual Boozy Trifles - For many families, a trifle is a key player on the festive menu but individual ones just take it to the next level. These ones are more about 'construction' than 'cooking' and I figured you'd appreciate that.
Mini Banoffee Trifles - Everybody loves these. Make a few tins of the caramel before the holidays and it's a perfect dessert to throw together at the drop of a hat.
Mud Pie Mojos - And talking of throwing it together, keep the ingredients for these Mud Pie Mojos to hand and you'll always be good to go.
Chocolate Fudge Popsicles - And don't be thinking that these are only for the children. Or that they're only for the summer months. These are such a treat that they could become a new Christmas tradition.
BEST EVER Chocolate Brownies - These little beauties are squidgy and it's because of the squidge that they will keep like a dream for up to a week (although you may need to hide them). That makes them another perfect stand-by dessert. Just add ice cream and a warm chocolate sauce.
Cranberry and Walnut Tart - How about that for a vision of Christmassy-ness? This is a light, moist tart that is not overly sweet (that'll be those sharp cranberries) and it makes me feel festive just looking at it.
Affogato - I love an Affogato - a generous scoop of cold, vanilla ice cream doused in hot, strong espresso and enjoyed without delay. It's an easy, light, not-too-sweet, classy dessert to make at home. Just be sure to give the Mellow Birds a wide berth!
Chocolate Espresso Ice Cream Sandwiches - And staying with the coffee theme, how about stashing a few of these ice cream sandwiches in the freezer. They are a perfect size for a celebration treat and could prove to be a solid technique for getting the attention of any festive teenagers in the house ...
Everyday Oven S'mores - These are a perfect dessert for sharing and can be prepped on a baking tray beforehand and slipped into the oven when you need them. They are also popular across the generations - from grandchildren right through to grandparents. Does anyone fancy a quick s'mores?
Jelly Boats - If you are looking to tempt the children in your family, then these Jelly Boats are the answer, and I challenge the adults not to want a try too. Pure dessert fun! And because I'm here to guarantee your success, let me tell you a secret ... in my vast experience of serving jelly boats, the red flavours always go down best. And that makes them kind of Christmassy, I suppose!
And finally, how about creating a DIY ice cream sundae station with this Easy Chocolate Fudge Sauce to pour on top of the creations? This turns dessert into an activity and might give you a few moments of calm at the end of dinner. And relax ...
Does that give you a few ideas for alternative desserts? Perfect.
