New Year’s Eve is basically the Super Bowl of desserts—you want something show-stopping, a little boozy, and just the right amount of over-the-top. It’s the one night you can eat cake soaked in rum, jello spiked with champagne, or cupcakes drenched in whiskey frosting without anyone raising an eyebrow. Honestly, if your dessert table doesn’t have at least one recipe with alcohol in it, are you even celebrating? Whether you’re throwing a party or just looking to treat yourself, these boozy desserts are here to make sure you start 2025 on the sweetest, most tipsy note possible.

A freshly baked bundt cake with icing drizzle sits on a wire rack. A slice has been cut and placed in front, showing the cake's moist interior. A knife is poised near the cut section.
Photo credit: Chenee Today.
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Dark Chocolate Kahlua Coffee Bites

Dark chocolate Kahlua coffee bites in a bowl.
Dark Chocolate Kahlua Coffee Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Like a truffle but with a coffee and Kahlua kick, these bites are pure decadence in small packages. They’re easy to make and bring big flavor to any dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Kahlua Coffee Bites

Irish Cream Cheesecake

No bake Irish cream cheesecake in a glass jar garnished with mint leaf.
Irish Cream Cheesecake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This no-bake cheesecake is creamy, rich, and flavored with Irish cream liqueur. It’s quick to assemble and perfect for serving when you need a last-minute dessert with big impact.
Get the Recipe: Irish Cream Cheesecake

Apricot Brandy Pound Cake

Apricot Brandy Pound Cake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pound cake combines the sweetness of apricots with the boldness of brandy for a dessert that’s both simple and celebratory. It’s easy to make and a great choice for sharing during the holidays or ringing in the new year.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Brandy Pound Cake

Rum Pound Cake

Rum Pound Cake. Photo credit: Chenee Today.

This cake goes all in with dark rum baked right into the batter, soaked into the syrup, and drizzled in the glaze. It’s rich and decadent, making it a great dessert centerpiece to toast the new year in style. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Rum Pound Cake

Bacardi Rum Cake

Bacardi Rum Cake. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

A true retro dessert that’s stood the test of time. This soft and fluffy rum cake is loaded with Bacardi rum, giving it an unforgettable flavor. It’s supremely moist and ready to shine as the life of your New Year’s dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Bacardi Rum Cake

Baileys Truffles

Baileys Truffles. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

These truffles are a boozy dream come true, combining rich chocolate with Baileys Irish Cream. They’re quick to whip up and no baking is required, making them a low-effort, high-impact dessert perfect for celebrating with friends or a quiet toast.
Get the Recipe: Baileys Truffles

Pumpkin Spice Rum Cake

Pumpkin Spice Rum Cake. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

Celebrate with a Bundt cake that combines pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for ultimate holiday vibes. A buttery rum glaze finishes it off, making it the perfect sweet for your party spread or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Rum Cake

Champagne Jello Shots with Vodka

Champagne Jello Shots with Vodka. Photo credit: Dinners Done Quick.

Take your champagne game up a notch with these wiggly, boozy jello shots. They’re easy to prepare, fun to serve, and can be made in advance for stress-free entertaining. A clever way to add sparkle to your New Year’s bash.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Jello Shots with Vodka

Walnut Biscotti

Walnut Biscotti. Photo credit: Little Nonni.

Biscotti doesn’t have to be boring. These crunchy walnut-packed bites are perfect for dunking in your coffee, tea, or dessert wine. They’re easy to make and bring a great crunch to the table while keeping things classy.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Biscotti

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Traditional bread pudding gets a major upgrade with the caramelized banana goodness of Bananas Foster. This dessert is full of flavor and makes a perfect centerpiece for your dessert spread to toast in 2025 with a little extra elegance.
Get the Recipe: Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Mascarpone Cheesecake

Mascarpone Cheesecake. Photo credit: My Chef’s Apron.

This no-bake cheesecake is simple to prepare but looks impressive enough to steal the spotlight. Mascarpone adds a creamy touch, making it perfect for sharing at a New Year’s gathering—or savoring on your own.
Get the Recipe: Mascarpone Cheesecake

Stuffed Apples with Belgian Raspberry Beer

Stuffed Apples with Belgian Raspberry Beer. Photo credit: My Chef’s Apron.

These baked apples are loaded with a crunchy oat, pecan, and raisin filling, then finished with Belgian raspberry beer that turns into a fruity, syrupy sauce. A creative dessert that balances sweetness with just the right amount of tartness.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Apples with Belgian Raspberry Beer

Sparkling White Grape Jello

Sparkling White Grape Jello. Photo credit: jellojoy.

A vintage classic, this sparkling jello combines white grape juice and champagne into a dessert that’s light, bubbly, and great for toasting the new year. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and looks gorgeous on the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling White Grape Jello

Gingerbread and Walnut Rum Cake

Gingerbread and Walnut Rum Cake. Photo credit: LikeHotKeto.

Spiced gingerbread cake meets toasted walnuts and a splash of rum for a dessert that’s bold and festive. This cake is a fantastic addition to your holiday spread and a great way to ring in the new year with some spice and spirit.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread and Walnut Rum Cake

Strawberry Champagne Cake

Strawberry Champagne Cake. Photo credit: The Simple, Sweet Life.

Four layers of champagne-flavored cake meet a strawberry puree-based buttercream for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is celebratory. This cake is perfect for a New Year’s toast and a centerpiece worthy of any party.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Champagne Cake

Mimosa Tart

Mimosa Tart. Photo credit: The Simple, Sweet Life.

This tart features a graham cracker crust, tangy orange and champagne mousse, and candied orange slices on top. It’s a fun way to enjoy a mimosa in dessert form and a great choice for kicking off the year with something fresh and citrusy.
Get the Recipe: Mimosa Tart

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Sunglow Kitchen.

These fudgy cookies are loaded with chocolate but keep things lighter with whole wheat flour and less sugar. They’re easy to make and bring big flavor without a lot of hassle—perfect for sharing or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whiskey Maple Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

Whiskey Maple Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes. Photo credit: Cooking With Wine Blog.

Chocolate cupcakes filled with ganache and topped with whiskey maple frosting are next-level decadent. They’re indulgent enough for a big celebration but easy enough to whip up whenever you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Whiskey Maple Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

Limoncello Ricotta Tiramisù

Limoncello Ricotta Tiramisù. Photo credit: Cooking With Wine Blog.

A fresh spin on the classic dessert, this no-bake tiramisù uses whipped ricotta and a splash of limoncello to lighten things up. It’s a bright, citrusy dessert that’s easy to assemble and great for rounding out any New Year’s dinner.
Get the Recipe: Limoncello Ricotta Tiramisù

Tequila Sunrise Pretzel Bars

Tequila Sunrise Pretzel Bars. Photo credit: Homemade Hooplah.

Inspired by the famous cocktail, these bars layer tequila-spiked fruit filling over a crunchy pretzel crust. They’re colorful, easy to make, and perfect for celebrating the New Year with a dessert that feels festive and a little playful.
Get the Recipe: Tequila Sunrise Pretzel Bars

Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate Fudge. Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

This easy fudge is packed with pecans and gets a kick of flavor from Kentucky bourbon. It’s rich, sweet, and a fantastic treat to share—or keep handy for yourself as a late-night snack.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Fudge

Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

Champagne Cheesecake Shooters. Photo credit: Momma Lew.

These no-bake cheesecake shooters combine champagne and creamy cheesecake in individual servings. They’re perfect for a New Year’s Eve party where you want something fancy but low effort.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

Rum Balls

Rum Balls. Photo credit: Momma Lew.

A classic holiday treat, these rum balls are easy to make and loaded with bold flavor. They’re bite-sized, boozy, and great for sharing at any New Year’s celebration.
Get the Recipe: Rum Balls

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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