New Year’s Eve is all about the sparkle, and your dessert table shouldn’t be an exception. With everyone gearing up for the countdown, you need treats that look impressive but don’t leave you stuck in the kitchen for hours. This lineup brings just the right balance of festive flair and practicality, making sure your desserts are as party-ready as you are.
Sparkling Grapefruit Jello
This grapefruit jello is refreshing, bubbly, and so easy to make. It’s a fun dessert to brighten up your New Year’s spread while keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Grapefruit Jello
Orange Glazed Cardamom Cake
A citrus-forward cake with just the right kick of spice. The sticky orange glaze gives it a festive look and makes it perfect for pairing with tea or coffee during the celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Cardamom Cake
Apricot Brandy Pound Cake
Rich, moist, and bursting with flavor, this pound cake is a no-fuss dessert for the holidays. The apricot brandy gives it that extra something to make it unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Brandy Pound Cake
Cranberry Curd Tart
Smooth cranberry curd in a crisp oat-based crust creates a dessert that’s equal parts bold and festive. It’s a great centerpiece for your dessert table and tastes as good as it looks.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart
Sparkling Cider Float Mocktail
A festive cider mocktail that’s fun for everyone at the party. Quick to prep and packed with bubbly charm, it’s a great way to add sparkle to your New Year’s Eve lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Cider Float Mocktail
Ice Cream Float Gelatin Mold
This no-bake dessert is easy to make but looks like you put in extra effort. Made with sparkling cider or juice, it’s a perfect fit for any holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Float Gelatin Mold
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. Light, rich, and impressive, this mousse cake can be made ahead of time so you can focus on ringing in the new year.
Get the Recipe: Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
White Grape Jello
Four ingredients and one standout dessert. This retro classic is a showstopper for your holiday table and keeps things simple without sacrificing flair.
Get the Recipe: White Grape Jello
Pink Champagne Jello Shots
Glam up your New Year’s Eve with these bubbly pink jello shots. They’re classy, fun, and perfect for a little grown-up sparkle.
Get the Recipe: Pink Champagne Jello Shots
Pink Champagne Cupcakes
These cupcakes scream celebration. Topped with champagne buttercream and sprinkles, they’re a great way to kick off the new year with something sweet and festive.
Get the Recipe: Pink Champagne Cupcakes
Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake
This bundt cake brings bold flavors and holiday vibes. The sugared cranberries on top make it look like it’s straight out of a holiday movie.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake
Champagne Jello Shots With Vodka
A fun and boozy dessert to keep the celebration going. These jello shots are easy to make ahead, so you can relax while guests enjoy them.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Jello Shots With Vodka
Brownie Hot Fudge Sundae
Homemade brownies, vanilla ice cream, and hot fudge—this classic combo never misses. It’s easy to pull together and always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Hot Fudge Sundae
White Chocolate Sparkle Cake Bites
These bite-sized treats are festive and simple. A soft vanilla center wrapped in white chocolate makes them a perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Sparkle Cake Bites
Scones with Raspberry and White Chocolate
Freshly baked scones with raspberry and white chocolate hit the spot. These are great for dessert or even the next morning while you recover from the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Scones with Raspberry and White Chocolate
Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Cups
These mousse cups are as easy to prep as they are pretty to serve. With layers of strawberries and mascarpone, they bring a fresh and fancy vibe to your party table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Cups
Creamy Butterscotch Pie
This pie is all about comfort and flavor. A simple homemade crust, rich butterscotch filling, and whipped cream topping make it a great choice for your holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butterscotch Pie
Poppy Seed Cake
A nostalgic favorite that’s always a hit. This cake has just the right amount of sweetness and texture to stand out at any celebration without being overcomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Poppy Seed Cake
Salted Caramel Cheesecake
With a creamy filling, buttery crust, and caramel topping, this cheesecake is a standout for special occasions. Easy-to-find ingredients make it a breeze to pull together for New Year’s Eve.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake
White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes
Fluffy cupcakes with tart cranberry filling and white chocolate buttercream. Sugared cranberries on top bring the sparkle your dessert table deserves.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes
Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies
These sugar cookies with cranberries and a sparkling garnish are just right for holiday celebrations. The buttercream topping makes them extra special without a lot of extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies
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.
