20 Christmas Desserts Popular in Different Decades
A nostalgic journey through 20 iconic Christmas desserts that defined decades past, highlighting evolving holiday traditions and sweet treats.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
Christmas desserts have always been a part of celebrations. From Victorian-era puddings to the treats of the 1980s, these desserts truly capture the spirit of the holidays. This article explores 20 popular Christmas desserts across decades, celebrating their charm and delicious history.
1. Victorian-Era Plum Pudding (1800s)
James Petts on Wikimedia Commons
Rich and dense, this steamed pudding was packed with dried fruits, spices, and suet. It became a centerpiece of Victorian Christmas feasts. Traditionally doused in brandy and flambéed, it symbolized prosperity and warmth. Its enduring popularity defined early Christmas dessert traditions.
2. Sugar Plums (19th Century)
MemorySlashVision on Pexels
Contrary to their name, sugar plums were not actual but candied fruits or nuts coated in sugar. These festive treats, immortalized in “The Nutcracker,” were a decadent luxury enjoyed during holiday gatherings.
3. Fruitcake (Early 1900s)
Mathew Thomas on Pexels
A staple of Christmas celebrations, this dense cake featured a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of liquor. Often gifted and shared, its long shelf life made it a practical yet delicious choice for the season. Love it or hate it, fruitcake is synonymous with Christmas nostalgia.
4. Gingerbread Men (1920s)
hello aesthe on Pexels
Inspired by European gingerbread traditions, these spiced cookies gained popularity in the 1920s. Adorned with icing and candies, they were fun for kids and adults alike to decorate.
5. Mince Pies (1930s)
Georgie Devlin on Pexels
Filled with spiced dried fruits, these small pies were a comforting treat during the Great Depression. Their bite-sized portions made them perfect for sharing during modest holiday celebrations. Often paired with mulled wine, mince pies symbolized festive cheer.
6. Buche de Noel (1940s)
Mitantig on Wikimedia Commons
This French-inspired yule log cake became a hit during World War II when rationing encouraged creative baking. Made with sponge cake rolled around cream and decorated to resemble a log, it celebrated resilience and artistry. The addition of powdered sugar mimicked snowy winter scenes.
7. Jello Molds (1950s)
Joelk75 on Wikimedia Commons
Brightly colored and often loaded with fruit, Jello molds became a trendy dessert in mid-century America. They were a modern take on festive sweets, reflecting post-war optimism and culinary innovation. These gelatin desserts became holiday table showstoppers.
8. Pecan Pie (1960s)
ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels
Although a Southern classic, pecan pie rose to nationwide fame during the 1960s. Its gooey, nutty filling complemented the warm spices of Christmas meals. It was often served with a dollop of whipped cream and was a rich addition to festive spreads.
9. Ribbon Candy (1970s)
mohamed abdelghaffar on Pexels
Thin, colorful, and delightfully sweet, ribbon candy became a hallmark of Christmas confections in the 1970s. Its intricate designs and festive colors made it both a treat and a decoration. Ribbon candy was a staple of candy dishes, and it was as much about presentation as flavor.
10. Peanut Butter Blossoms (1980s)
Bryan Ochalla on Wikimedia Commons
These classic cookies, with a Hershey’s Kiss at the center, debuted in the 1980s. They combine simplicity with indulgence: their peanut butter base, chocolate center cookie swaps, and family gatherings. Easy to make, they quickly became a holiday favorite.
11. Black Forest Cake (1990s)
Сослан on Pexels
This decadent German dessert, made with chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream, became a Christmas hit in the 1990s. Its dramatic layers and bold flavors matched the opulence of the era. Often topped with shaved chocolate, it was a show-stopping centerpiece.
12. Trifle (2000s)
Marcelo Verfe on Pexels
Trifles, a layered dessert of sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream, became popular on Christmas tables in the early 2000s. They were a versatile way to use leftovers and looked stunning in glass bowls.
13. Hot Cocoa Bombs (2010s)
Shaili Sharma on Wikimedia Commons
Exploding in popularity during the late 2010s, hot cocoa bombs were both fun and delicious. These chocolate spheres, filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows, melted into a luxurious drink when added to hot milk.
14. Christmas Macarons (2020s)
ALINA MATVEYCHEVA on Pexels
With intricate designs and seasonal flavors like peppermint and gingerbread, macarons became the elegant dessert of the 2020s. These bite-sized French delights were a chic addition to dessert tables.
15. Classic Snowball Cookies (Mid-20th Century)
Meggy Kadam Aryanto on Pexels
Also known as Russian tea cakes, these buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar resembled snowballs, making them a festive treat. Their crumbly texture and nutty flavor paired perfectly with coffee or tea.
16. Christmas Pudding (Traditional)
Man vyi on Wikimedia Commons
A descendant of plum pudding, this dessert evolved with the times but retained its rich, fruity base. It was often steamed and served with brandy butter and had a deep-rooted connection to British holiday traditions. The ceremonial preparation made it a cherished family activity.
17. Cookie Cutter Fudge (2010s)
ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels
Simple yet creative, cookie-cutter fudge redefined holiday treats with customizable shapes. Families enjoyed this hands-on dessert-making activity, using festive cutters to mold colorful fudge. Its versatility and charm added a personal touch to gift-giving.
18. Candy Canes (Timeless)
Brigitte Tohm on Pexels
Though primarily a decoration, candy canes have been a sweet Christmas staple for generations; their peppermint flavor and red-and-white stripes make them instantly recognizable.
19. Eggnog Cheesecake (2010s)
transcendancing on Wikimedia Commons
Combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the spiced flavor of eggnog, this dessert offered a modern twist on a holiday classic. Its silky texture and festive taste quickly made it a seasonal favorite. Topped with whipped cream, it brought indulgence to Christmas dinners.
20. Panettone (Global Tradition)
MikeGz on Pexels
This Italian sweet bread, studded with dried fruits and citrus zest, has become a global Christmas tradition. Its airy texture and subtle sweetness make it versatile as a dessert or breakfast treat. Often gifted in decorative boxes, Panettone symbolizes international holiday cheer.