50 No-Bake Christmas Desserts to Give You More Oven Space
Now that's a real holiday treat.
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There's no way around it—your kitchen is probably working overtime during the holiday season! Whether you're roasting a prime rib or heating up a tray of appetizers, you simply might not have room for another baking sheet in the oven. Luckily, these no-bake Christmas desserts are here to save the day!
With all the dishes you need to make for your Christmas dinner menu, you’ll feel relieved to know that these holiday treats don’t require any baking. That’s one less thing you have to stress about! But don’t worry—these no-bake desserts are still plenty festive. There are fun Christmas tree desserts, peppermint recipes, and all of your favorite Christmas candy. Of course, it's the holiday season, so there are some no-bake pies and Christmas cookies for when you host a cookie swap, too.
Instead of the oven, you might use a Crock-Pot or another countertop appliance like a food processor. One of Ree’s favorite mug cakes is even warmed up right in the microwave! With flavors like eggnog, cranberry, and chocolate, these desserts will fit right in alongside your family's favorite dishes. Whether you're planning an elaborate Christmas Eve dinner or a morning brunch for the holiday, there's a sweet (or two or three!) on this list to add to your menu.
Gingerbread Truffles
Did you know you could turn a box of gingersnap cookies from the grocery store into delectable holiday truffles? It's true! The result are festive little confections perfect for gifting.
Get Ree's Gingerbread Truffles recipe.
Potato Candy
There's no oven involved in this old-fashioned recipe, but yes, there is an actual potato! Give this easy, sweet, and peanut buttery confection a whirl this season.
Get the Potato Candy recipe.
Cornflake Wreaths
Almost too cute to eat, these wreath-shaped cookies are sure to delight, and there's no oven necessary. They're made just like Rice Krispies treats but more colorful.
Get Ree's Cornflake Wreaths recipe.
Oreo Fudge
Don't let fudge be intimidating! This easy option doesn't require a candy thermometer (or an oven). All you need are a few simple ingredients and a lot of Oreos.
Get Ree's Oreo Fudge recipe.
No-Bake Eggnog Pie
Skip the oven and start with a pre-made graham cracker crust and a box of vanilla pudding. Add a few eggnog-inspired items like nutmeg and splash of booze for the ultimate Christmas pie.
Get Ree's No-Bake Eggnog Pie recipe.
Holiday Haystacks
Get the kids involved with this one: All you need to do melt some chocolate, add some mix-ins, and plop them into little haystacks. Of course, sprinkles help them feel more festive.
Get Ree's Holiday Haystacks recipe.
Jeweled Divinity Candy
While you don't need an oven, you do need a candy thermometer for this classic confection. The end result is what Ree describes as "sort of like meringue, nougat, and marshmallow all combined in one ultra sweet holiday dessert." Yum!
Get Ree's Jeweled Divinity Candy recipe.
Bourbon Balls
If you've got 20 minutes, you can make dessert! You start with a box of vanilla wafers and crush them up with walnuts, powdered sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, and vanilla. Then roll 'em up and dip in cocoa, nuts, or sprinkles.
Get Ree's Bourbon Balls recipe.
Christmas Cracker Candy
If sweet and salty treats are your thing, you'll love this easy homemade Christmas candy. It starts with a salty cracker base topped with sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and festive toppings.
Get the Christmas Cracker Candy recipe.
Jell-O Mold
Make this retro dessert for the holidays and everyone will 'ooh' and 'ahh' with delight! The holiday ring has a festive cream of coconut base and a ruby red topping that's shiny and bright.
Get the Jell-O Mold recipe.
Grasshopper Pie
This pie is minty and chocolatey with a hint of booze! Since it's not baked, it's best to only serve this to the adults at the table.
Get Ree's Grasshopper Pie recipe.
Brittle
Whether you add this treat to your holiday cookie plate or package it up as a Christmas food gift, the nutty brittle is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get the Brittle recipe.
Sugar Cookie Fudge
Sure, you could bake sugar cookies. Or, you could make life even sweeter by skipping the oven and assembling this fudge in 10 minutes instead. Don't skimp on those sprinkles!
Get the Sugar Cookie Fudge recipe.
Puppy Chow
This crunchy, chocolaty treat is perfect for munching on while you watch your favorite Christmas movie. Heck, it would even make for a great dessert while decorating the tree!
Get the Puppy Chow recipe.
Struffoli
This classic Italian Christmas treat is made up of lots of little fried dough balls. They're formed into a wreath and covered in a sweet and sticky honey glaze.
Get the Struffoli recipe.
Eggnog Ice Cream
This creamy ice cream is full of warm spices and spiked with rum. Use it as the base for a holiday ice cream sundae or add a scoop on top of your favorite Christmas pie.
Get the Eggnog Ice Cream recipe.
Easy Peppermint Fudge
How easy, you may wonder? It's three ingredients and 10 minutes easy! That's all it takes for a seasonal treat that no one can resist.
Get Ree's Easy Peppermint Fudge recipe.
Chocolate Pie
You, too, can make Ladd Drummond's all-time favorite pie. To make this entirely no-bake, use a storebought graham cracker or Oreo crust. That way, you have less than ten minutes of cook time.
Get Ree's Chocolate Pie recipe.
Crock-Pot Candy
If you have a slow cooker handy, this Christmas candy recipe is for you. Dump a whole lot of ingredients—chocolate chips, peanuts, crushed pretzels, and sprinkles—and let it simmer!
Get the Crock-Pot Candy recipe.
Buckeyes
Name a better match than chocolate and peanut butter! Nope, we can't either. Buckeyes are a rich, sweet treat that just require a little elbow grease instead of an oven.
Get the Buckeyes recipe.
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