Easy Christmas Desserts To Make-ahead
Desserts are always highly anticipated at this time of year and what better way to get more done, than to prep ahead! With the festive season being so busy, we have often found ourselves in the kitchen late at night panicking last minute to make sure we tick off every family favorite holiday recipe we have on a long list! But with many ideas for easy Christmas desserts to make-ahead (because they store so well) – and some even getting better with time, we have put together a list that you can prepare leading up to the big day, so you don’t have to rush them while guests are arriving.
While some festive treats require last minute touch ups (like piping the cannoli!), some can be made 1-2 days before so all you have to do is serve them up, knowing you have taken the time you wanted to get them right, and also ensuring any that require setting (like the tiramisu), have had ample time to do so. After all, this only gets better with time.
You can prepare Limoncello or Amaretti up to 2 months in advance, and they can even double as gifts.
Nonna’s Limoncello
This delightful Italian citrus liquor is a holiday favourite and can double as a delicious “drink gift idea”. Nonna Igea is the master of this recipe, sharing her Limoncello at the end of every family meal. Cooks around the world have recreated it in their kitchens since her recipe first went live. This is one of those recipes that gets viewed time and again over the holiday season as an idea for an aperitif to serve post-meal, or something to hand out as a gift. Plus, you can prepare it well ahead of Christmas!
Simply divide it into small bottles and add a gift tag to spread holiday cheer. Haven’t tried Nonna’s Limoncello yet? Add it to your festive menu to impress family and friends with your liquor. If this version is too strong for your tastebuds, opt for the sweet version using milk and sugar in place of water and create her Crema di Limoncello instead.
CLICK FOR NONNA’S LIMONCELLO RECIPE
Amaretti
The gluten-free Italian biscotto that everybody loves. Enter our family favourite Christmas cookies: Nonna Maria’s Amaretti!
These almond flavoured biscuits are slightly crisp on the outside and chewy in the centre. You can serve them plain, top them with a glazed cherry (or nuts like pistachio) in the middle. You can even coat them in crispy almond flakes! These are the perfect accompaniment to a coffee or tea, and can also be served as a sweet morning snack (but especially bode well as an Italian-style cookie for Santa, move over gingerbread cookie 😉). They are a popular choice for an edible gift, as they store especially well so long as they are packed in an airtight container or reusable bag. These cookies use egg whites and can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Simply take them out and defrost them at room temperature the night before you plan to serve them.
Many people have tried amaretti at an Italian cafe or Pasticceria or perhaps in Italy itself and then gone on to try and find the perfect recipe. Look no further, these are easy to make and once you try them you will soon realise they are hard to beat.
CLICK FOR NONNA MARIA’S AMARETTI RECIPE
Tiramisu
Vincenzo’s favorite “pick-me-up” dessert and a true taste of la dolce vita! This luscious, layered indulgence features creamy, whipped mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a generous sprinkle of grated chocolate in every layer, adding the perfect hint of crunch and textures. You can’t make tiramisù too far in advance, but preparing it 24–48 hours ahead works perfectly. This extra time in the fridge allows the ingredients in each layer to set beautifully. The flavors meld into perfection, making each bite the perfect blend of sweetness and coffee-kissed decadence. It’s such a classic and a crowd-pleaser and one you can also choose to make with or without liquor depending on what your guests might prefer.
Italian Baked Cheesecake
Ok, this is DELICIOUS. If you have been wanting to perfect an Italian baked cheesecake, now is your chance.
Source some fresh, cow’s milk ricotta, and look no further than this recipe. Prepare your pastry up to two days in advance. Roll it out, assemble, and fill it the day before you are entertaining. Once you prepare the pastry, assembling it becomes much easier. It just requires a little time and care. Then all you need to do is pop it in the oven to bake and allow the incredible aroma to fill your kitchen – all this well before any of your guests arrive as it will be the day before you entertain.
If you want a festive twist, you can decorate the baked cheesecake with fresh raspberries and mint then dust a fresh sprinkle of icing sugar just ahead of serving. This could also serve as the centerpiece for your dessert or cakes table!
CLICK FOR MY ITALIAN BAKED CHEESECAKE RECIPE
Sicilian Cannoli
Ok, hear me out. You can prepare the pastry and do the frying a day in advance, but be sure to leave the filling for later! Sicilian cannoli are a favourite among young and old and can double as an activity. Provide piping bags with the filling mixture inside. Include mini ones for the kids, and let everyone pipe their own cannoli. Guests will enjoy this fun activity. And it will also serve you best as cannoli should be piped only at the very last minute to maintain freshness and ensure they are crunchy when devoured. Add some extra cinnamon and festive spices to the filling to make them even more appropriate.
CLICK FOR MY SICILIAN CANNOLI RECIPE
Make Vincenzo’s Plate your go-to for easy Christmas desserts to make-ahead this season. Recreating an Italian feast in your kitchen has never been easier. There are plenty of delicious sweet treat options you can prepare before the big day. The step-by-step recipe guides will help ensure your holiday treats are both stress-free and impressive. Want more ideas for holiday desserts? Click here Vincenzo’s Plate Desserts.
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