Top Desserts to Try this Christmas

Pudding is served! Indulge in the crème de la crème of festive treats, expertly crafted by master bakers, exclusively for M&S.

Assistant Copywriter

Florence Head

Whether you're after the comforting warmth of melt-in-the-mouth mince pies or a show-stopping centrepiece like our Collection Chocolate Torte - with its rich Belgian dark chocolate ganache and delicate snowflake dusting - we've got something to suit every taste this Christmas. This year, we're bringing you a blend of tradition and twists, from luxurious takes on the classic Christmas pudding to fluffy panettone. Explore our must-try festive desserts below, and discover the perfect sweet treat for your celebrations.

Christmas in every bite

This pudding is a chocoholic’s dream: silky dark and milk chocolate mousse, rich dark chocolate sauce, and dipped in decadent dark chocolate, all in our iconic chocolate pine cone shape. These irresistible delights not only taste divine, but they'll also add a touch of festive elegance to your table. Just watch out for little fingers sneaking back for seconds!

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Traditional and tasty

Sweet, sticky, and packed with vine fruits, brandy-soaked cherries, Braeburn apples, and nuts, our Collection 12-Month Matured Christmas Pudding is a festive classic. Infused with brandy and rum for a deep, mellow flavour and finished with a splash of cognac, this indulgent pudding pairs perfectly with thick double cream or vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch of tradition, crown your pud with holly, douse it in brandy and set it alight, or hide a small silver coin inside. Wrapped in a beautiful tea towel, it also makes a perfect gift.

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Tiramisu meets Cheesecake

Enjoy the best of both worlds as cheesecake and tiramisu come together in our irresistible Salted Caramel Tiramisu Cheesecake. Layers of ultra-silky vanilla cheesecake, sweet salted caramel, rich cocoa biscuit, coffee-chocolate sponge, and creamy mascarpone Marsala mousse are finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. The perfect balance of creamy and rich, this dessert not only tastes divine but also makes a fab showstopper for your festive table.

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Festive flavours of Italy

Soft, fluffy panettone is a beloved Italian Christmas tradition, and it’s a festive treat deserving of a place on your Christmas table. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or elevating the flavour with a chocolate or nut-studded version, we’ve got panettone for every taste. Perfect as a dessert (or breakfast), it’s divine served with a dollop of cream or ice cream and a glass of marsala. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or looking for a smaller stocking-filler-sized panettone, we offer a range of sizes, all bursting with this year’s must-try flavours. And don’t forget to try our irresistible recipe ideas to help use up any leftovers!

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It must be Christmas

Our Christmas cakes are filled with all the magical festive flavours you could wish for - rich with dried vine fruits, glacé cherries, brandy, and topped with marzipan, smooth icing, and intricate decorations. Plant-based? No problem! Our Plant Kitchen Iced Fruit Cake is the perfect vegan-friendly Christmas treat, packed with plump vine fruits and aromatic spices, and finished with marzipan and delicate snowflake icing. Each cake is expertly matured to develop a deep, satisfying flavour and a rich, indulgent texture.

For another star of your Christmas table, choose our Collection Jewelled Florentine Christmas Pudding, showered with glacé cherries, pecan nuts, and crowned with a lavish salted caramel sauce.

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The ultimate festive pavlova

Looking for a homemade festive dessert without the fuss? Bursting with fresh fruit and all your favourite toppings, this fully-loaded Christmas pavlova is quick to make and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your festive table. Follow our easy 4-step, 10-minute recipe, using our trusty (and delicious) Collection Madagascan vanilla pavlova base, and watch as it transforms into a festive masterpiece. Pile it high with seasonal fruit, kirsch-spiked cherries, whipped cream, and a scattering of pistachios.

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This is not just any pudding...

Brand-new this year and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, get ready for our Popping Down the Chimney Dessert, launching in-store from 18th December. Crafted in an exclusive-to-M&S roof-shaped mould, this indulgent treat is filled with a rich dark and milk chocolate mousse, oozing butterscotch caramel sauce, all set on a white chocolate and toasted popcorn crisp base. Topped with velvety white chocolate mousse and finished with edible decorations.

Merry mince pies

What says Christmas more than a mince pie? Our mince pies are packed with delicious twists, from the caramelised sugar in the pastry of our Collection Mince Pies to the irresistibly crumbly, rich vegan pastry in our Plant Kitchen Mince Pies. If you’re looking for something different, try pies crowned with sloe gin crumble, chocolatey pies adorned with Rodney Reindeer, or frangipane-topped mince pies with a crumble finish. Whether you’re going traditional, gluten-free, plant-based, or want to try something new, explore our guide to the best mince pies in the Foodhall this Christmas.

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Published 12.9.2024