Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
As the clock ticks down to the New Year, there’s no better way to end your celebration than with a show-stopping dessert.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a lavish party, sweet treats are always a crowd-pleaser. This year, why not elevate your dessert game with recipes that go beyond the ordinary?
Our collection of 18+ New Year’s Dessert Recipes features decadent, indulgent, and festive options perfect for ringing in the New Year in style.
From rich chocolate creations to refreshing citrus and fruit-inspired treats, these recipes will ensure that your dessert table steals the spotlight.
Whether you prefer bite-sized delights or elegant showstoppers, you’ll find a sweet ending that’s as unforgettable as the celebration itself!
18+ Decadent New Year’s Dessert Recipes for a Sweet Start to the Year

As you gather around the table to celebrate the start of a new year, these 18+ New Year’s Dessert Recipes are the perfect way to create lasting memories with friends and family.
With a wide variety of treats—ranging from fruity sorbets to rich cakes and intricate pastries—you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect dessert to match your party’s vibe.
Whether you go for something traditional or try a new twist on a classic, these desserts are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth and add that extra touch of magic to your New Year’s festivities.
So, get ready to indulge, celebrate, and ring in the New Year with desserts that will be talked about all year long.
1. Champagne Sorbet
Ring in the new year with a refreshing, sparkling dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious!
Champagne Sorbet is a light, elegant way to end your celebration, offering a bubbly kick without the heaviness of traditional desserts.
This sorbet is made from chilled champagne, a bit of citrus zest, and a touch of sweetness, creating a vibrant, frosty treat that’s perfect for toasting the New Year.
The beauty of Champagne Sorbet lies in its simplicity and sophistication.
The champagne gives it a sparkling effervescence, while the citrus adds a layer of freshness that balances the sweetness.
You can make this dessert ahead of time, letting it freeze overnight, which means less stress for you on the big night. Serve it in elegant glasses for a truly upscale dessert experience.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large celebration, this sorbet is a showstopper that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Plus, it’s a great option for guests who want something light and refreshing after all the rich holiday food.
Full Recipe
2. Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts
For a dessert that screams luxury, these decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts are a must-try.
With a buttery, flaky crust, a rich, velvety dark chocolate ganache filling, and a generous sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts, these tarts offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
The slightly sweet, nutty topping complements the smooth, rich chocolate filling, making every bite an indulgence.
These tarts are elegant enough for a formal New Year’s Eve dinner, but they’re also easy to make in advance.
The recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, but the result is a dessert that feels truly special.
You can even add a dusting of edible gold or cocoa powder on top for an extra festive touch.
Perfect for chocolate lovers, these tarts bring sophistication and a touch of decadence to your New Year’s celebration.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a larger party, this dessert will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite.
Full Recipe
3. Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berry Compote
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both creamy and vibrant, Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berry Compote is the perfect choice.
This classic Italian dessert features a silky smooth vanilla bean custard base, complemented by a tangy-sweet berry compote made from fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
The result is a dessert that’s rich yet refreshing, with the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
The panna cotta is easy to prepare and can be made a day or two ahead, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your New Year’s festivities without worrying about last-minute dessert prep.
The berry compote is the perfect topping, adding a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances the richness of the panna cotta.
Whether you serve it in elegant glasses or individual ramekins, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. The combination of creamy vanilla custard and fresh, juicy berries makes it an unforgettable end to your New Year’s feast.
Full Recipe
4. Sparkling Citrus Cheesecake Bites
These Sparkling Citrus Cheesecake Bites are the perfect way to add a bit of zest and sparkle to your New Year’s dessert table.
Featuring creamy, tangy cheesecake with a burst of citrus flavor, these mini treats are topped with a refreshing citrus glaze and a touch of edible glitter to give them a festive shimmer.
They’re perfect for those who love a bite-sized dessert that’s easy to share and enjoy throughout the night.
The cheesecake is made with a smooth blend of cream cheese, mascarpone, and a hint of lemon and orange zest, creating a light yet indulgent flavor.
The buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust serves as the perfect base, while the citrus glaze enhances the fruity flavors, making each bite a tangy, sweet delight.
These little cheesecake bites are a great choice if you want a show-stopping dessert that’s also simple to eat. Serve them on a pretty platter or individual mini plates, and watch as your guests rave about how adorable and delicious they are.
This dessert is sure to be a hit at any New Year’s celebration, big or small.
Full Recipe
5. New Year’s Eve Macaron Tower
Celebrate the new year with style by creating a towering display of colorful macarons!
These delicate French treats, made from almond flour and egg whites, are filled with a rich buttercream or jam and come in a range of vibrant colors and flavors, making them perfect for any party.
A macaron tower is not only a visual centerpiece but also an elegant dessert that adds sophistication to your New Year’s spread.
You can customize the flavors to match your party theme—whether you want classic vanilla, chocolate, raspberry, or even something a little more adventurous like salted caramel or pistachio.
The macarons are crisp on the outside with a soft, chewy interior, and the filling provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Building a macaron tower might take a little patience, but it’s worth every minute when you see your guests’ faces light up as they approach the dessert table.
This dessert gives you the opportunity to get creative with colors and flavors while still offering something light and elegant to enjoy after your New Year’s feast.
Plus, since each macaron is a bite-sized treat, they’re perfect for nibbling on while mingling.
Full Recipe
6. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Red Velvet Cupcakes are a festive, delicious way to celebrate the start of the new year with flair.
These moist, tender cupcakes have a subtle cocoa flavor and striking red color, topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.
The creamy frosting complements the cupcakes perfectly, offering a smooth, slightly tangy contrast to the sweet, decadent cake.
These cupcakes are easy to make ahead of time, and they can be decorated with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a few gold-dusted berries to make them extra festive.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a more formal affair, red velvet cupcakes are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re easy to serve, so your guests can enjoy them while toasting the New Year.
The vibrant red color makes these cupcakes a perfect fit for any celebration, and the cream cheese frosting adds the right amount of indulgence to balance out the rich flavor of the cake.
Whether you go for classic red velvet or add a twist with unique toppings, these cupcakes are sure to be a memorable addition to your dessert table.
Full Recipe
7. Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
If you’re looking for a warm, indulgent dessert to kick off the New Year, these Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce are a must-try.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these churros are rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that gives them a mouthwatering flavor.
Served with a rich, velvety chocolate sauce for dipping, they’re the perfect combination of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for more.
Making churros at home might sound daunting, but this recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients.
The churros are fried to golden perfection and then immediately tossed in cinnamon sugar, giving them that classic crunch with a sweet and spicy kick.
The chocolate dipping sauce is made from heavy cream and high-quality dark chocolate, creating a decadent sauce that complements the churros beautifully.
These churros are perfect for a New Year’s Eve party because they’re fun to eat, deliciously sweet, and great for sharing.
Set up a churro station for guests to dip their fresh churros into the warm chocolate sauce, and watch as they become the star of the night.
Full Recipe
8. Caramelized Apple Tarte Tatin
This Caramelized Apple Tarte Tatin is a French classic that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year with a touch of elegance.
Made with crisp, golden puff pastry, tart apples, and a luscious caramel sauce, this upside-down tart is baked to perfection, offering a combination of sweetness, tartness, and buttery richness that’s simply irresistible.
The apples become wonderfully tender and caramelized during baking, giving the dessert a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The beauty of Tarte Tatin lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, but the results are impressive.
The puff pastry is flaky and light, providing the perfect contrast to the soft, buttery apples. As the tart bakes, the caramel sauce forms underneath, creating a gorgeous golden crust that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
When inverted onto a platter, it reveals a stunning display of perfectly caramelized apples.
This dessert can be made ahead and served warm, offering a comforting, indulgent treat for your guests.
Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent touch.
It’s a classic choice that will never go out of style and is sure to be a crowd favorite at any New Year’s Eve gathering.
Full Recipe
9. White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cups
Light, airy, and oh-so-indulgent, White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cups are a luxurious dessert perfect for your New Year’s celebration.
This mousse is made from a blend of smooth white chocolate, fresh raspberries, and whipped cream, creating a silky, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
The raspberry compote swirled through the mousse adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the white chocolate, making each spoonful an absolute delight.
These mousse cups are served in individual portions, which makes them perfect for a party where guests are mingling and snacking.
You can prepare them ahead of time, allowing the mousse to set and chill in the fridge, so when it’s time to serve, all you need to do is garnish with a few fresh raspberries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for that extra touch of elegance.
The combination of white chocolate and raspberry is a classic pairing that never fails to impress, and the light, airy texture of the mousse is a refreshing way to end the night.
These mousse cups are not only delicious but also visually stunning, with their beautiful layers of white and pink creating a vibrant and festive look on your dessert table.
Full Recipe
10. Tiramisu Trifle
Tiramisu Trifle is a fun, festive twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for your New Year’s Eve celebration.
Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder create a rich, indulgent dessert that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious. The beauty of this trifle is in its layers—each spoonful offers a combination of creamy, coffee-flavored richness, complemented by the slight bitterness of cocoa and the light crunch of the ladyfingers.
This dessert is incredibly easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop overnight.
The trifle is served in a large glass bowl, so it makes an impressive centerpiece for your dessert table. You can also serve it in individual glass cups for a more personalized touch.
The coffee and cocoa flavors are perfect for a midnight toast, giving your guests a taste of Italy while ringing in the new year. With its layers of flavor and texture, the Tiramisu Trifle will surely be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe
11. Mini Baked Alaska
If you want a show-stopping dessert that combines elegance with a bit of drama, look no further than Mini Baked Alaska.
These individual-sized treats feature layers of cake, ice cream, and meringue, all beautifully browned and served with a flourish.
The beauty of Baked Alaska lies in its contrast of temperatures—the warm, toasty meringue on the outside, enclosing the cold, creamy ice cream, creates a surprising and delightful experience with each bite.
To make Mini Baked Alaskas, start by layering your favorite cake (sponge, pound cake, or brownie work well) with a generous scoop of ice cream in a variety of flavors—vanilla, chocolate, or even something more festive like eggnog or peppermint.
After freezing, the ice cream cakes are topped with a cloud of fluffy meringue, which is then toasted in the oven or with a kitchen torch.
These miniature versions of Baked Alaska are perfect for serving at a New Year’s party because they can be made ahead and assembled in individual portions.
When you cut into them, the warm meringue contrasts beautifully with the chilled ice cream, making it a memorable dessert experience.
For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle some raspberry or chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
Full Recipe
12. Pistachio and Rose Water Baklava
For a decadent and aromatic dessert, Pistachio and Rose Water Baklava is a fantastic choice.
This Middle Eastern-inspired treat features layers of buttery, flaky phyllo dough, filled with a rich pistachio and walnut mixture, and then sweetened with a fragrant rose water syrup.
The crunch of the phyllo dough combined with the nutty filling and floral syrup creates an unforgettable dessert experience that will captivate your guests’ taste buds.
To make this baklava, you’ll need to carefully layer the phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter to create the perfect texture.
The pistachios, combined with a touch of cinnamon and sugar, create a filling that’s nutty and subtly spiced.
After baking, a rose water-infused syrup is poured over the baklava, soaking into the layers and adding a fragrant sweetness that’s a delightful departure from typical sugary desserts.
This baklava is perfect for a New Year’s celebration because it’s both indulgent and exotic, offering something a little different than traditional desserts.
The rich texture and intricate flavors will surely leave a lasting impression on your guests, making it a conversation starter and a standout feature on your dessert table.
Full Recipe
13. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Stacks
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Stacks are an elegant yet simple dessert that will bring a burst of flavor and festivity to your New Year’s Eve celebration.
Fresh, juicy strawberries are dipped in smooth, rich chocolate and stacked in layers, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat.
These stacks are not only visually appealing, but they also offer the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy textures in every bite.
To make these stacks, you’ll need to melt your choice of dark, milk, or white chocolate. Then, dip the strawberries into the chocolate and allow them to cool slightly.
Once the chocolate has set, you can layer the strawberries into towers, adding a touch of whipped cream or a drizzle of more chocolate between each layer for extra indulgence.
For a festive touch, sprinkle some edible gold dust or finely chopped nuts on top to add a pop of glamour.
This dessert is easy to assemble and doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen, which makes it ideal for a last-minute treat.
The chocolate-covered strawberry stacks are perfect for serving as a finger food-style dessert, so guests can grab one while mingling and enjoying the party.
Full Recipe
14. Gingerbread Tiramisu
Gingerbread Tiramisu is a seasonal twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the creamy richness of tiramisu.
Layers of gingerbread cookies soaked in spiced coffee and layered with mascarpone cream create a cozy, festive treat that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year.
The gingerbread adds a delightful depth of flavor and a touch of holiday nostalgia to this timeless dessert.
Start by soaking your gingerbread cookies in a blend of strong coffee and a touch of rum or liqueur for extra flavor.
Then layer them with the creamy mascarpone mixture, which is lightly sweetened and enriched with whipped cream.
The result is a luscious, indulgent dessert with the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg perfectly balancing the rich creaminess of the tiramisu base.
This Gingerbread Tiramisu is not only delicious but also visually stunning when served in individual glass cups or a large trifle dish.
It’s an ideal dessert to prepare ahead of time and allows the flavors to meld, so you can enjoy your New Year’s celebration without stressing over dessert at the last minute.
It’s an unexpected yet comforting choice for anyone who loves both gingerbread and tiramisu.
Full Recipe
15. Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake with Glaze
This Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake with Glaze is a light, tangy, and slightly sweet dessert that will make a refreshing addition to your New Year’s dessert spread.
The cake is moist and tender, with the brightness of fresh lemon and a delightful crunch from the poppy seeds.
Finished with a glossy lemon glaze, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zest that’s just right for a festive celebration.
To make the cake, combine freshly zested lemon with buttermilk for a tangy, soft crumb, and stir in poppy seeds to give it a delicate texture and slight nuttiness.
The cake itself bakes to a golden perfection and is complemented by a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice.
The glaze drizzles beautifully over the cake, adding a sweet, citrusy finish.
This Bundt cake is both simple to make and stunning to serve. Its round, intricate shape makes it a beautiful centerpiece for your dessert table.
It’s also easy to slice and share, making it perfect for a party.
Whether you’re serving it at the start of the evening or as the grand finale, the Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake is sure to be a light and satisfying treat that’s perfect for your New Year’s celebration.
Full Recipe
16. Prosecco-Soaked Fruit Salad
A Prosecco-Soaked Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing way to celebrate the New Year.
Packed with a colorful array of fresh fruits like berries, oranges, pomegranates, and kiwi, this fruit salad is infused with the bubbly elegance of Prosecco, making it both festive and sophisticated.
The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the light, fizzy notes of the sparkling wine, creating a dessert that’s refreshing, juicy, and absolutely perfect for ringing in the New Year.
To prepare, simply toss together your favorite fresh fruits in a large bowl.
For an extra layer of flavor, soak the fruit in Prosecco for a few hours before serving, allowing the wine to infuse into the fruit and elevate the natural flavors.
For a finishing touch, drizzle a little honey or agave syrup over the top to balance out the tartness of some of the fruits.
This fruit salad is not only delicious but also a lighter dessert option that’s perfect for those looking for something refreshing after a heavy meal.
Plus, it’s visually stunning—vibrant, jewel-toned fruits glistening with sparkling wine make it an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.
It’s a great choice for a healthier yet indulgent treat.
Full Recipe
17. Red Wine Poached Pears
Red Wine Poached Pears are an elegant and sophisticated dessert that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine as you welcome the New Year.
The pears are gently poached in a rich, flavorful mixture of red wine, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, absorbing all the aromatic spices and deep fruitiness of the wine.
Once the pears are tender and infused with all these flavors, they are served with a drizzle of the reduced poaching liquid, creating a syrupy, decadent finish.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor.
The pears become soft and succulent, with the wine sauce turning into a silky, complex syrup that adds richness and warmth.
You can even garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a dollop of mascarpone cream to add a bit of texture and extra indulgence.
This dessert is a fantastic option for a New Year’s Eve dinner because it can be prepared in advance and served warm or at room temperature.
The elegant presentation of the poached pears, with their glossy finish and deep color, will surely impress your guests, making it a memorable way to cap off the evening.
Full Recipe
18. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert to celebrate the season’s festive flavors while adding a little indulgence to your New Year’s table.
These creamy cheesecake bars are infused with the warm, spiced flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon, offering a rich and comforting taste that’s ideal for the holiday season.
The cheesecake filling sits on a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a delightful contrast of creamy and crunchy textures in every bite.
To make these bars, simply blend together the cheesecake filling with eggnog and spices, pour it over a graham cracker crust, and bake to perfection. After cooling, chill them in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
Once ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel for added sweetness and flair.
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars offer a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of eggnog without the heaviness of a traditional drink.
The smooth, velvety texture of the cheesecake combined with the warm spices makes for an indulgent yet refreshing treat that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year.
These bars are easy to make ahead, making them a stress-free yet impressive addition to your holiday dessert spread.
Full Recipe
Conclusion
What better way to say goodbye to the old year and usher in the new than with a table full of irresistible desserts? These 18+ New Year’s Dessert Recipes not only offer variety and flavor, but also create the perfect end to a night of celebration. From rich chocolate tarts to citrusy delights, these desserts will elevate your party and ensure a grand finale to your New Year’s Eve. So, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a large celebration, make sure to treat your guests (and yourself) to something sweet, festive, and unforgettable as you toast to a fresh start in the new year. Cheers to good food, great company, and the sweetest beginning to your next chapter!