Easy Christmas Dessert Ideas for Filipino Families (Make or Buy!)
Here are some dessert ideas beyond fruit salad or buko pandan salad for the holidays
December is finally here—and with it, the rush of Christmas shopping, fully decorated malls, and weekend family get-togethers. For many households, it also signals the start of Noche Buena and Media Noche planning. Once the festive mains like ham, lechon, and turkey are sorted, there’s one thing every holiday table needs to feel complete: dessert.
While fruit salad and buko salad will always have a place on the Filipino family holiday menu, this might be the year to switch things up if you’re looking for easy, festive, family-friendly ideas—whether homemade or store-bought—here are some easy Christmas desserts you can make (or buy) this season.
Puto Bumbong and Bibingka
What’s Christmas without these beloved staples after Simbang Gabi? Soft bibingka and purple, buttery puto bumbong instantly bring holiday nostalgia. You can buy them outside churches, order from restaurants, or grab ready-to-make mixes from the supermarket when you’re too tired to cook from scratch. They’re simple, comforting, and always a hit.
Tip: Pre-order in advance—these holiday favorites tend to sell out fast.
Pies
Sure, pies may be Thanksgiving stars, but who says they can’t shine during Christmas and New Year? From banana cream and apple pie to pecan and chocolate varieties, pies bring warmth and sweetness to any celebration. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with unique fillings—or simply pick up a beautifully baked one from your trusted local bakery.
Pudding
Pudding—or custard—is one of the most versatile desserts parents can make. It can be light, creamy, sweet, or even savory. Classic options include bread pudding, banana pudding, and panna cotta. The best part? Most puddings can be made ahead, making holiday prep a little easier.
Tip: For bread pudding, check the leftover bread in your fridge—you can repurpose it into a delicious dessert.
Cookies
From chocolate chip and peanut butter to sugar cookies and gingerbread, cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. They also double as a fun bonding activity with kids. Let them help mix the dough, shape cookies, or add colorful toppings. It’s messy, memorable, and guaranteed to make your home feel extra festive.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu has become a staple at many Filipino celebrations—and for good reason. Light yet indulgent, this coffee-kissed dessert keeps guests coming back for more. Whether homemade or store-bought, it adds a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
Brownies and Bars
Brownies and dessert bars are perfect when you want something easy to serve. Classic chocolate brownies never disappoint, but you can also try cranberry, banana, cinnamon, or apple bars for a seasonal twist. Cut them into small squares and watch them disappear from the dessert tray in minutes.
Flavored Gelatin / Cathedral Window
For guests watching their sugar or craving something light, gelatin is a refreshing option. The classic Cathedral Window—with colorful cubes suspended in creamy gelatin—is festive, nostalgic, and fun to prepare. Make it in big molds or individual cups, or simply order from home bakers and bakeshops.
So Many Sweets, So Little Time
With so many dessert options to choose from, the holidays are the perfect time to try something new or support your trusted home bakers. Desserts never have to be extravagant—what matters most is that your family enjoys them. And if there’s any season when you can press pause on your diet, this is definitely it.
Enjoy the sweet moments—and happy holiday feasting!
More Holiday ideas
4 Easy Ways to Transform Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
Media Noche Food Ideas To Spice Up Parties In The Philippines
7 Traditional Filipino Foods That Make the Holidays Magical
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some of the common desserts include buko pandan salad, fruit salad, cake, leche flan, and different types of kakanin. But some have also included bibingka and puto bumbong, cookies, and brownies to bring easy in potlucks.
It depends on family tradition, but pudding is big in some Filipino families.
Yes, because it’s easy to bring and it holds. Some buy Cathedral Windows because it’s easy to serve.
