Wow! Ina Garten’s Most Loved Holiday Dessert Recipes are here! Indulge in her magical touch with these 20+ must-try desserts, perfect for the season. From classic pies to show-stopping cakes, these elegant desserts are sure to impress!
1. Ina Garten Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Looking for a new Thanksgiving favorite? This Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect contender! It starts with a rich, buttery graham cracker crust that adds just the right crunch. The filling is a delicious mix of pure pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
The cheesecake has a perfectly set edge and a center that’s just slightly jiggly. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing, then top it with whipped cream. Watch how quickly it disappears!
2. Ina Garten Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Bourbon, chocolate, and pecans team up to create a dessert that’s anything but ordinary. Light brown sugar and melted butter mix with a splash of bourbon, eggs, and a hint of vanilla, forming a rich base.
Semisweet chocolate chips add a gooey touch, while crunchy pecans bring in some satisfying texture. The bourbon adds a subtle kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the pecans.
For the ultimate treat, serve it chilled with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
3. Ina Garten German Chocolate Cake
Imagine a cake so rich and moist, it’s like a dream for chocolate lovers. This German Chocolate Cake is all about deep, dark chocolate flavor, made with cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a hint of vanilla.
The real star, though, is the creamy frosting infused with coconut. It’s smooth, perfectly sweet, and just a little tangy, with crunchy pecans and shredded coconut adding the perfect texture. Top it all off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a cup of coffee on the side, and you’ve got the ultimate dessert experience!
4. Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake
Get ready to fall in love with this sticky toffee cake! It’s packed with dates that have been soaked to perfection, baked until golden, and then topped with a decadent brown sugar and butter sauce. Every bite is moist, gooey, and totally indulgent—like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Drizzle it with heavy cream for the ultimate indulgence. Serve it warm and watch it vanish in no time!
5. Ina Garten Hamantaschen
Meet your new favorite dessert: buttery, crumbly cookies loaded with a luscious poppyseed filling and a hint of citrus from orange juice. These treats offer the perfect combo of crunchy edges and chewy centers, with a sweet and tangy kick that keeps you coming back for more.
Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and freeze, making them a great addition to your next brunch or dessert spread!
6. Ina Garten Chocolate Chunk Blondies
Meet your new dessert obsession: rich, buttery blondies loaded with gooey semisweet chocolate chunks and crunchy walnuts. The edges are perfectly crispy, while the center stays soft and indulgently chewy.
Cut them into squares and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. It’s pure dessert bliss in every bite!
7. Ina Garten Apple Clafoutis
Apple clafoutis is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth! This French-inspired dessert brings together tender apples and a rich, custard-like batter, all wrapped up in a golden, puffed crust. The real magic happens when the apples are infused with cinnamon, orange zest, and a touch of brandy, creating a flavor that’s warm and refined.
Serve it warm, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and get ready for it to vanish in no time!
8. Ina Garten Pear Galette
Impress your guests with this effortlessly elegant pear galette that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with tender Anjou pears, a flaky pre-made pie crust, and a hint of cinnamon, this dessert is as simple as it is stunning.
The pears are tossed in a mixture of brown sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for a sweet and tangy flavor combination. After baking, the crust turns golden, the filling becomes bubbly, and the whole thing is finished with a light egg wash and a sprinkle of sugar.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
9. Ina Garten Orange Pound Cake
Brighten your day with a slice of citrus sunshine! This golden pound cake is made with fresh oranges, creamy sour cream, and a touch of vanilla. The batter is poured into a tube pan and baked to perfection, then soaked in a tangy orange syrup.
Each bite is moist, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor—like a ray of sunshine on your plate. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a dessert that’s sure to impress!
10. Ina Garten New York Cheesecake
You’ll never forget this classic New York cheesecake—it’s that good! A buttery graham cracker crust sets the stage. The filling is rich and creamy, made with cream cheese, a hint of lemon zest, and a touch of vanilla.
Silky smooth with just the right firmness. Serve it with a berry compote or a drizzle of caramel for the ultimate dessert experience.
11. Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
Imagine a stunning bread where tart cranberries and creamy richness come together in perfect harmony. Made with cream cheese, softened butter, and fresh cranberries, this bread offers the ideal mix of tangy and sweet flavors.
Each bite is moist and tender, with a delightful crunch from chopped pecans adding texture. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a midday snack, this bread is a perfect pick. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate bliss!
12. Ina Garten Chocolate Babka
Chocolate Babka is every chocolate lover’s fantasy come true. Imagine a rich, buttery yeast dough spread with a layer of creamy Nutella and sprinkled with chunks of dark chocolate. After a quick rise, it’s twisted into a golden loaf and baked to perfection.
Each bite is a perfect harmony of gooey chocolate centers and a golden, buttery crust. The Nutella adds a velvety, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the deep, dark chocolate. Let it cool if you can resist, and serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.
13. Ina Garten Date Nut Bread
This date and walnut bread is a treat that’s perfect any time of day. Packed with chewy dates and crunchy walnuts, it’s a moist and sweet delight. Made with soaked dates, melted butter, and a touch of brown sugar, this classic bake is a timeless favorite.
Each bite offers a delightful mix of tender fruit and nutty texture that will keep you coming back for more. For an extra-special treat, serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
14. Ina Garten Lemon Icebox Cake
Looking for a dessert that’s as bright as a sunny day? This no-bake Lemon Icebox Cake is the perfect way to end any meal. Layers of silky smooth lemon pudding, crunchy buttery shortbread cookies, and fluffy whipped cream come together for a treat that feels like a breath of fresh air.
The best part? It’s as easy as layering the ingredients and letting it chill overnight. Top it with some fresh lemon zest, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a little citrus pick-me-up!
15. Ina Garten Ultimate Peach Ice Cream
Peach Ice Cream is the ultimate summer indulgence. Made with fresh, ripe peaches, a touch of sugar, and a splash of Sauternes and Grand Marnier, this ice cream is as rich as it gets. The custard base ensures a silky-smooth texture, while the peaches bring a burst of fresh flavor.
Perfect for sizzling summer days or special occasions, you can enjoy it soft-serve style or let it freeze for a firmer scoop. Either way, it’s pure summer bliss!
16. Ina Garten Fresh Peach Cake
Peaches are the star of this moist and flavorful cake. Ripe peaches, cinnamon, and a touch of nutty pecans create a perfectly layered dessert. The tender crumb, sweet caramelized peaches, and crunchy pecan topping make for a perfect combination.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer treat!
17. Ina Garten Rum Raisin Tiramisù
This tiramisu is a creative spin on the Italian classic. Imagine rum-soaked raisins blending with creamy mascarpone for a rich and indulgent treat. The dessert features ladyfingers dipped in a rum and orange juice mixture, layered with a luxurious mascarpone blend.
The outcome is a creamy, slightly boozy, and totally decadent dessert. Let it chill overnight so the flavors can meld together perfectly—trust us, it’s worth the wait!
18. Ina Garten Red Velvet Frosting
Get ready to fall in love with this creamy, vibrant red velvet frosting—it’s absolutely irresistible! Made with tangy cream cheese, rich butter, and a touch of vanilla, this frosting strikes the perfect balance with just the right amount of sweetness from confectioners’ sugar.
The result is a silky-smooth spread with a stunning red hue that will elevate any cake or cupcake. Spread it on thick, chill for 10 minutes if it’s too soft, and get ready to take your desserts to the next level—it’s the ultimate upgrade for any sweet treat!
19. Ina Garten Pecan Pie Bars
Imagine your go-to pecan pie, but in bar form—because let’s face it, everything is better in bars! These treats start with a buttery shortbread crust, made with flour, sugar, and plenty of unsalted butter.
Then they’re topped with a gooey, nutty mixture of honey, brown sugar, and heaps of chopped pecans. The crust is perfectly crumbly, while the filling is rich, sticky, and packed with that classic pecan pie flavor, plus a hint of brightness from lemon and orange zest.
Cut them into bars and serve at your next potluck—or don’t, because they’re way too good to share!
20. Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These thumbprint cookies are a timeless treat that’s as inviting as they are delicious. Made with tender unsalted butter, a hint of vanilla, and a generous sprinkle of toasted coconut, they’re a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
The best part? The perfect balance of crunchy coconut edges and chewy, jam-filled centers—it’s pure bliss in every bite. Dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance or enjoy with a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.
21. Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart
Imagine a dessert so rich, it’s almost too good to be true. This dark chocolate tart is every chocolate lover’s fantasy come to life. The base is a buttery crust made from crushed chocolate wafers, giving it that perfect crunch.
On top, you’ll find a creamy, smooth dark chocolate filling that’s nothing short of divine. And to take it to the next level, it’s finished with a glossy, coffee-infused chocolate glaze. The texture? Absolute perfection—crunchy crust, velvety filling, and just a hint of flaky sea salt to balance it all.
Let it set, slice it up, and serve it with fresh berries for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Elegant, easy, and sure to impress!