16 Best Warm Dessert Recipes for Winter: Cozy Treats Await

Winter is upon us, and that means it’s time to get cozy and indulge in some warm and comforting desserts. There's something magical about savoring a delicious treat while wrapped up in a blanket with the winter chill outside. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself, you'll be delighted by this collection of 16 Best Warm Dessert Recipes for Winter: Cozy Treats Await.

These recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and bringing a little extra warmth to your home. So grab your apron and let’s dive into these delightful, heartwarming creations that will make your winter nights a lot sweeter.

1. Classic Apple Crisp

Nothing says winter like a warm apple crisp straight out of the oven.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Spread the apple mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, and cubed butter until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the oat mixture on top of the apples.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

2. Gooey Chocolate Lava Cake

Indulge in the rich, molten center of a gooey chocolate lava cake.

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins and place on a baking sheet.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in powdered sugar until the mixture is well combined.
4. Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
5. Fold in flour until just incorporated.
6. Divide the batter among the ramekins.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
8. Let cool for 1 minute, then run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert onto plates.

3. Warm Bread Pudding

A delightful way to use up leftover bread and turn it into a decadent dessert.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place bread cubes in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down to soak the bread thoroughly.
5. Let sit for 10 minutes for the bread to absorb the liquid.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
7. Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

4. Cinnamon Roll Casserole

All the flavors of cinnamon rolls but in a quick and easy casserole form.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread evenly in the baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
6. Drizzle with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls before serving.

5. Pecan Pie Bars

An easier, yet deliciously satisfying alternative to traditional pecan pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup melted butter, flour, and powdered sugar to make the crust. Press into the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in pecan halves and pour the mixture over the baked crust.
6. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

6. Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

This cake magically creates its own hot fudge sauce as it bakes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup cocoa. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
6. Pour hot water over the top, do not stir.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set.
8. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

7. Sticky Toffee Pudding

A British classic that combines moist sponge cake with a rich toffee sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let sit for 15 minutes.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the date mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Warm Lemon Pudding Cake

For a citrusy twist, this lemon pudding cake is delightfully zesty and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease six ramekins.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolks, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the egg whites into the lemon mixture until combined.
6. Divide the batter among the prepared ramekins.
7. Place the ramekins in a baking pan and fill the pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cakes are set.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

9. Cranberry Orange Bread

A delightful quick bread that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the cranberries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Spiced Pear Cobbler

This cobbler combines sweet, juicy pears with warm spices for a perfect winter dessert.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups peeled and sliced pears
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss pears with 1/3 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the melted butter and milk, stirring until smooth.
5. Spoon the batter over the pears.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pears are tender.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

11. Pumpkin Spice Cake

Warm pumpkin spice flavors wrapped up in a moist and delicious cake.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and eggs.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the dish for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Molten S’mores Cake

This ooey-gooey dessert captures all the flavors of s’mores in a warm and rich cake.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chopped graham crackers
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Fold in mini marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate chips.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

13. Chocolate Bread Pudding

An indulgent dessert that uses rich chocolate and day-old bread to create a perfect treat.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Place bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and milk over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat.
4. Add chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
6. Gradually add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
7. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down to soak the bread thoroughly.
8. Let sit for 10 minutes for the bread to absorb the liquid.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is set and the pudding is puffed.
10. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

14. Maple Pecan Blondies

Deliciously chewy blondies that feature the sweet flavors of maple syrup and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract, and mix until smooth.
4. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the dish before slicing into squares.

15. Gingerbread Cake

A classic winter favorite, this gingerbread cake is spiced to perfection and wonderfully moist.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Stir in melted butter, molasses, hot water, and egg until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the dish for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

16. Baked Rice Pudding

This simple and comforting baked rice pudding is a wonderful way to warm up on a cold winter's night.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, milk, and granulated sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed, then stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Add the egg mixture to the rice mixture, and stir until everything is well combined.
5. If desired, fold in the raisins.
6. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Drizzle the melted butter on top for added richness.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

16 of the best warm dessert recipes for winter. Each one promises to bring extra cheer to your cold evenings. Whether you’re an apple crisp aficionado or a chocolate lava cake lover, there's something here for everyone. Winter is the perfect season to indulge, so take your time, savor each recipe, and make some sweet memories. Enjoy!