4 Effortless Make-Ahead Dessert Ideas for a Classic Australian Christmas

A quintessential Australian Christmas is incomplete without a refreshing dessert platter to combat the heat. Picture this: a spread of cold desserts, ready to be enjoyed after a hearty Christmas lunch, with minimal effort and simple ingredients. Here we'll explore four classic Australian desserts - Chocolate Ripple Cake, Tiramisu, Pavlova, and Trifle - offering easy-to-follow recipes as well as fun variations that cater to different tastes, including a vegan option for each. In the spirit of keeping things simple, we've curated iterations of these recipes that require very few ingredients, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Summer Christmas Dessert Idea #1: Chocolate Ripple Cake

The Chocolate Ripple Cake is an iconic Australian dessert known for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing chocolatey goodness. Made with chocolate ripple biscuits and whipped cream, this no-bake treat is a staple at many Aussie Christmas gatherings.

Chocolate Ripple Cake Classic Recipe: How to Make Chocolate Ripple Cake

Ingredients:

• 5 packets (approximately 375g) of chocolate ripple biscuits
• 600ml thickened cream
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in the icing sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Spread a small amount of whipped cream on the serving platter to create a base.
4. Take one chocolate ripple biscuit and spread a generous layer of whipped cream on one side. Stack another biscuit on top and continue until you have a log shape.
5. Place the log on its side on the serving platter. Continue layering biscuits and cream until you have a log shape.
6. Cover the entire log with the remaining whipped cream, ensuring it is well coated.
7. Use a spatula to smooth the cream and create a log-like appearance.
8. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
9. Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Chocolate Ripple Cake Variations

1. Mint Chocolate Ripple Cake

Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the whipped cream for a refreshing minty twist. Garnish with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

2. Vegan Chocolate Ripple Cake

Use dairy-free chocolate ripple biscuits and coconut cream instead of dairy cream. Ensure the biscuits are vegan-friendly, and whip the coconut cream until it forms stiff peaks.

3. Berry-Chocolate Ripple Cake

Layer the biscuits with a mixture of whipped cream and fresh berries like raspberries and strawberries. The fruity addition adds a burst of flavour.

Summer Christmas Dessert Idea #2: Tiramisu

Tiramisu, with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, is a beloved Italian-inspired dessert that has become a Christmas staple in Australian households.

Christmas Tiramisu Classic Recipe: How to Make Tiramisu

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 250g mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur.
2. In a separate bowl, separate the egg yolks from the whites.
3. Beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mascarpone, mixing until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
6. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are well-soaked but not soggy.
7. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the serving dish.
8. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
9. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of mascarpone.
10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder.

Tiramisu Variations

1. Chocolate Tiramisu:

Add a layer of grated dark chocolate between the ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture for an extra chocolatey kick.

2. Vegan Tiramisu:

Replace eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) whipped to stiff peaks. Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free whipped cream.

3. Berry Tiramisu:

Layer the traditional tiramisu with fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries for a fruity twist.

Summer Christmas Dessert Idea #3: Pavlova

Pavlova, with its crisp meringue shell and marshmallow-like interior, topped with fresh fruits, is an Aussie Christmas favourite, capturing the essence of summer.

Christmas Pavlova Classic Recipe: How to Make Pavlova

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups mixed fresh fruits (kiwi, strawberries, passionfruit)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 120°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Gradually add the caster sugar while continuing to whip, ensuring a glossy texture.
4. Gently fold in the vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
5. Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, creating a nest shape.
6. Bake for 1.5 hours or until the pavlova is crisp on the outside.
7. Allow the pavlova to cool completely before carefully removing from the parchment paper.
8. Fill the centre with a medley of fresh fruits.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Pavlova Recipe Variations

1. Tropical Pavlova:

Top the pavlova with a mix of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and passionfruit.

2. Vegan Pavlova:

Use aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of egg whites. Ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly, and top with a vegan whipped cream alternative.

3. Chocolate Pavlova

A chocolate pav is a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters. Drizzle a velvety chocolate sauce over the top of the pavlova for an extra layer of decadence. Opt for dark chocolate curls as a garnish instead of berries. The bittersweet notes of dark chocolate beautifully complement the sweetness of the pavlova.

Summer Christmas Dessert Idea #4: Trifle

Trifle, with its layers of sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream, is a quintessential Christmas dessert that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes.\

Christmas Trifle Classic Recipe: How to Make Trifle

Ingredients:

• 1 store-bought sponge cake or homemade equivalent
• 1 packet of instant vanilla custard
• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 2 cups whipped cream
• Sherry or fruit juice for soaking the cake

Instructions:

1. Cut the sponge cake into cubes and layer them at the bottom of the trifle dish.
2. Prepare the instant vanilla custard according to the packet instructions.
3. Pour a layer of custard over the sponge cake cubes.
4. Sprinkle a layer of mixed berries on top of the custard.
5. Repeat the layers until the trifle dish is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavours to meld.
7. Before serving, garnish with additional berries.

Trifle Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Trifle

Add layers of chocolate pudding or chocolate shavings between the cake and custard for a decadent twist.

2. Vegan Trifle

Use a vegan sponge cake or make one using plant-based ingredients. Replace the custard with a vegan custard alternative and use a dairy-free whipped cream substitute.

3. Tropical Coconut Trifle

Infuse the trifle with a tropical flavour by adding layers of coconut-flavoured whipped cream and pineapple chunks.

The Best Christmas Desserts - Simple, Easy & Delicious

We've aimed for simplicity without compromising on taste in this guide to Australian Christmas desserts. These classic recipes are designed to minimise fuss while maximising flavour. Whether it's the no-fuss assembly of a Chocolate Ripple Cake, the elegant layers of Tiramisu, the crisp simplicity of a Pavlova, or the versatile Trifle, these desserts embody the Australian summer without demanding an extensive ingredient list that requires multiple trips to the shops.

As you prepare for Christmas, remember: less stress, more enjoyment. These desserts promise just that - classic flavours, minimal effort, and a sweet ending to your Christmas Day feast.

Find More Christmas Inspiration at Harris Scarfe

Now that your Christmas lunch menu plans are underway, explore the best festive trends for this year and get started decorating the house for the holiday season with our handy Christmas decorating guide. Ready to set the table? Discover our 5 easy Christmas table-setting ideas and learn how to create a show-stopping festive tablescape. We have everything online and in-store to get you started, from Christmas tableware & table linen to Christmas servingware, to Christmas home decor and everything in between.