45 Great Canadian Christmas Desserts

Updated on December 6, 2017 by Jenny Potter

Celebrate the holiday season with these oh-so-Canadian Christmas desserts. Whether you want to slice up a piece of sugar pie or treat your family to decadent Nanaimo bar cheesecake, we've got all your favourite festive Canadian dessert recipes, just in time for the holidays.

  • Sugar Pie
     
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    Sugar Pie

    <p>This sweet maple treat comes from Québec but is enjoyed by Canadians from coast to coast.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sugar-pie/18515/" target="_blank"><strong>Ricardo’s Sugar Pie</strong></a></p>
  • Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies
     
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    Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies

    <p>Once the curse of the holidays, you’ll have just as much fun decorating these ugly Christmas sweater cookies as you do wearing them!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ugly-christmas-sweater-cookies/18822/" target="_blank"><strong>Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies</strong></a></p>
  • Buche de Noel
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    Buche de Noel

    <p>This French-Canadian classic, traditionally served during the holiday season, is the perfect mix of festive embellishments and buttercream frosting. As far as holiday cakes go, what more could you ask for?</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/a-gorgeous-buche-de-noel-using-store-bought-cake/" target="_blank">Buche de Noel</a></strong></p>
  • Nanaimo Bar Trifle
     
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    Nanaimo Bar Trifle

    <p>You love the layers of this B.C. bar, which means you’ll love the chocolatey, creamy, coconut-filled trifled version. Dig in!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/youll-love-every-single-layer-of-this-nanaimo-bar-trifle/" target="_blank">Nanaimo Bar Trifle</a></strong></p>
  • Great Canadian Toque Cake
     
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    Great Canadian Toque Cake

    <p>Top off your meal with a tasty slice of this Canadian maple toque cake. Decorate the dessert with patriotic red and white icing, or go for a more festive colour combo.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/get-cozy-with-the-great-canadian-toque-cake/" target="_blank">Great Canadian Toque Cake</a></strong></p>
  • Jen Scott’s Butter Tarts
     
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    Jen Scott’s Butter Tarts

    <p>If you’ve taken the time to tap the trees, boil the sap and bottle your maple syrup, this delicious recipe alone is worth all your effort.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/jen-scotts-butter-tarts/16518/" target="_blank"><strong>Jen Scott’s Butter Tarts</strong></a></p>
  • Peppermint Nanaimo Bars
     
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    Peppermint Nanaimo Bars

    <p>Turn this nostalgic treat into a fancy holiday dessert with this simple recipe. A chewy cocoa graham base is topped with a creamy custard filling, a chocolate glaze hit with a splash of peppermint, and dotted with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to complete the festive look. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/holly-jolly-peppermint-nanaimo-bars/" target="_blank"><strong>Peppermint Nanaimo Bars</strong></a></p>
  • Maple Leche Flan
     
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    Maple Leche Flan

    <p>A classic Filipino dessert gets the Canadian treatment. When flipped, these flans reveal a mouthwatering maple caramel on top of a light and creamy egg custard.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/maple-leche-flan/20493/" target="_blank">Maple Leche Flan</a></strong></p>
  • Maple Gingerbread Bûche de Noël
     
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    Maple Gingerbread Bûche de Noël

    <p>Spiced gingerbread cake makes a tasty base for this traditional Christmas dessert. Top with candied walnuts, almonds or your favourite nuts for a beautiful ‘bark’ for your holiday log.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/maple-gingerbread-buche-de-noel-with-salted-praline-topping/" target="_blank">Maple Gingerbread Bûche de Noël</a></strong></p>
  • Mincemeat Pie
     
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    Mincemeat Pie

    <p>Satisfy your sweet tooth with this mincemeat pie, packed with raisins, apples, currants, and cranberries.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mincemeat-pie/12729" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Mincemeat Pie</a></strong></p>
  • Newfoundland Snowballs
     
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    Newfoundland Snowballs

    <p>Chocolate fudge, coconut and oats are rolled into delicious little bites, making a perfect kitchen-party treat.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/newfoundland-snowballs/19829/" target="_blank">Newfoundland Snowballs</a></strong></p>
  • The Great Canadian Gingerbread House
     
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    The Great Canadian Gingerbread House

    <p>You’ve spent hours decorating with delicately placed candies and royal icing details, but don’t forget to savour your baking talent by eating your gingerbread house, too!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/the-great-canadian-gingerbread-cabin/" target="_blank">The Great Canadian Gingerbread House</a></strong></p>
  • Apple Maple Poke Cake
     
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    Apple Maple Poke Cake

    <p>This tasty apple cake has morsels of fresh Canadian apples. Get the kids in the kitchen to help poke holes in the cake for the rich maple caramel sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/apple-poke-cake/18824/" target="_blank"><strong>Apple Poke Cake</strong></a></p>
  • The Best Butter Tart Cheesecake
     
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    The Best Butter Tart Cheesecake

    <p>Whether you're pro-raisins or purely a pecan fan, a party isn’t really a party without butter tarts. Impress the butter tart lovers in your life with an incredibly indulgent cheesecake, topped with a sticky, caramel butter tart filling and salty, crunchy pecans. Sub the nuts for raisins if that’s your jam.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/the-best-butter-tart-cheesecake/" target="_blank"><strong>The Best Butter Tart Cheesecake</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Apple Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream
     
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    Vegan Apple Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream

    <p>This heavenly vegan double-layered apple cake is easy to make and combines fresh apples, cinnamon, all-spice, ginger, molasses and brown sugar with a fluffy and sweet maple buttercream frosting. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/how-to-make-vegan-apple-spice-cake-with-maple-buttercream/" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan Apple Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream</strong></a></p>
  • Pecan Butter Tart Squares
     
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    Pecan Butter Tart Squares

    <p> Forget finicky pastries and whip up a batch of these simple butter tart squares instead. Sweet, buttery shortbread is the base for these delectable Canadian treats. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pecan-butter-tart-squares/19392/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pecan Butter Tart Squares</a></strong> </p>
  • Giant Maple Doughnut Cake
     
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    Giant Maple Doughnut Cake

    <p> A fun and colourful dessert the whole family will love, this giant <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/party-worthy-doughnut-recipes" rel="noopener" target="_blank">party-worthy doughnut</a> is festive, sweet and mixes vanilla cake and Canadian maple syrup. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giant-maple-doughnut-cake/18434/" target="_blank">Giant Maple Doughnut Cake</a></strong></p>
  • Nutty Canadian Candy Bark
     
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    Nutty Canadian Candy Bark

    <p>Who doesn’t love chocolate bark? Make this crunchy treat part of your celebration with rich, roasted red peanuts, sweet raspberry jam and creamy milk chocolate.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/nutty-canadian-candy-bark/18518/" target="_blank"><strong>Nutty Canadian Candy Bark</strong></a></p>
  • Chocolate Bottom Butter Tarts
     
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    Chocolate Bottom Butter Tarts

    <p>Shake up the classic tarts by baking a crumbly, chocolatey base. There’s still your favourite sweet, gooey filling, topped with a chocolate drizzle.</p> <p>Get the recipes for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/chocolate-bottom-butter-tarts/18829/" target="_blank"><strong>Chocolate Bottom Butter Tarts</strong></a></p>
  • Maple Sponge Toffee
     
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    Maple Sponge Toffee

    <p>Crispy, lighter-than-air sponge toffee gets a classic Canadian twist with maple syrup! You’ll love the deep, rich caramel flavour the maple brings to this crunchy, stick-to-your-molars dessert.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/maple-sponge-toffee/19753/" target="_blank">Maple Sponge Toffee</a></strong></p>
  • Flapper Pie
     
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    Flapper Pie

    <p>Many Prairie families have a recipe for this much-loved pie that's thought to have originated in the 1920's. This simple vanilla custard pie has a graham cracker crust and is topped with lots of fluffy meringue.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/marilyns-flapper-pie/16516/" target="_blank"><strong>Flapper Pie<strong></a></p>
  • Maple Crêpe Cake
     
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    Maple Crêpe Cake

    <p>Impress your brunch guests and practice your crêpe making skills with this beautiful cake filled with layer-after-layer of maple custard.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-crepe-cake-with-maple-glazed-pecans/15439/" target="_blank"><strong>Maple Crêpe Cake<strong></a></p>
  • Roll Kuchen
     
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    Roll Kuchen

    <p>Learn how to make the Mennonite classic at home with this traditional fried cookie recipe from Saskatchewan.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/roll-kuchen/16314/" target="_blank">Roll Kuchen</a></strong></p>
  • Maple Cinnamon Rolls
     
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    Maple Cinnamon Rolls

    <p>Slip these light and fluffy rolls into the oven before you sit down for dinner, and the smell will waft into the dining room, just in time for dessert. Don't forget to drizzle with maple glaze and serve warm.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/maple-cinnamon-rolls/18830/" target="_blank"><strong>Maple Cinnamon Rolls</strong></a></p>
  • Eggnog Cream Pie
     
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    Eggnog Cream Pie

    <p>Creamy, eggnog custard is the dreamy filling in this decadent dessert that starts with a sweet graham cracker crust and is topped with boozy rum whipped cream.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/eggnog-cream-pie/18819/" target="_blank"><strong>Eggnog Cream Pie</strong></a></p>
  • Nanaimo Ice Cream Cake
     
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    Nanaimo Ice Cream Cake

    <p>Turn that sweet tray favourite into a decadent True North dessert by layering the traditional base and custard filling with ice cream, then topping it off with chocolate.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/nanaimo-ice-cream-cake/18608/" target="_blank"><strong>Nanaimo Ice Cream Cake</strong></a></p>
  • Nanaimo Bar Pie
     
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    Nanaimo Bar Pie

    <p>A Canadian wintertime or anytime classic, the Nanaimo bar, is transformed into one big, family-style pie. All of the flavours, textures and, of course, chocolatey goodness are in-tact, staying true to the original square while bringing something brand new to the table.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/how-to-make-this-irresistible-nanaimo-bar-pie/" target="_blank"><strong>Nanaimo Bar Pie</strong></a></p>
  • Giant Jos Louis Cake
     
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    Giant Jos Louis Cake

    <p>Based on one of Canada's most popular treats, this giant red velvet cake sandwich is filled with a creamy marshmallow-y layer with a milk chocolate coating.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giant-jos-louis/17912/" target="_blank"><strong>Giant Jos Louis Cake<strong></a></p>
  • Lumberjack Cookies
     
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    Lumberjack Cookies

    <p>You don’t need to be a lumberjack to enjoy these soft and sweet plaid sugar cookies!</p> <p>Get the recipes for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/lumberjack-cookies/18558/" target="_blank"><strong>Lumberjack Cookies</strong></a></p>
  • Nanaimo Cheesecake Bars
     
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    Nanaimo Cheesecake Bars

    <p>The classic Canadian layered bar gets a cheesecake twist in this delicious treat that will quickly become a family favourite.</p> <p>Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/nanaimo-cheesecake-bars/18517/" target="_blank"><strong>Nanaimo Cheesecake Bars</strong></a></p>
  • Canadian No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
     
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    Canadian No-Bake Cheesecake Bars

    <p>You don’t even need to turn on the oven to whip up a batch of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/no-bake-desserts/#!rainbow-no-bake-cheesecake2" rel="noopener" target="_blank">no-bake desserts</a>. A red graham cracker base and a few sprinkles make these creamy cheesecake bites celebration-worthy.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/canadian-no-bake-cheesecake-bars/18521/" target="_blank"><strong>Canadian No-Bake Cheesecake Bars</strong></a></p>
  • Pouding Chomeur
     
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    Pouding Chomeur

    <p>Ironically, this super rich, golden dessert is known as poor man’s pudding in Quebec. What makes it seriously sweet is pouring maple syrup on on top of the cake batter. As the cake bakes, it rises to the top, soaking in the sweet, syrup flavour, leaving a creamy cake on top and a pool of thick maple syrup underneath. Talk about decadent.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pouding-chomeur/10255/" target="_blank">Pouding Chomeur</a></strong></p>
  • "Blue Ribbon" Apple Pie
     
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    "Blue Ribbon" Apple Pie

    <p>The ultimate sweet tooth-satisfying comfort food, Anna's no-fail apple pie recipe is sure to please.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/blue-ribbon-apple-pie/12728/">Anna Olson's "Blue Ribbon" Apple Pie</a></strong></p>
  • Saskatoon Berries
     
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    Saskatoon Berries

    <p>If you're from the Prairies, you’ll know these luscious little berries as ‘Saskatoons.' Similar to blueberries, these tiny purple jewels are found by the bushel in the wild. Their sweet, nutty flavour make them perfect for jams, sauces, pies, crisps and crumbles.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/saskatoon-rhubarb-pie/18068/" target="_blank"><strong>Saskatoon Rhubarb Pie</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Apple Crumble Tart with Salted Caramel
     
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    Vegan Apple Crumble Tart with Salted Caramel

    <p>This delicious and decadent vegan salted caramel apple crumble tart is absolutely perfect for fall, but definitely one to add to your arsenal year round!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/vegan-apple-crumble-tart-with-salted-caramel-37866/" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan Apple Crumble Tart with Salted Caramel</strong></a></p>
  • Rum and Eggnog Loaf
     
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    Rum and Eggnog Loaf

    <p>This rum and eggnog-infused loaf will satisfy your holiday cravings all winter long.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rum-and-eggnog-loaf/17258/" target="_blank"><strong>Rum and Eggnog Loaf</strong></a></p>
  • British Columbia: Nanaimo Bars
     
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    British Columbia: Nanaimo Bars

    <p>This bake-sale classic is popular around the country now, but its name is all B.C.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="//www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-ultimate-nanaimo-bar/16810/"><strong>The Ultimate Nanaimo Bar</strong></a></p>
  • Chocolate Pumpkin Piecaken
     
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    Chocolate Pumpkin Piecaken

    <p>Considered the ‘turkducken’ of desserts, this chocolate cake with a whole pumpkin pie baked inside is a fun way to surprise your guests with a double dose of dessert.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/behold-the-chocolate-pumpkin-piecaken/" target="_blank"><strong>Chocolate Pumpkin Piecaken</strong></a></p>
  • Double Chocolate Pear Trifle
     
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    Double Chocolate Pear Trifle

    <p>This decadent trifle is the perfect end to any party. Layers of rich chocolate cake are nestled between silky white chocolate cream and vanilla poached pears.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/double-chocolate-pear-trifle/16926/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson’s Double Chocolate Pear Trifle</strong></a></p>
  • Giant Portuguese Custard Tart
     
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    Giant Portuguese Custard Tart

    <p>Pastel de nata is already a delicious treat, but image the mouthwatering when you bring out a giant version of this Portuguese favourite. A touch of cinnamon in the creamy filling is what gives it the signature and addictive hint of spice to every bite.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/giant-portuguese-custard-tart/19793/" target="_blank">Giant Portuguese Custard Tart</a></strong></p>
  • Spicy Maple Pumpkin Pie
     
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    Spicy Maple Pumpkin Pie

    <p>Use less brown sugar and go straight for the maple syrup to sweeten up your pumpkin pie.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-maple-pumpkin-pie/3446/" target="_blank"><strong>Spicy Maple Pumpkin Pie<strong></a></p>
  • Maple Eggnog Crème Brûlée
     
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    Maple Eggnog Crème Brûlée

    <p>Infused with Canadian maple syrup and festive eggnog, this decadent dessert is easier to make than you think.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/maple-eggnog-creme-brulee/18814/" target="_blank">Maple Eggnog Crème Brûlée</a></strong></p>
  • Biscotti, 6 Ways
     
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    Biscotti, 6 Ways

    <p>There are countless ways to customize this super simple biscotti recipe. Try cranberry and lemon, hazelnut and pretzel, cinnamon roll, or mix in your own festive flavours.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/1-easy-biscotti-recipe-6-tasty-holiday-cookies/" target="_blank">Biscotti, 6 Ways</a></strong></p>
  • Giant Coconut Raspberry Thumbprint Cake
     
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    Giant Coconut Raspberry Thumbprint Cake

    <p>Customize this cake with holiday flavours for an impressive festive treat. This creamy coconut cake would pair perfectly with a maple-caramel or chocolate filling, or try a sweetened cranberry jam. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/giant-coconut-raspberry-thumbprint-cookie-cake/" target="_blank">Giant Coconut Raspberry Thumbprint Cake</a></strong></p>
  • Cherry Cheese Cake Babka
     
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    Cherry Cheese Cake Babka

    <p>A tasty treat to slice and serve with coffee after a big meal. Cherry pie filling and cream cheese help make this beautiful braided bread a real holiday star.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/take-babka-to-the-next-level-with-3-twists/" target="_blank">Cherry Cheese Cake Babka</a></strong></p>
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