Non-chocolate but still indulgent, Christmas dessert

[EweProfessorSurnameDoctorProfessor]

I'm bringing a non-chocolate dessert to our Christmas meal this year but I'm stumped. Non-chocolate and Christmas dessert seems a huge oxymoron!

I usually make entremets with layers of flourless chocolate cake, a christmas-themed fruit jelly layer, a feuilletine/crunchy layer, all wrapped in a mousse and then mirror glaze but I don't know how to make this non-chocolatey.

Current thoughts:

• pistachio tiramisu
• eggnog tart
• a gingerbread dessert (cake version rather than biscuit) of some sort
• a gingerbread entremet with a gingerbread cake, eggnog mousse, maybe pears? maybe crushed up ginger cookie layer for crunch? not entirely sure

Please help with your christmassy suggestions! We're not huge fans of Christmas puddings/steamed puddings so that's massively limiting

Winter pavlova? Wnter pudding?

Cinnamon bun would be a fabulous option . I never allow myself to purchase them so getting one all to myself would be a real treat.

Or some sort of spice cake with buttercream.

I once made a chestnut meringue and cream dessert which was truly lush, though I’d probably find it a bit sweet nowadays. Maybe something like a tart cranberry coulis would offset that.

Pannatone bread and butter pudding?

Home made eclairs with either coffee or vanilla cream filling/icing

Strawberry Meringue Roulade (or any other fruit - I use tinned peaches sometimes) - easier than it looks to make

Ice Cream Bombe - line a small pudding bowl with vanilla ice cream, freeze, add another flavour layer ice cream, freeze, whip up double cream and add anything you like, such as nuts, liqueur, fruit or choc chips, freeze. Turn out onto plate and decorate.

Lemon Tart or Souffle

Home made Trifle

Tarte tatin

I saw Prue Leith talk about her new book recently and she totally inspired me about trifles, claiming she is known as the trifle queen in her family. No jelly - she said cake in jelly is like crumbs in the bed. She says just use any cake or bread (sponge, Swiss roll, panettone, brioche, croissants), spread with an appropriate jam/marmalade/nutella/pistachio spread, generously moistened with a complimentary booze, add some fruit that goes with the flavour combo, pour over custard (and shop bought is fine), top with cream and be lavish with the toasted nuts, shaved chocolate, sprinkles or any decorations. I'm doing at least a couple this Christmas - chocolate and orange, and apricot and amaretto are two in her new book. So easy! And delicious

This gingerbread trifle looks good!
https://www.supergoldenbakes.com/gingerbread-trifle/

A classic raspberry and sherry trifle!

I’ve done a lemon posset with homemade shortbread before. It’s quite refreshing after a large meal.

I’d associate trifle with Christmas more than a chocolate dessert.

Nigella’s Irish Cream Tiramisu is gorgeous. you could top with pomegranate seeds instead of the cocoa powder.