Seasonal Sweets From the Novel Baker

The holidays have a certain glow—that quiet shimmer that catches light on glassware, the sweet sparkle of sugared fruit, and the warmth of connection. This season, the goal isn’t abundance when it comes to dessert—it’s intention. Think of your serving table as a story told in soft light, thoughtful details, and a few unforgettable flavors that celebrate everyone gathered.

To help build the perfect presentation, use a variety of textures and heights. Mix glass and porcelain serving pieces with candles and fairy lights to create depth and reflection. Let your desserts rise and fall like music—parfaits in gleaming cups, small glass bowls of cookies, a scattering of golden macarons, and perhaps a single sparkling cocktail. The food you select can also add interest and create a story.

Natural Accents

Sugared cranberries (see recipe) are among the season’s favorite food art. They are the simplest way to add instant shimmer. Top off a drink with three or four on a cocktail pick, add a few to a platter, or simply fill a bowl with them for a festive look. Sprigs of rosemary can also be used as accents to add a touch of holiday greenery.

Something for Everyone

To honor the beauty of inclusion during the season, try showcasing three timeless cookies to represent a variety of celebrations: Hanukkah’s rugelach, flaky and gold-dusted; Kwanzaa’s benne cookies, tiny rounds of sesame warmth; and Christmas gingerbread, smiling with bow ties and bows. Together, these form a trio that feels joyful, familiar, and uniquely yours.

Carry that spirit over into petite holiday parfaits—a modern nod to dessert traditions. Craft Kwanzaa-inspired ones with mango, custard, and coconut; use Hanukkah’s apple-caramel layers over cake and cream; and blend Christmas flavors of peppermint and white chocolate. Top each with buttercream and a hint of edible gold leaf for a sparkle that carries through every culture.

Winter Layers

For a touch of confectionary magic, add a snowflake cookie tree to your table, with each embossed fondant layer dusted in a soft shimmer. Nearby, add cakes in two elegant forms—each finished in golden tones and glistening snowflake details. A gluten-free macaron or two tucked in among the glittering glasses keeps every guest included in the moment.

There’s no need for a centerpiece here—just create a magical, inviting array of glittering sweetness for you and your guests, each reflecting the glow of the season in its own light.

RECIPE

Sugared Cranberries

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups water
1 ¼ cups sugar (¾ cup for syrup and ½ cup for coating)
2 cups fresh cranberries

Directions:
Bring water and ¾ cup sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and add cranberries. Let stand for 15 minutes, then drain (reserving the syrup for cocktails). Spread cranberries on parchment paper to dry for one hour, then toss with ½ cup sugar. Store covered up to three days.

Alexis DeLuca is the owner and founder of The Novel Baker, a boutique cake studio in Doylestown known for its artful confections, elegant seasonal displays, and refined storytelling through edible art.

Photograph by Alexis DeLuca