81 dandy cake recipes

Traditional German lebkuchen cookies with honey, molasses, almonds, candied fruit, and five warm spices. Soft, chewy spice cookies brushed with lemon glaze for a classic Christmas treat.

Almond-raisin biscotti, twice-baked until crisp, with toasted almonds, plump raisins and bright orange in two forms. A coffee-dunking Italian cookie made airy by folding in whipped egg whites.

Aran Spiosrai is a traditional Irish spice bread with raisins, candied fruit, golden syrup, and mixed spice baked low and slow in a loaf pan. It actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors deepen.

The low-calorie rice pudding flan is so delicious by itself that you may want to save the calories and fat in the crust, and serve it without the pastry.

Irish Christmas cake soaked in whiskey with dried fruits, almonds, candied orange peel, and a marzipan coating. A rich, dense celebration cake that starts with an overnight whiskey fruit soak.

Little fruit cake squares packed with chopped dates, candied cherries, and pecans, baked in a 9-inch pan and rolled in powdered sugar. Bite-sized holiday treats.

These cookies with a candy bar center, from Bev Bosveld of Waupun, are packed with coconut.

Caramelized slow-cooked spiced apples served with angel food cake and ice cream. Undoubtedly apple euphoria. Crockpot or slow cooker recipe.

Berlin Bread is a spiced German bar cookie loaded with grated chocolate, almonds, rum, apple preserves, and candied lemon peel. Iced while warm and sliced thin, these fragrant little bars belong on every holiday baking list.

Get into the holiday spirit with this decorative cookie that is sure to have the kids hungry for more.

Vegan fruit cake packed with dried fruit, candied peel, orange rind, and almonds, leavened with a soy milk and vinegar reaction instead of eggs. A dense, dairy-free holiday cake baked low and slow.

Pfeffernusse-style German pepper cookies with white pepper, cinnamon, mixed spice, candied peel, and lemon zest. Small, puffy spice balls dusted in powdered sugar.

This fat-free blond fruitcake is packed with candied pineapple, dried apricots, and peaches, held together with applesauce instead of butter. Aged in orange liqueur for deep, boozy flavor.

The cream cheese gives these cookies a smooth texture, while the fruits sparkle and sweeten the flavor.

Layered caramel brownies with German sweet chocolate, a gooey melted caramel center, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Fudgy, chewy, and utterly over the top. Makes 25.

Pfeffernuesse are traditional German spice cookies made with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, rum, and candied lemon peel, finished with a white icing.