31 African Christmas Desserts To Make This Season

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, of course, food! If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your holiday table this year, why not try one of these African Christmas desserts? From Ghanaian fruitcake to Malawian Sweet Potato Cookies , there’s sure to be a treat here that everyone will love. So get cooking… and Merry Christmas!

Top 31 African Christmas Dessert Recipes

Top 30 African Christmas Dessert Recipes

In Africa, Christmas is a time to come together and celebrate with family and friends. There are many traditional Christmas desserts that are enjoyed across the continent. Here are 28 African Christmas dessert recipes that you can make at home this holiday season!

#1. Malawi Peanut Balls (Mtedza)

African Christmas Desserts - Malawi Peanut Balls (Mtedza) ( — African Christmas Desserts – Malawi Peanut Balls (Mtedza) (Photo Credit: Global Table Adventure)

Malawi peanut balls (mtedza) are a traditional Christmas dessert in many parts of Africa. They are made from peanuts, sugar, and spices, and are often served with a sweet sauce or gravy. Peanut balls are a popular Christmas treat in Malawi, and are often given as gifts to friends and family. Get The Recipe Here

#2. Cocada Amarela

African Christmas Desserts - Cocada Amarela — African Christmas Desserts – Cocada Amarela (Photo Credit: 196Flavors)

Cocada amarela is a traditional Christmas dessert from Angola. It is made with coconut milk, sugar, and egg yolks, and is usually served with a side of fresh fruit. This dessert is both rich and sweetness, making it a perfect ending to any holiday meal. Get The Recipe Here.

ALSO READ: 13 Popular African Foods You Cannot Miss In Each Region

#3. Ghraiba Homs(Chickpea Flour Ghraiba)

African Christmas Desserts -Ghraiba Homs(Chickpea Flour Ghraiba) (Photo Credit: Treats Homemade)

Ghraiba homs are one of the most popular African Christmas desserts. This dish is made with chickpea flour, sugar, and butter, and it is often served with a dollop of crème fraîche or ice cream. Ghraiba homs are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these little fritters are highly addictive. Get The Recipe Here.

#4. Moroccan Orange Cake Recipe – Meskouta with Oranges

Moroccan Orange Cake Recipe – Meskouta with Oranges (Photo Credit: Taste Of Maroc)

Meskouta, or Moroccan orange cake, is a delicious and easy-to-make African dessert. This cake is traditionally made with semolina flour, but you can also use all-purpose flour. The cake is moist and flavorful, and the orange flavor is really pronounced. It’s a great dessert to make for Christmas or any other occasion. Get The Recipe Here

#5. South African Fruit Cake

African Christmas Desserts – South African Fruit Cake (Photo Credit: The South African)

Enjoy a delicious South African fruit cake this Christmas! This cake is packed with dried fruit and nuts, and is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. or sharing with friends and family. Get The Recipe Here

#6. Sweet Semolina Cake – Ravani

African Christmas Desserts – Sweet Semolina Cake – Ravani (Photo Credit: Akis Petretzikis)

When it comes to Christmas desserts, there are so many delicious options to choose from. But if you’re looking for something a little different this year, why not try a traditional African sweet semolina cake? This cake is usually made with a semolina flour, sugar, milk, butter, and eggs. The semolina flour gives the cake a nice, dense texture, while the sugar and milk create a deliciously sweet flavor. Get The Recipe Here

ALSO READ: 13 Afrocentric Wedding Cake Ideas

#7. South African Malva Pudding W/ Easy Frozen Custard

South African Malva Pudding W/ Easy Frozen Custard (Photo Credit: Simply Delicious Food)

This South African Malva Pudding is a must-have Christmas dessert! The pudding is made with a combination of eggs, flour, sugar, and cream, and is served with an easy frozen custard. It’s a simple yet stunning dessert that will leave your guests amazed. Get The Recipe Here

#8. South African Bollas(Goolgoolas)

South African Bollas(Goolgoolas) By Marriam Sayed — African Christmas Desserts – South African Bollas(Goolgoolas) (Photo Credit: Marriam Sayed)

Goolgoolas are South African Christmas balls made from a dough of flour, sugar, margarine, baking powder, and eggs. They are deep-fried and coated with a sugar syrup. Goolgoolas are traditionally served with coffee or tea. Get The Recipe Here

#9. Sunrise Biscuits (Mbatata)

Sunrise Biscuits (Mbatata) By Global Table Adventure — African Christmas Desserts – Sunrise Biscuits (Mbatata) (Photo Credit: Global Table Adventure)

There’s nothing quite like waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of freshly baked biscuits. And if you’re looking for a festive treat that’s a little bit different, why not try making sunrise biscuits (mbatata)? These African-inspired biscuits are made with sweet potato and spiced with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, and make a great addition to any Christmas feast. Get The Recipe Here

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#10. Hertzoggies (South African Jam and Coconut Tartlets)

African Christmas Desserts - Hertzoggies (Photo Credit: Tara’s Multicultural Table) — African Christmas Desserts – Hertzoggies (Photo Credit: Tara’s Multicultural Table)

Hertzoggies are a South African favorite, and for good reason! These tartlets are made with a delicious jam filling and a topping of shredded coconut. They’re perfect for any Christmas gathering, and your guests will be sure to love them. Get The Recipe Here

#11. Sudanese Kahk – Sugar Coated Cookies

Sudanese Kahk – Sugar Coated Cookies By Taste Of South Sudan — African Christmas Desserts -Sudanese Kahk – Sugar Coated Cookies(Photo Credit: Taste Of South Sudan)

There are few things more festive than a batch of freshly baked cookies, and these Sudanese Kahk cookies are no exception. These sugar-coated cookies are popular during the Christmas season, and make for a delicious treat. Get The Recipe Here

#12. Dziriat (Algerian Almond Tarts)

African Christmas Desserts - Dziriat (Algerian Almond Tarts) (Photo Credit: All Recipes) — African Christmas Desserts – Dziriat (Algerian Almond Tarts) (Photo Credit: All Recipes)

Dziriat are Algerian almond tarts that are traditionally served during the holiday season. These tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and are filled with a sweet almond filling. Dziriat are often decorated with almonds, pistachios, or other nuts. Get The Recipe Here

#13. Malawian Sweet Potato Cookies

Malawian Sweet Potato Cookies By Curious Cuisiniere — African Christmas Desserts – Malawian Sweet Potato Cookies (Photo Credit: Curious Cuisiniere(

There’s nothing quite like a homemade cookie, and these Malawian sweet potato cookies are no exception! Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Get The Recipe Here

#14. Vitumbua (Coconut Rice Pancakes)

Vitumbua (Coconut Rice Pancakes) By Immaculate Bites — African Christmas Deserts – Vitumbua (Coconut Rice Pancakes) (Photo Credit: Immaculate Bites)

Make these light and fluffy coconut rice pancakes, or vitumbua, for a special Christmas breakfast. The pancakes are made with coconut milk and rice flour, and are usually served with a sweet sauce or honey. Get The Recipe Here

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#15. Caakiri (Couscous Pudding)

African Christmas Desserts - Caakiri (Couscous Pudding)(Photo Credit: Stoned Soup) — African Christmas Desserts – Caakiri (Couscous Pudding)(Photo Credit: Stoned Soup)

Caakiri is a type of couscous pudding that is very popular in African countries. It is made with couscous, milk, sugar, and spices. The pudding is usually served during the Christmas season. Get The Recipe Here

#16. Malawi Mbatata – Cheese and Simsim Balls

Malawi Mbatata – Cheese and Simsim Balls By The Food Of Africa — Malawi Mbatata – Cheese and Simsim Balls (Photo Credit: The Food Of Africa)

Malawi mbatata is a traditional Christmas dessert from the African country of Malawi. It is made with cheese, simsim (a type of sesame seed), and balls of dough. The balls are usually fried, but they can also be baked. The cheese in this recipe gives the mbatata a rich, creamy flavor. The simsim adds a nutty taste and crunchy texture. And the balls of dough provide a soft, fluffy base for the other ingredients. This dessert is simple to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Get The Recipe Here

#17. Shuku Shuku (Coconut Balls)

Shuku Shuku (Coconut Balls) By Connect Nigeria — African Christmas Desserts – Shuku Shuku (Coconut Balls) (Photo Credit: Connect Nigeria)

When it comes to African Christmas desserts, there is no shortage of delicious options to choose from. One of our favorites is Shuku Shuku, also known as Coconut Balls. This dish is made by combining shredded coconut, flour, and sugar, then shaping the mixture into small balls. Once they are rolled in sugar, they are ready to be enjoyed! We love Shuku Shuku because it is such a festive treat – the balls are the perfect size for popping into your mouth. Get The Recipe Here

#18. Bjawia (Bjaouia)

Bjawia (Bjaouia) By 196 Flavors — African Christmas Desserts – Bjawia (Bjaouia)(Photo Credit: 196 Flavors)

Bjawia, or bjaouia, is a Tunisian dessert that is perfect for the Christmas season. This dish is made with roasted dried fruits that are covered in a soft syrup. The result is a bite-size pastry that is full of flavor and aroma. Pistachios are often used as a topping for this dessert, which give it an extra crunch. Get The Recipe Here

#19. Milk Tart Recipe

African Christmas Dessert - Milk Tart Recipe (Photo Credit: Ester Kocht) — African Christmas Dessert – Milk Tart Recipe (Photo Credit: Ester Kocht)

A milk tart, or melktert, is a South African dessert made with a pastry crust and a custard filling made with milk, eggs, and flour. The custard is often spiced with cinnamon, and the tart is served chilled or at room temperature. Milk tarts are a popular Christmas dessert in South Africa, and they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Get The Recipe Here

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#20. Kaber Ellouz (Tunisian Almond Balls)

Kaber Ellouz (Tunisian Almond Balls) By Taras Multi Cultural Table — Kaber Ellouz (Tunisian Almond Balls) (Photo Credit: Taras Multi Cultural Table)

Kaber Ellouz, also known as Tunisian almond balls, are a delicious and festive treat! These bite-sized balls are made with ground almonds, butter, sugar, and orange blossom water, and they are rolled in powdered sugar. Kaber Ellouz are a traditional Tunisian dessert, and they are often served at weddings and other special occasions. If you want to make these for Christmas, simply shape them into small balls and roll them in the powdered sugar. They will be sure to impress your guests! Get The Recipe Here

#21. Chocolate Puff Puff Recipe By From My Bowl

A rich, chocolatey twist on the traditional African puff puff, these Chocolate Puff Puffs are sure to be a hit this holiday season! Made with a simple batter of flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and water, they are fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar or shredded toasted coconut. Get The Recipe Here

#22. Pampoenkoekies (South African Pumpkin Fritters)

Pampoenkoekies (South African Pumpkin Fritters) By African Bites — Pampoenkoekies (South African Pumpkin Fritters) (Photo Credit: Immaculate Bites)

Pampoenkoekies are a type of South African fritter made with pumpkin. They are often served as a dessert or snack, and can be either sweet or savory. Get The Recipe Here

#23. Peppermint Crisp Tart – Mini Caramel Desserts (South African dessert)

Peppermint Crisp Tart – Mini Caramel Desserts (South African dessert) By Bake With Gen — Peppermint Crisp Tart – Mini Caramel Desserts (South African dessert) (Photo Credit: Bake With Gen)

Though this African Christmas dessert is called a tart, it’s more like a miniature caramel dessert. The peppermint chocolate, caramel, and crushed biscuits come together to create a flavor that’s both festive and delicious. This is a perfect dessert for parties or large gatherings. Get The Recipe Here

ALSO READ: 15 Delicious African Recipes You Should Try This Easter

#24. Tanzanian Mandazi (Buns)

Tanzanian Mandazi (Buns) By Aliya Leekong — African Christmas Desserts – Tanzanian Mandazi (Buns) (Photo Credit: Aliya Leekong)

Tanzanian mandazi are sweet, fluffy buns that are traditionally made for special occasions. They can be enjoyed plain or filled with a variety of fillings, such as jam, chocolate, or coconut. Get The Recipe Here

#25. Hazelnut(Assida) Hazelnut Cream

Hazelnut(Assida) Hazelnut Cream By Treats Homemade — African Christmas Desserts – Hazelnut(Assida) Hazelnut Cream(Photo Credit: Treats Homemade)

If you’ve never had Tunisian hazelnut cream, also known as assida, then you’re in for a treat! This rich and creamy dessert is made with roasted hazelnut paste, ground nuts sugar, and flour, and it’s absolutely delicious. Get The Recipe Here

#26. Mahalabia (Egyptian Milk Pudding)

Mahalabia (Egyptian Milk Pudding) By All Recipes — African Christmas Dessert – Mahalabia (Egyptian Milk Pudding) ( Photo Credit: All Recipes)

Mahalabia is a traditional Egyptian milk pudding that is often served during Christmas. It is made with milk, cornstarch, sugar, and flavoured with rose water or orange blossom water. Mahalabia is usually served chilled and garnished with cinnamon powder. Get The Recipe Here

#27. Instant Pot Malva Pudding Cakes

African Christmas Dessert – Instant Pot Malva Pudding Cakes By West Of The Loop

These Instant Pot Malva Pudding Cakes are a perfect example of an African Christmas dessert that is both delicious and refreshing. These pudding cakes are made with a light sponge cake base, and are infused with a sweet, syrupy sauce. Get The Recipe Here

#28. Malva Pudding Chocolate

African Christmas Desserts - Malva Pudding Chocolate — African Christmas Desserts – Malva Pudding Chocolate (Photo Credit: Immaculate Bites)

This pudding is made with chocolate and malva sauce. It is a South African dessert that is popular during the Christmas season. The pudding is served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. Get The Recipe Here

#29: Sweet Thiakry

African Christmas Desserts -Sweet Thiakry (Photo Credit: Yummy Medley)

Sweet thiakry is a Senegalese dessert made with cooked millet, ground peanuts, and sugar. It is also typically served during Christmas. Get The Recipe Here

#30. Ghoriba Bahla Moroccan Shortbread Cookies

Ghoriba Bahla Moroccan Shortbread Cookies By The Spruce Eats — Ghoriba Bahla Moroccan Shortbread Cookies(Photo Credit: The Spruce Eats)

This recipe includes two different variations on a Moroccan shortbread cookie with just one basic dough. The crunchy, nutty additions of unhulled sesame and almonds provide texture and flavor, but feel free to use one or the other, or both. We recommend Ghoriba Bahla as our top choice. Get The Recipe Here

ALSO READ: 9 Unconventional Jollof Rice recipes for World Jollof Rice Day

#31. Zuri’s South African Picnic Bread

Zuri’s South African Picnic Bread (Photo Credit: Lavander and Lovage)

Zuri’s South African Picnic Bread is the perfect dish for your Christmas party! This bread is made with a traditional South African recipe, and it is filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. Get The Recipe Here

#32. Batbout flatbread

Batbout flatbread By BBC — African Christmas Desserts – Batbout flatbread (Photo Credit: BBC)

Batbout flatbread is a ring-shaped flatbread that is traditionally served in Morocco during the Christmas season. This bread is typically made with a semolina flour dough that is flattened and then fried or baked. Batbout flatbread is often served with a variety of dipping sauces Get The Recipe Here

Conclusion

With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about what festive desserts you’ll be making this year. If you’re looking for some inspiration, why not try out some of these delicious African Christmas desserts? From rich and decadent cakes to light and refreshing fruit salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So get your baking supplies ready and let’s get started!