Five easy desserts for your Christmas gatherings

Did you volunteer to bring dessert this year?

Whether you're new to cooking or just want to keep dessert simple (and prep it ahead of time), here are five easy dessert recipes that will leave your guests sweetly satisfied. 

Watermelon and rose granita

With only a few ingredients, this dessert ticks all the boxes for a low fuss Christmas sweet. 

Cold and refreshing, it's a great way to end a rich festive meal. 

Add your favourite berries before serving (go for red ones to play up the Christmas theme), along with a bit of fresh mint. 

Roasted nectarines with nut crumble and lemon cream

This nut-filled crumble can be made ahead of time, making dessert that little bit easier. 

And spooning lemon-scented cream over warm stone fruit is something that works no matter what the season (you can also serve the roasted fruit at room temp). 

This recipe suggests nectarines, but you could also use other stone fruits like plums, peaches or apricots if you prefer. 

Vegan mango coconut and ginger trifle

Mangoes are one of the joys of the Australian summer. 

They are fantastic to have as part of your Christmas spread.  

Here, they are paired with ginger, lime and coconut to make a bright and delicious dessert. Make these trifles in individual glasses or jars to make serving a breeze.

Orange-soaked cherries, crumble and whipped mascarpone

Cherries are another Christmas blessing in the form of fruit.

Soak them fresh in orange juice and zest to add flavour, then mix them in with a simple crumble and whipped mascarpone for a festive end to your meal. 

The cherries and the crumble can be made in advance. 

Easy chocolate olive oil cake

Cakes with olive oil have a superb texture and stay moist. 

This one only requires a mixing bowl, an oven and a round tin to make. 

You can also decorate it with anything you like — think berries, cacao nibs, nuts or even just sea salt.