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Easy Holiday Baking for People Who Don't Bake

Discover easy holiday baking recipes anyone can make! From simple cookies and cupcakes to foolproof cakes and no-bake desserts, this roundup is perfect for people who don’t bake but still want festive Thanksgiving and Christmas treats.

Stress-Free Holiday Baking? Yes, Please!

The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for those who don’t feel confident in the kitchen, baking can be stressful. I'm right there with you. For years, I was the one who never offered to bring dessert. My baking skills were non-existent.

That's why I put this post today, to be perfectly honest--for the old me, the one who was convinced she would never be a baker. The one who was equally as convinced she would ruin Thanksgiving or Christmas for the others if she offered to bring dessert.

The good news. . .

Holiday desserts don’t have to be complicated.

I know that now. And I've collected so many simple recipes that it just makes sense to share them in one holiday-themed post for those of you who struggle, as I once did. You really can do it, my friend. You can be the one who brings dessert.

Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas cookie exchange, or just want something sweet for your family, these recipes are foolproof, festive, and easy enough for anyone to make.

These holiday-themed desserts that are so simple, you won't have to fret. Some are no-bake, some are low-bake, many involve a simple doctored cake mix, and others (like trifles) could even come together with store-bought products. You can conquer your fears with these simplistic project and have a blast in the process.

No matter which dessert you choose, you'll be the star of the show at this year's holiday gathering, I promise!

Holiday Cookies Made Simple

Cookies are the heartbeat of holiday baking, but you don’t need fancy skills to whip up a batch. These recipes keep it simple while still looking (and tasting) amazing.

Easy as Pie Holiday Pies

Pies are often seen as the “scary” holiday dessert, but they don’t have to be. These recipes skip complicated crusts and fancy techniques, making it easy for anyone to bake up a holiday classic. From no-bake fillings to easy shortcuts, you’ll find pies that are as stress-free as they are delicious.

No-Bake and Low-Bake Holiday Desserts

When you want something festive without heating up the kitchen.

Not everything delicious has to come out of the oven. No-bake (and nearly no-bake) desserts are lifesavers during the holidays. They’re fast, forgiving, and almost impossible to mess up—perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time.

Cupcakes Anyone Can Make

Cupcakes look fancy but they’re one of the simplest desserts to make—especially when you start with a cake mix. Add a swirl of frosting and some sprinkles, and you’ve got holiday magic in minutes.

Foolproof Cakes & Bundts

No layer cakes or complicated decorations—just easy mixes dressed up for the holidays.

Layer cakes can feel intimidating, but bundt cakes and single-layer cakes deliver wow factor with half the work. These recipes are festive, flavorful, and practically bake themselves.

Simple Holiday Cookie Bars

All the flavor of cookies, none of the fuss.

Holiday cookie trays don’t have to mean endless scooping or rolling dough. Cookie bars are the shortcut every “non-baker” needs—just mix, bake in a pan, and slice. They’re festive, foolproof, and perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or Thanksgiving dessert tables.

Simple Holiday Candies

Sweet, festive, and no baking required.

Candy-making sounds intimidating, but these recipes couldn’t be easier. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have holiday-ready treats in no time. Perfect for gifting, parties, or filling out a dessert tray without turning on the oven.

Holiday baking doesn’t have to mean stress, mess, or complicated techniques. With these simple recipes, you can bring festive flavors to the table and actually enjoy the process. Remember—baking is about sharing love, not perfection. Even if you’re a “self-proclaimed lousy baker,” these recipes will make you feel like a holiday pro.

That's it for this holiday round-up, friends! Before you go, why no pin some pictures to your Pinterest boards?

About the Baker

Janice Thompson is the baker behind Out of the Box Baking, where she specializes in recipes that prove holiday treats don’t have to be complicated. Known for her love of cake-mix hacks, quick shortcuts, and no-fail desserts, Janice helps self-proclaimed “non-bakers” find joy and confidence in the kitchen. Her mission? To make holiday baking stress-free, fun, and foolproof—because everyone deserves to bring something sweet to the table without the overwhelm.

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