Christmas in the Philippines is always a feast. We prepare so much food to share with family, friends, and even neighbors who drop by. With so many dishes already cooking on the stove and filling the table, I find it comforting to have desserts that don’t take up too much time or effort. That’s why quick and easy no bake treats have become our go-to.
Most Filipino households don’t have ovens, which is probably why many of our desserts are simple but comforting. Some are just a quick mix of creamy all purpose cream with different flavors, while others are rice cakes that are steamed or cooked on the stovetop. These are the kinds of treats we’ve grown up with, and they’ve become part of every celebration, especially at Christmas.
These are my tried and tested no bake desserts that my family enjoys every Christmas, and they never fail to make the celebration extra special.
Fruit Salad
No Filipino Christmas table is complete without fruit salad. It’s a simple mix of fruit cocktail, all purpose cream, and condensed milk, but it brings so much joy. Every family has their own little twist, some add cheese, some add fresh fruits, and it’s always one of the first bowls to be emptied. You can find my full Filipino Fruit Salad Recipe here.
Peach Mango Float
This is one of the easiest desserts I make during the holidays, and it’s always a hit. Layers of graham crackers, sweet cream, peaches, and mangoes come together into a chilled cake that tastes so refreshing. It’s light but still feels indulgent, which makes it perfect after a big Christmas meal. See the step by step Peach Mango Float Recipe here.
Ube Float with Macapuno
If you love ube, this float is a must. It’s creamy, purple, and festive, with the rich flavor of ube paired with sweet macapuno on top. It looks beautiful on the table and feels so special without needing much effort. Check out my Ube Float with Macapuno Recipe here.
Oreo Float
Oreo float is definitely one of my son’s favorites, and it is so easy to make for Christmas. Layers of crushed Oreos, creamy all purpose cream, and sweetened condensed milk come together into a chilled dessert that feels both fun and indulgent. It is also known as cookies and cream, and either way, it is always a hit at our holiday table. Every time I serve it, I can’t help but watch how quickly it disappears. You can try my full Oreo Float Recipe here.
Maja Blanca
Maja Blanca is a classic coconut pudding made on the stovetop. It’s soft, creamy, and usually topped with toasted coconut or latik. My mom always made this for Christmas, and just a slice brings back so many memories of childhood celebrations.
Puto
Steamed rice cakes like puto are another holiday favorite. They’re soft, fluffy, and often served with cheese on top. I love putting a plate of these on the table because they pair so well with savory dishes too.
Coffee Jelly
Coffee jelly is such a fun and refreshing dessert to serve during Christmas. Made with cubes of coffee-flavored gelatin mixed with sweet cream, it is both light and satisfying. Grownups especially love it for the coffee kick. It is one of those quick desserts that looks fancy in a glass but only takes a few steps to prepare.
Buko Pandan
I can still recall the first time we made buko pandan, not to give away how old I am, but it was about 20 years ago. Honestly, it was mind blowing back then. We usually had fruit salad for celebrations, but this one was different. The combination of soft young coconut, fragrant pandan jelly, and creamy sweetened all purpose cream felt so fresh and special. Every bite was fun, and even now, it is one of those desserts that disappears fast whenever I serve it at Christmas.
Final Thoughts
Christmas has always been about sharing good food and making memories with the people we love. In Filipino homes, no bake desserts have become a big part of that tradition. They are simple, creamy, and often made with ingredients we already have in the kitchen. Whether it’s a chilled fruit salad, a creamy float, or something fun like dessert lasagna, these treats always bring smiles to the table.
What I love most about these desserts is that they can easily feed a crowd. You can prepare them ahead, keep them in the fridge, and serve them cold after a long day of cooking and laughter. No stress, no baking, just sweet moments shared with family and friends.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the food we make, but the joy that comes from preparing and enjoying it together. That’s what makes every Christmas so special.
