If there’s one dessert that brings all the festive vibes without requiring a ton of effort, it’s this Christmas Crunch Cake. Imagine a creamy, no-bake treat with layers of whipped filling, a crunchy granola crust, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. This dessert has it all—texture, flavor, and a colorful, party-ready presentation.

The best part? It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require any time in the oven. Perfect for busy holiday schedules or those moments when you need an impressive dessert but don’t feel like baking. Whether you’re hosting a party or snuggling up for a quiet family night, this cake will bring joy to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crunch Cake

Quick and easy to prepare: No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed.
Festive appearance: The colorful nonpareils make it look like a Christmas wonderland.
Make-ahead magic: You can prepare it the day before and have it ready to serve.
Creamy and crunchy: The combination of smooth filling and crispy granola crust is simply irresistible.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4-6 hours
Servings: 9-12 (depending on slice size)
Calories per serving: Approximately 320

Ingredients for Christmas Crunch Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this festive dessert to life:

The Crust:

2 cups granola bars, crushed
The crunch factor! Granola bars provide the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Helps bind the granola mixture together for the crust.
3 tablespoons sugar
Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.

The Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
The creamy base that gives this dessert its luscious texture.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Sweet and silky, this ingredient ties the filling together beautifully.
1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Adds lightness and fluffiness to the filling.

Flavor and Topping:

1 teaspoon almond extract
For a nutty, holiday-inspired flavor.
1 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
Adds a subtle depth of flavor without alcohol.
¼ cup nonpareils, plus 1 teaspoon reserved for topping
These colorful sprinkles give the cake its Christmas magic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Prepare the Crust

Start by crushing the granola bars. You can place them in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor until you have fine crumbs.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed granola bars, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Generously spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Press half of the granola mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed cup to pack it down tightly.

2: Make the Filling

In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This ensures there are no lumps in the filling.
Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat the mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula to create a light, airy texture.
Stir in the almond extract and rum extract (if using) to add warm holiday flavors.
Finally, fold in ¼ cup of the nonpareils, reserving 1 teaspoon for the topping.

3: Assemble the Cake

Spread the whipped filling evenly over the granola crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining granola mixture over the filling, pressing it down lightly to create a top crust.
For a festive finishing touch, sprinkle the reserved nonpareils over the top.

4: Freeze and Serve

Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 4-6 hours, or until the cake is firm.
When ready to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Slice into squares and serve immediately.

How to Serve Christmas Crunch Cake

This dessert is versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

Drizzle with sauce: Add caramel or chocolate sauce over each slice for extra indulgence.
Serve with hot beverages: Pair it with hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
Top with whipped cream: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed peppermint for a festive flair.
Make it a centerpiece: Place it on a holiday dessert table alongside cookies, pies, and cakes.

Tips for Success

Use softened cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before beating to avoid lumps.
Pack the crust firmly: This prevents the crust from crumbling when slicing.
Freeze until fully firm: For clean, neat slices, ensure the cake is completely frozen before cutting.
Add sprinkles last: This keeps their colors vibrant and prevents them from bleeding into the filling.
Use fresh granola bars: Crunchy, fresh bars give the best texture for the crust.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Option:

Use gluten-free granola bars to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Peppermint Twist:

Replace the almond extract with peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a minty holiday version.

Chocolate Lovers’ Dream:

Swap some granola bars for crushed chocolate cookies or mix mini chocolate chips into the filling.

Tropical Twist:

Use coconut-flavored granola bars and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a tropical flair.

Kid-Friendly Version:

Skip the almond and rum extracts, and let the kids have fun decorating the top with extra sprinkles or candy.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover slices in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 1 week.

Freezing the Whole Cake

Wrap the entire cake tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought granola instead of granola bars?
Yes, but you may need to add more melted butter to help bind the crust.

What if I don’t have almond or rum extract?
You can leave them out or substitute vanilla extract for a classic flavor.

How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can prepare it up to 2 days ahead and keep it frozen until ready to serve.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan to accommodate the larger quantity.

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to the creamy texture, so substitutions are not recommended.

Conclusion

This Christmas Crunch Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert—festive, creamy, and full of irresistible crunch. It’s a no-bake treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

I’d love to hear how your Christmas Crunch Cake turns out! Be sure to share your thoughts, leave a comment, or tag me in your photos on social media. Let’s make this holiday season as sweet and joyful as it can be. Enjoy!

Christmas Crunch Cake: A Festive No-Bake Delight

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: 4-6 hours (freezing)
Yield: 9-12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Christmas Crunch Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert with layers of creamy whipped filling, crunchy granola crust, and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a make-ahead treat!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups granola bars, crushed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
¼ cup nonpareils, plus 1 teaspoon reserved

Instructions

Crush granola bars and mix with melted butter and sugar. Press half into a greased 9×9-inch pan.
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add condensed milk, whipped topping, almond extract, and rum extract. Fold in nonpareils.
Spread filling over the crust. Top with remaining granola mixture and reserved nonpareils.
Cover and freeze for 4-6 hours. Slice and serve.

Notes

Let the cake sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing to soften slightly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American