It’s a scene most of us are familiar with. The 9th day of Simbang Gabi finally comes to an end and by now, it’s hard to tell if everyone’s sleepy, hungry, or both. The titas are applying the finishing touches on their specialties, the titos are pretending to help,and the kids are already secretly munching on the lumpia even before the festivities start.
You walk into the dining room expecting the usual holiday spread of lechon, fruit salad, and leche flan. But this year is filled with surprises. You are wowed by this new batch of desserts that you never thought existed. At the center of the table is a cheesecake. But why is it purple? And the flan? It’s sitting on top of a red velvet cake. Finally, there’s this dessert that looks burnt but somehow smells like it’s worth the try.
These are the modern takes on Filipino Christmas desserts. They might look different than what we’re accustomed to but they still bring the same comfort and the same feeling. They take the flavors everyone grew up with and give them a little twist-- something fresh for a new generation that grew up on leche flan and now restlessly scrolls through food videos on Tiktok and Instagram.
The best part is you don’t need to be a professional chef to pull it off. They’re simple enough to try at home, especially with the help of Nestlé® All-Purpose Cream.
Ube Cheesecake: A Familiar Flavor, A New Favorite
Ube has always been around. It’s that classic pasalubong when someone comes home from Baguio, the flavor you’d always ask for when Mamang Sorbetero passes by, and the purple filling inside those soft breads from the neighborhood panaderia. Ube has that way of bringing you back to the good old days. You’ve known the taste for as long as you can remember and honestly, it never gets old. It feels like home.
It’s now in cheesecake form. It makes sense. This version is smooth, creamy, and has that deep purple color that makes people stop mid-bite, trying to figure out why they enjoy it. If you're looking for an unforgettable ube cheesecake recipe, this one’s it. All it takes is just one serving to know—it’s not your usual cheesecake. It’s lighter, softer, and thanks to Nestlé® All-Purpose Cream, it’s Creampressive®.
Tita tip: Use crushed grahams or the crust. Toast some coconut flakes for the topping to add a bit of crunch if you have a few extra minutes to spare.
Red Velvet Flan: An Unexpected Match
Just like Barong Tagalog and rubber shoes, who would have thought that red velvet and leche flan would go together? It’s a strange combination that only makes sense after the first bite. The light chocolate cake gives a nice contrast to the creamy flan, and the caramel on top pulls everything together in one smooth, satisfying bite.
It’s not your usual Noche Buena dessert and maybe that’s exactly why it stands out. Thanks to Nestlé® All-Purpose Cream, the flan comes out rich, silky, and just the right kind of indulgent to end a holiday meal.
Tita tip: Let it chill in the fridge before slicing to make sure that it doesn’t fall apart.
Burnt Basque Cheesecake: The Hype is Real
Something seems a little off at first. For a second, you question why this is even served at the most important holiday of the year. The top is almost blackened, the edges are cracked, and it’s definitely not Instagram-worthy.
But then you taste it.
The burnt top has a deep, slightly bitter flavor, almost like toasted sugar. It balances perfectly with the creamy center, which stays soft and just a bit gooey. There’s no crust, no toppings—just a rich cheesecake that’s simple but surprisingly good.
The texture turns out extra smooth because of Nestlé All Purpose Cream. Every slice is rich, creamy, and delightful. It's effortlessly good and the celebration's showstopper.
Tita tip: Let it cool completely before slicing. It’s soft in the middle, so cutting it too early might make it fall apart. Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Get the full burnt basque cheesecake recipe and discover why this rich, creamy dessert is a standout at any gathering.
A New Take, Same Spirit
They might look a little different, but these desserts still bring the same feeling to the table. They’re meant to be shared, to be passed around after dinner while enjoying each other’s company.
That’s really what makes them fit in, even if they’re not the usual Noche Buena staples. The ube is familiar. The flan is still there, just layered differently. The cheesecake might look new, but the warmth is the same.
With a bit of creativity, a few twists, and the creaminess of Nestlé® All-Purpose Cream, these desserts still feel like home—just with a little more personality.
