What to Bake for a Holiday Brunch

Looking for a sweet treat to make your holiday brunch extra festive? These baked goods are the perfect make-ahead menu additions to a delicious morning meal.

Every year I get together with three of my best friends for a Christmas Eve brunch. Granted, last year’s brunch took place in March, but that’s besides the point. It started one year at my friend Kristen’s where she served quiche. Carissa and I looked at each other wondering where the bagels and lox were. As a result, we decided to do brunch the next year with the foods we were used to. Since then, the menu has evolved year after year; eggs and yogurt parfaits one year, pancakes the next. A few times we made gingerbread houses (gingerbread houses made with graham crackers are completely underrated).

In the last few years I’ve tried to bring something fun and sweet to the table. Because really, what meal, especially during the holidays, is complete without a baked good? I haven’t decided what I’m bringing this year, but hopefully L will give me some time in the kitchen to make something special happen;-)

Here are some of my favorite recipes for brunch:

Healthier Options:

Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Crumble (dairy-free)

Blueberry Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread (gluten-free)

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Quinoa Banana Bread

Cinnamon Chip Whole Wheat Pumpkin Scones

Cookie Butter Lava Whole Wheat Banana Muffins

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bake (gluten-free, dairy-free)

Lighter Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

Perfect Chocolate Chip Muffins

Triple Chocolate Muffins with a Peanut Butter Swirl

Vanilla Roasted Strawberry Banana Bread

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread (can you say French toast?!)

Slightly More Indulgent:

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Brown Butter Blueberry Muffins

Brown Butter Peach Crumb Muffins

Giant Caramel Apple Cinnamon Bun with Cream Cheese Glaze

Pistachio Muffins

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.