Fresh Ideas for Gingerbread

Serve this gorgeous cake at a holiday open house or winter dinner party. For best results, choose pears that have just begun to ripen.

These pretty cookies get their stripes from a combination of sugar cookie and gingerbread dough. They're so simple to make that kids as young as 5 can help out.

This morning variation of an old-time favorite includes fresh ginger and a velvety cream cheese swirl. For an extra pretty touch, top it with poached pears.

A Christmas favorite -- gingerbread -- puts a festive spin on classic chocolate chunk cookies. Dried cherries add a tart twist.

Moist gingerbread cake, creamy vanilla ice cream, and fresh pears drizzled with a warm cinnamon sauce make an ultimate comfort dessert. Make it ahead and freeze it overnight.

These moist, cinnamon-spiced muffins make an ideal brunch dessert. Each one is topped with creamy chocolate and a pear slice.

Fluted round cakes are a baker's dream -- they're pretty the minute they come out of the pan. Just add a drizzle of icing and a sprinkle of crystallized ginger, and this sweet will sizzle.

The crackly tops and flavor of these moist cupcakes will remind you of gingersnap cookies.

Pear and ginger are classic partners, and this dessert features a delightful melange of flavors and, textures.

A crisp gingerbread crust is topped with a rich cream cheese-based topping. Raspberry preserves add a tart twist. Pear slices make a beautiful (and tasty) garnish.

Pumpkin adds a fresh twist to classic gingerbread. Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream before serving. Orange peel adds a festive touch.

This rich and creamy holiday pie combines two classic favorites -- pumpkin and gingerbread -- and you can make it ahead. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream before serving.