12 Ginger Desserts with the Sweet-and-Spicy Punch You Crave

Ginger-Cider Cheesecake
Photo: Andy Lyons

Ginger—a versatile flowering plant with strong, spicy, flavor—is the star of all sorts of dishes and drinks (i.e. curries, teas, breads, etc.). It's loaded with good-for-you enzymes and antioxidants that help aid digestion, fight inflammation, and more. When combined with sweet ingredients, it provides the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor. Here we're showcasing ginger desserts including ginger cakes, cookies, and even frozen treats. Ginger isn't just for making gingerbread.

01 of 12

Triple-Ginger Cookies

Triple Ginger Cookies
Carson Downing

If you love ginger, just wait until you try this triple-threat ginger dessert recipe. Ground ginger and crystallized ginger make up the cookie dough before getting rolled in a homemade ginger sugar. Brown sugar and molasses give these ginger cookies a rich, sweet flavor.

02 of 12

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

gingerbread cinnamon star
Carson Downing

Change up your holiday brunch menu by serving these stunning gingerbread rolls. Since we start this ginger recipe with a yeast dough, it's a great option for those that aren't into super sweet desserts. Cut them into normal rolls or check out the recipe video to see how to make the dough into this pretty shape.

03 of 12

Classic Gingerbread

Classic Gingerbread
Andy Lyons

You can't have a roundup of ginger desserts without a classic recipe like this. The moist gingerbread cake includes molasses for a deep, sweet flavor. Enjoy this traditional Christmas favorite with the homemade lemon sauce and some shredded lemon peel.

04 of 12

Ginger Crème Brûlée

Ginger Creme Brulee
Jason Donnelly

This ginger dessert recipe leaves regular crème brûlée in the dust. Individual ramekins are filled with a homemade custard infused with fresh ginger. If you don't have a culinary torch, use our carmelized topper recipe (that creates an equally satisfying sugar-breaking crack) on the stove top.

Buy It: Apilco Porcelain Ramekins ($30, Williams Sonoma)

05 of 12

Caramel Gingerbread Cupcakes

Caramel Gingerbread Cupcakes
Blaine Moats

These ginger cupcakes look (and taste) like something you'd find in a fancy bakery, but it's actually quite an easy dessert recipe to accomplish. We use gingerbread mix to keep the ingredient count down. Once baked, top with ice cream and caramel sauce for an indulgent sweet treat.

06 of 12

Turmeric, Ginger and Honey Affogato

turmeric ginger and honey affogato
Carson Downing

A ginger dessert that provides both an energy boost and powerful antioxidants? Sign us up! Fresh turmeric and ginger infuse a homemade cream cheese ice cream. The ginger ice cream is delish on its own, but we like turning it into an affogato covering a scoop with hot brewed coffee.

07 of 12

Ginger Broil

Ginger Broil
Blaine Moats

For a healthier ginger dessert, look no further than this easy recipe. Simply top grapefruit slices with butter, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Broil for a few minutes to caramelize the tops, then serve with plain yogurt and candied ginger.

08 of 12

Ginger Peach Freeze

two dishes of Ginger Peach Freeze
Kim Cornelison

Ginger and peaches make a perfect team in this frozen dessert. This sweet ginger dessert only takes 10 minutes to prep. The hard part is waiting for it to freeze so you can dive in.

Buy It: Ninja Foodi Power Blender System ($200, Target)

09 of 12

Ginger-Pumpkin Meringue Pie

Ginger Pumpkin Meringue Pie
Jason Donnelly

This ginger dessert idea is perfect for fall. The ginger shines in the buttery gingersnap-graham cracker crust and cinnamon-ginger spiced pumpkin filling. A brown sugar meringue completes the sweet pie.

10 of 12

Lemon-Ginger Cheesecake Balls

reflection of Lemon-Ginger Cheesecake Ball on green background
Carson Downing

No need to fire up the oven for these bite-size lemon and ginger desserts. Whip up a speedy no-bake cheesecake filling, shape into balls, and let them chill before coating in bittersweet chocolate. Store these delicious treats in the freezer up to 3 months for an easy sweet tooth fix.

11 of 12

Ginger Carrot Cake

Ginger Carrot Cake
Con Poulos

This top-rated ginger cake will have all your guests asking for the recipe. The light and fluffy cake layers are dotted with candied ginger and shredded carrots. A cream cheese frosting provides the tangy-sweet flavor you love from classic carrot cake.

12 of 12

Very Ginger Pound Cake

Very Ginger Pound Cake
Joyce Oudkerk Pool

What makes this ginger cake very gingery? Crystallized ginger and grated fresh ginger, that's what. Utilize seasonal blood oranges and kumquats for the showstopping topping.

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