Including the ultimate chocolate & praline opera cake

<p>The classic Christmas dinner with all the trimmings is traditionally rounded off with an indulgent helping of fruity Christmas pudding, often with either cream or brandy sauce. </p><p>The figgy dessert has long been a staple of Brits' celebratory festive meal - the popular Christmas carol 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' which dates back to 1935 even references it in one of the verses ("We all want some figgy pudding, we all want some figgy pudding, we all want some figgy pudding, so bring some right here.”)</p><p>But tastes are changing - these days, people are turning to lighter alternatives, with panettone, for example, now apparently outselling Christmas puddings two-to-one.</p><p>Let's face it, after you've helped yourself to starters, second helpings of turkey and those delicious crispy spuds, plus a few sweets from the Quality Street tin during the day, a bowlful of rich pudding can sometimes leave you feeling a little too full.</p><p>And while traditionalists still have to have a fig pudding on Christmas day, many of us are looking to try something a little more exciting. </p><p>Which is why you can now get lots of fun alternative desserts to help finish your festive feast in style. </p><p>Here are 10 delicious substitutes for the traditional Christmas pud you can now get <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">in-store</a> at Asda - just in case you fancied a change. <br> </p><h2>Red Velvet Yule Log</h2><p><img alt="red-velvet-yule-log__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/red-velvet-yule-log__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>Extra Special Red Velvet Yule Log available in store between 15th - 27th December.</em></p><p>This <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/sharing-cakes/asda-extra-special-red-velvet-yule-log/910002153408" target="_blank">twist on the classic yule log</a> was named star buy in a recent taste test by <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/features/the-best-christmas-yule-logs-taste-test-budget-vs-luxury/" target="_blank">the Telegraph</a> and it will cause a real stir among your assembled guests. </p><p>The rich chocolate sponge has been slathered in fresh cream and finished with a glossy red chocolate ganache. </p><h2>Gluten-free gingerbread house</h2><p><img alt="gluten-free__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/gluten-free__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>Free From Christmas Gingerbread House Kit available now</em>.</p><p>You don't have to miss out on a delicious dessert because you're following a gluten-free diet. <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cakes-sweet-treats/asda-free-from-christmas-gingerbread-house-kit/910002661027" target="_blank">This Free From Gingerbread House Kit</a> is easy to make and full of delicious spices. Plus, it's both gluten and dairy-free (as long as you replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative). </p><h2>Sticky toffee melt in the middle pudding</h2><p><img alt="sticky-toffee-melt-in-middle-cut__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/sticky-toffee-melt-in-middle-cut__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>ASDA Extra Special Sticky Toffee & Dark Chocolate Pudding available in store between 15th - 27th December.</em></p><p>This is a <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/christmas-cakes-puddings/asda-extra-special-sticky-toffee-dark-chocolate-pudding/910002775887" target="_blank">new take on the classic Christmas pudding</a>, combining a sticky date sponge and a secret centre filled with oozing caramel. The whole thing is then covered in a smooth layer of chocolate ganache. Irresistible! </p><h2>Raspberry white chocolate pavlova wreath</h2><p><img alt="rasberry-pavnova__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/rasberry-pavnova__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>Extra Special Raspberry White Chocolate Pavlova Wreath available in store between 15th - 27th December.</em></p><p>Made with silky British cream, whole raspberries and Belgian white chocolate, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/gateaux-roulades-meringues/asda-extra-special-hand-finished-raspberry-white-chocolate-pavlova-wreath/910002634632" target="_blank">this edible wreath</a> is still rich but will provide a fitting fruity finish to your Christmas dinner. </p><h2>Christmas pudding smash cake</h2><p><img alt="xmas-smash-cake__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/xmas-smash-cake__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>ASDA Christmas Smash Cake available in store until 26th December.</em></p><p>It looks like a Christmas pudding, but it's actually a moist chocolate sponge cake topped with a milk chocolate dome that's decorated with marshmallow frosting to look like a Christmas pudding. </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love this smash cake at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/asdaxmas?src=hash">#asdaxmas</a> Smash the dome to reveal lots of yummy treats! <a href="https://twitter.com/asda">@asda</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rpj8ffTmYQ">pic.twitter.com/Rpj8ffTmYQ</a></p>— Emily (@musingsnmore) <a href="https://twitter.com/musingsnmore/status/750700715379658753">July 6, 2016</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>The other surprise is that when you stick your spoon inside, you'll find hundreds of chocolate malt balls and edible gold stars within. Big and little kids alike will love this dessert! </p><h2>Italian panettone and prosecco pudding</h2><p><img alt="italian-panettone--prosecco-pudding__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/italian-panettone--prosecco-pudding_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>Extra Special Italian Panettone & Prosecco Pudding available online and in store now until 26th December.</em></p><p>Or, you could try the Italians' take on a Christmas pud, with <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/sponge-puddings/asda-extra-special-italian-panettone-prosecco-pudding/910002668745" target="_blank">this twist on a Panettone</a>. The light sponge is infused with a sauce that combines prosecco, brandy and cinnamon. What could be more merry than that? </p><h2>Amontillado sherry trifle</h2><p><img alt="sherry_trifle__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/sherry_trifle__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>ASDA Extra Special Amontillado Sherry Trifle available 15th - 31st December.</em></p><p><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/yule-logs-desserts-trifles/asda-extra-special-amontillado-sherry-trifle/910002189599" target="_blank">This classic trifle</a> has sponge soaked in Amontillado sherry and a thick velvety layer of custard, which is topped with toasted nuts, for a sightly lighter take on the Christmas dessert. </p><h2>Macarons</h2><p><img alt="partyfood_2__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/partyfood_2__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>Extra Special Frozen Macaron Selection available 15th - 31st December. </em></p><p>If you just want something sweet to nibble on, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/party-desserts/asda-extra-special-macaron-selection/910002634925" target="_blank">these crisp, pastel macarons</a> are the ultimate chic treat. </p><h2>Cheeseboard</h2><p><img alt="cheeses-of-nazareth__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/cheeses-of-nazareth__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>Extra Special Cheese Selection available now. </em></p><p>But if you're more into savoury than sweet, you could always bring the meal to a close with <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/blue-stilton/asda-extra-special-cheese-selection-board-included/910002725469" target="_blank">this tasty selection of classic cheeses</a> and some crackers. </p><p><em>If that's not enough, find more delicious festive desserts and party food online at <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/cat/christmas/1215666947197" target="_blank">Asda.com</a> or at <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">your local Asda store</a>. </em></p>

10 delicious festive desserts that aren't a traditional Christmas pudding

By Asda Good Living,13th December 2016

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