Thanksgiving dinner may get most of the attention, but I’m always saving a little room for dessert. There’s something about a table filled with pumpkin pie, warm apples, pecans, cranberries, and all those cozy fall spices that makes the holiday feel complete.
I’ve pulled together 21 Thanksgiving desserts with a good mix of classics and a few fun alternatives, so there’s something here for every kind of dessert person. Many of these recipes also work beautifully for holiday gatherings and Christmas dessert tables, so they’re worth saving for the whole season.
If you’re especially into seasonal baking, you might also want to save these easy pumpkin desserts for fall and these easy apple desserts for fall. And if you’re still working on the rest of the Thanksgiving menu, these make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes can make the big day a little easier.
1. The Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe by Sally’s Baking
Pumpkin pie is one of those desserts that just belongs on the Thanksgiving table. This version has a smooth, richly spiced pumpkin filling tucked inside a flaky crust. Add a little whipped cream on top and you have a classic everyone will recognize.
2. Ultimate Pecan Pie Recipe by Once Upon a Chef
Pecan pie is another Thanksgiving favorite, especially if you love rich, buttery desserts. This version combines plenty of pecans with a sweet, gooey filling and a crisp crust, giving you that classic mix of crunchy nuts and soft caramel-like filling.
3. Apple Pie Recipe by King Arthur Baking
You really can’t go wrong with a traditional apple pie for Thanksgiving. Tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a flaky double crust make this one of those familiar desserts everyone is happy to see. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an easy crowd-pleaser.
4. Big Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie Recipe by Grandbaby Cakes
Sweet potato pie is especially traditional in the South and makes a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie. The creamy sweet potato filling is warmly spiced and baked inside a buttery crust, creating a simple, comforting dessert that feels right at home on Thanksgiving.
5. Citrus-Cranberry Tart Recipe by The Kitchn
This citrus-cranberry tart is a beautiful way to bring something bright and a little different to the Thanksgiving dessert table. It has a spiced cookie crust, a smooth cranberry-citrus filling, and a glossy cranberry topping that makes it look especially festive.
6. Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe by The Pioneer Woman
If your family loves pumpkin but you want something beyond traditional pie, pumpkin cheesecake is an easy choice. Creamy cheesecake and warm pumpkin spices come together in a rich holiday dessert that feels special enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering.
7. Apple Crisp Recipe by Natasha’s Kitchen
Apple crisp gives you all those cozy apple pie flavors without having to make a pie crust. Tender cinnamon-spiced apples bake beneath a crisp, buttery oat topping, making this an especially good Thanksgiving dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
8. Pumpkin Roll Recipe by Preppy Kitchen
A pumpkin roll is a fun way to bring classic pumpkin flavor to the dessert table without serving another pie. Soft spiced pumpkin cake is wrapped around a creamy filling, creating beautiful swirls that make every slice look especially festive.
9. Pecan Pie Bars Recipe by Delish
These pecan pie bars give you the sweet, nutty flavor of traditional pecan pie in an easier-to-serve form. They’re perfect for a larger Thanksgiving gathering because you can slice them into smaller portions and let everyone grab one whenever they’re ready for dessert.
10. Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe by The Recipe Critic
When Thanksgiving dinner already requires plenty of cooking, an easy dessert is always welcome. This pumpkin dump cake delivers warm pumpkin flavor and fall spices without a complicated preparation, making it a great option when you want something cozy, sweet, and simple.
11. Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe by A Couple Cooks
Pumpkin bread pudding is a warm and comforting alternative to another pumpkin pie. The bread soaks up a rich pumpkin-spiced custard before baking until soft inside and golden around the edges. Serve it warm for a cozy finish to Thanksgiving dinner.
12. Apple Bars Recipe by Well Plated
These apple bars combine tender baked apples, gooey caramel, a brown sugar oat base, and a cinnamon crumble topping. They’re easy to cut into squares and share, making them a practical choice when you’re serving a larger Thanksgiving or holiday crowd.
13. Maple Pecan Pie Recipe by Betty Crocker
Maple syrup gives traditional pecan pie an extra layer of warm fall flavor. This version combines maple with plenty of pecans for a rich dessert that feels especially suited to Thanksgiving. It’s also a great option if maple desserts are a favorite in your family.
14. Cranberry Curd Tart Recipe by Wholefully
This cranberry curd tart is a beautiful way to add some color to a Thanksgiving dessert table. The bright cranberry filling balances sweet and tart flavors, while the almond crust adds a subtle nuttiness. It also works beautifully for Christmas gatherings.
15. Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe by Broma Bakery
Why choose between pecan pie and cheesecake when you can have both? This dessert combines creamy cheesecake with the rich, caramel-like pecan flavors everyone expects from a holiday pecan pie. It’s definitely one for the guests who always save plenty of room for dessert.
16. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Recipe by Baker by Nature
Mini cheesecakes are perfect when you want individual Thanksgiving desserts everyone can grab without slicing a full cake. These little cheesecakes combine creamy pumpkin filling with familiar fall spices and can be finished with whipped cream or caramel for an extra festive touch.
17. Apple Galette Recipe by The Girl Who Ate Everything
An apple galette has all the cozy flavor of apple pie but with a more relaxed, rustic look. Cinnamon-spiced apples are wrapped inside a free-form pastry crust and baked until golden, making this a beautiful option for a casual Thanksgiving or holiday dessert table.
18. Apple Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting by Two Peas & Their Pod
This apple spice cake is a great choice when you want something other than pie. Moist apple cake, warm fall spices, and a salted caramel cream cheese frosting make it rich enough for Thanksgiving while still being easy to serve to a crowd.
19. Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Ring Recipe by Ask Mormon Girl
This Nutella puff pastry ring is flaky, chocolatey, and just special enough for a holiday dessert table. Filled with creamy Nutella and crunchy walnuts, it looks beautiful served whole and is easy to pull apart and share after Thanksgiving dinner.
20. Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe by Cookies & Cups
Pumpkin cobbler is warm, comforting, and made for serving with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. It brings together spiced pumpkin flavor, a soft baked topping, and plenty of cozy fall sweetness, making it an easy addition to a Thanksgiving dessert spread.
21. Classic French Silk Pie Recipe by Joy the Baker
If you want something chocolatey among all the pumpkin, apple, and pecan desserts, this French silk pie is a great choice. It has a rich, silky chocolate filling topped with whipped cream, making it an indulgent but classic addition to the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving dessert doesn’t have to mean putting five different pies on the table. Keep one or two of the classics, then add something different like pumpkin cheesecake, cranberry tart, apple crisp, or easy pecan bars.
And since many of these desserts work just as well for holiday parties and Christmas gatherings, there are plenty of recipes here worth keeping on hand through the entire holiday season.
You May Also Like
If you’re planning the rest of your Thanksgiving menu, check out these 21 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes, these 19 Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes, and these 19 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers for a Crowd.
If you’re looking for easy, delicious recipes for real life, you’re in the right place! I share simple family dinners, quick meals, homemade desserts, seasonal recipes, and plenty of helpful food ideas for every occasion.
Pingback: 21 Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes - AskMormonGirl