We’ve gathered the very best Thanksgiving desserts—more than 45 recipes that will impress your guests and make the feast unforgettable.
Thanksgiving may be all about the turkey, but the meal isn’t complete without desserts to finish on a high note. From classic pies and cakes to creative twists on seasonal favorites, there are endless ways to bring a sweet touch to your holiday table.
Katalin’s key take on what are the easiest Thanksgiving desserts
Thanksgiving is a busy period, and making an easy dessert is the best way to maximise time with your friends and family at the table.
Firstly, no-bake desserts for Thanksgiving are an obvious choice, as you don’t need to allocate oven space! Or, choose desserts that can be made ahead of time.
Using shortcuts is another great way to save time and effort; for example, using store-bought puff pastry in any puff pastry desserts or store-bought pie crust in your Thanksgiving pies. This will save you so much time and effort. Having said that, my recipes for 3-ingredient pie crust and homemade Graham cracker crust are so easy and taste way superior!
Small, individual desserts like hand pies, cupcakes, and cookie bars will work well for a crowd, as everyone can grab their own, and you can tailor them with seasonal flavors. And they look great on a Thanksgiving dessert spread!
Furthermore, smaller desserts often take less time to bake and are easier to check or select the best ones to serve.
Ultimately, none of the desserts on this list are challenging due to the thorough step-by-step explanations included to give you the best experience and results.
So whether you're looking for easy Thanksgiving dessert recipes or a showstopper to make guests' heads turn, I've got you. There's something here to make everyone's favorite holiday a day to remember, a lot of pies and all sorts of Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pies!
The Best Thanksgiving Desserts
1. Apple Pie
A classic apple pie is surely the best Thanksgiving dessert around! My recipe gives you all the tips and tricks to make the best pie for Thanksgiving with a juicy filling encased in deliciously buttery, flaky pastry.
2. Apple Crumb Cake
What could be better than a moist cinnamon cake base topped with a crunchy apple crumb topping and sweet apple glaze? This cozy Thanksgiving dessert delivers a burst of warm flavors that the whole family will love.
3. Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
I love a moist muffin full of cinnamon warmth and topped with crunchy streusel! Serve these for snacks, breakfast, or dessert this Thanksgiving and watch everyone come back for more.
4. Apple Tarte Tatin
Bring some French elegance to your Thanksgiving table this year with a classic Tarte Tatin! Buttery-soft caramelised apples sit on a bed of flaky puff pastry. It is world-famous for a reason!
5. Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes
Here’s a chocolate Thanksgiving dessert everyone will love. Every bite of each chocolate cupcake has a sticky, buttery homemade caramel sauce that’s hidden inside. What’s more, there is a sweet mascarpone frosting too!
6. Apple bread pudding
This traditional British dessert makes the best of any leftover loaf and turns it into a delicious apple dessert! It’s perfect served warm from the oven, covered in custard or ice cream.
7. Apple pie cookies
These cookies with a sweet, delicious apple pie filling make you feel like you are eating mini apple pies! What’s more, they require 90 minutes of your time from start to finish, most of which is waiting for the dough to chill and bake! Perfect for the Thanksgiving rush.
8. Brownie Pie
If you love to serve pie for Thanksgiving but adore chocolate brownies, here is a dessert recipe for you. A decadent and delicious chocolate brownie is encased in pie crust for the best of both worlds!
9. Apple Crumble Pie
An apple crumble pie is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. It has a flaky, buttery pie crust, sweet apple filling made with fresh apples, and an irresistible crumble topping. Every slice has all the Thanksgiving flavor you could ever want.
10. Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are popular for a reason! While it might take a bit longer to make the yeasted brioche dough, it will be well worth the effort for the soft and pillowy goodness and amazing smell from the oven on Thanksgiving.
11. Cinnamon Apple cake
I love cinnamon spice for Thanksgiving! And a super moist cinnamon apple cake will be the perfect finishing touch to your meal. A soft and aromatic cinnamon cake layer is topped with fresh apples and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Serve with vanilla ice cream or just a hot cup of coffee!
12. Apple Crumble Cheesecake
If you love all the Fall vibes of an apple crumble but can’t help craving cheesecake, try this. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, rich cheesecake filling with sweet yet tart apples and a contrasting crumble topping.
13. Pumpkin Pie With Sweetened Condensed Milk
A classic Thanksgiving dessert recipe is our first port of call, and this delicious pumpkin pie is a winner. Prepare a buttery, flaky crust with velvety custard filling made from sweetened condensed milk that is both easy and adds divine flavor. It's almost like a pumpkin creme brulee! And then there's the irresistible mascarpone frosting. Simply put, get ready to impress.
14. Pear Galette
A galette is surely one of the easiest Thanksgiving desserts to make, especially when packed with Fall fruits like sweet, juicy pears. The pie crust is insanely simple to make, and then all you need to do is pile it high with fruit and bake it to perfection. I'd say this is one of those beginner-friendly desserts that anyone can make but everyone will love.
15. Pecan Brownies
The taste of pecans evokes huge memories of Fall and Thanksgiving, and these fudgy, dense brownies are packed with them. With a signature crinkly top and tons of chocolate flavor, no one will be able to stop eating them. I love taking them to Thanksgiving parties to add to a dessert buffet table and watching them disappear faster than everything else.
If you are looking for chocolate Thanksgiving desserts, choose these tasty brownies!
16. Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts
Whilst you might not think donuts can get any better, you might think again when you try these pumpkin spice baked donuts. Baked donuts are a much easier way to enjoy homemade donuts, as there is no need for a deep-fat fryer. Which arguably makes them healthy donuts? You'll love the subtle warmth and spicy notes laced through each bite.
17. No Bake Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust
I just love no-bake Thanksgiving pie recipes; they make life so much easier on a busy day of cooking! You won't even need to go near the oven to make this dessert. The crust is made from Graham Crackers, and the apple filling is cooked in butter and brown sugar. What's more, this entire dessert can be ready in just 30 minutes.
18. Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Frosting
Imagine soft and fluffy pumpkin bread; it's just like everyone's favorite banana bread, but made with pumpkins instead. Pumpkin makes a great baking ingredient because it has natural sweetness, so you need less sugar, and it keeps your bakes moist, too. The pairing of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting is also one made in heaven. That tangy, rich taste of the frosting with the soft pumpkin sponge is really something else.
19. Cinnamon Cupcakes
Looking for Thanksgiving cupcakes to make for a party or gathering? I've got you. The subtle warmth that these cupcakes have is divine, and they look so pretty on the plate, too. I like to make them as gifts and take them over to friends' houses. Be warned, though, that they might steal the spotlight at the Thanksgiving dessert table.
20. Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers
Apple turnovers are a really simple dessert to serve that can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You don't have to go to all the effort of making a classic puff pastry either; you can make a rough puff pastry or even buy store-bought puff pastry. They're flaky & crunchy on the outside and filled with creamy cinnamon-spiced sweet apples. Delicious!
21. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie
Love pumpkin pie, but love cheesecake just as much? Indulge in the perfect dessert mashup that combines rich and smooth pumpkin cheesecake with the classic pumpkin pie. It's a foolproof recipe that guarantees delightful flavors, whilst the contrasting textures make it extra special. Certainly, it's one to make during pie season.
22. Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gooey chocolate chip cookies loaded with crunchy pecans? Sign me up. This Thanksgiving dessert recipe is brimming with pecans, cinnamon, brown butter, and brown sugar for extra caramel undertones. Perfectly balancing richness and sweetness with a hint of sea salt, these cookies have the best chewy yet chocolatey, nutty texture. You have to try them.
23. Apple Pie Choux Au Craquelin
This apple pie choux au craquelin is the perfect combination of American apple pie and French choux pastry, a showstopper dessert that will be the start of this Fall! I love how the crispy choux au craquelin (crispy cream puff) works with the creamy homemade Apple pie filling, while the whipped mascarpone on top balances the flavors. Its fancy looks, delicate texture, and delicious flavor will certainly impress everyone who tries it.
24. Poached Pears
Create an elegant yet simple dessert with these easy poached pears, simmered slowly in a sweet syrup infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. Whether served hot or cold, they make a delicious dish on their own or a versatile addition to other Thanksgiving desserts. This easy 20-minute recipe can be made with or without alcohol, perfect for your next Thanksgiving gathering!
25. Pecan Upside Down Cake
Indulge in the perfect Thanksgiving dessert with this delicious Pecan Upside Down Cake. Featuring a moist yogurt cake base and a caramelized pecan topping, the combination of flavors and textures is insanely good. Plus, it's super versatile and can be baked in any pan, including a Bundt pan, to create a festive cake for the Thanksgiving table. Our favorite pecan desserts!
26. Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling
Fluffy cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. And what's more, there's no need to run to the store and buy canned cinnamon rolls; you can use my easy recipe instead.
The sweet brioche dough, delicious apples, and cream cheese icing are a match made in heaven, and you'll be able to whip up your own mouthwatering apple pie cinnamon rolls at home in no time.
27. Sweet Potato Muffins
Indulge guilt-free in the perfect Thanksgiving treat with these moist and fluffy muffins crafted from sweet potato, warm spices, and gooey chocolate chips. They're an ideal way to get those sweet potato flavors and work just as well as a grab-and-go breakfast as they do a dessert option.
28. Almond Pear Cake
As fancy as it looks, this elegant pear cake is actually super easy to make and no more complicated than making your favorite cake. Poaching the pears takes just a few minutes, and then the cake batter comes together in no time. I love how a slice shows the cross-section of a pear; it perfectly showcases the Fall produce and maxes out on flavor, too.
29. Apple Pie Cupcakes
Whip up a delightful alternative to an actual Apple Pie this Thanksgiving with my super-easy Apple Pie cupcakes. The cupcake sponge is infused with Fall spices and a secret apple pie filling and topped with a light whipped mascarpone frosting. These easy, homemade cupcakes with apples are the ultimate Fall dessert to enjoy during Thanksgiving or any time over the season!
30. Pumpkin Blondies
These super gooey and chewy pumpkin blondies with chocolate chips are surely a must-try for pumpkin enthusiasts. Bursting with warm pumpkin flavor, pumpkin pie spice, and chocolate chips, plus subtle hints of caramel butterscotch undertones, they could certainly become one of your favorite go-to Thanksgiving desserts this season.
31. Cinnamon Apple Babka
Whilst it might seem complicated to make a babka, I assure you it is easier than you might think! It features sweet apples and cinnamon filling twisted inside rich and buttery yeasted dough that's baked in a loaf pan and comes out of the oven looking like the fluffy dream dessert that it is.
32. Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Looking for super moist muffins to bake for Thanksgiving? Stop scrolling now. Pumpkins and bananas create crazy levels of moist Fall muffins, and then the addition of gooey chocolate chips elevates them to new levels. What's more, this Thanksgiving dessert recipe is very pantry-friendly and uses ingredients that you probably already have in your store cupboard.
I sometimes make banana pumpkin chocolate chip muffins ahead of time and store them until needed. Read my guide on how to store muffins and keep them fresh so you can enjoy your muffins for longer!
33. Baileys Apple Pie
Elevate your apple pie game this Thanksgiving with my Bailey's apple pie recipe; it's surely the ultimate homemade dessert with an Irish cream twist! Picture a flaky, buttery pie crust and a homemade apple pie filling infused with Baileys. It's the must-make pie for Fall and Thanksgiving, promising a truly delightful food experience!
34. Butterscotch Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Here's a Thanksgiving treat you won't want to miss: introducing the butterscotch pumpkin bundt cake. An airy, super-moist pumpkin bundt cake infused with your favorite fall spices and generously topped with a delectable butterscotch sauce. Furthermore, the easy and quick candied pecans are sprinkled on top for some delicious crunch in each bite.
Do you ever worry about turning out cakes? Here's how to get bundt cake out of a pan safely.
35. Apple Hand Pies
Apple hand pies are perfect for those who prefer not to share. This delightful twist on traditional Apple Pie is also easier to make and offers a delicious balance of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and spiced flavors. Each bite offers the ideal filling-to-crust ratio, with a creamy inside and a flaky, buttery crust. Be sure to bake enough of them, as they will be popular!
36. Walnut Babka
Walnuts evoke such a flavor of Fall. And if you're looking for a tasty, earthy cake to serve at Thanksgiving, try this. Whilst you'll need to factor in extra time for proving the enriched brioche dough, it is well worth it for the pillowy soft result. It is also much easier to make the twisted dough than you might think, and I'll show you exactly how to do it.
37. Easy No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
A no-bake pumpkin cheesecake ticks all the boxes when it comes to Thanksgiving desserts. It has a rich and tangy cheesecake flavor, a subtle pumpkin spice flavor, and a crunchy Oreo cookie crust underneath.
Furthermore, you don't have to turn the oven on, and therefore, there's no need for a water bath either. If you're busy hosting guests this Thanksgiving, a no-bake dessert is the way to go. You can focus on the main courses and make this easy dessert ahead of time. In addition, with some adorable meringue ghosts, you can turn this dessert into a fun Halloween cheesecake.
38. Spiced Apple Cake
One could argue that this is probably the easiest, simplest, and most delicious apple cake recipe to try this Thanksgiving. The super moist brown sugar cake is simply loaded with spiced apples and then topped with a super simple and easy-to-make ginger apple compote. The warm flavors are off the charts, and it perfectly showcases the produce at this time of the year.
If you're a fan of deep apple flavor, try some of these other apple desserts.
39. Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Treat the nut lovers in your family this Thanksgiving with some freshly baked chocolate chip walnut cookies. Loaded with semi-sweet dark chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and a touch of sea salt for balance, these cookies offer an indulgent experience for your Thanksgiving guests. The chewy texture and gooey inside make these chocolate chip walnut cookies a hit with everyone. Make sure you bake a double batch!
40. Pumpkin Custard Pie
Look no further for the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert – a classic Pumpkin Custard Pie recipe! This is one of those traditional Thanksgiving desserts that is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It features a flaky, buttery pie crust and silky, creamy pumpkin custard infused with aromatic orange zest and nutmeg. It's incredibly rich, smooth, and bursting with beloved Fall flavors.
41. Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Can't decide between cookies and cheesecake? Then, Snickerdoodle pumpkin cheesecake cookies are a must-try. They are full of your favorite fall flavors- and have the appearance of classic cookies, but then have a surprise tangy, creamy cheesecake filling. Not to forget the pumpkin spice! They are incredibly delicious and soft, and trust me when I say you'll love them.
42. Pumpkin Hand Pies
If you like to serve individual Thanksgiving desserts or are serving a buffet, then pumpkin hand pies are a really fun dessert to make. They are shaped like little pumpkins, which makes them a super cute addition to your feast, and they really deliver when it comes to taste and texture.
What's more, they're super portable, and I'll show you step-by-step how to make these easy mini pumpkin pies.
43. Double Layer Pumpkin Pie
Amaze your guests and save yourself some time this holiday season with a no-bake double-layer pumpkin pie! The homemade biscuit crumb crust is layered with deliciously light and airy cream cheese and pumpkin pie fillings, and the mousse-like texture that contrasts beautifully with a crunchy Graham cracker crust.
44. Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes With Maple Glaze
Kickstart the holiday season with these super cute little mini pumpkin bundt cakes with maple glaze – the ideal quick and easy individual-sized Thanksgiving dessert. These cakes are filled with perfectly spiced pumpkin goodness and slathered with a buttery maple glaze. They are moist, tender, and just incredibly delicious!
45. Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
Here's a twist on a traditional Thanksgiving pie. Pecan pie bars are every bit as mouthwatering as a pecan pie, but in square form, which makes them ideal for parties, more informal gatherings, and dessert buffet tables. I also package them up as gifts! Really, they are just so versatile.
And pie bars are so much easier than baking an entire pie! So you're saving yourself time and effort, too. I count these cute pie bars as one of the more fun Thanksgiving desserts to make.
46. Spiced Mascarpone Cranberry Cake
Here's a festive delight to introduce the holiday baking season: spiced mascarpone cranberry cake. This simple yet indulgent cake is infused with hints of orange, warm cinnamon, and nutmeg, and the batter contains creamy mascarpone. It's garnished with a tart cranberry jam, baked to a golden perfection, and elegantly dusted with powdered sugar.
The vibrant red color is visually stunning, so it's definitely one of the most beautiful Thanksgiving desserts you can make.
47. Maple Spice Cake with Maple Frosting
Well, simply put, this is a showstopper and certainly one of the most unique Thanksgiving desserts. If you're into layer cakes, this is certainly one for you. Moist sponge cake layers are spiced and sweetened with maple syrup before being frosted with brown sugar maple ermine buttercream (how amazing does that sound?). Finally, it's garnished with a salted caramel drip and a pinch of flaky sea salt. It's certainly on my to-bake list!
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