I don't know about you, but I always save a little room for dessert at Thanksgiving, even after a big turkey dinner! These Thanksgiving themed desserts are great when you want something sweet to share with the family. Some are old favorites, while others are a little more fun, especially if you enjoy decorating holiday treats.
You'll find everything from pumpkin and pecan pies to creamy cheesecakes, spiced cakes, and cute turkey cupcakes. There are also easy dessert bars, no-bake treats, and plenty of apple desserts to try. Some can be made ahead, which is always helpful when you've already spent half the day cooking. And if you can't decide between pie and cake, why not make both?
1. The Best Homemade Pumpkin Pie Ever for Thanksgiving
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a homemade pumpkin pie with a golden, flaky crust and creamy spiced filling. The fluffy whipped cream and decorative pastry leaves give it a festive fall look that's perfect for the holiday table. Every slice brings those familiar pumpkin flavors that make Thanksgiving dinner feel complete. Serve it chilled or with an extra dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert everyone can enjoy.
2. Decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake for a Festive Dessert
Can't decide between pecan pie and cheesecake? This decadent dessert brings both favorites together with a smooth, creamy cheesecake base and a generous topping of caramel-coated pecans. The rich, nutty topping adds a beautiful glossy finish that makes it stand out on the Thanksgiving dessert table. It's a great choice when you want something a little different from traditional pie without giving up those familiar holiday flavors.
3. Apple Crumble Cheesecake With Fresh Apples
This apple crumble cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping in every bite. The combination of warm apple flavors and crunchy crumble makes it especially fitting for Thanksgiving. Its beautiful layers also make it an impressive centerpiece when you're serving dessert after a big holiday meal. Add a drizzle of caramel for an extra-special finishing touch.
4. Fluffy Sweet Potato Cheesecake With Marshmallow Meringue
Sweet potatoes aren't just for Thanksgiving side dishes, and this fluffy cheesecake proves it! The smooth sweet potato filling sits on a graham cracker crust and gets topped with a cloud of marshmallow meringue. That toasted marshmallow topping gives it the familiar look and flavor of a holiday sweet potato casserole, but in dessert form. It's a fun way to serve a Thanksgiving favorite with a creamy cheesecake twist.
5. Easy Apple Walnut Crumble Pie for Thanksgiving
A warm apple pie is always welcome at Thanksgiving, especially when it comes with a buttery walnut crumble topping. This version combines tender apples with a crunchy, nutty finish that makes every slice extra satisfying. The rustic golden topping gives it that homemade fall appearance that looks right at home beside pumpkin and pecan pies. Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy holiday dessert.
6. Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
you're looking for something other than pie, this pumpkin spice cake is a delicious way to bring fall flavors to Thanksgiving. The soft, moist cake is topped with thick cream cheese frosting and a light sprinkle of cinnamon. Its warm autumn spices and creamy frosting make it a comforting dessert after a traditional holiday meal. Plus, the cake can be sliced into squares, making it easy to serve at family gatherings or Thanksgiving potlucks.
7. Easy Pumpkin Bundt Cake With Chocolate Chips
This pumpkin Bundt cake combines cozy pumpkin flavor with rich chocolate chips for a dessert that's both festive and indulgent. The beautiful Bundt shape and glossy chocolate ganache give it an eye-catching presentation without needing complicated decorations. Fresh berries on top add a lovely finishing touch to the dark chocolate glaze. It's a great Thanksgiving cake for anyone who wants a little chocolate alongside those classic fall flavors.
8. Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars for Thanksgiving Gatherings
These pecan pie shortbread bars turn a traditional Thanksgiving favorite into easy-to-serve dessert squares. Each bar has a buttery shortbread base topped with a sweet, gooey pecan layer that brings all the familiar flavors of pecan pie. Their handheld size makes them especially convenient for holiday potlucks, dessert buffets, or guests who want to sample several treats. You get that satisfying combination of crunchy pecans and tender crust without needing to slice a whole pie.
9. Instant Pot Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin and pecans are two classic Thanksgiving flavors, and this Instant Pot cheesecake brings them together beautifully. The creamy pumpkin filling pairs with a crunchy pecan topping for a dessert that feels both comforting and special. Using the Instant Pot also gives you an oven-free dessert option, which comes in handy when the oven is busy with Thanksgiving dinner. Finish each slice with whipped cream for a pretty holiday presentation.
10. Cute Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes
These adorable turkey cupcakes bring a playful touch to the Thanksgiving dessert table. Their cute turkey decorations instantly capture the holiday theme, making them especially fun for family gatherings with kids. They're also individually portioned, so guests can grab one without waiting for someone to cut a cake. Arrange them on a festive platter for a cheerful dessert display that doubles as Thanksgiving table decoration.
11. No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Latte Protein Truffles
These pumpkin spice latte truffles are a fun way to enjoy familiar fall flavors in a small, bite-sized dessert. Each truffle has a soft, spiced center covered in white chocolate and finished with a dusting of cinnamon. Their no-bake preparation makes them a convenient option when you're already busy cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Serve them alongside pies and cakes for guests who want just a little something sweet after the big meal.
12. Dutch Apple Pie With Golden Streusel Topping
This Dutch apple pie is packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a golden, buttery streusel topping. Unlike a traditional double-crust apple pie, the crumbly topping adds a delicious contrast to the soft fruit filling. Its warm apple flavor makes it a natural choice for Thanksgiving, especially when served fresh from the oven. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let it melt slightly over the warm pie for an extra-cozy dessert.
13. Grandma's Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie
Bring a little Southern tradition to your Thanksgiving table with this old-fashioned sweet potato pie. The smooth, creamy filling has a comforting sweetness, while the toasted meringue topping gives it a beautiful homemade finish. Sweet potato pie has long been a Southern holiday favorite, making it a fitting choice for a traditional Thanksgiving celebration. Serve it in generous slices for a dessert that feels nostalgic and special.
14. Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie Crisp for an Easy Holiday Dessert
This Instant Pot pumpkin pie crisp offers a cozy twist on traditional pumpkin pie without the usual pastry crust. The soft pumpkin filling and crumbly topping create a delicious contrast of creamy and crunchy textures. Its classic pumpkin pie flavor makes it perfect for Thanksgiving, while the Instant Pot helps free up valuable oven space. Spoon it into dessert bowls and add whipped cream for a warm, comforting holiday treat.
15. Pumpkin Roll Cake With Cream Cheese Filling
This pumpkin roll cake is a beautiful addition to any Thanksgiving dessert spread, thanks to its pretty spiral of cake and cream cheese filling. The soft pumpkin sponge wraps around a smooth, sweet center, creating a lovely pattern in every slice. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives it an elegant holiday finish without needing elaborate decorations. It's a wonderful alternative to pumpkin pie when you want something festive that looks impressive on a serving platter.
16. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for Fall Celebrations
These caramel apple cheesecake bars combine creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and a buttery oat streusel topping. A generous caramel drizzle adds extra sweetness and gives each square a beautiful bakery-style finish. The combination of caramel and cinnamon apples brings those cozy fall flavors that fit right into Thanksgiving celebrations. Since they're cut into individual bars, they're also easy to arrange on a dessert tray for guests to enjoy.
17. Gooey Pecan Pie Cobbler for Thanksgiving
If you enjoy the sweet, nutty filling of pecan pie, this pecan pie cobbler offers another delicious way to serve those familiar holiday flavors. It has a rich, gooey texture with a comforting baked topping that makes it especially inviting when served warm. The classic pecan pie taste gives it a natural place among traditional Thanksgiving desserts. Spoon it into bowls and pair it with vanilla ice cream for a cozy finish to your holiday dinner.
18. Sweet Potato Pie Bars With Toasted Marshmallow
These sweet potato pie bars bring a creative twist to a familiar Thanksgiving favorite. The spiced sweet potato filling sits on a cookie crust and is topped with fluffy, toasted marshmallow for a beautiful layered dessert. That golden marshmallow topping gives them a festive appearance inspired by traditional Thanksgiving sweet potato dishes. Cut them into squares for an easy-to-share treat that's perfect for holiday dessert platters.
19. Instant Pot Apple Crisp With Crumbly Topping
Warm apple crisp is one of those simple desserts that makes the whole holiday meal feel extra comforting. This Instant Pot version features tender apples beneath a sweet, crumbly topping for a lovely mix of soft and crunchy textures. Its cozy cinnamon-apple flavor fits naturally with Thanksgiving's traditional fall menu. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an easy dessert that doesn't require another pie.
20. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes With Butter Pecan Frosting
These chocolate bourbon pecan pie cupcakes bring a rich, grown-up twist to classic Thanksgiving flavors. The chocolate cupcakes are topped with swirls of butter pecan frosting and finished with glossy pecans for an indulgent presentation. Their pecan pie-inspired topping gives them a festive holiday connection while offering something different from traditional pies. They're also individually portioned, making them a convenient and impressive addition to a Thanksgiving dessert buffet.
Want to make mealtime a little easier? Start here:
Leave a Reply