Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes - Even after a grand Thanksgiving dinner, there is always room for desserts.
Desserts served at dinner parties are similar to the climax scenes in spectacular movies. I have covered everything from classic pumpkin pie to cakes, cookies, bars, tarts, crisps, pudding, and some unique holiday-themed desserts. It's your turn now to pick your favorite dessert to give a perfect ending to your Thanksgiving feast.
Thanksgiving Pies & Tarts
The Thanksgiving table is incomplete without the pie, especially the classic pumpkin pie with a crispy crust and smooth filling full of holiday flavors. But did you know along with pumpkin pie, other pies such as cranberry pie, apple pie, and sweet potato pies are popular during Thanksgiving?
Also, pies are one of the best dessert recipes you can make in advance to reduce your stress on the day of Thanksgiving.
Below are some of the best pies to prepare for Thanksgiving
- Pumpkin Pie with Streusel Topping
- Berry Pie for all seasons with Strawberries, Blueberries
- Cranberry Frangipane Tart
- Apple Rose Tart with Dulce de Leche
- Cranberry Orange Pie
- Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Gluten-free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce De Leche
- Pumpkin Coconut Cream Pie
- Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Torched Meringue
- Cranberry Curd Tart
Best Pumpkin Pie with Streusel Topping
Pumpkin Pie with Streusel Topping is a classic and delightful treat where the rich and creamy pumpkin pie bursting with flavors is complemented with a buttery-nutty crunchy crumb topping in every single bite. The best pie you will make this holiday season! The recipe below makes two pumpkin pies.
Check out this recipe.
Berry Pie for all seasons!
Mixed Berry Pie is a delightful summer dessert made from fresh, ripe, and juicy strawberries and blueberries in a homemade buttery, flaky golden pie crust. This patriotic-themed American flag pie dessert is one of the best treats for the 4th of July, along with the famous layered red, white, and blue strawberry blueberry panna cotta.
Check out this recipe.
Cranberry Frangipane Tart
Cranberry Frangipane Tart is a classic and irresistibly delicious fancy dessert one must have at their dinner table this Thanksgiving or Christmas. The edges of this tart are crispy with fresh homemade crust and is filled with melt in mouth filling. It is so tasty that you will want to prepare it all through the year.
Check out this recipe.
Easy Apple Rose Tart with Dulce de Leche
This stunning dessert is delicious, yet surprisingly easy to make! Wow your guests with this heavenly apple rose tart with dulce de leche!
Check out this recipe.
Cranberry Orange Pie
If you’re looking for a pumpkin pie alternative, look no further! This cranberry orange pie combines tangy cranberries with a sweet, spiced orange twist.
Check out this recipe.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
This decadent Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is a perfect fall holiday or Thanksgiving dessert recipe. Packed with lots of flavor!
Check out this recipe.
Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream
A flaky, buttery gluten free pecan pie inspired by Southern pie flavors: bourbon, maple syrup & pecans. A gluten-free Thanksgiving dessert!
Check out this recipe.
Pumpkin Coconut Cream Pie - Live to Sweet
A twist on a classic, this Pumpkin Coconut Cream Pie takes a creamy, dreamy coconut cream pie and upgrades it with pumpkin spice!
Check out this recipe.
Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Torched Meringue
This Purple Sweet Potato Pie is in a buttery pie crust with baking spices, no artificial colorings and topped with fluffy, toasted meringue!
Check out this recipe.
Cranberry Curd Tart
This Cranberry Curd Tart is a beautiful and elegant dessert for the holidays. Discover the best recipe for making cranberry curd tart at home.
Check out this recipe.
Cakes
Now, if you ask me whether I would like to go for a cake or pie? I would vote for both. Both have equal places at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Here are some of the best cakes that you can try this Thanksgiving. Love cheesecake, apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, or cranberry cake? I have covered them all. Choose your favorite holiday flavor, and you can bake the cake ahead of time to make your task easier. Below are some options - do try one out and let me know how it turned out!
- Panettone - Italian Bread Dessert
- Apple Cake with Crumb Topping
- Sweet Potato Pie Cake
- Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- The Philadelphia Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
- Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake
- No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Cheesecake & Chocolate Mousse topped with Chocolate Ganache
- Sweet Potato Cake with Marshmallow Buttercream
- Pumpkin Cake with Gingersnap Crust
- Winter Spiced Pecan caramel Cheesecake (No bake)
- Creme Brulee Brownie Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Air Fryer Cornbread Cake with Candied Bacon and Honey Buttercream
- Apple Cinnamon Bread
- Caramel Apple Shortcake
- Coquito (Coconut Rum Cheesecake)
- Pumpkin Cake (Crockpot Dessert)
Panettone - Holiday Dessert
Panettone Cake is an Italian sweet bread dessert that is light and fluffy, packed with candied fruits, and full of festive flavors. One of the best and unique, fun dessert recipe to try for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Check out this recipe.
Apple Cake with Crumb Topping
Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping is a delicious Fall dessert that will surely be a show-stopper at any party. The cake is light, soft, and moist on the inside and is topped with perfectly caramelized apples and buttery-nutty-crunchy crumb topping.To take it to the next level and make it scream Fall, I have drizzled the crumb top with cinnamon glaze before serving. This recipe is super simple and requires a few essential ingredients.
Check out this recipe.
Sweet Potato Pie Cake - Caked by Katie
Sweet potato pie cake layers baked right on top of a pie crust. Filled with homemade marshmallow fluff and covered in molasses frosting.
Check out this recipe.
Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This sweet potato pound cake moist, perfectly spiced, and full of warm cinnamon flavors. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting - so good!
Check out this recipe.
The Philadelphia Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake -
The Philadelphia Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake with the sweetest caramel drizzle is the perfect for any occasion ! So sweet yet so crunchy !
Check out this recipe.
Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake (Gluten-Free, Keto)
A keto cranberry swirl cheesecake is perfect for the holidays! It’s one of the best low carb Thanksgiving desserts to serve to your guests!
Check out this recipe.
No-Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake
These easy no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars are the one dessert you need at your table this Thanksgiving.
Check out this recipe.
Sweet Potato Cake With Marshmallow Buttercream
This sweet potato cake tastes like your favorite fall memories. With a decadent marshmallow buttercream that comes together in just 5 minutes, there are so many things to love about this cake.
Check out this recipe.
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Impress your crew with this creamy warmly-spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust. This decadent dessert will be your most requested recipe.
Check out this recipe.
Winter Spiced Pecan Caramel Cheesecake - no bake and gluten free!
This Winter Spiced Pecan Caramel Cheesecake is an ideal dish for a celebration party table! It’s also make ahead, no bake and gluten free!
Check out this recipe.
Creme Brûlée Brownie Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
This creme brulee brownie pumpkin cheesecake with a fudgy brownie crust, creamy pumpkin cheesecake, and a crispy caramelized sugar top is absolutely sinful.
Check out this recipe.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake
mini vegan pumpkin cheesecakes with a chocolate sandwich cookie crust and Amy’s Dreamy Candy Bars inside
Check out this recipe.
Air Fryer Cornbread Cake with Candied Bacon and Honey Buttercream
This air fryer cornbread cake with candied bacon is delicious! Cornbread is delicious and everyone loves bacon! So how could this air fryer cornbread recipe with honey buttercream frosting be less than incredible!
Check out this recipe.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Chocolate Mousse
This Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Chocolate Mousse has a velvety texture and decadent taste. It is simple, luscious and delicious
Check out this recipe.
Apple Cinnamon Bread - Plant-Based on a Budget
This fall-inspired Apple Cinnamon Bread is amazing! Using the freshest apples, this bread will be everyone’s favorite breakfast or snack!
Check out this recipe.
Caramel Apple Shortcake - Live to Sweet
This Caramel Apple Shortcake has cornmeal biscuits topped with baked caramel apples, cinnamon whipped cream, and salted caramel sauce!
Check out this recipe.
Coquito (Coconut Rum) Cheesecake
Eat Puerto Rico’s favorite holiday drink. Coquito cocktails morph into a creamy cheesecake and top it, too! #coquito #coquitodessert #coquitocheesecake
Check out this recipe.
Pumpkin Cake - Crockpot Dessert
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cake is a kitchen miracle. Leave your oven off and turn the crockpot on for this blue-ribbon dessert recipe from Platter Talk!
Check out this recipe.
Cookies
Another best addition to your Thanksgiving menu would be the addition of cookies as they are simple to make, you can make them in advance, and easy to feed the crowd. My two favorites are Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies and Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are melt in mouth cookies which are crispy on the outside, soft and gooey inside filled with nutella plus additional hint of salt in every single bite which will totally make you go crazy over these cookies. One of the best dessert to try for christmas or holiday season.
Check out this recipe.
Holiday raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of the best, chewy and decadent cookies you will ever try. These cookies can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Do surprise your loved ones with these cookies this holiday season.
Check out this recipe.
Crisps
Crisps are easier to make than any pies and also they are a delicious way to showcase any seasonal fruit or fall fruit. I have shared recipes for the best apple crisp and apple cranberry crisp below. Make sure to try these out!
Apple Crisp
Topped with a crunchy oat streusel and filled with fresh baked apples, this easy Apple Crisp recipe will be your favorite fall dessert!
Check out this recipe.
Apple Cranberry Crisp - Plant-Based on a Budget
This is hands down the best apple cranberry crisp recipe you’ll try! It is a great twist on the classic apple crisp dessert.
Check out this recipe.
Bars & Fudge
These fudge and bars are so easy to make and delicious that your guests will come for second servings. Pick your holiday favorite fudge & bars below:
- No-bake Peanut Butter Fudge
- Healthy Pecan Pie Bars
- Pumpkin Magic Bars
- Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
Best, quick and easy, creamy and smooth peanut butter fudge recipe using just 3 or 4 ingredients from your kitchen. One of the best desserts to make this holiday season for a small family or large gathering of guests.
Check out this recipe.
Healthy Pecan Pie Bars
Healthy Pecan Pie Bars layered with a sweet cinnamon and maple base, topped with pecan pie filling. No refined sugar, wholesome ingredients.
Check out this recipe.
Pumpkin Magic Bars
Pumpkin Magic Bars are rich, thick, sweet pumpkin cookie bars layered not only with pumpkin but with butterscotch and toffee flavors as well!
Check out this recipe.
Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
These decadent pumpkin bars are so soft and tender and are perfectly complimented by a fluffy smooth cream cheese frosting.
Check out this recipe.
Other interesting holiday-themed desserts
This section is my favorite. Here is a list of interesting holiday-themed desserts that are not pie or cake. Definitely worth a try.
- Persimmon Apple Pudding
- Cinnamom rolls with Apple Pie Filling
- Blueberry Galette
- Pavlova Dessert
- Salted Caramel Apple Galette
- Cranberry French Macaron
- Pumpkin Gingersnap Parfait (gluten-free)
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- Southern Bourbon Peach Cobbler
- Chai Latte Macarons
- Strawberries and Cream Pavlova
- Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
Holiday Persimmon Apple Pudding
Persimmon Apple Pudding is a decadent, cake-like, dense, and slightly chewy traditional American dessert topped with saffron-flavored butter sauce. This pudding dessert is also known as Christmas pudding or Quince pudding.
Check out this recipe.
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling have a rich, warm, and gooey center, golden brown edges, and cream cheese frosting on top. Start your morning with these apple cinnamon buns or serve them as an after-meal dessert. They are one of the best apple recipes you can make this fall and holiday season.
Check out this recipe.
Blueberry Galette
Blueberry Galette or Blueberry Crostata is a simple and easy to make, yet so impressive fancy dessert where the sweet and fresh blueberries are encased in perfectly crispy, flaky, and buttery homemade pie crust. The best summer dessert recipe that is ready in 40 minutes and is under 450 calories per serving!
Check out this recipe.
Traditional Pavlova Dessert
Pavlova is a meringue-based 5 ingredient cake dessert which is soft and light on the inside like a marshmallow, crunchy crisp around the edges, and chewy on the top. This is then topped with fresh whipped cream and fresh fruits in season making it a total gluten free dessert.
Check out this recipe.
salted caramel apple galette {cookbook sneak peak!} - Blue Bowl
Spiced, tender apples wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust & drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. This is the coziest fall dessert!
Check out this recipe.
Fall Spice Cranberry French Macaron Recipe
Easy recipe for spiced cranberry macarons - Spoil your family and friends with this delectable treat, perfect for fall and the holidays.
Check out this recipe.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Gingersnap Parfait
This easy recipe for gluten free pumpkin gingersnap parfaits is a perfect fall dessert! The recipe uses my gluten free gingersnap cookie recipe too.
Check out this recipe.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
This easy Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe is the perfect Fall dessert. Buttery bread combines with pumpkin custard, pecans, and dried cranberries for a luxurious dessert!
Check out this recipe.
Easy Southern Bourbon Peach Cobbler
This is the best peach cobbler, it’s simple to make from scratch! Baked with cinnamon-sugar biscuits and spiked with bourbon, served warm with ice cream
Check out this recipe.
Chai Latte Macarons
Delicious recipe for soul warming chai tea macarons filled with chocolate chai latte ganache. Get the full recipe and video tutorial.
Check out this recipe.
Strawberry and Cream Pavlova
Strawberry Pavlova recipe, delicious and beautiful. Crispy meringue outside, soft inside; topped off with a Chantilly cream and strawberries.
Check out this recipe.
Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
Cranberry Jello Salad is a sweet-tart, dessert salad loaded with crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, cranberries and a tangy cream cheese topping!
Check out this recipe.
Make Ahead & Store Thanksgiving Desserts
Thanksgiving desserts can be made a day or two days in advance and kept at room temperature or a week before and kept in the refrigerator.
Place each of them in preheated 300 degrees F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until warmed. Making desserts ahead of time will save a lot of time and make you stress-free on the day of Thanksgiving.
But see that you don't add the toppings or frosting for the cakes, especially fresh fruits when preparing the desserts in advance. Just garnish before you are ready to serve.
Recipe card
Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes : Classic Pumpkin Pie
Even after a grand Thanksgiving dinner, there is always room for desserts.Desserts served at dinner parties are similar to the climax scenes in spectacular movies. I have covered everything from classic pumpkin pie to cakes, cookies, bars, tarts, crisps, pudding, and some unique holiday-themed desserts. It's your turn now to pick your favorite dessert to give a perfect ending to your Thanksgiving feast.Below is my recipe for classic thanksgiving pie taht we make every year.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 ½ cup All purpose flour
- 1 stick Ice cold butter
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoon Sugar
- 5 tablespoon Ice cold water
For the Pumpkin Pie Filling
- 1 can Pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 3 Eggs
- 1 cup Light Brown sugar (check tips)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- ½ teaspoon Ginger powder
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg grated
- ⅛ teaspoon Cloves powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Black pepper powder
- 1 tablespoon Corn starch
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¾ cup Evaporated milk
- ½ cup Heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Crust
- In a large bowl add flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter pieces using a fork or pastry cutter until butter is evenly distributed. Small speckles or pieces of butter combined with flour, sugar and salt is what we are aiming for.
- Sprinkle ice cold water over this flour mixture 1 or 2 tablespoon at a time and gently mix using your hands till it comes together to form a dough ball. You may also use a food processor to complete the above two steps.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and keep it in refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
For the Pie Filling
- In a large bowl add pumpkin puree, egg, and sugar, whisk until well combined
- Add cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, pepper powder, corn starch, salt, milk and cream. Whisk this until well combined
Roll and bake the Pumpkin Pie
- Preheat the oven to 375 Degree F.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into 9 inch circle and place it on greased pie dish. Trim any extra edges. You can either discard or make some leaves using cookie cutter and design your pie.
- Using pie weights, blind bake the crust for 10 minutes.
- Pour the pumpkin pie filling into pre-baked crust. Make sure you pour only ¾ of of the way up. (You can make another pie or mini pie using remaining filling or these mini pumpkin pancake bites).
- Bake for about 50 minutes. (You can cover your crust with aluminium foil at 25 minute mark to avoid it from turning brown) While the pie is baking, in a small bowl, mix oats, sugar, butter, and almonds until crumbly and set aside.
- After 50 minutes, sprinkle the streusel topping and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. Check if it is done every 5 minutes. Do not overbake as it will make your pie crack.
- Allow the pie to cool down completely for about 2 to 3 hours.
- Pumpkin Pie with Streusel Topping is ready. Slice, Serve and Enjoy.
Nutrition
Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 7gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 12mgPotassium: 1511mgFiber: 7gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 1170IUVitamin C: 97mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 2mg
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Dina and Bruce
What a great list of desserts for us to make! That berry pie is first up!
Bobby
This is such a great resource for Thanksgiving to have so many options in one place. I just added it to my favorites to refer back to. Can't wait to try some of these cakes!
David
Came for the pumpkin cheesecake…stayed for everything else!
Lindsey
Wow! Awesome list of recipes! I would love to try the chocolate Burbon cake. So many recipes so hard to choose.
Catherine
Great dessert ideas! Thank you for sharing these. Desserts are my favorite to make, and I love trying new ones!