For me, Thanksgiving desserts are the best part of the holiday. After I’ve filled up on turkey and all the trimmings, I’m ready for something sweet to finish off the celebration. So, if you love desserts as much as I do and are looking for delicious options that go beyond the usual pie, I’ve rounded up a collection of easy ideas that are sure to make your holiday celebration a special one.
Sweet Endings To Your Thanksgiving Celebration
For me, Thanksgiving dessert is just as important as the main meal! Even after filling up on turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the holiday sides, I always make sure to save a little room for something sweet. After all, dessert is the perfect way to finish off the celebration!
Thanksgiving Pies aren’t the only way to end a holiday meal on a sweet note! I like to offer a variety of desserts so there’s something for everyone, from dessert bars and cookies to cobblers, cakes, and plenty of other delicious treats.
Traditional Fall-Inspired Thanksgiving Desserts
Traditional desserts are always a favorite at my holiday table. I can never go wrong with tried-and-true options with warm, cozy fall flavors. These are just a few of the classics I know my guests will be looking for.
1. Apple Dumplings
Apple Dumplings Recipe
These apple dumplings come together quickly and easily using store-bought pie dough, making them a great option when I have a long list of food to prepare. They turn out soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness. I also love having options that are single-serve on my dessert table, as they are always fun to eat.
2. Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake Recipe
This old fashioned oatmeal cake has been in my family for years, so tradition says it’s a must at our Thanksgiving table. Moist and delicious with a toasted coconut and pecan frosting, I like to serve it warm from the oven with a scoop of ice cream.
3. Pineapple Bread Pudding
Pineapple Bread Pudding
Pineapple bread pudding is a warm and comforting option. A nice alternative to apple and pumpkin, this bread pudding is great for feeding a crowd. I’ll sometimes prepare it as a refreshing side and then serve the leftovers for breakfast the next morning.
4. Pecan Pie Pound Cake
Pecan Pie Pound Cake
Pecan pie pound cake is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert, featuring the buttery, tender texture of pound cake we all know and love with the rich, caramelized flavors of pecan pie. This one takes a fair amount of time to bake, so it’s one of the first things I get in the oven.
5. Sheet Pan Apple Crisp
Sheet Pan Apple Crisp
For this sheet pan apple crisp, I toss two kinds of apples with sugar and apple pie spice, and then, once they are soft and chewy, I add the flour and oat crumble. This recipe is great for feeding a crowd, as I can easily get about 12 servings.
6. Pumpkin Crisp
Pumpkin Crisp
For a change of pace from apple crisp, this pumpkin crisp has all the same warm fall flavors but with a custardy pumpkin filling. I like to serve it with a scoop of ice cream, and if I’m in the mood for something really indulgent, I’ll drizzle it with caramel sauce.
7. Oatmeal Pumpkin Bread With Apple Cider Sauce
Oatmeal pumpkin bread with apple cider sauce is the perfect combination of flavors and textures: a sweet, moist, and nicely spiced loaf topped with brown sugar and sweetened pecans. Once baked, I drizzle it with a warm apple cider sauce. So delicious!
8. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
I like to have a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies on hand over the holidays. Soft, chewy cookies studded with rich chocolate chips are always a hit. They come together quickly, make a big batch, and are always a hit with the kids.
9. Pumpkin Pie Dessert Lasagna
Pumpkin Pie Dessert Lasagna
This pumpkin pie dessert lasagna is a real showstopper of a dessert for Thanksgiving. Thankfully, this recipe comes together quickly, though it does need time to set, so I always plan accordingly. This is a rich dessert, so small slices are best.
10. Pumpkin Ice Cream
Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe
I always love making a batch of pumpkin ice cream. It’s great to have on hand to top all my favorite Thanksgiving desserts. I find it just makes them all taste that much better. Often, I’ll serve it right away for a soft-serve type of ice cream, and sometimes I’ll let it harden in the freezer for a more traditional scoop.
11. Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
When I’m pressed for time, this pumpkin dump cake is one of my go-to options. All I need to do is dump pumpkin puree, a box of yellow cake mix, pumpkin pie spice, pecans, and a few basic cake ingredients into a pan and then bake it all in the oven. No one knows how easily it comes together because it tastes so great!
12. Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake
Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake Recipe
For this pumpkin caramel poke cake, I take a box of butter pecan cake mix and turn it into a delicious fall dessert. I add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, and then, once the cake is baked, I poke holes and drizzle caramel sauce all over the top. And because that isn’t enough, I top it with a cream cheese and whipped cream topping to take it completely over the top.
13. Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Caramel apple pie bread pudding is a combination of classic bread pudding and apple pie flavors. Since my family is a big fan of bread pudding, this combination always goes over well. I toss cubes of French bread with apple pie filling, heavy cream, caramel sauce, and a few other ingredients, and bake until the bread is nicely toasted and bubbling hot.
14. Apple Bundt Cake
Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
This apple bundt cake takes all my favorite apple cake flavors and bakes them into an elegant round cake. Studded with chunks of chopped apple, sweetened with both white and brown sugar, brushed with warm butter, and then sprinkled with a cinnamon-sugar topping, it is the epitome of fall flavors.
15. Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
For these pecan pie cookies, I take all the classic flavors I know and love from pecan pie and turn them into irresistible cookies. The simple-to-prepare dough is topped with a buttery, creamy pecan mixture that can even be made ahead of time. For me, this recipe is a must on my holiday table.
16. Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
I love baking pies for the holidays, but sometimes it’s fun to give the classics a little upgrade. This salted caramel apple pie does just that, combining tender, spiced apples with rich caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a buttery crust that makes every bite irresistible. I may never go back to plain apple pie!
Anytime Classics
I make these desserts on repeat throughout the year, and they always find their way onto my holiday table. They’re tried-and-true favorites that everyone loves, so I know they’ll disappear in no time!
17. Homemade Carrot Cake
Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe
For this moist homemade carrot cake, I created 3 layers of delicious cake and topped it all with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. If you’ve ever been on the fence about carrot cake (I know I have), trust me—once you try this recipe, you’ll be sold!
18. Lemon Bars
Lemon Bars Recipe
For me, lemon bars are a year-round treat, but I do find they make a nice addition after a rich Thanksgiving meal. Sweet and tart with a hint of tang, they are the perfectly refreshing way to end our feast. For a gluten-free option, I’ll make gluten-free lemon bars.
19. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
These chocolate chip cookie bars are perfect when I’m craving chocolate chip cookies but don’t have the time to scoop all the batter. I pull together the pantry staple ingredients, pour them into a pan, and then I’m done. No need to stand at the counter for more than 15 minutes. This recipe is great for feeding a crowd, as I usually get about 16 bars.
20. Homemade Pound Cake
Classic Pound Cake Recipe
It isn’t the holidays without my homemade pound cake. Light and fluffy, made with lots of butter, eggs, and sugar, this cake is great for dressing up. Sometimes I’ll drizzle it with a blueberry compote or add a hint of brightness with a lemon sauce.
Easy Chocolate Desserts
You can never go wrong with a chocolate dessert! I don’t know anyone who can resist a chocolate cookie, a decadent chocolate brownie, or a slice of rich chocolate cake.
21. Pumpkin Brownies
Pumpkin Brownie Recipe
To make these pumpkin brownies, I use a boxed brownie mix that I layer on top of and underneath a creamy cream cheese pumpkin layer. Soft, chewy, and sweet, these are one of my favorite ways to celebrate fall. Though I have to admit, I can never resist making them year-round.
22. Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Sometimes a cake mix can make all the difference. To prepare these chocolate cake mix cookies, I only need 5 ingredients. I like to add white chocolate chips for color contrast, but use whatever you’ve got.
23. Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake
Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet
I took some creative liberties with this gooey Texas chocolate sheet cake by baking it in a skillet, whereas real Texas sheet cake is baked in a pan. But my fun skillet version turns out just as gooey and chocolatey. I think it tastes even better when I top it with ice cream.
24. Chocolate Lasagna
Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
When I’m looking for a real showstopper of a dessert, this chocolate lasagna tops my list. It has layers of Oreo cookies, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. It’s a great no-bake option, leaving room in the oven for all the other goodies I’m preparing.
25. Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge
Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge
With just a few minutes of prep, this salted caramel chocolate fudge is almost too quick not to make. I like having these on hand to add variety to my dessert table, and with just 5 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cook time, this recipe is always on my list. I let it set in the fridge while I tackle the rest of my list.
26. Brownie Cookies
Brownie Cookies—2 Ways
Brownie cookies are the ultimate deal breaker when I can’t decide whether to make cookies or brownies. They turn out chocolatey and chewy, and I can easily switch up the type of chocolate chips, throw in M&Ms, or top them with peppermint candy.
27. Chocolate Bundt Cake
Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe
I can never go wrong when I make this chocolate bundt cake. Filled with melted chocolate morsels, butter, brown sugar, and sour cream, this cake turns out rich and super fudgy. I also think the bundt shape makes it feel a little more festive than a traditional baking pan.
28. White Chocolate Mousse
White Chocolate Mousse Recipe
With just 2 ingredients, this white chocolate mousse is another quick and easy option for a creamy and decadent dessert. I like to pour it into individual cups so everyone gets their own. Though it tastes great as is, sometimes I’ll use a different type of chocolate and add fruit, cinnamon, or even top it with whipped cream.
Make Ahead Desserts
I always find there’s loads of cooking to do on Thanksgiving, so if I have a recipe that can be made ahead of time, it just makes things a little less stressful.
29. Pecan Pie Bars
Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
These pecan pie bars come together with all the traditional pecan pie ingredients, but instead of baking in a pie plate, I layer them into a 9×13 baking pan. This is a great option for feeding a crowd, as I can usually get about 18 squares.
30. Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting turn out super moist and perfectly spiced. I top them with a rich cream cheese frosting for a decadent and tasty dessert everyone will love. These bars come together quickly and are also great for a crowd, so they are often on my Thanksgiving prep list.
31. Chess Pie
Chess Pie Recipe
I’m a big believer that there’s always room for pie, especially during the holidays, and this classic chess pie is perfect for any occasion! It starts with a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with a rich, sweet custard that bakes up beautifully and gets a simple dusting of powdered sugar on top. A little cornmeal adds a subtle texture that makes this pie extra special. It’s an old-fashioned dessert that’s simple to make but impressive enough to have everyone asking for the recipe!
32. Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
Oreo Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
For these Oreo Rice Krispie treats, I take a classic dessert and elevate it by adding chunks of creamy and sweet Oreo cookies. To make this dessert, I’ll put the Oreo cookies in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes, so they’re easier to chop. This way, the creamy filling stays put as I chop them, ensuring every last drop makes it into the batter.
33. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe
Peanut butter and chocolate are one of my favorite flavor combinations, and these chocolate chip peanut butter blondies are just what I need when the craving hits. They are heavenly. Dense, chewy, and easy to prepare, I almost always have a few stashed in my freezer.
34. No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Recipe
When I’m busy cooking up a storm for Thanksgiving, I need a few no-bake options so that there’s room in my oven. Enter this no-bake pumpkin cheesecake. I use a store-bought crust and fill it with a pumpkin puree and cream cheese mixture, and then top it with a delicious pumpkin spice whipped topping. Simple, delicious, and easy is sometimes the best option.
35. Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies
Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe
These soft and chewy carrot cake sandwich cookies feature all the usual carrot cake flavors but in a fun, individual handheld option. I use shredded carrots, warm fall spices, and then layer the cream cheese frosting between 2 cookies. Feel free to serve the cookies without the cream cheese if you prefer, but I do have to say, they are truly decadent with it.
36. Gooey Butter Cookies
Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Gooey butter cookies always make an appearance around the holidays, being that I’m from St. Louis, it’s a St. Louis tradition. With lots of cream cheese and plenty of butter, these cookies turn out super soft and chewy. A snowy coating of powdered sugar makes them even more irresistible.
37. Tiramisu
Tiramisu Recipe
Tiramisu is always a crowd pleaser. With coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered between the rich and creamy mascarpone cheese mixture. The chocolate dusting on top is the perfect finish for a decadent dessert. This one tastes great the next day, as the flavors have time to develop, so it’s a great make-ahead option.
For Something A Little Different
While classic desserts are always a hit, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up and serve something unexpected. Now and then, I like to surprise my guests with something out of the ordinary—a truly unique dessert I know they’ll be talking about until Christmas.
38. Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Since I’m from Missouri, this pumpkin gooey butter cake is one of my favorite ways to combine all the goodness of gooey butter cake with the taste of the season. I use a yellow cake mix and then layer on the pumpkin puree and cream cheese mixture. It tastes great as is, but I’ll often top it with whipped cream for an even more luscious dessert.
39. Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
For this sopapilla cheesecake, a Mexican fried pastry and quick bread, I take some creative liberties and use crescent rolls so the assembly is super easy. I layer the crescent roll dough in the pan, top it with the cream cheese mixture, add another layer of crescent dough, drizzle it with butter, and then sprinkle it all with cinnamon sugar. Sopapilla cheesecake a la Becky!
40. Italian Cream Cake
Italian Cream Cake with Cream Cheese Pecan Frosting
Italian cream cake, technically not really Italian, is a cake that came out of the Southern U.S. As such, it features traditional flavors of the South, like shredded coconut and pecans which I’ve baked into the rich and creamy cake, and I’ve added both of these to the decadent cream cheese icing for even more Southern flair.
41. Candy Rice Krispie Treats
Candy Bar Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
These candy Rice Krispie treats, feature everyone’s favorite Rice Krispie treat that I’ve topped up with loads more goodies. If we happen to have candy leftover from Halloween, I’ll chop it up and add it to the batter; if not, I’ll pick some up at the store. I especially like adding M&Ms, as it makes the dessert super colorful, but any candies will work.
42. Banana Cake With Kahlua Whipped Cream
Banana Cake with Kahlua Whipped Cream
Who says banana cake has to be boring? For this banana cake with Kahlua whipped cream, I take a simple 8×8 banana cake and top it with a luscious, coffee-flavored whipped cream. Topped with a few banana slices, it transforms an everyday cake into a special treat.
These easy Thanksgiving dessert options are sure to please everyone at your holiday table. Whether you make one dessert or five, any of these recipe ideas will finish off the feast perfectly.
More ideas for your Thanksgiving Menu
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