25+ Irresistible Thanksgiving Desserts to Sweeten Your Holiday
Looking to add some sweetness to your holiday table? These Thanksgiving dessert ideas have you covered, with classic favorites and fun twists that everyone will love. From rich, creamy cheesecakes to warm, spiced pies, this list has something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without dessert, and whether you’re a pumpkin pie lover or crave something a bit more unique, these treats are sure to make a statement. I’ve rounded up the best Thanksgiving desserts—easy-to-make bars, decadent cakes, and even a few no-bake options for a stress-free holiday finale.
If you’re aiming for a traditional spread, you’ll find timeless recipes like classic pecan pie and apple crisp. But if you’re ready to try something new, get creative with cranberry crumb bars or salted caramel pumpkin pie bars that add a festive twist to the dessert table.
These Thanksgiving dessert recipes are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth and end your holiday meal on the perfect note!
Related: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal Plan: Appetizers, Cocktails, Main Courses, and More
1. Classic Pumpkin Pie
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a classic pumpkin pie. This rich, creamy pie combines the smooth, spiced filling we all love with a buttery, flaky crust that’s simply irresistible. It’s the dessert everyone looks forward to at Thanksgiving, with just the right amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to make each bite feel like a warm hug.
Get the Classic Pumpkin Pie recipe.
2. Pecan Pie Bars
Enjoy all the flavor of a classic pecan pie in a convenient, handheld bar. These pecan pie bars start with a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a layer of gooey, caramelized pecan filling. They’re perfect for serving a crowd, and their rich, nutty flavor makes them a standout addition to any dessert spread.
Get the Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
3. Apple Crisp
If you love the flavors of apple pie but want something a little different, this apple crisp is the answer. Juicy, spiced apples are topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble that’s baked until perfectly crisp. It’s warm, cozy, and ideal for pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Apple Crisp recipe.
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These pumpkin cheesecake bars bring together the best of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one delightful bite. With a spiced pumpkin layer atop creamy cheesecake, all on a buttery graham cracker crust, they’re the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them a practical yet delicious dessert option.
Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars recipe.
5. Sweet Potato Pie
Move over, pumpkin pie—sweet potato pie is here to shine. This Southern classic offers a smooth, rich filling made from roasted sweet potatoes, perfectly spiced for fall. It’s creamy and slightly sweet, with a flavor that’s comforting and unique, making it a must-try for anyone looking to switch up their Thanksgiving dessert game.
Get the Sweet Potato Pie recipe.
6. Mini Pecan Pies
These mini pecan pies pack all the deliciousness of traditional pecan pie into bite-sized treats. With a buttery, flaky crust and a gooey, nutty filling, each mini pie is perfectly portioned for individual enjoyment. They’re cute, tasty, and ideal for holiday gatherings where everyone can enjoy their own.
Get the Mini Pecan Pies recipe.
7. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Pie Bars
These salted caramel pumpkin pie bars put a delicious spin on traditional pumpkin pie. The creamy pumpkin filling is layered over a buttery crust and topped with a drizzle of salted caramel, adding a new depth of flavor to each bite. It’s a sweet, salty, and spiced treat that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
Get the Salted Caramel Pumpkin Pie Bars recipe.
8. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
This no-bake pumpkin cheesecake is perfect for busy holiday gatherings. It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and set atop a graham cracker crust, giving you all the flavors of pumpkin pie without turning on the oven. It’s a quick and easy treat that’s as delicious as it is effortless.
Get the No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe.
9. Cranberry Crumb Bars
These cranberry crumb bars are a festive twist on traditional fruit bars, with a tangy cranberry filling nestled between layers of buttery crumb. The bright, tart cranberries are balanced perfectly by the sweet, crunchy topping, making these bars a refreshing addition to any dessert table.
Get the Cranberry Crumb Bars recipe.
10. Caramel Apple Cheesecake
This caramel apple cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that blends creamy cheesecake with spiced apples and a drizzle of rich caramel. The tartness of the apples complements the sweet cheesecake perfectly, and the caramel topping adds an extra layer of indulgence that makes this dessert unforgettable.
Get the Caramel Apple Cheesecake recipe.
11. Classic Pumpkin Roll
The pumpkin roll is a holiday classic for good reason. A soft, spiced pumpkin sponge cake is rolled up around a creamy, sweet filling, creating a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. Slice into it to reveal the stunning spiral pattern, and enjoy each bite that perfectly combines cake and cream.
Get the Classic Pumpkin Roll recipe.
12. Apple Crumble Bars
These apple crumble bars are like a portable version of apple pie. A layer of spiced apples sits atop a buttery crust, finished with a crumbly, sweet topping. They’re the perfect dessert for those who love classic apple pie flavors in an easy-to-serve bar form, ideal for any holiday gathering.
Get the Apple Crumble Bars recipe.
13. White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake
This white chocolate cranberry cheesecake is a stunning dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate. Each slice is as delicious as it is beautiful, making it a show-stopping addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Get the White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake recipe.
14. Pumpkin Spice Truffles
These pumpkin spice truffles are bite-sized balls of creamy pumpkin and warm spices, coated in chocolate. They’re a fun, poppable dessert that’s perfect for those who want a little something sweet without going overboard. Plus, they’re easy to make and look beautiful on any dessert tray.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Truffles recipe.
15. Salted Caramel No-Bake Pumpkin Pie with Pretzel Crust
This no-bake pumpkin pie is a delightful mix of creamy pumpkin filling, salted caramel, and a salty-sweet pretzel crust. With no oven required, it’s an easy dessert option that still brings all the classic Thanksgiving flavors with a unique twist that everyone will love.
Get the Salted Caramel No-Bake Pumpkin Pie with Pretzel Crust recipe.
16. Apple Pie
A staple on any Thanksgiving dessert table, apple pie is as timeless as it gets. This version features a flaky, buttery crust filled with spiced apple slices that bake to perfection. Each slice delivers warmth, sweetness, and a hint of cinnamon, making it the ideal comfort dessert for the holidays.
Get the Apple Pie recipe.
17. Maple Walnut Blondies
For a nutty, maple-flavored treat, these walnut blondies are an excellent choice. Chewy and buttery with crunchy walnut pieces throughout, they’re packed with flavor and texture. The subtle maple flavor adds a fall-inspired twist that will make these a new holiday favorite.
Get the Maple Walnut Blondies recipe.
18. Pecan Pie Cheesecake
This pecan pie cheesecake combines two beloved holiday desserts into one decadent treat. With a creamy cheesecake layer and a sweet, gooey pecan topping, each slice is rich, satisfying, and downright irresistible. It’s a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves both cheesecake and pecan pie.
Get the Pecan Pie Cheesecake recipe.
19. Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This gingerbread cake is everything cozy and festive rolled into one. Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, each bite is filled with holiday warmth. Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and spice, making it a great choice for your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Get the Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.
20. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
For a new way to enjoy pumpkin, try this indulgent pumpkin bread pudding. Soft, custardy cubes of bread are baked with pumpkin puree and warm spices, then drizzled with caramel sauce for a decadent treat. It’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious, perfect for any fall occasion.
Get the Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe.
21. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
If you’re looking for a pecan pie with a little extra flair, this chocolate bourbon version is just the thing. The addition of chocolate and bourbon takes this classic pie to the next level, adding a rich depth of flavor to the sweet, nutty filling. It’s perfect for those who like their desserts with a hint of sophistication.
Get the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe.
22. Pumpkin Spice Cake
This pumpkin spice cake is a moist, fluffy treat infused with warm spices and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin makes it a fall favorite, while the frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the perfect dessert to satisfy your pumpkin cravings.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe.
23. Cranberry Orange Mini Bundts
These mini bundt cakes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Each little cake bursts with the bright, festive flavors of tart cranberries and zesty orange. They’re finished with a light glaze, making them a stunning and tasty addition to any holiday dessert table.
Get the Cranberry Orange Mini Bundts recipe.
24. Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
For those who can’t choose between chocolate and pumpkin, these brownies offer the best of both worlds. Fudgy and rich with a subtle hint of pumpkin spice, these chocolate pumpkin brownies are a unique twist on a classic dessert. They’re sure to satisfy any chocolate craving while adding a bit of fall flavor.
Get the Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies recipe.
25. Maple Pecan Cheesecake
This maple pecan cheesecake is a dessert that will impress even the toughest critics. A creamy, rich cheesecake is infused with maple flavor and topped with caramelized pecans for a beautiful, decadent finish. It’s the ideal mix of smooth and crunchy textures, making each bite a true treat.
Get the Maple Pecan Cheesecake recipe.
26. Apple Cider Donut Cake
Inspired by the beloved fall treat, this apple cider donut cake is moist, flavorful, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar crust. The apple cider flavor shines in every bite, making this cake a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. It’s as comforting as an actual donut, but perfect for slicing and sharing.
Get the Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe.
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