Thanksgiving desserts are the heart of every holiday gathering. Whether you’re savoring a slice of pumpkin pie or trying something new like apple cheesecake bars, these sweet endings bring people together. In this article, you’ll find timeless recipes that combine tradition, flavor, and simplicity. From pies and crisps to cakes and cookies, each one is designed to wow your guests and make your table unforgettable. Whether you’re baking with family or planning your first holiday menu, these treats are easy, festive, and sure to impress. Let’s dive into the most beloved sweets to serve during your Thanksgiving celebration.
Pumpkin Pie and a Kitchen Memory
Every Thanksgiving, my mom’s pumpkin pie was the dessert everyone waited for. I remember standing beside her in the kitchen, watching her whisk together canned pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream while the house filled with that cozy holiday scent. Thanksgiving desserts weren’t just a final course they were part of the tradition.
Pumpkin pie holds its place as a true classic among Thanksgiving desserts. Its creamy filling and flaky crust are symbols of comfort and celebration. Baking it each year, I carry on that legacy and add my own twist sometimes a gingersnap crust, sometimes a splash of maple.
Why Thanksgiving Desserts Matter
Thanksgiving desserts are more than just treats they complete the story of your holiday table. After the turkey, the stuffing, and the gravy, desserts offer that satisfying close. Whether it’s a familiar pie or something new, it brings people back to the table for “just one more slice.”
Some of the most beloved Thanksgiving desserts are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Think apple crisps with oat toppings, pecan pie bars, or no-bake pumpkin cheesecakes all bursting with fall flavor and minimal prep.
For more cozy ideas, check out Crockpot Cravings’ easy apple recipes or these sweet potato slow cooker dishes they pair wonderfully with these desserts and add balance to your meal.
Classic Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Loves
Traditional Pies That Never Disappoint
No matter how creative your menu gets, there’s something sacred about classic Thanksgiving pies. These are the desserts that have stood the test of time and for good reason. Pumpkin pie, of course, is the icon. Creamy, spiced, and nestled in a buttery crust, it’s the dessert most guests expect. But right behind it? Pecan pie rich, sticky, and full of crunch with every bite.
Apple pie also earns its place on any holiday table. Made with tart apples, cinnamon, and a golden lattice crust, it brings warmth and nostalgia with every slice. For easy prep, try using your slow cooker for the filling like in this apple pie crockpot version, then bake in a store-bought crust to save time.
If you’re looking for a sweet ending that pairs beautifully with coffee or after-dinner drinks, consider sweet potato pie. It’s smooth, subtly sweet, and makes a delicious alternative to pumpkin.
Simple Cakes and Crisps for a Crowd
When you’re feeding a group, sometimes it’s easier to skip the pie crust and go for something simple like a crisp or cake. Apple crisps, made with oats, brown sugar, and spiced apples, are always a win. They’re easier to serve and often gluten-friendly with the right oats.
A moist cranberry orange bundt cake can be prepped a day ahead and adds a beautiful pop of color to your dessert table. Or consider a spiced pumpkin loaf drizzled with cream cheese glaze it’s festive, easy to slice, and perfect for leftovers.
Looking for more fall-themed ideas? Check out this list of slow cooker desserts with fall flavors for options that keep your oven free for the turkey.
Modern Twists on Thanksgiving Desserts
Fresh Takes on Classic Flavors
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15 Thanksgiving Desserts That Steal the Show Every Year
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- A collection of easy and classic Thanksgiving desserts including pumpkin pie, pecan tart, and apple crisp. Each one captures the warmth and flavor of the holidays while being simple enough for any home baker.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups sliced apples
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your pie crust.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, and evaporated milk until smooth.
- Pour mixture into the crust and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until set in the center.
- While baking, prepare the apple crisp topping by mixing oats, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- For a pecan topping, combine pecans with maple syrup and spread evenly on a parchment-lined pan. Toast for 10 minutes.
- Let desserts cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Notes
- These recipes can be made ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.
- For variation, swap pecans for walnuts or add a drizzle of caramel before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
If you’re ready to try something beyond the usual pie line-up, there’s a whole world of Thanksgiving desserts that play with tradition in fun, flavorful ways. A great example is pumpkin cheesecake bars they combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake and are easy to serve to a crowd.
Maple pecan shortbread bars are another creative option. They keep the spirit of pecan pie but add a buttery twist with a crumbly shortbread base. Or for a showstopper, try a salted caramel apple trifle, layered with cake cubes, cinnamon apples, and whipped cream. It’s visually stunning and surprisingly simple to assemble.
You can even bake up a batch of pumpkin snickerdoodles soft, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They bring the comfort of cookies with a seasonal flavor upgrade.
Need something cozy but different? Try the cinnamon roll casserole in a crockpot it’s warm, gooey, and perfect for brunch or dessert. You’ll find an easy version among these slow cooker cinnamon roll recipes.
Diet-Friendly and Allergy-Aware Treats
Today’s Thanksgiving desserts don’t just have to taste great they should welcome everyone at the table. For guests with dietary needs, consider gluten-free pumpkin brownies made with almond flour, or vegan apple crisp topped with coconut oil and oats.
No-bake desserts like dairy-free chocolate mousse or pumpkin chia pudding also make your spread more inclusive without sacrificing flavor.
If you’re planning a make-ahead menu, check out this collection of freezer-friendly desserts that can be prepped days in advance and thawed just in time for the holiday.
A few small updates to your dessert menu can turn traditional flavors into exciting new experiences without losing the comfort everyone expects.
Easy and Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts
Stress-Free Sweets You Can Prep Ahead
If you’re like most hosts, dessert is the last thing you want to worry about on Thanksgiving Day. That’s why make-ahead recipes are a game changer. Thanksgiving desserts that can chill overnight or bake earlier in the week make your holiday flow so much smoother.
Start with a no-bake pumpkin cheesecake it sets beautifully in the fridge and takes just 15 minutes to prep. Or try a classic cranberry fluff salad, which can be made a day or two in advance and doubles as a side or dessert.
Bread puddings, especially made in the slow cooker, are another smart option. Mix them the night before, store in the fridge, then cook on low while you prep the turkey. You’ll find a rich pumpkin bread pudding among the best slow cooker Thanksgiving ideas that frees up your oven and still delivers bold flavor.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
Not all great Thanksgiving desserts require baking skills or hours in the kitchen. A store-bought pound cake topped with homemade whipped cream and roasted cinnamon apples becomes a rustic dessert with little effort. Or go even simpler with baked pears drizzled in honey and cinnamon they’re elegant, healthy, and bake in under 30 minutes.
Even dump cakes layered ingredients you bake all at once are holiday-worthy. A cherry dump cake with pecan topping offers bold flavor with barely any prep. These kinds of recipes shine when you need to feed a crowd without stress.
For more smart, time-saving desserts, check out this round-up of crockpot holiday desserts, especially helpful when your oven’s already full.
In the end, the best Thanksgiving desserts are the ones that let you enjoy the moment and still get all the compliments.
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FAQ Section: Popular Questions About Thanksgiving Desserts
What are the most common Thanksgiving desserts?
The most common Thanksgiving desserts include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie classics that never go out of style. Sweet potato pie, cranberry bars, and pumpkin rolls also make frequent appearances on holiday tables. These traditional sweets reflect the flavors of the season warm spices, nuts, apples, and pumpkin making them timeless choices every family loves.
What are the 9 common desserts?
Nine of the most popular Thanksgiving desserts are pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie, sweet potato pie, cranberry cake, pumpkin cheesecake, bread pudding, caramel apple crisp, and pumpkin roll. Each one highlights fall’s best ingredients and offers a balance of sweetness and spice that perfectly caps off a Thanksgiving feast.
What is America’s most loved dessert?
Across the U.S., apple pie continues to be America’s most beloved dessert. It represents comfort, tradition, and nostalgia qualities that align perfectly with Thanksgiving. Many households add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle caramel sauce on top for the ultimate warm-and-cool contrast.
What is the most popular dessert in Turkey?
In Turkey, desserts differ completely from American Thanksgiving desserts. One of the most popular Turkish desserts is baklava, a layered pastry filled with nuts and soaked in syrup or honey. It’s rich, flaky, and sweet often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations, just like pie is in American culture.
Conclusion
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, there’s truly something for everyone from the timeless pies passed down through generations to modern twists that surprise and delight. Whether you prefer baking from scratch or want to simplify your prep with make-ahead recipes, these sweet creations bring warmth, connection, and joy to your holiday table. Remember, the best desserts aren’t just about flavor they’re about tradition, laughter, and sharing moments with the people you love. This Thanksgiving, choose a dessert that speaks to your family’s story, and enjoy every delicious bite.