52 Delicious Thanksgiving Desserts
I am not a huge fan of Thanksgiving foods. Turkey? Take it or leave it. Mashed potatoes? Meh. But the desserts, that is something this holiday got right. From delicious pies and cakes to decadent tarts and cheesecakes this roundup of Thanksgiving desserts has it all. Choose one (or more!) to impress your friends and family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Unique Showstoppers
If you want to impress friends and family at Thanksgiving try out this awesome recipe.
This recipe includes directions for how to many any type of piecaken (a pie baked inside a cake!) plus cheater versions for how to simplify the process.
People will think you are a pastry chef with this fancy-looking dessert.
Pumpkin Cheesecake and Chocolate Mousse
Covered in a dark chocolate ganache this dessert tastes great and looks amazing.
Crisps/Tarts/Creme Brulee
A twist on the typical pumpkin dessert. This layered treat has pumpkin pie filling, butter cake, and a layer of crushed nuts. Using a boxed cake mix makes this recipe really simple.
No one will care that this dessert doesn’t have the traditional Thanksgiving flavors. If you want leftovers you may want to make two because this will vanish before your eyes.
Creme Brulee is one of my all-time favorite desserts. It’s so cheap and easy I really should make it more often.
Cranberries are often overlooked when it comes to Thanksgiving desserts. But no longer! Check out this scrumptious looking galette.
At Thanksgiving, people love pecan pie. At all times people love chocolate. Put them together and what do you get? Happy friends and family.
What makes this dessert so special is the maple mascarpone whipped cream – yum!
You had me at warm caramel drizzle.
Brown Butter Cranberry Hazelnut Tart
Just imagine all those delicious flavors together. Now instead of just imagining, go ahead and make it!
Cakes
Personal pumpkin cakes with a molten caramel center, perfect for the pumpkin lovers in your life.
Apple Butter Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Glaze
If you are in need of a gluten-free and vegan dessert I recommend taking a look at this cake.
I love angel food cake but I never thought of adding pumpkin to it, now I can’t wait to try it.
A super easy recipe because you can make it in one bowl. It’s also gluten-free for those needing this type of dessert option.
I always think of carrot cake as an Easter dessert. But add some pumpkin and you’ve added a whole other holiday!
With a marshmallow buttercream frosting, this cake recipe is sure to please.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting
The look of this frosting alone makes me want to bite into these cupcakes.
Dump cakes are the best because they couldn’t be easier yet everyone loves their taste.
What would this Thanksgiving recipe round-up be without a traditional pumpkin roll dessert?
No-Bake Desserts
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Truffles
Pumpkin and ice cream are two of my favorite things. With only two ingredients this recipe sounds like a winner to me!
A dessert I never thought to serve at Thanksgiving but now I’m intrigued. How great would these figs look on the Thanksgiving dessert table?
Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Pie
I can never get enough pumpkin, can you? A bonus, this dessert is a no-bake recipe.
Make a day ahead of time so there is no stress the day of the celebration. If you are looking for an easy, cheap, but impressive dessert this is the one for you.
Whenever there is a pumpkin shake on a menu, I order it. What’s really great about this recipe is that it uses your leftover pumpkin pie (if there is any!).
Same great flavors but super fast and easy to make.
How cute are these trifles? Great to make ahead of time and easy to serve to guests.
Cookies and Bars
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling
Farmers’ markets are where I always get my whoopie pies to enjoy while doing my shopping. Why not enjoy them at home after a Thanksgiving feast?
One of your favorite traditional Thanksgiving pies in bar form. Easy to make, delicious to eat.
This recipe uses pre-made sugar cookie dough saving you a lot of prep time.
If you like to decorate, take a look at these cute Thanksgiving cookies.
Graham cracker crust, enough said.
One of my own favorite recipes (that I invented!) is my Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookie Cups. I think this recipe could be a good rival for the holiday season.
Do you know anyone who doesn’t like snickerdoodle cookies? I don’t. These would be great to include in cookie exchanges too.
Cheesecakes
Again, a recipe combines two of my favorite desserts to make an epic one!
I’ve had a lot of pumpkin cheesecake in my life but never a pecan one. I may need to try this recipe out.
One year at Thanksgiving we had a regular pumpkin cheesecake and a layered pumpkin cheesecake. Most people took a slice of each for comparison. Everyone was a winner.
Mini Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake
Salted caramel seems to be part of every dessert currently – and for good reason!
Pies
You need to have a pumpkin pie at your Thanksgiving table. Hopefully, you have many other desserts too but your guests will be disappointed if the pumpkin pie isn’t there (I know I would be!).
What makes this pie great at a Thanksgiving table (besides the bourbon, obviously)? The oat pecan crumble.
Two traditional Thanksgiving pies in one!
More chocolate is needed on Thanksgiving. Pumpkin, apple, and pecans usually rule the dessert table but I personally would like to see more chocolate incorporated.
The crumb topping always makes a pie better in my opinion.
We always have at least two Thanksgiving gatherings which are very large. This recipe is made for a crowd.
If you follow the recipes on my blog you know I like all things mini. Mini pies are just the cutest!
Class up your Thanksgiving pie with this light and fluffy dessert recipe.
I actually had French Silk Pie as one of the dessert options at our Thanksgiving table last year and it was a hit. My belief is that any type of pie can be traditional.
With this recipe, you won’t have to deal with cutting and serving slices of pie. Each person can get their own!
Misc.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Bread Pudding
I am always, always looking for yummy slow cooker recipes. Make it a bread pudding recipe and I’m sold.
White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Fudge is not only a tasty dessert but it is also the perfect gift to bring the host/hostess of Thanksgiving.
I hope you’ve found the perfect Thanksgiving dessert for your upcoming celebration(s). Tag me on Instagram (@planningforkeeps.com) with pictures of your desserts! I would love to see them.
2 COMMENTS
Leave A Comment
Christina Conte | 8th Nov 19
What a fabulous list of Thanksgiving recipes! Brilliant choices! Thanks for including my pumpkin cheesecake chocolate mousse dessert! Happy Thanksgiving!
Mehgan | 9th Nov 19
Thank you and you’re welcome! The Pumpkin Cheesecake Chocolate Mousse is on my list to make this year – it combines all my favorite things!