Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. While the turkey often takes center stage, no holiday feast is complete without a tempting array of desserts.

From classic pies to creative twists on traditional favorites, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

You’ll find a variety of mouthwatering recipes to round out your Thanksgiving meal in this collection of desserts. These treats range from quick and easy options for busy cooks to more elaborate creations that will impress your guests.

Whether you prefer pumpkin, apple, or pecan, there’s a dessert here to make your holiday celebration even sweeter.

1. Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving classic you can’t miss. This dessert combines a flaky crust with a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling.

Top your pie with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream for extra indulgence. The cool, fluffy cream balances the warm spices in the pie.

Make your pumpkin pie ahead of time to save stress on the big day. It tastes great after chilling in the fridge for a day or two.

For a twist, try a double-layer pumpkin cheesecake instead. It offers a creamy texture and rich flavor that guests will love.

2. Pecan Tart with Maple Syrup

A pecan tart with maple syrup is a sweet treat perfect for your Thanksgiving table. This dessert combines crunchy pecans with the rich flavor of maple syrup in a buttery crust.

To make the crust, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter and blend until the mixture looks like coarse meal.

Slowly add ice water until the dough comes together.

For the filling, combine maple syrup, eggs, and chopped pecans. Pour this mixture into the prepared crust. Arrange whole pecans on top for a pretty look.

Bake the tart until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool before serving. Your guests will love this tasty twist on a classic pecan pie.

3. Apple Crisp with Cinnamon

Apple crisp is a classic Thanksgiving dessert that’s easy to make. You’ll love the warm, comforting flavors of baked apples and cinnamon.

Start by slicing tart apples and tossing them with cinnamon and sugar. Pour this mixture into a baking dish.

Top the apples with a crumbly mixture of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for more flavor.

Bake until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown. The smell of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen.

Serve your apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a perfect ending to your Thanksgiving meal.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a classic Thanksgiving treat. You start by cooking and mashing sweet potatoes.

Mix the mashed potatoes with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and orange juice. This creates a flavorful base for your casserole.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it with a layer of fluffy marshmallows.

Bake the casserole until the marshmallows turn golden brown. The result is a dish that’s both sweet and comforting.

This recipe brings back memories of past Thanksgivings. It’s a favorite for both kids and adults at the holiday table.

5. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

This festive cake combines tangy cranberries with zesty orange flavors. It’s a great choice for your Thanksgiving dessert table.

Start with a moist cake batter infused with orange zest and juice. Fold in fresh or frozen cranberries for bursts of tartness throughout.

Bake the cake in a Bundt pan for an eye-catching shape. Once cooled, drizzle it with a simple orange glaze for extra sweetness and shine.

This cake can be made a day ahead, saving you time on Thanksgiving. It’s perfect for those who want a break from traditional pies.

6. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

This decadent dessert combines chocolate, bourbon, and pecans for a rich twist on classic pecan pie. You’ll need a 9-inch deep-dish pie crust as the base.

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Spread pecans and chocolate chips evenly in the crust.

In a saucepan, bring corn syrup, sugars, and bourbon to a boil, stirring for 3 minutes.

Pour the warm mixture over the pecans and chocolate. Bake until the filling is set, about 45 minutes. Let it cool before serving.

For a corn syrup-free version, use brown sugar, honey, and melted butter instead. Add eggs, vanilla, and salt to create a smooth filling.

7. Classic Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce

A creamy cheesecake topped with warm caramel sauce is a perfect Thanksgiving treat. You’ll love the smooth texture and rich flavor of this dessert.

Start with a graham cracker crust for a classic base. Mix cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to create the filling. Bake until set, then let it cool completely.

Pour homemade caramel sauce over the top just before serving. The sweet, buttery caramel complements the tangy cheesecake beautifully.

Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Your guests will be impressed by this elegant twist on a traditional Thanksgiving dessert.

8. Pear and Ginger Galette

A pear and ginger galette is a simple yet elegant dessert for your Thanksgiving table. You’ll love its flaky crust and sweet, spicy filling.

To make it, toss sliced pears with lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ground ginger. Roll out pie dough and place the pear mixture in the center.

Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, leaving the center open. Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake until the crust is golden and the pears are tender. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

9. Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Spiced carrot cake is a perfect Thanksgiving dessert. It’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make ahead of time.

To make the cake, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Add oil, eggs, and grated carrots. Pour the batter into cake pans and bake at 350°F.

For the frosting, blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Once the cake cools, spread the frosting between layers and on top.

This dessert can be made a day or two before Thanksgiving. Just store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.

10. Butternut Squash Pudding

Butternut squash pudding is a tasty twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts. This creamy treat brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash.

To make it, you’ll blend cooked butternut squash with milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm fall flavors.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and cook until set. The result is a smooth, custard-like dessert.

Top your pudding with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a cozy end to your holiday meal that guests will love.

11. Maple Walnut Bars

Maple walnut bars are a tasty Thanksgiving treat. You’ll love the sweet maple flavor mixed with crunchy walnuts.

To make them, start with a buttery crust. Mix flour, butter, and sugar. Press this into a baking pan.

For the filling, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and chopped walnuts. Pour this over the crust.

Bake until the top is golden and set. Let the bars cool before cutting. These bars are perfect for serving a crowd.

You can add a maple glaze on top for extra sweetness. Serve them warm or at room temperature.

12. Gingerbread Trifle with Vanilla Custard

This festive dessert combines the warm spices of gingerbread with creamy vanilla custard. You’ll layer cubes of gingerbread cake with smooth custard and fluffy whipped cream in a clear glass dish.

The gingerbread adds a cozy holiday flavor, while the custard provides a rich contrast. You can use store-bought gingerbread or bake your own for a homemade touch.

To assemble, start with a layer of gingerbread cubes. Top with vanilla custard, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until your trifle dish is full.

For extra flair, sprinkle some crushed gingerbread cookies or toffee bits between layers. This dessert can be made ahead, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings.

13. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin cheesecake bars are a perfect Thanksgiving dessert. They combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the warm spices of pumpkin pie.

You can make these bars ahead of time, which is great for busy holiday prep. They taste even better after chilling in the fridge for a day or two.

To make pumpkin cheesecake bars, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan. Start with a graham cracker crust, then add a layer of pumpkin cheesecake filling.

These bars are easier to serve than a whole cheesecake. You can cut them into neat squares for your guests to enjoy.

14. Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes

These cupcakes blend fall flavors perfectly for your Thanksgiving dessert table. You’ll love the mix of sweet apples and rich caramel in every bite.

Start with a moist apple cupcake base. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg for warm spice notes. Add shredded apples to the batter for natural sweetness and texture.

Top the cooled cupcakes with a smooth salted caramel frosting. The salty-sweet combo takes these treats to the next level. Finish with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Your guests will rave about these cupcakes. They’re a fun twist on classic apple pie flavors in an easy-to-serve package.

15. Coconut Custard Pie

Coconut custard pie is a sweet and creamy dessert perfect for Thanksgiving. You’ll love its smooth texture and tropical flavor.

To make this pie, start by mixing eggs, sugar, and milk. Add shredded coconut and vanilla for extra taste. Pour the mixture into a pie crust.

Bake the pie at 350°F for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.

For a fancy touch, sprinkle toasted coconut on top. This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Desserts

Great Thanksgiving desserts need the right mix of flavors and fresh ingredients. Here are some tips to make your holiday sweets shine.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

Mix sweet and tangy flavors in your desserts. Pair tart cranberries with sweet apples in a pie. Add nuts to soft cakes for crunch. Use spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to boost flavor.

Try these combos:

• Pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust
• Apple crisp with oat and pecan topping
• Sweet potato pie with marshmallow meringue

Don’t forget salt. A pinch can make sweet flavors pop. Aim for desserts that aren’t too heavy after a big meal.

Selecting Seasonal Ingredients

Pick fresh, in-season fruits and veggies for your desserts. Look for:

• Firm, sweet apples
• Bright orange pumpkins
• Tart cranberries
• Crisp pears

Use real maple syrup instead of fake. Choose canned pumpkin with no added sugar. Fresh nuts add better flavor than old ones.

Buy extra ingredients. You might need them if a recipe doesn’t work out. Store fruits and veggies right to keep them fresh longer.

Traditional vs. Innovative Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving desserts range from classic favorites to creative new twists. Some people stick to time-honored recipes, while others like to experiment with unique flavors and presentations.

Classic Dessert Options

Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple. Its smooth, spiced filling and flaky crust are beloved by many. Apple pie is another popular choice, with its sweet-tart fruit and buttery crust. Pecan pie offers a rich, nutty flavor that rounds out the traditional dessert spread.

For a lighter option, try apple crisp. It has the same cozy flavors as apple pie but with a crunchy oat topping. Sweet potato pie is similar to pumpkin but with a denser texture. Don’t forget about cranberry sauce – while often served with the main meal, it can also make a tart, refreshing dessert.

Modern Twists on Holiday Favorites

Pumpkin cheesecake bars blend two favorite desserts into one creamy treat.

For a fun take on pie, try apple cider whoopie pies. They have all the spiced flavors of fall in a handheld format.

Pumpkin tres leches cake puts a seasonal spin on the classic Mexican dessert. It’s moist, creamy, and full of warm spices.

For a unique option, make pumpkin empanadas. These hand pies combine traditional Latin American pastries with classic Thanksgiving flavors.

Cranberry tart offers a bright, tangy alternative to typical Thanksgiving sweets. Its vibrant color looks great on the dessert table.

For a no-bake option, whip up a pecan pie dip. Serve it with graham crackers or apple slices for easy snacking.