35 Thanksgiving Desserts from the Best Bloggers!
Save some room at Thanksgiving dinner this year because these Thanksgiving desserts deserve a spot on your table (and in your stomach).
Whether you’re looking to switch it up from the typical rotation of pumpkin, apple, and pecan pie, or you’re on the hunt for something special and unique to bring to a friend or family member’s feast, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of our favorite, healthy Thanksgiving desserts that we know you’ll love! Thanksgiving is such a great holiday for food – we absolutely love celebrating with all those traditional Thanksgiving dinner recipes.
We’ve got some lightened-up desserts with fruit, some chocolate options, some healthy pumpkin desserts, and lots of apple recipes! By the time you reach dessert, it can feel a little overwhelming. So if you’re looking for some healthier Thanksgiving dessert ideas, you’ll find a perfect dessert below.
Tips To Make The Best Thanksgiving Desserts
Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, delicious food, and of course, dessert. If you’re tasked with making dessert for the holiday, here are some tips to ensure it’s a success:
- Plan ahead: Don’t leave dessert until the last minute. Decide what you want to make, gather your ingredients, and make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment.
- Keep it simple: Thanksgiving is already a busy time, so don’t stress yourself out with a complicated dessert. Stick to something easy and delicious, like pumpkin pie or apple crisp.
- Use seasonal ingredients: Take advantage of the fall harvest and incorporate seasonal ingredients into your dessert. Think apples, cranberries, pumpkin, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Make it ahead of time: If possible, make your dessert the day before Thanksgiving. This will give it time to set and will free up some time on the big day.
- Don’t forget the presentation: A beautiful dessert is just as important as a delicious one. Take the time to arrange it nicely on a platter or in a pretty dish.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a delicious and beautiful Thanksgiving dessert.
35 Thanksgiving Desserts
Photo: dinneratthezoo
This pumpkin cheesecake is a graham cracker crust topped with a rich and creamy pumpkin cream cheese filling, all baked to golden brown perfection.
The perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert! When it comes to a holiday meal, there always needs to be a pumpkin dessert on the menu.
Get the full recipe from Dinner At The Zoo
Photo: lovefromtheoven
This Turkey Cheese Ball is an exciting way to serve your company a finger-licking Thanksgiving appetizer or dessert.
Made with a sweet cream cheese base and decorated to the nines to look like an adorable little turkey bird, this is a favorite recipe your friends and family will want for years to come.
Get the full recipe from Love From The Oven
Photo: mamasbuzz
Tired of the same old Thanksgiving desserts? Say hello to your new feathered friend: the Turkey Cake!
This adorable and delicious creation is guaranteed to steal the show at your holiday gatherings.
Get the full recipe from Mama”s Buzz
Photo: bakewithjamie
This double-layer pumpkin cheesecake has a cheesecake bottom layer with a pumpkin cheesecake top layer and is so easy to make.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combined with the homemade graham cracker crust make this the loveliest Thanksgiving dessert!
Get the full recipe from Bake With Jamie
Photo: twokidsandacoupon
Set a new treat on your table this Thanksgiving with these terrific turkey cupcakes. Here is how to make them for your family and friends!
Thanksgiving is a special time of year when we gather with family and friends.
Get the full recipe from Two Kids And A Coupon
Photo: savorthespoonful
These snickerdoodles without cream of tartar are soft, chewy, and easy to make. They are rolled in cinnamon sugar for a delicious flavor of holiday spice.
Snickerdoodles are the best cookies to make in the fall and winter, especially for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Get the full recipe from Savor The spoonful
Photo: semihomemadekitchen
Step into the Thanksgiving spirit with these adorable Pilgrim Hat Cookies!
Crafted from fudge-striped shortbread cookies, these sweet treats are a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table, adorned with yellow frosting, Reese’s Miniature Cups, and mini orange M&M’s for a festive touch.
Get the full recipe from Semi-Homemade Kitchen
Photo: mommyevolution
Your kids are going to flip over these absolutely adorable Oreo Cookie Turkey Pops.
Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and FOOD. Why not give the kids an extra special treat this season by making these Thanksgiving Oreo Turkey Cookies?
Get the full recipe from Mommy Evolution
Photo: pinkwhen
They are super cute Thanksgiving desserts, and the kids love to help make them. Grab this easy recipe and have fun with the kids while out on Thanksgiving break.
They don’t take too long, and the kids have fun making them. You might also enjoy these No Bake Turkey Cookies!
Get the full recipe from Pink When
Photo: snappygourmet
Caramel Apple Butter Cupcakes recipe with Caramel Apple Cream Cheese frosting, a great dessert for fall, Halloween, or even Thanksgiving! Such a fun gourmet cupcake recipe!
These fall cupcakes are also easy to make thanks to store-bought apple butter and a cake mix.
Get the full recipe from Snappy Gourmet
Photo: notquitesusie
These easy-t0-make Turkey Dessert Shooters are perfect Thanksgiving desserts – whether used as a snack to help kiddos fill their tummies while they’re waiting for the big turkey dinner or as an after-dinner dessert,
they’re sure to make kids & grown-ups alike smile!
Get the full recipe from Not Quite Susie
Photo: wonkywonderful
For the perfect Thanksgiving dessert make these Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Ice Box Cakes with wafers and whipped cream.
These mini desserts are ridiculously easy to make. They can be flavored and decorated however you like. This easy, make-ahead recipe will be a holiday hit!
Get the full recipe from Wonky Wonderful
Photo: ladybehindthecurtain
Mini pumpkin shaped bundt cakes filled with no-bake pumpkin cheesecake! The perfect addition to a decorated Thanksgiving table.
A yummy treat that can be made weeks in advance waiting for you in the freezer. Don’t decorate until the day before you plan on serving them.
Get the full recipe from Lady Behind The Curtain
Photo: delightfulemade
easy as pie, this Dutch apple tart is an even easier version of the classic pie recipe! fantastic for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner!
Sweet, tender apples and a brown sugar cinnamon pecan crumble are baked to perfection making this tart a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table!
Get the full recipe from Delightful Made
Photo: afarmgirlskitchen
This recipe has a delicious cinnamon crumb topping and is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for your holiday gathering.
Pumpkin cake uses ingredients that are easy to find, and easy to prepare in one bowl for the most delicious single-layer pumpkin cake. A straightforward recipe you can follow!
Get the full recipe from A Farm Girls Kitchen
Photo: savingtalents
Enjoy this delicious recipe for a pumpkin pecan cheesecake with homemade pumpkin butter!
It’s the perfect dessert for a fall party or Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll never eat plain pumpkin pie or pecan pie again!
Get the full recipe from Saving Talents
Photo: whiskfulcooking
This Caramel Apple Pear Crisp recipe is a classic dessert full of flavor with sweet apples and pears baked in a creamy caramel sauce with a buttery oat topping.
Easy enough for a weeknight treat but always a hit at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday meal.
Get the full recipe from Whiskful Cooking
Photo: themindfulmeringue
These brownies are the ultimate “triple-threat” dessert – combining the richness of chocolate with the creaminess of cheesecake and the warmth of pumpkin spice flavors!
These brownies are a crowd favorite and the perfect fall treat to bring to any Thanksgiving dinner. This dessert is not only delicious to eat but also a feast for the eyes!
Get the full recipe from The Mindful Meringue
Photo: keep-calm-and-eat-ice-cream
These easy Oreo Turkey Cookies with candy corn are a cute and simple Thanksgiving dessert that’s perfect to make with the kids!
These Oreo turkeys are made with just a few simple ingredients. They are an easy no bake dessert that’s perfect for a thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the full recipe from Keep Calm And Eat Ice Cream
Photo: milkglasshome
This classic apple cranberry crisp tastes best slightly warmed and with either a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little whipped cream on top.
It adds a creamy flavor that is just heavenly, and the extra sweetness tastes amazing alongside the tart filling. It’s a lovely Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert!
Get the full recipe from Milk Glass Home
Photo: themondaybox
Painted Turkey Sugar Cookies are edible art for Thanksgiving gifting, holiday table decorating, or Thanksgiving care package mailing.
Crunchy, citrus-vanilla sugar cookies are cut out in pieces, and then easily assembled into 3D turkeys.
Get the full recipe from The Monday Box
Photo: pamsdailydish
Here’s a fun food craft project for you and the kids to make and for the whole family to enjoy on Thanksgiving.
Everyone is going to love this recipe for DIY sugar cone cornucopias. Try this on Thanksgiving Day for a fun holiday project.
Get the full recipe from Pam’s Daily Dish
Photo: momfoodie
This Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe is the perfect solution, if you don’t feel like messing around with pie crust, but still want a fresh baked pumpkin dessert.
It is one of my top picks among easy Thanksgiving dessert recipes. The pumpkin cake is almost like an upside-down pumpkin pie...
Get the full recipe from Mom Foodie
Photo: onmykidsplate
This easy caramel apple dump cake recipe is so gooey, and is the perfect dessert with a scoop of ice cream!
Soft cinnamon sugar apples are topped with a buttery cake layer and then a drizzle of gooey caramel on top, this easy recipe is sweet and delicious!
Get the full recipe from On My Kids Plate
Photo: organicallyaddison
These apple crisp bars have all the flavors and textures of the classic dessert but they are easy to make and share!
These bars feature a shortbread crust, gooey cinnamon apple layer, and crumble topping. They are absolutely delicious!
Get the full recipe from Organically Addison
Photo: girlversusdough
This stunning cranberry gingersnap tart is the perfect addition to any holiday dessert table!
A sweetly spiced gingersnap crust is filled with fresh cranberry-orange curd to create a special dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Get the full recipe from Girl Versus Dough
Photo: afullliving
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the perfect union of apple crisp and cheesecake. This decadent dessert is the best of both worlds.
Ideal fall dessert. If you have some leftover apples from apple picking, put them to good use this fall with this amazing dessert! It’s perfect for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving!
Get the full recipe from A Full Living
Photo: getinspiredeveryday
It’s the perfect way to have all the best flavors of pumpkin pie with a nutty cinnamon topping that’s all crunch.
You definitely don’t want to wait for Thanksgiving to make this Pumpkin Crisp. It’s so easy to make with just 15 minutes of hands-on time. a great dessert through the fall season
Get the full recipe from Get Inspired EveryDay
Photo: thissillygirlskitchen
If you want a deliciously easy and ultra tasty dessert this holiday season you need these Cranberry Pie Bars in your life. Absolutely delicious and addictive.
Get the full recipe from This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Photo: goglutenfreely
These bars with a buttery graham cracker crust are the perfect easy fall dessert you can make the second we hit pumpkin season.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars also make a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the full recipe from Go Gluten Freely
Photo: thrivinginparenting
Creating turkey cupcakes is an enjoyable Thanksgiving dessert project. These treats are incredibly festive and, not to forget, also delicious!
It’s a delightful do-it-yourself activity that you can share with your children. They add a festive and adorable touch to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Get the full recipe from Thriving In Parenting
Photo: thebestnest
These pumpkin spice cookies have a few extra steps compared to your average cookie recipe but trust me – it’s well worth it!
Make them for fall, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. This is one of my all-time favorite fall recipes!
Get the full recipe from The Best Nest
Photo: artsyfartsymama
Get your pumpkin spice fix with these quick and easy no-bake Pumpkin Cookie Truffle Pops!
truffles are just the thing to make whether you are having Halloween and Thanksgiving parties, or just want something sweet. This recipe is so easy that even the kids can help!
Get the full recipe from Artsy Fartsy Mama
Photo: whiskingwolf
Homemade and piled high, this 4 layer Chocolate Pumpkin Cake will be the hit of your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re looking for a fall cake or a Thanksgiving cake, this cake recipe has all the flavors of the season.
Crafted with contrasting layers of chocolate and pumpkin, this cream cheese frosted cake is perfect for fall.
Get the full recipe from Whisking Wolf
Photo: thefeatherednester
This pumpkin custard is amazingly creamy and so much easier to make than a pumpkin pie! Make this pumpkin dessert to celebrate fall!
This rich and creamy pumpkin custard recipe is the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving or holiday gathering!
Get the full recipe from The Feathered Nester
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make desserts ahead of time?
Yes, many desserts can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until the day of Thanksgiving. Just make sure to follow the recipe instructions for storage and reheating.
How can I make my Thanksgiving desserts look more festive?
Use fall-inspired colors like orange, red, and yellow, add fall-themed toppers like leaves or acorns, use seasonal flavors like pumpkin or apple, and experiment with different decorating techniques like piping or drizzling.
How should I store my desserts?
Store your desserts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Some desserts may also be frozen for longer storage.
We hope this roundup of 35 Thanksgiving desserts has inspired you to try new recipes and sweeten up your holiday feast. From classic pies to creative cakes, cookies, tarts, and other desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Remember, Thanksgiving is all about coming together and sharing good food and company with loved ones. So don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes and flavors, and have fun in the kitchen.
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Judy Kahansky
Judy Kahansky is an experienced writer and baker, creating delicious desserts (including pie!) for over 40 years. She loves to take classic and vintage recipes and update them to fit the busy lives of her readers. When not baking, Judy and her husband Mark are passionate golfers, travelers and dog lovers, spending as much time as they can with their sweet pup Millie.
