After family and friends enjoy turkey and stuffing, these Thanksgiving dessert ideas, from pies and cheesecake to trifles and bars, deliver a festive finish.
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Pecan Pie Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving tradition in my house, and I was on a quest to create the ultimate version. This might be it! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Is it even Thanksgiving without pecan pie? Our best-ever version is made with toasted pecans, maple syrup and—best of all—a splash of bourbon.
2/60
Healthy Pumpkin Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pumpkin pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this version since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Plenty of fall spices go into this classic Thanksgiving dessert—along with a can of pumpkin. Make sure you’re using the best canned pumpkin for a beautiful and delicious pumpkin pie.
3/60
Turkey Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Create a simple centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dessert table. The cake comes together fast with the help of a mix, and melted candy coating keeps decorating easy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Take the Turkey Day theme from dinner all the way to dessert with this cake. Start with one of the best chocolate cake mix brands and use the time you saved to create all the colorful tail feathers.
4/60
Cranberry Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Every year when the cranberries are harvested, my family looks forward to eating this cheesecake. —Nairda Monroe, Webberville, Michigan
Switch up your Thanksgiving menu by including something other than pie. This cranberry cheesecake has a graham cracker crust and gets topped with a homemade cranberry sauce.
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Cranberry Apple Sheet Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan
When you need Thanksgiving dessert recipes to serve a big family, you can’t go wrong with a slab pie recipe. These treats are baked in a sheet pan and are large enough to serve 20 or more!
6/60
Southern Sweet Potato Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This Mississippi sweet potato pie is very popular in the South. It's a particular favorite at our house because we always have plenty of sweet potatoes in our garden. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream. —Bonnie Holcomb, Fulton, Mississippi
Southern desserts are known for being decadent and delicious, and this sweet potato pie recipe is no exception.
7/60
Apple Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in apple country, and making a delicious apple crisp is one way to use the fruit. This treat doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
If you can’t get enough of apples’ sweet and tart flavors, this apple crisp is for you. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it an indulgent dessert.
8/60
Pumpkin-Butterscotch Gingerbread Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
There's more to pumpkin than pie, as this impressive trifle proves. It looks so elegant with alternating layers of gingerbread cake and pumpkin/butterscotch pudding. Try making it ahead of time for a fuss-free dessert when you're planning to entertain guests. —Lyla Lehenbauer, New London, Missouri
Need make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert ideas? You can’t beat a top trifle recipe. The cake and creamy filling can be made in advance and then layered up the morning of your feast.
9/60
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Our daughter first astounded us with her cooking talents when she made this cheesecake at 13 years of age. With a unique cookie crumb crust and extra-creamy filling, people think this dessert was made by a gourmet baker! —Kathleen Gualano, Cary, Illinois
Looking for some show-stopping Thanksgiving dessert ideas? Look no further than this luscious chocolate chip cheesecake. To make the dessert extra festive, top it with orange peel, meringue cookies or pumpkin mallow candies.
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Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it's better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
You may not have thought of it before, but carrot cake is really the perfect fall dessert. It uses just-harvested carrots and is flavored with the autumnal flavors we all love: cinnamon, nutmeg, cream cheese and walnuts.
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Pumpkin Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate and pumpkin pair up to make a family-favorite fall dessert. These pumpkin brownies are fantastic for parties and picnics. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Need a sweet treat to share before the big meal? These top-rated brownies use canned pumpkin and plenty of chocolate for the perfect festive goodie.
12/60
Pumpkin Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
Pumpkin isn’t only for pies. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. I promise that after one bite, you’ll add this recipe to keeper files. —Pam Peters, Fernie, British Columbia
Tiramisu is a classic dessert that everyone enjoys. For a more fall flavor, try this version, which features a creamy pumpkin filling, cream cheese and autumn spices.
13/60
Banana Pudding Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a tart version of the classic banana pudding. Use the entire box of vanilla wafers, reserving 1/4 cup to sprinkle on the whipped cream topping. Add chai spice to make it interesting! —Tania Gordon, Chicago, Illinois
Dress up your classic banana pudding recipe by transforming it into a tart. Reserve leftover Nilla wafers or shortbread cookies to crumble over the top. If you want to make this even more seasonal, try gingersnaps!
14/60
Streusel Pumpkin Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Basic pumpkin pie is good, but we think this dressed-up version is even better. Plenty of pecans add a nutty crunch to the crust and the streusel topping. It's a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any time you want to end a dinner with something special. —Bertha Johnson, Indianapolis, Indiana
Upgrade a classic pumpkin pie with a crunchy, cinnamony streusel topping. It’s so delicious that guests will be fighting over the last slice.
15/60
Cranberry Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
While everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it's a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut
There’s a reason this dessert has a near-perfect rating: It’s incredibly easy to make and so delicious. You only need one bowl to stir up this beauty. Then, just pop it into a tart pan and bake!
16/60
Easy Apple Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
After testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, I found this old-fashioned easy apple cake that is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it's quick to fix, and when it's served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, it's one of my family’s very favorites. —Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio
Some of the best Thanksgiving dessert ideas are easy desserts. This aptly named easy apple cake can be stirred together in one bowl and baked in your go-to 13×9-inch pan.
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Cranberry Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
To showcase abundant fall cranberries, make this beautiful lattice-topped cranberry pie. A dollop of orange cream complements the slightly tart flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This Thanksgiving, break from the status quo by making an orange-cranberry-flavored pie. To tame the tartness, try switching the orange cream to plain whipped cream.
18/60
Pumpkin Pie Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It's a year-round favorite. —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire
Can’t decide between cake and pie for Thanksgiving dessert ideas? Lucky for you, this recipe combines the best of both worlds.
19/60
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich, creamy and wonderfully spiced for the holidays, this vegan pumpkin pie recipe is perfect for all your guests. —Justin Weber, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Yes, even vegans can enjoy a rich slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. Our recipe uses oat milk to achieve a creamy texture and plenty of spices to amp up the taste.
20/60
Cranberry-Almond Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
When you want an extra-special dessert for the holidays, it’s hard to beat a seasonal homemade cake. I like to drizzle mine with a simple but elegant glaze flavored with amaretto. —Jackie Howell, Tucson, Arizona
Cranberries and almonds imbue this cake with plenty of flavor. To accent, top with sugared cranberries; they’re surprisingly easy to make!
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Maple and Cream Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
The cream in this pie makes it so rich and toothsome! If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, this is it. —Glenda Ardoin, Hessmer, Louisiana
This recipe calls for Granny Smith apples, which are extra firm and tart—just the right contrast to sweet and sticky maple syrup!
22/60
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking for a classic autumn dessert, try this pumpkiny cheesecake pie. It’s a winner at potlucks and on the Thanksgiving table. The gingersnap crust forms a spicy-sweet foundation. —Sharon Crockett, La Palma, California
This pumpkin dessert will go so fast that you’ll want to make an extra one just for you to enjoy. Its pumpkin flavor is enticing, and the colors create a beautiful aesthetic for the dinner table.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe caught my eye and was extremely popular at the annual Christmas party sponsored by our Extension Homemakers. It's a great dessert for fall. —Agnes Jasa, Malabar, Florida
Desserts that can be enjoyed as finger foods are a must at busy Thanksgiving tables. These creamy pumpkin bars are perfect for picking up and snacking between catching up with the fam or sneaking a peek at the big game’s score.
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Paul’s Pumpkin Patch Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe originated with Donna Esh, whose husband, John, is the manager at the restaurant my brother Jim and I operate. I reworked it slightly and named it after our dad. —John Smucker, Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin fanatics won’t be able to resist a generous helping of this pudding. It’s made with canned pumpkin, cream cheese and graham cracker crumbs. Don’t forget to pile fresh whipped cream on top!
25/60
Spiced Upside-Down Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma taught me to make this pie when I was 4. Over the years, I've kept it about the same with just a few changes. Flip it out the second it stops bubbling. The glaze makes it look especially delicious. —Francine Bryson, Pickens, South Carolina
You’ve heard of upside-down cake, but what about upside-down pie? This Thanksgiving treat is show-stopping, delicious and deserving of a five-star rating.
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White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends sometimes ask me to make these for wedding receptions. For a fancier presentation, I cut the bars into triangle shapes and drizzle white chocolate over each one individually. —Erika Busz, Kent, Washington
Looking for Thanksgiving dessert ideas that are a bit more casual? These fall-inspired blondies fit the bill. Topped with a lush cream cheese frosting, no one will be able to resist.
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Sweet Potato Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family. —North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
Take your favorite Thanksgiving side dish and turn it into dessert! It’s sweet, lightly spiced and more flavorful than your typical pumpkin pie.
28/60
Lemon Meringue Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother's pies were always so memorable, with tender, flaky crusts. In summer the order of the day was lemon meringue! —Phyllis Kirsling, Junction City, Wisconsin
After a day of ultra-rich foods, a tart citrus pie is just the right way to end the feast. This pie uses plenty of fresh lemon juice and zest for an exceptionally tangy treat.
29/60
Easy Apple Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a common dish from where I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. It's a classic Dutch-style apple cobbler recipe—easy, quick and delicious. Who wouldn't love this golden brown delight? —Andrea Robson, York, Pennsylvania
This quick and easy cobbler is a must during apple season. For the best results, choose one of the best apples for baking.
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Pecan Cheesecake Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
In fall or at any time of year, this nutty, rich and delicious pecan pie recipe is one I'm proud to serve. While it seems very special, the caramel pecan cheesecake is a snap to make. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
This recipe proves that cast-iron pies are a must-bake this time of year. These heavy-duty pans help crisp up the pie crust and provide plenty of room for delicious fillings. Get our tips on how to bake pies in cast-iron pans, and then head to the kitchen!
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Apple Stack Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom loved to bake this sky-high apple stack cake. Layer the apple goodness two days before serving. Later, a dusting of confectioners' sugar is the only topping you'll need. —LeVa Clement, Jackson, Missouri
This delightful fall dessert is inspired by Appalachian heritage. While it takes a bit of time and effort to make, the results are worth it.
32/60
Pumpkin Roll
From the Recipe Creator:
This pumpkin roll recipe is great to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert for my family or unexpected guests, to take to a gathering, or to give as a yummy gift. —Erica Berchtold, Freeport, Illinois
This pumpkin cake roll is a great Thanksgiving dessert. It combines people-pleasing flavors and looks stunning on the table. The best part: You can make this cake roll in advance and freeze it. The day before your big feast, defrost this dessert in the fridge.
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Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the flavor combination of spiced pumpkin and chocolate, which inspired me to create this chocolate pumpkin tart. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the chocolate ganache for extra flavor and texture. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
While pumpkin and cream cheese get a lot of play this time of year, we’re here to remind you that pumpkin and chocolate are an equally dynamic pair. This tart is filled with velvety pumpkin and topped with fudgy ganache.
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Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
An attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy dessert a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma
Love the idea of apple pie, but can’t resist the idea of a cheesecake on your Thanksgiving table? This dessert lets you have the best of both.
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Ginger-Walnut Tube Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Ken, loves this tube cake with its bits of crystallized ginger. Feel free to drizzle it with a lemony glaze. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, NJ
This Bundt cake is flavorful thanks to molasses, cinnamon, ground ginger and crystallized ginger. Together, these ingredients sing—especially when topped with a lemony glaze.
36/60
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. While it's perfect for a Halloween party, this make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year. —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. It’s also a great Thanksgiving dessert for when you’re craving fall flavors but want that cool and creamy texture.
37/60
Red Velvet Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it; for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina
No matter the season or the celebration, red velvet cake is always a hit. This version is made in a tube pan and then coated in cream cheese frosting. You can dress it up with a sprinkling of chopped nuts, sprinkles or even chocolate chips.
38/60
Pecan Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn't find a recipe, so I took it upon myself to devise this amazing dessert that combines the ease of a cobbler and the rich flavor of pecan pie. It tastes even better with ice cream or whipped topping. —Willa Kelley, Edmond, Oklahoma
We’ve all had fruit cobblers before, but this recipe takes its flavors from a different Thanksgiving dessert. It gets lots of flavor thanks to pecans, brown sugar and toffee bits. It tastes even better when topped with a scoop of the best vanilla ice cream.
39/60
Fresh Pumpkin Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
In my opinion, there’s no contest as to which homemade pumpkin pie is best. No matter how good your canned filling is, it will never match pumpkin pie from scratch. —Christy Harp, Massillon, Ohio
This ultra-traditional Thanksgiving recipe starts with fresh pumpkin puree. Remember to shop for a pie pumpkin (a carving pumpkin isn’t the right squash for the job). And don’t forget: Pumpkin pie needs to be refrigerated once baked and cooled due to its egg-based filling.
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Cranberry Bog Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet and chewy, these fun bars combine the flavors of oats, cranberries, brown sugar and pecans. I like to sprinkle the squares with confectioners’ sugar before serving. —Sally Wakefield, Gans, Pennsylvania
Dessert bar recipes, like these cranberry and oats squares, travel well, so they’re great when visiting loved ones for the holiday.
41/60
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic recipe like this never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s a dessert that’s at home on any holiday table.
42/60
Maple Walnut Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This maple-flavored cake with candied walnuts honors beloved my grandpa, who made maple syrup when I was a child. It honors his memory and has proven to be a favorite with family and friends throughout the years. —Lori Fee, Middlesex, New York
A towering layer cake always makes for an impressive finish to a meal. This recipe uses two fall flavors that we don’t think get enough hype: maple and walnut.
43/60
Buttermilk Coconut Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My mama showed me how to make this pie about 40 years ago, just as her mama showed her how to make it. I was 6 when Mawmaw passed away, but I can still remember her cooking in the kitchen in her beautiful cotton dresses dusted with flour. I am honored to teach my daughter how to make this dessert, too. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
An old-fashioned pie is always welcome at the dessert table. Thanks to buttermilk, this one is wonderfully rich and tender.
44/60
Cranberry-Orange Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
At the summer tourist resort my husband and I operate in Ontario, we prepare all the meals for our guests, so I'm always trying out new recipes. —Sheree Swistun, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Cranberry orange recipes deliver an iconic fall flavor combination. It works especially well in this elegant Bundt cake topped with a vanilla butter sauce.
45/60
Glazed Apple Pie Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of many wonderful recipes that my mother handed down to me. With their flaky crust and scrumptious fruit filling, these delicious apple pie bars are the perfect way to serve apple pie to a crowd.—Janet English, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Need Thanksgiving dessert ideas that serve a crowd? These apple pie bars make enough to serve two dozen! That’s perfect for a big party—or for you to enjoy leftovers all Thanksgiving weekend long.
46/60
Cranberry Pecan Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, cranberries are a favorite. I made this dessert for the first time in the 1990s. It started out as a pineapple upside down cake—I just changed a few things around! It keeps and travels well, so it’s perfect for taking to church dinners. And we love to share it with our son and grandchildren. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Instead of pineapple for your upside-down cake, use one of the best canned cranberry sauce brands. It serves as the perfect fruity base for this cozy recipe.
47/60
Vegan Pecan Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan pecan pie has a flaky crust and an ooey-gooey, delicious filling. It's a special holiday treat. You can replace the pecan halves with additional chopped pecans if you prefer. —Echo Tillman, Freeport, Florida
This vegan pecan pie delivers on flavor thanks to plenty of pecans, maple syrup and a splash of the best vanilla extract.
48/60
Pumpkin Praline Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are not big fans of traditional pumpkin pie, however my mother and others are. Because of this, we must have pumpkin pie as one of the desserts at Thanksgiving. I decided to meet everyone halfway with this recipe and it was a hit. Now I bring it to Thanksgiving every year. My mother doesn't even feel the need to bake her own pumpkin pie. —Emily Reese, Glade Hill, Virginia
Pumpkin and pecan come together to create this delightful hybrid pie. With a gingerbread and pecan crust, it is the epitome of the Thanksgiving season.
49/60
Honey Gingerbread Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's grandma made the most amazing honey gingerbread. It's wonderful all on its own, but when you add it to a trifle, your guests are sure to ask for the recipe. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
This delicious trifle is based on honey-imbued gingerbread. Like other trifles, it can be assembled in advance—perfect for Thanksgiving when the kitchen is busy the day of.
50/60
Apple Crostata
From the Recipe Creator:
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
What’s easier than pie? A galette! This dessert has all the pie components without the fuss of crimping that just-right crust.
51/60
Gingersnap-Pumpkin Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
I've never quite gotten the hang of making a good pie crust. So I came up with this recipe, featuring a cake mix and cookie crust. The creamy pumpkin filling pairs well with the crunchy topping. —Brigitte Mazure, Wheeling, West Virginia
These bars are subtly sweet with a hint of ginger spices. You’ll want to give this enough time to cool down, so plan accordingly.
52/60
Chocolate Potato Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I won grand champion honors in a potato festival baking contest with this moist chocolate cake. The icing recipe can be doubled if you have a real sweet tooth. —Catherine Hahn, Winamac, Indiana
We know that potatoes are an essential part of Thanksgiving dinner, but this recipe proves they have a spot on your dessert spread, too! Potatoes add moisture to this contest-winning cake, which makes it wonderfully lush and delicious.
53/60
Mocha Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
In my search for the perfect mocha cheesecake, I ended up combining a few of my favorite recipes to create this delicious version. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
End the holiday night with a kick of caffeine from this rave-worthy cheesecake. Oreos make the crust, while coffee granules provide the caffeine and coffee flavors. The cheesecake is then topped with a sweet chocolate glaze to tie it all together.
54/60
Apple Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Bread pudding is one of those desserts that you basically can throw anything into. It's the kitchen sink of desserts. This recipe came about because I had stale bread and apples that needed to be used. No apples? You can use dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots, or even dried apples. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Got day-old bread sitting on the counter? You can turn it into a delicious fall bread pudding. When folded together with a custardy base, apples and nuts, that old loaf is totally transformed and totally irresistible.
55/60
Mini Sweet Potato Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
My son Levi was only 2 years old when he helped me create this delicious recipe, and it was the first time he told me I love you! I’ll always remember making these with him. —Emily Butler, South Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Skip the slicing! These bite-sized pies pack all the flavor of a traditional sweet potato pie, but they’re baked in mini muffin tins!
56/60
Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Rustic cast-iron Thanksgiving desserts always hit the spot after a big feast. This skillet buckle is ultra cozy when enjoyed straight from the oven. Our Test Kitchen recommends enjoying it with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
57/60
Pumpkin Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was young we produced several ingredients for this longtime favorite on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made our own butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd. —Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois
This pumpkin cheesecake is perfect for beginners because even if the top cracks (a common cheesecake mistake), the smooth sour cream topping will cover any errors. And, of course, this Thanksgiving dessert tastes delicious.
58/60
Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an update to a recipe that's been in our family for three generations. The combination of white chocolate and amaretto mingled with seasonal cranberry is my favorite way to end any celebration's meal. —Jennifer Evans DaCastello, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Amaretto cocktails have a unique nutty taste, and the liqueur adds a wonderful touch of almond to desserts, too. This bread pudding uses a splash of amaretto along with cranberries and bits of white chocolate. The taste and texture of white chocolate can vary, but we found the best white chocolate chips to get you started.
59/60
Maple Syrup Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks in New Hampshire apparently appreciate maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire, we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version. —Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont
Grab a bottle of the best maple syrup! This sweet recipe lets this ingredient shine. To drive home the theme, top with extra pie crust cut out in maple leaf shapes.
60/60
Snickerdoodle Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
My maternal grandmother preferred sewing and quilting to cooking and baking, but there were some things that she cooked and baked really well. She was the only person I knew who made snickerdoodles, simple but yummy cookies that I've always enjoyed. Since cheesecake is my very favorite dessert, I couldn't resist coming up with one that re-creates those flavors. I think of my grandmother each time I make it! Sometimes I'll drizzle the slices with maple syrup. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Our Test Kitchen transformed classic cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodles into a creamy cheesecake you won’t be able to resist this Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas FAQ
What are the most popular Thanksgiving desserts?
Classic pumpkin, pecan and apple pies, cobblers and cheesecake remain the most popular Thanksgiving desserts because of tradition and the rich, seasonal flavors they bring. Other fall pies, like sweet potato or cranberry, would fit into a Thanksgiving dessert spread just as well, and maybe become a new tradition. For something different, retro Jell-O desserts add a playful, nostalgic touch.
What can I make for Thanksgiving dessert besides pie?
Beyond pie, you can enjoy a variety of desserts, from no-bake cheesecakes and layered trifles to bread pudding and buttery cakes. You can also make a frozen dessert, like an ice cream pie or fruit sorbet, which is delicious whether it’s a warm or chilly day. For a bite-sized treat, bake a few Thanksgiving cookie recipes and set out hot chocolate or a fresh pot of coffee.
What are some easy Thanksgiving dessert ideas that I can make ahead?
For simple make-ahead options, consider treats that don’t need to be baked or can be stored in the refrigerator until it’s time for dessert, like dark chocolate pumpkin truffles or turkey cookies. If you still want a traditional dessert, learn how to freeze a pie, so all you have to do is bake it when the day arrives. These easy Thanksgiving desserts save time while keeping flavors festive and comforting.
