From the comforting classics like pumpkin and pecan pie to fresh twists like pumpkin cheesecake or cranberry tarts, desserts bring the holiday to a sweet finish. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or contributing a dish to a friend’s feast, having a few go-to Thanksgiving desserts up your sleeve makes planning easier.
In this guide, you’ll find everything from make-ahead pies to crowd-friendly bars, cookies, and elegant no-bake treats—perfect for ending the celebration on a delicious note.
The 15 Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
1. Pumpkin Pie
Rich, spiced pumpkin filling meets golden, flaky crust in this beloved pumpkin pie recipe. What takes it over the top? A warm caramel pecan topping, stirred up with butter, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, is ready to drizzle over each slice.
Ideal for those who love the classic pumpkin flavor but want extra texture and richness. This pie is make-ahead friendly; you can bake it a day ahead (or prep components early), then gently reheat or serve chilled. It’s comfort, spice, and crunch all in one dessert. Perfect end note to a Thanksgiving feast.
2. Pecan Pie
This pecan pie is everything a Thanksgiving dessert should be: buttery, sweet, salty, nut-packed, with a filling that sets just right. Sally’s recipe uses a simple but buttery pie crust topped with a glossy custard loaded with pecans, dark corn syrup, vanilla, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon.
No need to pre-bake the crustless fuss, more flavor.
Bonus: it’s make-ahead friendly and freezes well, so you can get ahead of the holiday rush. Best served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
3. Apple Pie
Grandma Ople’s apple pie is the kind of dessert that evokes warm kitchen memories: tart Granny Smith apples layered in a buttery, sweet filling, topped with a homemade lattice crust that bakes to golden perfection. The mix of brown and white sugar adds depth; the apples hold their shape yet yield tender and juicy slices.
It’s a top-rated recipe for a reason; many say it wins at holiday dinners year after year. Serve warm with ice cream or cooled with whipped cream. A timeless dessert that delights across generations.
4. Sweet Potato Pie
This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is smooth, creamy, and comforting in crust form. The filling is made with baked sweet potatoes (not boiled) mashed with butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla; grown-up simplicity without too much spice. Because it’s mild and rich, it lets the sweet potato flavor shine through.
The flaky crust wraps it all up. Bonus points for being make-ahead friendly and able to chill well. Serve it slightly warm or cold, with whipped cream or maybe even toasted marshmallow fluff for a nostalgic twist.
5. Chocolate Pecan Pie
If you love pecan pie but want a more indulgent twist, this is it: rich, dark chocolate layered beneath a gooey pecan topping. The deep chocolate brings richness that balances the sweet, buttery pecans and syrup, adding depth and sophistication.
The crust is flaky, the texture is decadent, and each bite delivers crunch and chocolate in beautiful harmony. It’s a standout dessert for those who want traditional pie with a bold edge. Serve warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream, and let guests savor every rich, nutty bite.
6. Pumpkin roll
This pumpkin roll turns the simple sheet cake into a showstopper. Moist pumpkin-spiced batter bakes up thin, then is rolled up with a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling for that beautiful spiral effect. It offers the cozy fall flavor of pumpkin without the heaviness of a pie, so it’s lighter but still dessert-worthy.
Bonus: it’s make-ahead friendly – you can assemble and chill it for a day or two, or even freeze it, letting the flavors settle. Slice it just before serving so each piece holds its shape and looks elegant on the table.
7. Apple spice cake
Packed with autumn warmth, this spiced apple cake features soft, tender cake layers loaded with freshly shredded apples, cozy spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg), and a sweet yet tangy apple filling between layers. Topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it’s both rich and balanced – not overly sweet, with texture from the apple and a luxurious finish from the frosting.
It’s ideal when you want dessert that feels fancy but is totally comforting. Plus, it stays moist for days, so you can bake ahead and have it ready for Thanksgiving without losing its charm.
8. Pumpkin swirl cheesecake
This pumpkin swirl cheesecake is elegant yet indulgent – creamy cheesecake layered with pumpkin puree and swirled over a gingersnap cookie crust. The spiced pumpkin flavor, paired with traditional cheesecake richness and a salted caramel topping, makes every bite creamy, sweet, and gently spiced.
It’s a dessert that catches eyes as well as pleases dessert lovers. Because it needs time to set and chill, making it a day ahead elevates its flavor. Serve with whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle to round it out.
9. Maple pecan cheesecake
This dessert blends creamy cheesecake with iconic fall flavors: pure maple syrup and crunchy pecans. The maple flavor is deep and smooth, giving richness without being too heavy; the pecan topping adds texture, crunch, and that nutty contrast. It’s a dessert that feels elegant and seasonal.
For Thanksgiving, it’s perfect because you can bake and chill the cheesecake early, then just top with a maple-pecan mix just before serving so it stays crisp. It’s a sweet, mellow, but unforgettable end to your holiday meal.
10. Classic NY-style cheesecake
The New York-style cheesecake is a timeless classic: dense, smooth, rich, and luxurious. Its thick, velvety filling sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, delivering pure, creamy indulgence in every slice. Simple flavors (vanilla, cream cheese, maybe a hint of lemon) let the texture shine.
This is for people who want dessert to feel like a serious indulgence. It also plays well for Thanksgiving planning: bake it ahead, chill fully overnight, and slice just before serving. Maybe serve with fresh berry compote or a drizzle of caramel to lighten the richness.
11. Cranberry tart
Bursting with vibrant flavor and jewel-toned beauty, this Cranberry Curd Tart is a showstopper at any holiday table. It starts with a buttery, press-in shortbread crust that’s quick to make and delightful in its crisp texture. The star is the tangy cranberry curd enriched with orange zest and vanilla, offering both tartness and sweetness in each silky bite.
There’s optional Italian meringue on top for a touch of drama and extra creaminess. Best of all, you can make components ahead; curd and crust keep well, so come Thanksgiving Day, you only need to assemble and maybe toast.
12. Rustic apple galette
Rustic and charming, this apple galette delivers all the joy of apple pie but with far less fuss. A flaky, buttery crust is folded around spiced apple slices; no pan, no fuss, no perfect edges needed. Warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, a touch of lemon and vanilla, round out the filling.
Perfect for those who want homey dessert comfort without the complexity. It keeps well (fridge or freezer after baking), and leftover slices refresh beautifully in a warm oven. Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for cozy fall vibes.
13. Pumpkin cookies
These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon are fall personified: tender, cakey centers with warm pumpkin flavor and just-the-right hint of cinnamon to bring comfort without overwhelming spice. Their texture feels like a cross between a soft cookie and a little slice of cake, making them perfect for dipping in coffee or nibbling after dinner.
They bake up beautifully, and their mild sweetness lets the pumpkin and spice stand out. Bonus: they’re make-ahead friendly, you can bake them beforehand or even freeze the dough. Serve them slightly warm for that fresh-out-of-the-oven coziness.
14. Maple pecan cookies
Sweet, nutty, and chewy, these cookies wrap fall into every bite. Real maple syrup (not just flavoring) sweetens the dough, while chopped pecans give crunch and texture.
Warmer spices like cinnamon and nutmeg round it out. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, they feel indulgent yet approachable. Also, making cookies means easy portion control and flexible timing – you can bake them ahead of time, and they stay good for several days in an airtight container.
Great for dessert trays or pairing with coffee to extend the holiday feel.
15. Cranberry white chocolate cookies
These cookies balance sweetness and tartness beautifully. White chocolate chips melt into the dough and bring creamy sweetness, while dried cranberries add bright, juicy contrast. The edges crisp lightly, the centers remain soft and chewy—a texture combo that’s always a winner. No chilling required, basic ingredients, and quick assembly make them ideal for holiday baking marathons.
They also have festive visual appeal with red-white contrast, making them perfect for cookie trays or gifting. Store well, freeze dough if needed, and pull it out when you want a warm, comforting treat.
16. Pumpkin bars
These pumpkin bars are pure fall comfort in dessert form; a moist, spiced pumpkin cake baked in a jelly roll pan, then generously frosted with a creamy, tangy cream cheese topping. They’re perfect for serving a crowd, cutting into neat squares.
What really makes them great: you can bake them ahead of time, chill, and still get that fresh cream cheese frosting when needed. The texture stays tender, and the pumpkin-cinnamon flavor comes through beautifully.
Ideal for Thanksgiving when you want something easy to slice and serve without sacrificing that homey dessert vibe.
17. Pecan pie bars
An inspired spin on classic pecan pie: crunchy chopped pecans atop a gooey, caramel-like filling, all over a buttery shortbread crust. These bars capture pecan pie’s richness but are way easier to serve and portion. The base bakes first, then the pecan topping is poured on and baked again to get that perfect gooey texture.
Great for making ahead; store at room temp or fridge, cut when cool. A crowd pleaser that delivers classic flavor with less fuss, perfect for dessert tables or potlucks.
18. Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding
This Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding marries two Thanksgiving favorites into one cozy dessert: chunky bread soaked in creamy pumpkin-pie-spiced custard, baked until golden and custardy in the center. With warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger, each bite tastes like pumpkin pie comfort in pudding form.
It’s perfect when you want something homey but easy to share; just scoop out generous portions. Bonus: it’s a terrific make-ahead dessert. Assemble the night before, bake ahead, or the morning of, and warm gently for serving. Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
19. Cranberry Bread Pudding
This bread pudding feels like a warm hug: tender cubes of challah soaked in custard, popped with tart fresh cranberries, then drenched in buttery caramel sauce. It’s a comfort dessert that works well for Thanksgiving because it combines familiar flavors and nostalgic appeal. Best served warm so the sauce is loose and inviting.
Also make-ahead friendly: you can assemble, bake, maybe even reheat, and the texture remains pillowy. For guests, it bridges the gap between classic pies and something a bit more comforting and unique.
20. Pumpkin Trifle
Layers of spiced pumpkin, custard or cream fillings, and cake pieces make this trifle a visually striking dessert with a flavor-packed punch. Think pumpkin pie’s warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe ginger) combined with fluffy whipped cream and moist cake or sponge that soaks up all those pumpkin custard juices.
It’s festive, easy to assemble ahead (trifles like this often taste better after resting), and ideal for guests who like a mix of textures and flavors. Serve in glass trifle bowls for the full effect.
21. Pumpkin Truffles
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are a bite-sized fall treat perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables. Smooth cream cheese and pumpkin puree combine with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, rolled into little balls, then dipped in chocolate (or coated with chopped nuts or graham cracker crumbs) for contrast and crunch.
They look elegant, taste indulgent, and are ideal for anyone who’d rather pop delicious bites than slice pies. Bonus: they’re make-ahead friendly; assemble, chill, and serve when guests arrive. Serve them straight from the fridge or slightly softened, maybe with a dusting of cinnamon for garnish.
22. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Imagine pulling warm, gooey cinnamon rolls from the oven, topped with cream cheese frosting infused with cozy pumpkin pie spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe a hint of clove—all melting together in every bite. These rolls transform your breakfast-dessert line, offering the sweet warmth of pumpkin pie wrapped around pillowy dough. Ideal for Thanksgiving brunch or as a dessert that doubles as breakfast, and bonus: you can prep parts ahead- the dough allowance, roll-out, chilling—and bake just before serving so the house smells like fall. Serve warm for maximum comfort, and watch these disappear fast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert?
Pumpkin pie is the undisputed classic and most popular Thanksgiving dessert. Pecan pie and apple pie are also top favorites, with many families serving more than one type of pie at their table.
2. Can I make Thanksgiving desserts ahead of time?
Yes, most desserts can be made ahead. Pumpkin and pecan pies actually taste better when baked a day in advance. Cheesecake and crisps can also be prepared early, saving you valuable time on Thanksgiving Day.
3. What are some easy Thanksgiving desserts for beginners?
Apple crisp, pumpkin bars, and no-bake pumpkin cheesecake are simple yet impressive. Cookies and brownies with fall-inspired flavors are also beginner-friendly and don’t require advanced baking skills.
4. How many desserts should I serve for Thanksgiving?
Plan on at least two desserts for a small gathering and three to four for a larger group. Offering a mix of pies and lighter options (like fruit-based desserts or cookies) ensures everyone finds something they enjoy.
5. What’s a good non-pie dessert for Thanksgiving?
Cheesecake, trifle, pumpkin roll, or even a simple cranberry tart are all festive alternatives. For something lighter, baked apples or poached pears make an elegant non-pie option.