Searching for the best pumpkin sweets and other holiday treats to round out your feast? These Thanksgiving desserts are the perfect way to finish off the turkey and stuffing in style.
Sure, I love the main course, but my favorite Thanksgiving moments always happen around the dessert table. From pies and cakes to cookies and bars, these recipes bring something for everyone — rich, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor.
Want to really wow your guests? Add a touch of brown butter to your bakes for extra depth and nuttiness, or showcase pumpkin in pies and cakes that truly capture the spirit of the season.
These tried-and-true classics are more than just desserts — they’re the sweet finale to a day of gratitude and celebration. Let’s dive in and make this year’s Thanksgiving spread unforgettable!
25. Healthy Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse
This light and fluffy pumpkin cheesecake mousse is proof that you don’t need sugar or carbs to enjoy dessert during the holidays. It’s keto, low-carb, sugar-free, and gluten-free — yet it tastes every bit as indulgent as the classic versions.
The smooth, creamy texture combined with warm fall spices makes it feel like you’re eating pumpkin pie in mousse form. Best of all, it takes only six ingredients and just minutes to prepare.
What makes this mousse perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas is how effortless it is. You can prepare it the night before, chill it, and have it ready to serve without lifting a finger on the big day.
The flavor is everything autumn should be: cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin, and creaminess all in one dreamy spoonful.
Serve it in elegant glasses for dessert, or even sneak it in for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning — no one will complain about dessert for breakfast when it tastes this good.
24. Scary Zombie Halloween Cupcakes
Looking for a show-stopping treat for your next spooky celebration? These zombie Halloween cupcakes bring the perfect mix of fun and fright.
Moist cupcakes are filled with pumpkin buttercream, topped with a swirl of chocolate frosting, sprinkled with crushed Oreos, and finished with ghoulish zombie decorations.
They’re as fun to decorate as they are to eat, which makes them ideal for a family Halloween bake session.
The beauty of these cupcakes is that they look like you spent hours on them, but the recipe is surprisingly simple. The layers of flavor — pumpkin, chocolate, and cookie crunch — make them irresistible to both kids and adults.
Set them out at your party and watch them disappear faster than a ghost in the night. They’re festive, fun, and guaranteed to bring a little spooktacular flair to your dessert table.
23. Super Moist Crumb and Fudgy Triple Chocolate Cake
This triple chocolate cake is rich, decadent, and absolutely heavenly for anyone who loves chocolate. With a moist crumb and a fudgy yet light texture, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and airy.
The secret lies in the blend of cocoa powders and baking soda, which react to give the cake that signature reddish Devil’s Food tint. Layer it with chocolate buttercream and a generous sprinkling of chocolate chips for a triple hit of flavor.
You can bake it as a traditional layer cake or simplify it into a sheet cake, making it versatile for everything from birthdays to holidays. Each bite bursts with deep cocoa richness, while the buttercream adds silky sweetness.
It’s a cake that looks impressive, tastes divine, and is guaranteed to be a repeat request in your household. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to box mix again.
22. Tender Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
Pumpkin coffee cake is already a seasonal favorite, but when you swirl in cream cheese and buttery cinnamon sugar, it becomes something truly special.
This bakery-style cake is made with double the pumpkin, which ensures every bite is moist, flavorful, and filled with autumn spice. The tangy cream cheese swirl balances the sweetness, while the cinnamon-sugar ripple gives it warmth and depth.
It’s the kind of cake that works perfectly for both brunch and dessert. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee on a crisp morning, or serve it warm after dinner with a dollop of whipped cream.
The texture is tender and comforting, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes will have everyone hovering around the oven, eager for the first slice. This coffee cake is pure fall comfort on a plate.
21. Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie with Cinnamon, Ginger, and Cardamom
Few desserts scream “autumn” louder than this cranberry apple crumb pie. With a filling made of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a medley of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, it’s a fragrant, flavorful masterpiece.
The crumbly topping adds the perfect contrast — crunchy, buttery, and warm with spice.
This pie is as beautiful as it is delicious, with a jewel-toned filling that looks festive on any holiday table. It’s also wonderfully versatile: serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, soft and crisp, making it one of the best pies you can serve during Thanksgiving season.
20. Flavorful Caramel Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake
If you’ve ever struggled to choose between pumpkin pie and cheesecake, this dessert eliminates the need to decide. Caramel pumpkin gingersnap cheesecake combines all the best flavors into one unforgettable bite.
It starts with a crust made of gingersnaps and pecans, which provides a crunchy, spiced base. Then comes the luscious pumpkin cream cheese filling, rich with autumn flavor.
Finally, everything is topped with a glossy caramel layer that takes the decadence over the top.
The result is a dessert that is creamy, crunchy, spiced, and sweet all at once. It looks stunning as the centerpiece of a holiday dessert table, and the flavor is every bit as impressive as the presentation.
This is the kind of recipe that will have guests asking for seconds — and for the recipe itself. One slice is never enough, so plan accordingly.
19. Amazing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Nothing fills the house with holiday cheer quite like a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls. This pumpkin version is even better, blending the soft, pillowy bread and sweet cinnamon filling of the classic with the rich warmth of pumpkin and pumpkin spice.
The rolls are baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into all the swirls.
The aroma alone is enough to put anyone in a festive mood, but the taste seals the deal. Each bite is gooey, spiced, and perfectly sweet, with the pumpkin adding both flavor and moisture to the dough.
These rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving morning, Christmas brunch, or any fall weekend when you want a special breakfast treat. They’re addictive in the best possible way — once you make them, they’ll quickly become a holiday tradition.
18. Snickers Chocolate Peanut Butter Pumpkin Fudge – Sweet Tooth’s Dream!
If ever there were a dessert designed for indulgence, this fudge is it. Double layers of chewy, chocolatey fudge are packed with Snickers pieces, swirls of peanut butter, and a hint of pumpkin.
It’s rich, gooey, and loaded with flavor, making it every sweet tooth’s dream come true.
This treat is perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or keeping in the fridge for when you need a little pick-me-up. The combination of candy bar crunch, creamy fudge, and the subtle autumn notes of pumpkin make it unique yet familiar.
Each square is like a bite of pure decadence, and you’ll find it hard to stop at just one. Whether you serve it at Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy fall night in, this fudge is guaranteed to wow.
17. Creamy Apple Crisp Cheesecake
This dessert is the ultimate hybrid — part rich, velvety cheesecake, part cozy apple crisp, and entirely irresistible. A luscious cheesecake base is topped with spiced cinnamon apples, buttery crumble, and a drizzle of caramel that ties it all together.
Every forkful is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and warmly spiced.
It’s one of those desserts that always wows a crowd, whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy fall night at home. Guests will beg you for the recipe, so be ready to hand out copies.
For extra indulgence, finish with a swirl of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel right before serving. It looks like something straight out of a bakery case but is simple enough to whip up in your own kitchen.
16. Refreshing Apple Hot Toddy
When the air turns chilly and you’re craving something to warm you from the inside out, this apple hot toddy delivers. It’s a twist on the classic — apple cider takes center stage, enhanced by whiskey or apple brandy, a touch of honey, and cozy spices.
The result is soothing, lightly sweet, and full of autumn flavor.
This comforting drink is ideal for cool evenings by the fire or winding down after a long holiday day. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh apple for an inviting presentation.
It’s simple, refreshing, and far more festive than a plain cup of tea. Best of all, it’s versatile — make a non-alcoholic version with extra cider and honey for the kids or anyone skipping the spirits.
15. Fantastic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin season meets chocolate heaven in these soft, chewy cookies that are practically irresistible. The dough bakes up ultra-moist and buttery, with plenty of pumpkin spice woven through every bite.
Then comes the melty chocolate chips, balancing the warm spices with just the right amount of sweetness.
Unlike many cookie recipes that demand long chilling times, this dough only needs 30 minutes in the fridge, making it easy to bake a batch on a whim.
They’re the perfect cozy treat for fall — quick to prepare, full of nostalgic flavor, and always a hit at gatherings. Keep them soft by storing them in an airtight container, though fair warning: they probably won’t last long enough to need storage.
14. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake – Ultimate Thanksgiving Drink!
Imagine pumpkin pie, ice cream, and whipped cream blended into one decadent drink — that’s exactly what you get with this pumpkin pie milkshake. It’s thick, creamy, and bursting with all the flavors of fall: vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin.
Each sip feels like dessert and comfort food rolled into one.
Perfect for Thanksgiving morning, after-dinner treats, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent, this drink is guaranteed to impress. It’s also incredibly easy: blend vanilla ice cream, pumpkin puree, milk, spices, and top with whipped cream.
For extra flair, add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or drizzle with caramel. It’s festive, fun, and sure to knock your socks off.
13. Soft, Chewy, Crunchy, Sweet, and Salty Butter Pecan Cookies
These cookies are a masterpiece of contrasts — soft yet chewy, crunchy yet buttery, sweet yet a little salty. Toasted pecans give them a rich nutty flavor, while the cookie dough bakes up thick and tender thanks to cornstarch.
The result is a cookie that feels indulgent and satisfying in every bite.
Even better, they taste even more amazing the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together. Make a double batch, because you’ll want some for yourself after gifting them to friends or serving them at holiday gatherings.
They’re cozy, nostalgic, and versatile — perfect with a glass of milk, a hot coffee, or even crumbled over ice cream for a decadent topping.
12. Terrific Pear Cobbler
While apple cobbler gets most of the spotlight in fall, pear cobbler deserves just as much love. Tender, juicy pears bake under a golden, buttery crust, creating a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant.
The cinnamon and warm spices enhance the natural sweetness of the pears, while the cake-like topping adds a lovely contrast of soft and crisp textures.
Serve this cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream, and it instantly transforms into a show-stopping dessert. It’s comforting enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for holiday celebrations.
Once you try pear cobbler, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every autumn.
11. Apple Pie Cupcakes with a Crisp Walnut Brown Sugar Topping
Apple pie is a classic, but apple pie in cupcake form? That’s an irresistible upgrade. These adorable cupcakes start with a cinnamon roll base, filled with gooey apple pie filling, and crowned with a crisp walnut-brown sugar topping.
They’re the perfect bite-sized take on a holiday favorite.
Even better, they’re shockingly easy to make — especially since you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough and canned apple filling to save time.
They look stunning, taste fantastic, and are fun to eat, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
10. Sweet, Tart, and Creamy Filling Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk pie is one of those deceptively simple desserts that tastes like it took hours to make, but actually comes together in minutes. With a custard-like filling that’s creamy, sweet, and just a touch tangy, it’s a Southern classic that wins hearts every time.
The flaky, buttery crust provides the perfect base, while the sugar topping adds a crisp finish.
It’s somewhat reminiscent of crème brûlée but with a more rustic charm. This pie shines during the holidays because it’s both easy to prepare and utterly delicious, making it the perfect last-minute dessert.
Slice it warm or chilled, add a dusting of powdered sugar if you like, and watch as everyone asks for seconds.
9. Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Few desserts are as beloved in the South as sweet potato pie. With its smooth, custard-like filling made from roasted sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, milk, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s comfort food in pie form.
A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor, making each bite sweet, earthy, and deeply satisfying.
While you can certainly make the crust from scratch, a store-bought version works just fine and keeps the process simple. This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, but it’s so good you’ll want to bake it throughout the fall and winter.
One slice delivers all the cozy warmth of the season, and for many families, it’s a holiday must-have that brings generations together around the table.
8. Rustic Baked Apples with Fall Flavors
Few desserts capture the coziness of autumn quite like rustic baked apples. Sweet-tart apples are hollowed, filled with a blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of butter, then baked until soft and caramelized.
As they bubble away in the oven, the whole house fills with that unmistakable scent of fall spices.
The best part? These are wonderfully easy — just ten minutes of prep and the oven does the rest. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert that feels both homey and elegant.
They’re the kind of treat you can throw together on a whim, yet they still look and taste like something you’d order in a country inn after a hearty dinner.
7. Apple Hand Thanksgiving Pies
If making a full apple pie feels like too much work during the holiday rush, these apple hand pies are your lifesaver. Using pre-made pie crust and canned apple filling, you can fold, seal, and bake them in no time.
They’re handheld, perfectly portioned, and every bit as satisfying as a slice of traditional apple pie.
What makes them especially great is their versatility — you can glaze them with a little egg wash and sprinkle of sugar for a golden finish, or dust them with powdered sugar once cooled for a rustic look.
They’re ideal for Thanksgiving morning, kids’ treats, or a grab-and-go dessert for guests who just can’t wait until dinner. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and zero stress.
6. Rich and Fudgy Pumpkin Swirl Brownie
If you thought brownies couldn’t get any better, wait until you try these. Dense, fudgy chocolate meets sweet, spiced pumpkin puree in a gorgeous swirl that looks bakery-made but takes just minutes to create.
The pumpkin doesn’t just add flavor — it gives the brownies an extra moist, almost velvety texture.
Most swirl recipes use cream cheese, but the pumpkin variation is both seasonal and creative. Each bite delivers the best of both worlds: deep, rich cocoa balanced by warm fall spices.
They’re beautiful enough to bring to a Thanksgiving potluck but easy enough to bake for a casual weekend treat. Best of all, they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
5. Smooth and Velvety Chocolate Pecan Pie
This recipe takes the Southern classic pecan pie and elevates it with the addition of rich melted chocolate. The result? A filling that’s not only smooth and silky, almost pudding-like, but also deeply indulgent.
The pecans add their signature crunch, creating a contrast in texture that’s pure dessert perfection.
Don’t worry — it’s not complicated. You can still use a store-bought crust if you’re pressed for time. The chocolate simply gets folded into the traditional pecan pie filling, transforming it into something extraordinary with very little effort.
It’s indulgent, festive, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at any Thanksgiving dessert table.
4. Sinfully Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake
This dessert combines two beloved classics — caramel apples and creamy cheesecake — into one show-stopping dish.
A buttery crust forms the base, layered with a luscious apple-spiced cheesecake filling, then crowned with an apple-caramel topping that drips decadence with every slice.
Despite how impressive it looks, it’s easier to make than you’d expect. The caramel apple topping can be prepared in advance, and the cheesecake itself bakes up beautifully with little fuss.
When it hits the table, guests will think you spent all day in the kitchen. Pair it with coffee or spiced cider and prepare for compliments — it’s nearly impossible to say no to.
3. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
When time is short but you still want something festive and delicious, pumpkin dump cake is your hero.
The process couldn’t be simpler: layer a mixture of pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, sugar, and pumpkin spice in a pan, sprinkle a box of yellow cake mix over the top, add butter, and bake. That’s it.
The result is a dessert that tastes like a cross between pumpkin pie and crumb cake — rich, spiced, and wonderfully comforting. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall indulgence.
It’s nearly foolproof, making it the perfect dessert for busy hosts, potlucks, or even a last-minute Thanksgiving contribution.
2. Turkey Cupcakes for Your Thanksgiving Table
These adorable turkey cupcakes are less about effort and more about fun. Using store-bought frosted cupcakes as your base, you decorate them with Nutter Butters for the body, candy corn for feathers, Reese’s Pieces for accents, candy eyeballs, and sprinkles.
The result? A flock of charming little turkeys that will steal the show.
They’re the ultimate Thanksgiving activity for kids (or kids-at-heart), keeping everyone entertained while the turkey roasts. And since no baking is required, you can focus on assembly and creativity.
Not only are they tasty, but they also double as edible table decorations. Expect lots of smiles, laughter, and maybe a few frosting-covered fingers.
1. Crustless Cranberry Pie – Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe!
This dessert proves that a pie doesn’t need a crust to be unforgettable. Somewhere between a pie, a cake, and a blondie, this cranberry-packed treat is chewy, sweet, and perfectly tart.
Fresh cranberries burst as they bake, balancing the richness of the batter and adding jewel-like pops of color throughout.
Because it skips the crust, it’s lighter and lower in calories than many holiday desserts — though that’s probably not your main concern during Thanksgiving.
The real beauty lies in its simplicity: you only need a handful of ingredients and one bowl to pull it together. Serve it warm with whipped cream or powdered sugar for a festive finish.
It’s rustic, foolproof, and guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite.
25 Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas: Pumpkin Pie & More
25 Thanksgiving dessert ideas, from pumpkin pie to more! Find the perfect Thanksgiving dessert to complete your holiday feast. Pumpkin & pie recipes!
Ingredients
- Keto Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse
- Scary Zombie Halloween Cupcakes
- Super Moist Crumb and Fudgy Triple Chocolate Cake
- Tender Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
- Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie with Cinnamon, Ginger, and Cardamom
- Caramel Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Snickers Chocolate Peanut Butter Pumpkin Fudge
- Apple Crisp Cheesecake
- Apple Hot Toddy
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
- Butter Pecan Cookies
- Pear Cobbler
- Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Buttermilk Pie
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Baked Apples
- Apple Hand Pies
- Pumpkin Swirl Brownie
- Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Turkey Cupcakes
- Crustless Cranberry Pie
Instructions
- Choose any Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.