51 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe Ideas That Taste Like the Perfect Sweets You Need for The Holidays
Every Thanksgiving gathering calls for desserts that feel warm, festive, and unforgettable. This collection of 51 recipes offers everything from timeless pies to contemporary creations, all with seasonal flavors you love. Whether you’re curating classics or trying easy-to-make treats everyone raves about, you’ll find desserts to complete your holiday.

Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon

Few desserts capture fall’s essence like Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon. The flaky, golden crust holds a perfectly spiced apple filling that smells like autumn itself. Whether served à la mode or solo, the melody of delicate spiced apples with the buttery crust always gets compliments. People will ask if it’s homemade every time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon
Moist Pumpkin Cake

Soft, aromatic, and undeniably festive, Moist Pumpkin Cake is everything you love about fall baked into one irresistible dessert. With its velvety texture and subtle spice, it adds seasonal warmth to Thanksgiving tables. Guests always come back for seconds (or thirds), especially when paired with cream cheese frosting.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Cake
Decadent Chocolate Lasagna

Rich layers of decadent chocolate cream meet crispy cookie crumbs in Decadent Chocolate Lasagna. This no-bake dessert feels indulgent yet refreshingly light, thanks to its contrasting textures. It’s a crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers, making conversation pause with the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Lasagna
Classic Cherry Pie

Nothing says “holiday favorite” like Classic Cherry Pie. With deep red cherries baked to perfection under a flaky lattice crust, its vibrant appearance steals the spotlight. The tangy-sweet filling balances Thanksgiving’s richer dishes beautifully. Bake one for dessert, and you’ll find smiles around the table as guests enjoy each slice.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cherry Pie
Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Looking for something unique yet still seasonal? Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake blends the autumnal staple of pumpkin with smooth caramel in a way that feels both classic and innovative. It’s light, airy, and sweetly spiced, making it perfect for a post-dinner treat. Serve this at Thanksgiving, and watch how quickly flavor fans grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake
Apple and Cranberry Pie

Thanksgiving calls for festive flavors, and Apple and Cranberry Pie delivers just that. Sweet apples mingle with tart cranberries in a flaky crust that’s synonymous with fall. Its balance of tang and sweetness complements rich holiday meals perfectly. Serve this warm, and guests will marvel at the seasonal pairing.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Cranberry Pie
Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Why choose between cookies, cake, and s’mores when you can have them all? Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake packs layers of melted chocolate, pumpkin spice, and gooey marshmallows into one irresistible dessert. Every bite feels like cozy autumn wrapped in sweetness, and guests will keep asking where you found this unique idea.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake
Caramelized Fried Banana

Simple yet unforgettable, Caramelized Fried Banana turns an everyday fruit into something extraordinary. Sliced bananas are pan-fried until golden and caramelized, creating crispy edges and soft centers. The comforting aroma alone draws attention, while the rich sweetness impresses even the pickiest dessert fans.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana
Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Elevating chocolate cake to an entirely new level, Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake pairs deep cocoa flavors with a gooey salted caramel filling that’s nothing short of luxurious. It’s dark, rich, and perfectly balanced; ideal for anyone who wants a sophisticated yet approachable dessert.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake
Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Holiday cookies deserve extra warmth, and Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies deliver that with every bite. The hearty oatmeal base meets just enough pumpkin spice for a soft yet chewy texture that satisfies. Guests will keep reaching for these during coffee breaks or pie intermissions. Perfect for keeping things simple without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Buttery Coffee Cake

Warm and crumbly, Buttery Coffee Cake fills homes with the comforting smell of cinnamon and sugar. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast, its delicate texture and streusel topping always impress. A touch of nostalgia in every bite makes this the perfect companion to a Thanksgiving morning coffee.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Bring nostalgic flavors to Thanksgiving with Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. A tender peanut butter base meets a thick dollop of jam in the center, making every bite feel like a homemade hug. This cookie is as fun as it is tasty, sparking memories of childhood and turning dessert into pure comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie
Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Bite-sized perfection combines crispy pecans and buttery flavors in Buttery Pecan Pie Bars. Easier to serve than traditional pie and just as indulgent, these bars make hosting stress-free while keeping dessert irresistible. Perfectly portable, they work beautifully for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving dinner, or even midweek celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Pie Bars
Creamy Pistachio Ice Cream

Cool and smooth, Creamy Pistachio Ice Cream feels like a refreshing end to a hearty Thanksgiving feast. Its pale-green hue hints at its nutty flavor, while the silky texture guarantees dessert does not feel heavy. It balances beautifully with pies or cakes and adds a sophisticated touch to holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pistachio Ice Cream
Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Embrace creamy richness with Burnt Basque Cheesecake, a dessert that’s as minimalist as it is divine. Its slightly charred exterior gives it character, while the smooth interior melts in your mouth with every bite. The intriguing texture and unmistakable flavor make Thanksgiving dessert tables feel instantly upscale.
Get the Recipe: Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Combine the rich indulgence of brownies with the caramelized magic of Biscoff in Decadent Biscoff Brownies. The gooey chocolate base pairs perfectly with the slightly spiced cookie swirl, creating layers you can see and taste. They’ll have your guests bookmarking dessert memories for years.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies
Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

For a retro favorite with modern holiday appeal, Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake shines. The golden rings of caramelized pineapple provide fruity sweetness over a soft, butter-rich cake. Vibrant and colorful, this dessert is always remembered for its presentation and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Decadent Chocolate Hummus

End Thanksgiving with something truly unexpected: Decadent Chocolate Hummus. Creamy, rich, and subtly sweet, this dessert dip pairs perfectly with fruit, cookies, or pretzels, turning snack food into a sophisticated ending. Its chocolatey decadence surprises everyone yet feels refreshing compared to traditional heavy pies.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Hummus
Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

Light, silky, and tropical, Creamy Coconut Cream Pie offers an unexpected flavor twist at Thanksgiving gatherings. The pale filling is smooth and luxurious, beautifully balanced by the flaky crust and whipped cream topping. It’s a welcome change from pumpkin-heavy spreads, adding variety without overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Cream Pie
Decadent Dubai Chocolate

Inspired by transformed global flavors, Decadent Dubai Chocolate blends rich cocoa with delicate hints of spice for an unforgettable dessert experience. It’s sophisticated enough to stand out but simple enough to pair with Thanksgiving staples like pies and cookies. This dessert is a conversation starter, making holiday guests want to linger a little longer.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Dubai Chocolate
Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

For those indecisive between pie and cheesecake, Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake brings both worlds together seamlessly. Rich yet not overly dense, it’s the perfect balance of seasonal pumpkin flavors and classic cheesecake texture. Guests will love how this twist on tradition feels simultaneously familiar and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake
Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Delicate, flaky layers wrap around spiced apple filling in Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices, a dessert that feels as comforting as Thanksgiving itself. The perfect pairing with warm seasonal drinks, these slices bring old-world charm to modern tables. Guests will love the buttery, crisp texture.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices
Creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Rich, indulgent, and unapologetically sweet, Creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie delivers the combination fans of peanut butter and chocolate crave. Light whipped textures balance the bold flavors, making this easier on the palate than you’d expect. Decadent enough for Thanksgiving but approachable enough for everyday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Dense Fruit Cake

Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel right without a Dense Fruit Cake full of robust flavors. Every slice bursts with dried fruits, warm spices, and just the right hint of sweetness. Versatile enough for dessert platters or gifts for guests heading home, this cake is as much tradition as it is indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Dense Fruit Cake
Warm Apple Fritters

Fried to golden perfection, Warm Apple Fritters serve as an irresistible bite of fall flavor. Lightly crisp on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and filled with spiced apple goodness, these fritters are perfect with a drizzle of glaze or served alongside coffee at Thanksgiving breakfast. Guests will love how the warm spices set the tone for cozy holiday moments.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Fritters
Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

When time is tight but flavor is a priority, Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars save the day. These chewy, chocolate-packed bars combine the best parts of cookies and cake into a fuss-free dessert that everyone will love. Bring them to Thanksgiving gatherings, and you’ll find kids and adults reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Classic Banana Cream Pie

Light as a cloud yet rich in flavor, Classic Banana Cream Pie offers the perfect balance of creamy custard and fresh bananas. Topped with whipped cream and nestled in a flaky crust, this timeless dessert feels like a slice of nostalgia. With its no-fuss preparation and universal appeal, this pie becomes an instant favorite at Thanksgiving dinners.
Get the Recipe: Classic Banana Cream Pie
Moist Rhubarb Cake

Thanksgiving has a place for tangy surprises, and Moist Rhubarb Cake delivers every time. The soft, tender crumb balances the tart rhubarb flavor perfectly, creating a dessert that feels just right after heavy meals. Guests will love how this cake cuts through richer flavors, leaving room for conversation (and maybe another slice).
Get the Recipe: Moist Rhubarb Cake
Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Pie

For a dessert that feels comforting yet unique, Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Pie is a standout choice. The warm spice of cinnamon takes center stage, making every bite taste unmistakably like fall. Pair it with whipped cream or serve alone; either way, this pie turns into Thanksgiving tradition the first time you serve it.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Pie
Easy Apple Dump Cake

Simple ingredients lead to impressive results in Easy Apple Dump Cake. With its warm apple base and crispy topping, this no-fuss dessert creates maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for Thanksgiving hosts juggling a full menu, it’s a comforting dish that guests will rave about. Make one pan, and it’ll disappear far faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Dump Cake
Retro Watergate Salad

Bright and whimsical, Retro Watergate Salad is both fun and refreshing on Thanksgiving tables. The pale green hue hints at its pistachio pudding base, while the fluffy texture balances heavier desserts beautifully. A nostalgic staple that sparks conversation, this salad is a must-have for folks who love nostalgia served sweet.
Get the Recipe: Retro Watergate Salad
Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Two holiday favorites combine seamlessly in Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Creamy cheesecake layers wrap around spiced apple filling for a dessert that’s as rich and decadent as Thanksgiving calls for. Guests will love how this hybrid dish redefines tradition and gets requested year after year.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake
Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse

Velvety smooth and intensely chocolatey, Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse offers the perfect light ending to a hearty Thanksgiving meal. Its airy texture ensures indulgence without weighing anyone down, making this a go-to for dessert spreads. Serve it chilled in individual cups for an elegant presentation guests won’t forget.
Get the Recipe: Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse
Mini Cheesecakes

Bite-sized but packed with flavor, Mini Cheesecakes are ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings where variety reigns supreme. Guests love how easy these are to grab while mingling, plus they come with endless topping possibilities. Whether decorated with berries or left plain, these individual desserts guarantee smiles at holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheesecakes
Rich Banoffee Pie

Layers of bananas, caramel, and whipped cream meet in Rich Banoffee Pie, creating a dessert that’s pure decadence. The buttery crust provides just the right base for its luscious filling, making this pie unforgettable. Serve this at Thanksgiving when you want something that feels indulgent but approachable; it’s an instant crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Rich Banoffee Pie
Moist Red Velvet Cake

Vibrant and festive, Moist Red Velvet Cake combines a velvety-soft texture with subtle cocoa flavor. The brilliant red layers create a show-stopping centerpiece at Thanksgiving, while the cream cheese frosting adds a slightly tangy finish everyone loves. This cake looks beautiful on a dessert table and tastes even better than it looks.
Get the Recipe: Moist Red Velvet Cake
Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Thanksgiving and Southern Sweet Potato Pie are practically synonymous. Its creamy filling and flaky crust strike the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, while every bite feels like a warm hug of flavor. Serve this iconic dessert, and watch as guests return for seconds; holiday tradition tastes best served homemade.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Thanksgiving dessert tables call for special touches, and Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes deliver just that. Topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting, these treats combine the cozy flavor of cocoa with the fun of handheld desserts. Guests will love how every bite feels comforting yet celebratory. Perfect for adding some whimsy to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Tangy Key Lime Bars

Bright citrus flavor cuts through heavy meals with Tangy Key Lime Bars, a dessert that feels refreshing and just a little indulgent. The smooth lime filling rests over a crumbly graham cracker crust, balancing tang and sweetness perfectly. Ideal for Thanksgiving, these bars brighten up dessert tables effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Key Lime Bars
Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Deep chocolate flavor meets a soft, chewy texture in Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies. With mini marshmallows baked right in, they bring a whimsical twist to classic Thanksgiving desserts. Perfect for rounding out a pie-heavy table, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike. Give them a try; you’ll wish you’d baked a second batch.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies
Homemade Chocolate Truffles

When elegance is the aim, Homemade Chocolate Truffles deliver on all fronts. Intensely chocolatey and decadent, these bite-sized treats feel luxurious without being overwhelming. Rolling them in cocoa powder or powdered sugar adds variety, while their rich flavor impresses guests at Thanksgiving every time.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Truffles
Matcha Tiramisu

Transform tradition with a modern twist in Matcha Tiramisu, where green tea flavors shine through creamy mascarpone layers. Evoking elegance and intrigue, this dessert feels sophisticated while remaining accessible for Thanksgiving tables. Pair this with coffee or tea for a unique ending to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu
Warm Apple Crisp

Nothing smells as inviting as Warm Apple Crisp fresh from the oven. The bubbling fruit pairs perfectly with the golden crumbly topping, making every bite feel comforting and homey. Serve this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and Thanksgiving feels complete. Guests will always come back for seconds; it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Crisp
Tangy Lemon Bars

Zingy and bright, Tangy Lemon Bars are a refreshing addition to Thanksgiving dessert spreads. Their smooth citrus filling contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp base, ensuring each bite is balanced and enjoyable. Perfect for adding a splash of lightness to fall feasts.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon Bars
Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream

Combines the bold flavor of coffee with the creamy anticipation of ice cream in Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream. Served cold, it reinvents a classic into a chilled treat that’s perfect for wrapping up Thanksgiving gatherings. Guests won’t stop talking about this one.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream
Tangy Lemon Cheesecake

Bright and creamy, Tangy Lemon Cheesecake brings together vibrant and indulgence in every bite. The texture is smooth and luxurious while the citrus zing gives it that refreshing twist your Thanksgiving table needs. This is one cheesecake bound to get attention.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon Cheesecake
Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies capture comforting fall flavors perfectly. With a cinnamon-sugar topping that adds just the right hint of sweetness, these blondies are just as satisfying served warm with ice cream as they are solo. Easy to cut into squares, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Warm Apple Cobbler

Rustic and timeless, Warm Apple Cobbler creates a dessert full of autumnal warmth. The bubbling apple filling and its soft biscuit topping come together beautifully for a simple yet satisfying Thanksgiving must-have. Serve this with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate pairing.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Cobbler
Rich Peanut Butter Cake

Guests with a sweet tooth always remember Rich Peanut Butter Cake. With its velvety texture and deep, nutty flavor, this cake is perfect for balancing Thanksgiving’s sweeter pies and chocolates. You’ll love how it’s just indulgent enough without overpowering the table.
Get the Recipe: Rich Peanut Butter Cake
Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie

Light and airy, Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie satisfies in ways few desserts can. The bright lemon filling complements the fluffy toasted meringue topping for a dish that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving tables where classic flavors reign supreme, adding a pop of freshness everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie
Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Perfectly spiced and impossibly easy, Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake gives you all the autumnal holiday vibes with minimal effort. The warm pumpkin base balances the buttery topping, making it perfect for Thanksgiving hosts juggling multiple dishes. Expect this crowd-pleaser to disappear faster than you can say “Happy Thanksgiving!”
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake
