16+ Best Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

16+ Best Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

Thanksgiving is the time for sweet joy and cozy food. These Thanksgiving dessert ideas are easy, tasty, and full of love.

From pies to cakes, each dessert adds warmth to your table. Try these 17 sweet treats and make your holiday extra special.

1. Pumpkin Pie Recipe

This Pumpkin Pie Recipe is creamy and full of warm spices. It’s the most loved Thanksgiving dessert ever.

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Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Recipe is a classic, cozy dessert perfect for fall and holidays. It is sweet, creamy and full of warm spices. This pie is easy to make at home using simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe

2. Apple Crisp Recipe

Everyone loves it during fall, holidays or any cozy evening. You can serve it with ice cream or whipped cream for extra delight. In this blog, I will show you how to make Apple Crisp step by step.

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Apple Crisp Recipe
Apple Crisp Recipe
Apple Crisp is a warm, sweet dessert with soft apples and a crunchy topping. This Apple Crisp Recipe is easy to make at home and uses simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe

3. Pecan Pie Recipe

The Pecan Pie Recipe is rich and buttery. It’s perfect for sweet lovers.

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Pecan Pie Recipe
Pecan Pie Recipe
This Pecan Pie Recipe is sweet, rich and full of warm flavor. It has a golden crust and a sticky, buttery filling. The pecans add a crunchy texture that tastes amazing.
Check out this recipe

4. Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

It uses cooked sweet potatoes, spices, sugar and a buttery pie crust for a soft, sweet filling. Perfect for holidays, family dinners or any cozy evening, this pie is comforting and easy to make.

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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Sweet Potato Pie is a classic dessert loved by many. This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is simple, creamy and full of warm flavors.
Check out this recipe

5. Cranberry Bars Recipe

You can make them ahead of time and they keep well in the fridge. In this blog, I will show you how to make Cranberry Bars step by step.

I will also share tips, serving ideas and answer common questions. The ingredients for Cranberry Bars are easy to find in any kitchen.

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Cranberry Bars Recipe
Cranberry Bars Recipe
Cranberry Bars are sweet, tart, and perfect for any season. This Cranberry Bars Recipe is easy to make at home and uses simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe

6. Chocolate Pudding Recipe

This Chocolate Pudding Recipe is rich, smooth and full of chocolate.

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Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Chocolate pudding is pure comfort. It is sweet, smooth and very creamy. Many people love this treat because it feels warm and cozy.
Check out this recipe

7. Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

The Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe mixes creamy cheese and warm pumpkin flavor.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Pumpkin cheesecake is a warm, rich and creamy dessert. It blends sweet pumpkin flavor with smooth cheesecake texture.
Check out this recipe

8. Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie is a warm and comforting dessert that many people love. 

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Apple Pie Recipe
Apple Pie Recipe
Apple pie is a warm and comforting dessert that many people love. It has a sweet apple filling wrapped in a flaky, golden crust.
Check out this recipe

9. Chocolate Pie Recipe

The Chocolate Pie Recipe is rich, creamy and sweet.

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Chocolate Pie Recipe
Chocolate Pie Recipe
A chocolate pie is smooth, rich and full of sweet chocolate flavor. This dessert is loved by many because it tastes creamy and melts in your mouth.
Check out this recipe

10. Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is soft, moist and full of spice.

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Libby's Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
The Libby's Pumpkin Bread Recipe is soft, moist and full of warm fall flavor. It’s made with rich pumpkin puree and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Check out this recipe

11. Pecan Cookies Recipe

The Pecan Cookies Recipe is nutty, crisp and sweet.

Recipe Card Info

  • Servings: 12
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Mixer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup pecans

Instructions

  1. Mix butter and sugar.
  2. Add flour and pecans.
  3. Shape into balls.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 15 mins.

12. Sweet Potato Cupcakes Recipe

The Sweet Potato Cupcakes Recipe is soft, sweet, and creamy.

Recipe Card Info

  • Servings: 12
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Muffin pan
  • Mixer

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup mashed sweet potato
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Mix everything.
  2. Pour into muffin cups.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 25 mins.

13. Cranberry Cake Recipe

The Cranberry Cake Recipe is light, soft and fruity.

Recipe Card Info

  • Servings: 8
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Cake pan
  • Mixer

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Mix butter, sugar and eggs.
  2. Add flour and cranberries.
  3. Pour into pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 35 mins.

14. Pumpkin Roll Recipe

The Pumpkin Roll Recipe is creamy and soft with a swirl of frosting.

Recipe Card Info

  • Servings: 8
  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixer

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup cream cheese frosting

Instructions

  1. Mix eggs, sugar, and pumpkin.
  2. Add flour and bake for 15 mins.
  3. Spread frosting and roll.

15. Chocolate Mousse Recipe

The Chocolate Mousse Recipe is light and creamy.

Recipe Card Info

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: French

Equipment

  • Mixer
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Melt chocolate.
  2. Whip cream and sugar.
  3. Mix together and chill.

16. Maple Blondies Recipe

The Maple Blondies Recipe is chewy, buttery, and full of maple flavor.

Recipe Card Info

  • Servings: 9
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Baking pan
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Mix butter and sugar.
  2. Add egg, syrup, and flour.
  3. Pour into pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 25 mins.

17. Pumpkin Trifle Recipe

The Pumpkin Trifle Recipe is creamy, layered, and full of fall taste.

Recipe Card Info

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Glass bowl
  • Spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pumpkin pudding
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1 cup crushed cookies

Instructions

  1. Layer cookies, pudding, and cream.
  2. Repeat layers and chill.

Final Thought On Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

These 17 Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas make your holiday table sweet and special. Each recipe is easy, quick and full of flavor.

Try a few or make them all — they will fill your home with love, warmth, and happy smiles.

Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.