This blog post will be uncovering some of the creative Thanksgiving desserts your family will never forget any time soon.
Thanksgiving is all about family, laughter, and a ridiculous amount of food. But after stuffing yourself with turkey and mashed potatoes, there’s one thing that makes the holiday complete, desserts! And not just any desserts, Thanksgiving desserts that make your taste buds sing, and your stretchy pants come in handy.
This list of 29 creative Thanksgiving desserts will have your family fighting for the last piece. So, tag along while we jump into the world of sugar, spice, and everything nice.
29 CREATIVE THANKSGIVING DESSERTS
1. Pumpkin Pie with a Twist
Ah, Pumpkin Pie—a Thanksgiving staple! But let’s be real, it’s time to give this classic a little makeover. This Pumpkin Pie with a Twist incorporates a hint of ginger and a layer of creamy mascarpone for an extra luxurious, velvety texture.
The familiar pumpkin spice flavors are still there, but the added ginger brings a surprising zing, and the mascarpone adds a rich creaminess that takes this pie from “Oh, pumpkin pie again?” to “Wow, where has this been all my life?” It’s a bold and exciting upgrade to the lineup of Thanksgiving desserts.
Ingredients:
2 cups ginger snap cookies, crushed
1/4 cup melted butter
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
Preparation:
Mix the ginger snap crumbs with butter and press into a pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F.
Mix the remaining ingredients, pour into the crust, and bake for 40-50 minutes. Let cool before serving.
2. Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Love pecan pie but don’t want the fuss of slicing and serving? Go for Maple Pecan Pie Bars, the grab-and-go version of your favorite Thanksgiving dessert.
These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a sweet, sticky maple pecan filling, bringing all the warm flavors of traditional pecan pie with a touch of maple syrup for extra coziness.
They’re the perfect bite-sized treat, easy to eat with one hand while holding your third plate of stuffing with the other!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter
3 large eggs
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecans
Preparation:
Mix flour, sugar, and salt with butter to make the crust. Press into a baking pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
Mix the rest of the ingredients and pour over the crust. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool before cutting into bars.
3. Apple Pie Cheesecake
Why choose between apple pie and cheesecake when you can have both?
When apple pie and cheesecake fall in love, you get this dreamy Apple Pie Cheesecake—a dessert mashup that’s as epic as it sounds!
Imagine a smooth, creamy cheesecake base topped with a layer of warm, spiced apples and a cinnamon crumble. It combines the best of two favorite Thanksgiving desserts into one irresistible dish that’s sure to have everyone at the table drooling.
It’s perfect for those who can’t decide between pie and cheesecake—now, they won’t have to.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
3 8oz packs of cream cheese
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups thinly sliced apples
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Preparation:
Press graham cracker crumbs mixed with butter into a springform pan.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and pour into the crust.
Top with apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes.
4. Sweet Potato Brownies
Your classic brownies get a sweet Thanksgiving twist with the addition of sweet potatoes. They’re rich, fudgy, and surprisingly healthy-ish.
Ingredients:
1 cup mashed sweet potato
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Let cool before slicing.
5. Cranberry Orange Tarts
Cranberries and oranges are a match made in Thanksgiving dessert heaven. These mini tarts are tart, sweet, and perfect for a bite-sized treat.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cold butter
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1 tbsp orange zest
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
Preparation:
Mix flour, butter, and sugar to form the crust.
Press into mini tart pans and bake for 10 minutes.
Mix cranberry sauce, orange zest, eggs, sugar, and juice, then pour into the crusts.
Bake for another 15 minutes.
6. Spiced Pear Crumble
Pears spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg topped with a buttery crumble—this Thanksgiving dessert is like fall in every bite.
Ingredients:
4 pears, sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup butter
Preparation:
Toss pears with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, and butter until crumbly.
Spread over the pears and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
7. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
This Thanksgiving dessert is for the chocolate lovers! Add a shot of bourbon to the mix, and you’ve got a pie with serious flair.
Ingredients:
1 pie crust
3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup bourbon
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Preparation:
Whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and bourbon.
Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Pour into the pie crust and bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes.
8. Pumpkin Tiramisu
This dessert gives the classic Italian treat a Thanksgiving makeover. The creamy layers of mascarpone and pumpkin are indulgent yet light.
Ingredients:
1 cn (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 lb mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp cloves
1 package ladyfingers
1 cup brewed coffee
Preparation:
Mix the pumpkin, sugar, and spices.
In another bowl, beat mascarpone and cream.
Dip ladyfingers in coffee, layer with pumpkin and mascarpone mixture.
Chill for a few hours before serving.
9. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies are packed with pumpkin flavor and chocolatey goodness, making them a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving desserts table.
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
Preparation:
Mix butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Add pumpkin puree.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
10. Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Why choose between pecan pie and cheesecake when you can have both? This decadent dessert combines a creamy cheesecake with a crunchy pecan topping.
Ingredients:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecans
3 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Preparation:
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a springform pan.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then pour over the crust. Bake at 325°F for 50 minutes.
In a saucepan, heat pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
Pour over the cheesecake and refrigerate.
11. Salted Caramel Apple Pie
A Thanksgiving classic gets a salty-sweet upgrade with homemade salted caramel drizzled over tart apples.
Ingredients:
1 pie crust
6 cups thinly sliced apples
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 tsp sea salt
Preparation:
Toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour into pie crust.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples and sprinkle with sea salt.
Top with another pie crust and bake at 375°F for 50-55 minutes.
12. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
These pumpkin-flavored whoopie pies are filled with a sweet cream cheese frosting, making them a fun and flavorful Thanksgiving dessert.
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
Preparation:
Mix pumpkin, oil, sugar, and egg. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
Combine both mixtures and drop onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
For the filling, beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.
Spread between two cookies.
13. Cranberry Bliss Bars
These bars are filled with cranberries and topped with cream cheese frosting, making them a festive, tangy treat.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Preparation:
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
Stir in flour, baking powder, cranberries, and white chocolate chips.
Spread into a baking pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar, then spread over the cooled bars.
14. Gingerbread Trifle
Layers of spiced gingerbread, creamy pudding, and whipped cream make this dessert a show-stopper on your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
1 gingerbread cake, cubed
2 cups vanilla pudding
2 cups whipped cream
1/4 cup crushed gingersnap cookies
Preparation:
In a trifle bowl, layer cubed gingerbread cake, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream.
Repeat layers until the bowl is filled. Top with crushed gingersnaps.
15. Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Nothing says fall like pumpkin spice! These baked donuts are a fun, bite-sized Thanksgiving dessert that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation:
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
Combine both mixtures and spoon into a donut pan.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
16. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
A moist bundt cake filled with tart cranberries and a hint of orange zest is sure to brighten up your Thanksgiving dessert table.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
Preparation:
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, and mix in the dry ingredients.
Stir in sour cream, orange juice, and zest.
Fold in cranberries and bake in a bundt pan at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.
17. Sweet Potato Pie
This classic Southern Thanksgiving dessert is a must-have for any family gathering, with its creamy sweet potato filling and buttery crust.
Ingredients:
1 pie crust
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and pour into the pie crust.
Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until set.
18. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
These moist cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting will be the hit of your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
Preparation:
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
Combine wet ingredients in another bowl.
Mix both and pour into cupcake liners. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
For frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.
19. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These creamy, layered bars combine the best of cheesecake and pumpkin pie, offering a delightful fusion for your Thanksgiving desserts.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
3 (8 oz) packs cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Preparation:
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, pressing into a baking pan to form the crust.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Reserve half the mixture and add pumpkin puree and spices to the other half.
Layer the plain cheesecake mixture and pumpkin mixture over the crust, then swirl with a knife.
Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, and cool before cutting into bars.
20. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Scones
These tender, spiced pumpkin scones topped with a sweet maple glaze are perfect for Thanksgiving morning or dessert.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
Preparation:
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices.
Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix pumpkin, milk, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl, then add to the dry ingredients.
Shape dough into a circle and cut into wedges.
Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup.
21. Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
This moist cake with a caramelized cranberry topping will be a beautiful and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation:
Melt butter and brown sugar in a skillet, then add cranberries. Pour into a cake pan.
In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients, then stir in milk, egg, and vanilla.
Pour batter over the cranberry mixture and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
Flip onto a plate to serve.
22. Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Roll
Pumpkin rolls are a classic, but this Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Roll takes things to a whole new level. The soft pumpkin cake is rolled up with a heavenly chai-spiced cream cheese filling that’s basically like giving your taste buds a warm hug.
The chai spices add an extra layer of depth that’ll have people asking, “What’s in this?!” It’s definitely a standout in the world of Thanksgiving desserts, combining the best of seasonal spices with a creamy, rich texture.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup butter
2 tsp chai spice mix
1 cup powdered sugar
Preparation:
Mix dry ingredients and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar, then add pumpkin.
Fold in the dry ingredients. Pour into a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
For the filling, beat cream cheese, butter, chai spice, and powdered sugar.
Once the cake cools, spread filling and roll it up. Chill before serving.
23. Apple Crisp Cheesecake
This dessert takes the best of two worlds, combining a rich cheesecake base with a crunchy apple crisp topping.
Ingredients:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 (8 oz) packs cream cheese
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
4 apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, cold
Preparation:
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, pressing into a pan for the crust.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then pour over the crust.
Toss apples with a little sugar and cinnamon, layering them on top.
Mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and cold butter for the crumble topping, and sprinkle over the apples.
Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes.
24. Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding
This warm, custardy bread pudding combines pumpkin and pecans for a comforting and cozy Thanksgiving dessert.
Ingredients:
4 cups cubed bread
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup pecans, chopped
Preparation:
Whisk pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, spices, milk, and cream together.
Toss the cubed bread in the mixture, then fold in chopped pecans.
Pour into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
25. Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
Who says you can’t have ice cream in the fall? Tell your pumpkin pie to take a backseat this year! If you think ice cream is only a summer treat, think again.
Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream is the cool, creamy addition to your Thanksgiving desserts menu that nobody sees coming, but everybody loves.
Infused with all the pumpkin spice flavors we’ve come to obsess over, this ice cream is the perfect palate cleanser after a heavy meal.
It’s rich, spicy, and cool at the same time—a refreshing twist on the typical warm desserts. Plus, there’s something extra fun about serving ice cream when everyone expects pie.
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
Preparation:
Combine pumpkin puree, cream, milk, sugar, and spices in a bowl.
Pour into an ice cream maker and follow the machine’s instructions to freeze.
26. Maple Pecan Pie Bars
These bars are a portable version of pecan pie, with the addition of maple syrup for an extra dose of fall flavor.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
3 eggs
2 cups pecans, chopped
Preparation:
Mix flour, butter, and sugar, pressing into a baking dish for the crust.
Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Whisk brown sugar, maple syrup, and eggs together, then fold in pecans.
Pour over the crust and bake for another 25-30 minutes.
27. Pumpkin Mousse
If pies seem too predictable for your holiday spread, then Pumpkin Mousse is here to save the day! Light, airy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor, this mousse is one of those Thanksgiving desserts that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make.
It’s perfect for those who are already stuffed from dinner but can’t resist “just a little something sweet.” The whipped cream topping is optional, but let’s be real, when has whipped cream ever been really optional?
It’s the Thanksgiving version of “fluffy” but without the stretchy pants emergency. Plus, it’s as easy to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation:
Whisk pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
28. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Who says pumpkin pie has to be eaten with a fork? This Pumpkin Pie Milkshake takes all the flavors you love about pumpkin pie and blends them into a cool, creamy treat that’ll give your Thanksgiving desserts an extra twist.
Imagine the rich taste of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and vanilla ice cream all whirled together into a glass of holiday magic. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy their dessert while watching football, or for anyone who simply doesn’t want to bother with pie crust.
It’s the dessert you drink—no plates, no forks, no problem! Bonus: It counts as a milkshake and pie. Double win!
Perfect for when you’re too full for pie but still crave a little dessert! This milkshake has all the pumpkin pie flavors with none of the effort.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Whipped cream (optional)
Preparation:
Blend pumpkin puree, vanilla ice cream, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Top with whipped cream and an extra dash of cinnamon if desired.
29. Cranberry Apple Crumble
This crumble mixes sweet apples and tart cranberries under a buttery, crumbly topping.
Ingredients:
4 apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, cold
Preparation:
Toss apples, cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon together.
Spread in a baking dish. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter in a bowl, and crumble over the top
Each of these Thanksgiving desserts is more than just a treat; they’re conversation starters, memory makers, and maybe even an excuse to sneak into the kitchen for seconds.
If you’re looking for something to spice up your dessert table and get a few “wow” reactions from your guests, any of these delicious options will do the trick. Plus, if you’re really lucky, your relatives might even help with the dishes… but no promises!
So, go ahead, wow your guests with these Thanksgiving desserts and make this holiday one to remember—not just for the turkey, but for the unforgettable sweets that follow.
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