Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas is more than just turkey and stuffing—it’s a day full of love, laughter, and best of all, dessert! Whether it’s a social affair or a sit-down dinner with the entire family, the perfect dessert can elevate your celebration. From timeless pies to creative twists on fall classics, these Thanksgiving dessert ideas offer cozy, comforting, and indulgent flavors. Imagine your guests relishing every bite of a spiced pumpkin cheesecake or digging into a gooey pecan pie. It’s those sweet moments that create lasting memories around the table.
Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a first-time host, explore these 60+ dessert ideas to find your new holiday favorite.
Sweet Endings Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas That Wow
Looking to end your Thanksgiving feast on a high note? These Thanksgiving dessert ideas are sweet, stunning, and sure to wow your guests. From classic pies with a twist to creative no-bake treats, there’s something here for every kind of sweet tooth. Whether you’re going traditional or trying something totally new, these desserts are the perfect way to wrap up your holiday meal. Get ready to indulge in festive flavors and finish your celebration with a delicious bang!
Old-School Ways to Get Your Thanksgiving Dessert On
Pumpkin Pie
Creamy, spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky crust, crowned with whipped cream. A classic comfort food.
Pecan Pie
Sweet, gooey pecan filling in a buttery crust—rich, nutty, and satisfying.
Apple Pie with Lattice Crust
Warm spiced apples in golden pastry with a decorative lattice top. Best served with vanilla ice cream.
Sweet Potato Pie
Similar to pumpkin pie but with an earthier sweetness. Serve warm with cream.
Cranberry Apple Crisp
Tart cranberries and sweet apples baked under a crunchy oat topping.
Maple Walnut Pie
A variation on pecan pie with maple syrup and crunchy walnuts for a chewy, earthy flavor.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist spiced carrot cake with tangy cream cheese frosting—a textural favorite.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Creamy pumpkin-spice cheesecake on a graham cracker crust—elegant and autumnal.
Apple Cider Donuts
Cinnamon-sugared, cakey donuts perfect with hot cider for cozy vibes.
Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
Sticky, tender rolls coated in maple glaze—breakfast-for-dessert at its finest.
Creative Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
A fall twist on the classic with pumpkin purée and spiced mascarpone layers.
Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake
Tart cranberry compote swirled into creamy cheesecake—stunning and flavorful.
Apple Galette
A rustic free-form pie with spiraled apple slices—easy and impressive.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Cubed bread soaked in pumpkin custard and baked—add caramel sauce to elevate.
Chai Spiced Blondies
Chai-flavored blondie bars for a spiced handheld dessert.
Salted Caramel Pumpkin Pie Bars
Pumpkin pie in bar form on shortbread crust with salted caramel drizzle.
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Vanilla cupcakes filled with apple pie and topped with whipped cream.
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Soft gingerbread cookies sandwiching cream cheese frosting.
Mini Pumpkin Tarts
Single-serving tartlets with spiced pumpkin custard—great for buffets.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread
Buttery cookies with cranberry and orange zest for a bright finish.
Treats from Apple and Pumpkin
Pumpkin Mousse Cups
Light, airy mousse served in mini jars—impressive and no-bake.
Baked Apples with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
Juicy apples baked in spiced butter—aromatic and delicious.
Pumpkin Roll Cake
Spiced pumpkin sponge rolled with cream cheese frosting—spiraled beauty.
Apple Crumble Bars
Shortbread crust, apple filling, and buttery crumble—pie alternative.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Pumpkin purée, ice cream, and spices blended into dessert in a glass.
Apple Cider Sorbet
A light, spiced apple sorbet—ideal palette cleanser.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy cookies made with pumpkin purée and chocolate chunks.
Pumpkin Pecan Layer Cake
Pumpkin cake layers with pecans and cream cheese frosting—showstopper.
Apple Fritters
Crispy dough filled with apples and dusted with sugar—wildly addictive.
Pumpkin Spice Éclairs
Pumpkin spice cream-filled pastry with white chocolate—fancy and festive.
Unique & Modern Dessert Ideas
Butternut Squash Cupcakes
Moist cupcakes with cinnamon frosting—unexpected and delicious.
Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Sweet and salty cupcakes—unique and crowd-pleasing.
Pumpkin Panna Cotta
Creamy, chilled Italian custard flavored with pumpkin spice.
S’mores Pie
Graham crust, chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallow topping.
Mini Cheesecake Bites
Tiny cheesecakes topped with cranberry or caramel—elegant and easy.
Cranberry Almond Tart
Tart cranberries and sweet almond filling in a flaky shell.
Caramel Apple Trifles
Layered spiced cake, caramel, apples, and cream in jars.
Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
Pumpkin cookies with vanilla ice cream—a frozen fall treat.
Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
Spiced pumpkin and chocolate rolled into rich truffle balls.
Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Shortbread cookies filled with sweet apple butter.
Dessert Bar Choices to Please a Crowd
Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board
An array of mini pies, cookies, candies, and fruit—beautiful and customizable.
Mini Pecan Pie Bites
Gooey mini pies perfect for mingling guests.
Pumpkin Pie Dip with Graham Crackers
Creamy pumpkin dip with graham cracker dippers.
Cranberry Bars with Crumb Topping
Tart filling on buttery crust with crumbly topping.
Brown Butter Maple Blondies
Maple-sweetened blondies kissed with brown butter.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Soft, cinnamon-sugar-coated pumpkin cookies.
Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Icing
Topped with toasted marshmallow—dessert meets casserole.
Cinnamon Apple Nachos
Apple slices drizzled with caramel, nuts, and whipped cream.
Pumpkin Chocolate Bark
Swirled chocolate with pumpkin spice and toppings.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Two favorites in one: creamy cheesecake + pecan pie.
Gluten-Free & Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Smooth, dairy- and egg-free pumpkin pie made with coconut or almond milk.
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Oat and spice topping over spiced apples—cozy and allergy-friendly.
Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Bites
Naturally sweetened pumpkin bites—clean and tasty.
Coconut Milk Rice Pudding
Vanilla- and cinnamon-flavored rice pudding with a light finish.
No-Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls
Oats, pumpkin, and almond butter rolled into bite-sized snacks.
Chia Cranberry Pudding
Chia soaked in almond milk and cranberry sauce—healthy and sweet.
Fruit Sticks with Caramel Drizzle
Fresh fruit skewers with a light caramel topping.
Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins
Moist low-carb muffins with optional nut toppings.
Maple Poached Pears
Tender pears cooked in maple syrup and spice.
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Cups
Single-serving baked oatmeal cups—breakfast-worthy dessert.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Cream-free mousse made with avocado and cocoa—rich and healthy.
Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and gratitude—and a sweet ending makes it extra special. Whether you’re baking a classic pie or trying a new twist like truffles or trifles, there’s a dessert on this list for every taste.
Try something traditional, go bold with creative desserts, or build a dessert buffet that lets guests sample everything. However you celebrate, may your table be full of joy and your plates full of sweet memories.
Hi, I’m Serena Bruce, the creative force behind EnjoyPartyIdeas.com!
As a passionate event planner and long-time lover of all things festive, I’ve dedicated my life to making celebrations unforgettable. With years of experience planning everything from kids’ birthday bashes to elegant weddings and themed parties, I’ve learned one important thing—every party deserves to be memorable, meaningful, and fun.