17+ Instant Pot Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and glorious food. Imagine ending your feast with desserts so luscious, they’re bound to be the highlight of the evening.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Delight

Instant Pot Apple Crisp

Instant Pot Apple Crisp from Tastes Better From Scratch

Rating: 4.4 (70 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake from Kroll's Korner

Rating: 4.6 (40 reviews). Total Time: 9 hr 50 min.

Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie Recipe from The Spruce Eats

Rating: 4.1 (21 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr 53 min.

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Experience the creamy goodness of pumpkin cheesecake. This dessert combines the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the richness of cream cheese and pumpkin puree. It’s like a pumpkin pie and cheesecake had a delicious baby.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You get the classic pumpkin spice flavors in a creamy, dreamy cheesecake form, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooker ensures a smooth and crack-free finish, making it look like a masterpiece. And let’s be real, who can resist a graham cracker crust?

Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Gramma's Apple Bread Pudding

Gramma's Apple Bread Pudding from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (616 reviews).

Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

Apple Bread Pudding Recipe from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (5 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

Apple Bread Pudding

Apple Bread Pudding from The Pioneer Woman

Total Time: 2 h 5 min.

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Warm, gooey, and filled with the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and apple, this bread pudding is comfort food at its best. With chunks of apple and a hint of vanilla, every bite is a cozy hug.

This recipe stands out because it transforms humble ingredients—day-old bread, apples, and eggs—into a dessert fit for a holiday. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, making the pudding incredibly soft and flavorful. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that feels like a warm welcome home.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread or rolls. Less waste, more deliciousness!

Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate Lava Cake from Preppy Kitchen

Rating: 4.9 (1149 reviews). Total Time: 22 min.

Easy chocolate molten cakes

Easy chocolate molten cakes from BBC Good Food

Rating: 5 (181 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.

Lava Cake

Lava Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (36 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

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Rich, decadent, and oozing with molten chocolate, this lava cake is for the true chocolate lover. Made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, it’s an indulgence that’s hard to resist.

The beauty of this Instant Pot dessert is its speed. In just a few minutes, you can have a dessert that rivals any fancy restaurant’s version. The pressure cooking method ensures that the outside is perfectly baked while the inside remains gooey and melty. Serve it warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and watch it disappear!

Pecan Pie Bites

Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites Recipe from Southern Living

Rating: 5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 15 min.

Pecan Pie Bites

Pecan Pie Bites from The BakerMama

Rating: 4.6 (12 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

Pecan Pie Bites

Pecan Pie Bites from The Pioneer Woman

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 25 min.

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These mini pecan pies pack all the flavor of the traditional Thanksgiving staple into bite-sized treats. With a buttery crust and a sweet, nutty filling, they’re like little nuggets of joy.

What makes these bites special is their convenience and portion size. They’re perfect for guests who just want a taste without committing to a whole slice. The Instant Pot cooks them gently, ensuring the filling sets beautifully without overcooking the crust. Plus, their adorable size means you can have more than one without the guilt!

Spiced Maple Pear Compote

Maple and Cardamom Spiced Pear Compote

Maple and Cardamom Spiced Pear Compote from Good Life Eats

Rating: 4.6 (5 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Pear Compote Recipe with Spices

Pear Compote Recipe with Spices from She Loves Biscotti

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

Pear Compote with Maple Syrup and Spices

Pear Compote with Maple Syrup and Spices from SOS Cuisine

Rating: 4.5 (75 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

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Simple yet sophisticated, this pear compote is flavored with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a touch of ginger. It’s a refreshing change from the heavier desserts, offering a light and fruity finish.

The Instant Pot makes this compote incredibly easy and quick, infusing the pears with deep flavors as they cook to tender perfection. It’s versatile too—serve it on its own, over pound cake, or even as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. The spices make it feel like fall in a bowl, and the aroma while it’s cooking? Pure heaven.

This dish is not only delicious but also a beautiful addition to your dessert table, with its rich golden hues and inviting fragrance.

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (3530 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 55 min.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe from AddaPinch.com

Rating: 5 (217 reviews).

How To Make Sweet Potato Pie

How To Make Sweet Potato Pie from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (7 reviews).

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This pie offers a delightful twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, emphasizing the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Combined with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, it’s a warm, flavorful slice of comfort.

Using the Instant Pot to prepare the sweet potatoes results in a smooth, velvety filling that pairs wonderfully with a flaky crust. The pressure cooker significantly cuts down on prep time while enhancing the flavors. This pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of the season’s best produce. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a showstopper!

Pro Tricks for Amazing Instant Pot Desserts

Make-Ahead Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie Makes Thanksgiving Just That Much Easier

Make-Ahead Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie Makes Thanksgiving Just That Much Easier from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 1 min.

Instant Pot Apple Crisp

Instant Pot Apple Crisp from Tastes Better From Scratch

Rating: 4.4 (70 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie

Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie from Pressure Cooking Today

Total Time: 45 min.

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Mastering the Steam Release

For perfect texture, use natural pressure release for creamy desserts like cheesecakes. Quick release can cause cracks by cooling them too quickly.

Choosing the Right Pan

Always use a springform or a silicone pan for easy removal. These pans ensure that your dessert stays intact and looks picture-perfect when you serve it.

Layering Flavors

Don’t shy away from adding spices and extracts. They can elevate a simple dessert to a gourmet level, making your Thanksgiving spread unforgettable.