11+ Great Desserts for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to experiment with delightful desserts that will impress your guests. Imagine the joy of discovering treats that are both delicious and memorable.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake from The View from Great Island

Rating: 5 (13 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr 15 min.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Cheesecake from Sugar Spun Run

Rating: 4.9 (167 reviews). Total Time: 7 hr.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Cheesecake from Natasha's Kitchen

Rating: 5 (12 reviews). Total Time: 7 hr 30 min.

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This dessert combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin spice. It’s a symphony of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blended with pureed pumpkin, creating a smooth and delightful treat that embodies the essence of fall.

What’s special about this recipe is its unique twist on the traditional pumpkin pie. The cheesecake base offers a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with a gingersnap crust, adding an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, each bite is like a hug on a chilly autumn day.

Apple Crisp with Caramel Drizzle

Best Ever Caramel Apple Crisp

Best Ever Caramel Apple Crisp from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (273 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.

Caramel Apple Crisp

Caramel Apple Crisp from Fifteen Spatulas

Rating: 5 (42 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.

Crisp Crumbles & Gooey Apples: This Caramel Apple Crisp Is Everything

Crisp Crumbles & Gooey Apples: This Caramel Apple Crisp Is Everything from Confessions of a Baking Queen

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

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Apple crisp is a classic dessert, but when you add a caramel drizzle, it becomes something extraordinary. This dessert features tender, spiced apples baked under a crispy, buttery oat topping.

The magic lies in the contrast between the soft, cinnamon-infused apples and the crunchy oat topping. But what really sets this dish apart is the warm caramel sauce drizzled over the top. It adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the tartness of the apples perfectly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Apple crisp with caramel drizzle is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma, making it impossible for anyone to resist.

Pecan Pie Bars

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Maple Pecan Pie Bars from RecipeTin Eats

Rating: 5 (19 reviews). Total Time: 50 min.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars from The Kitchn

Rating: 4.7 (32 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 5 min.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (673 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 5 min.

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If you love pecan pie, then pecan pie bars are a must-try. These bars capture the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie but in a handy, easy-to-eat format. The base is a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a layer of sweet, sticky pecan filling.

What makes these bars stand out is their convenience. They’re perfect for a buffet-style Thanksgiving dinner where guests can simply grab and go. Plus, they’re just as delicious as a traditional pecan pie, with that classic mix of crunchy pecans and sweet, caramel-like filling. The bars have a slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy nuts, making them a delightful treat for any dessert table.

Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding

Orange Cranberry Decadent Bread Pudding

Orange Cranberry Decadent Bread Pudding from The Kitchen Whisperer

Rating: 5 (10 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr.

Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding

Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding from Christina's Cucina

Rating: 4.8 (28 reviews). Total Time: 12 min.

Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding

Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding from Julie's Eats & Treats

Rating: 5 (7 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr.

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Bread pudding might not be the first dessert that comes to mind for Thanksgiving, but this cranberry orange version might change that. It combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of oranges, all soaked into soft, custardy bread.

What makes this recipe special is its festive twist on a classic comfort food. The cranberries add a pop of color and tartness that balances the sweetness of the pudding, while the orange zest infuses the dish with a fresh, citrusy aroma. Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of crème anglaise, and it becomes an indulgent, yet homey dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays.

This dish is perfect for using up any leftover bread you might have, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving dessert recipes

Thanksgiving dessert recipes from BBC Good Food

Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes (No-Bake!)

Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes (No-Bake!) from Sugar Spun Run

Rating: 5 (24 reviews). Total Time: 4 hr 25 min.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe from Mom Foodie

Rating: 4.9 (167 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 8 min.

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Master the Art of Flavors

When making Thanksgiving desserts, don’t be afraid to play with spices. A little cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can go a long way in transforming a simple recipe into something unforgettable.

Choose Your Ingredients Wisely

Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference, especially in desserts. Use fresh pumpkin, crisp apples, and quality nuts to ensure your desserts taste as good as they look.

Make Ahead for Less Stress

Many desserts can be made a day or two in advance. This not only saves time on the big day but often enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain their freshness.