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 from Tastes Better From Scratch
Rating: 4.4 (70 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.
Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake from Kroll's Korner
Rating: 4.6 (40 reviews). Total Time: 9 hr 50 min.
Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie Recipe from The Spruce Eats
Rating: 4.1 (21 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr 53 min.
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
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
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
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 from Good Life Eats
Rating: 4.6 (5 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.
Pear Compote with Maple Syrup and Spices from SOS Cuisine
Rating: 4.5 (75 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.
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
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 from The Kitchn
Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 1 min.
Instant Pot Apple Crisp from Tastes Better From Scratch
Rating: 4.4 (70 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.
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.











