When I need dessert ideas that feel timeless, I like having 13 Thanksgiving favorites in one spot so I can skim through and pick what matches the moment. Some days you want something comforting, other days you want something that feels a bit more festive; this set gives you room for both. Nothing here tries too hard, but each option brings that warm holiday energy.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
Puff Pastry Apple Tart
Puff Pastry Apple Tart. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.
If you ever need a dessert that looks elegant but demands minimal effort, this Puff Pastry Apple Tart is the hero of your Thanksgiving table. The flaky, golden crust perfectly complements those tender, caramelized apples. It’s simple yet sophisticated, the kind of dessert that makes people pause for a moment before digging in, and then come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Pumpkin Crunch Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
Some desserts just know how to steal the spotlight, and this Pumpkin Crunch Cake does it every time. The rich pumpkin base topped with a buttery, golden crunch combines the best of textures and flavors into one irresistible slice. The first time I brought this to a gathering, guests couldn’t stop talking about it, and now, it’s one of those “must-have” dishes on our dessert table every year.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.
There’s something comforting about a warm dessert after Thanksgiving dinner, and this Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream nails it every time. The tender, spiced apples paired with a crispy, sugary topping are made even better with that cold, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a classic combo that feels like fall in every single bite, and trust me; this one disappears faster than any pie on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
Turkey Brownie Cupcakes
Turkey Brownie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
When Thanksgiving desserts can double as both treat and decoration, that’s a win. These Turkey Brownie Cupcakes are the kind of dessert that gets everyone smiling before they even take a bite. Playful and creative, they’re made for adding a little fun to the holiday table, especially for kids. But don’t be fooled; adults tend to grab their fair share of these cute, chocolatey cupcakes too.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Brownie Cupcakes
Nanna’s Apple Cake
Nanna’s Apple Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Some recipes feel like they’ve been passed down for generations, and this Nanna’s Apple Cake has that same nostalgic charm. It’s loaded with tender chunks of apple and just the right touch of warm spices to make every slice feel like a hug in dessert form. Whether you serve it with coffee or on its own, this cake is the kind of crowd-pleaser people genuinely look forward to seeing every Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Nanna’s Apple Cake
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
Thanksgiving morning just got better with these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, but honestly, they’re ideal for dessert too. Pillowy-soft, swirled with pumpkin spice goodness, and topped with a dreamy drizzle of icing, they’re impossible to resist. Even after the big meal, everyone will find room for one of these rolls, so don’t be surprised if they disappear quicker than you expected.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Fall Brownie Cupcake
Fall Brownie Cupcake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Chocolate lovers, rejoice; this Fall Brownie Cupcake delivers everything you love in a brownie but in cupcake form, with a seasonal twist that makes it Thanksgiving-ready. Rich, fudgy, and topped with festive fall flavors, these cupcakes are perfect for anyone who can’t get enough of dessert. Serve them when you want something indulgent without sticking to the typical pie rotation, and watch them fly off the plate.
Get the Recipe: Fall Brownie Cupcake
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
Every Thanksgiving dessert lineup needs at least one dish that’s ridiculously easy to make but tastes like you spent hours. Enter this Pumpkin Dump Cake, a go-to for when you need big flavor without any stress. The creamy pumpkin base and golden, crumbly topping take comfort food to a whole new level, and it’s the kind of dessert people will ask for every year. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pecan Pie Brownies
Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
Who says you need to pick between pie and brownies? These Pecan Pie Brownies prove that sometimes, the best choice is both. The rich chocolate base paired with the sweet, caramel-y crunch of pecans creates a decadent dessert layer you didn’t even know you needed. Slice them up small; you’ll find people sneaking one, two, three pieces even after vowing they’re “too full for dessert.”
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.
When you need a dessert that’s easy to share and packed with flavor, this Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a no-brainer. The soft, moist cake has just enough cinnamon and apple goodness to satisfy fall cravings, while the caramel icing drizzled on top takes it over the edge. It’s the kind of dessert you bring to a big family gathering and, before you know it, there’s nothing left except crumbs. If you like desserts that work hard to please everyone, this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Easy Pumpkin Turnovers
Easy Pumpkin Turnovers. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.
You know those desserts that check all the boxes: simple to make, portable, and filled with flavor? These Easy Pumpkin Turnovers do just that. Wrapped in golden flaky pastry, the warm pumpkin filling stays tucked inside until you take that first bite. People love how these aren’t overly heavy after a big Thanksgiving meal, and they’re so good that you might find yourself reaching for one long after dinner is done.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Turnovers
Dutch Apple Pie Squares
Dutch Apple Pie Squares. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.
Forget the fork, Dutch Apple Pie Squares make enjoying apple pie as easy as picking up a bar of dessert. Packed with all the flavors you love about the classic version: warm cinnamon, buttery topping; these squares are perfect for sharing or serving as a grab-and-go treat. They’re the type of dessert you bring out when your family just wants “a little bite of something sweet,” and trust me, they’ll end up reaching for more than they planned.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.
When the oven’s already overbooked, this No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake steps up to save the day. It’s velvety, rich, and filled with all the pumpkin spice notes you want in a Thanksgiving dessert. No baking required means minimal effort with maximum reward, and people love how light and creamy it tastes after an indulgent holiday meal. Serve it chilled for a refreshing, sweet ending to a busy day of feasting.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
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