Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with family and friends, share what we are thankful for, and enjoy delicious food. While the turkey and sides are important, desserts are a big part of the celebration too! From sweet pies to rich cakes, Thanksgiving desserts bring joy and warmth to the table. This collection of 18 easy Thanksgiving desserts will help you create tasty treats for everyone to enjoy.

These dessert recipes are simple and fun to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can find classic flavors like pumpkin and apple, as well as exciting options like chocolate turtle brownies and pear almond tart. Each recipe is designed to highlight the wonderful flavors of fall, using ingredients that are easy to find. Whether you want to bake a pie or whip up some cookies, there is something here for everyone’s taste.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, consider adding a few of these delicious desserts to your menu. They are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday meal even more special. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake some wonderful treats that will sweeten your Thanksgiving celebration!

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

This classic pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving favorite. It features a smooth and creamy filling made with pumpkin puree and warm spices, all nestled in a flaky crust.

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Add the eggs and evaporated milk, and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour into Crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
4. Bake the Pie: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until set.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream!

2. Apple Crisp

This apple crisp is warm, sweet, and full of cinnamon flavor. It features tender baked apples topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Apples: Place the sliced apples in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of brown sugar and mix well.
3. Make the Topping: In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Assemble and Bake: Spread the oat mixture over the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the apples are soft and the topping is golden.
5. Serve Warm: Let it cool slightly and serve warm, optionally with ice cream.

3. Pecan Pie

This rich and nutty pecan pie is a must-have for Thanksgiving. It features a sweet filling made with pecans and a flaky crust, perfect for dessert lovers!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
3. Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves.
4. Pour into Crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
5. Bake the Pie: Bake for 50-60 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden. Let cool before serving.

4. Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

This chocolate pumpkin cake combines two delicious flavors in one dessert. It’s moist, rich, and perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.

Serving and Time

• Servings: 12
• Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve: Let it cool before serving. Optionally, top with whipped cream.

5. Maple Pecan Tarts

These mini maple pecan tarts are sweet and nutty, perfect for a bite-sized treat during Thanksgiving. They are easy to make and great for sharing!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 12 tarts
• Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: Roll out the pie crust and cut it into small circles to fit a muffin tin. Press them into the greased tin.
3. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Fill Tarts and Bake: Pour the filling into each crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set. Let cool before serving.

6. Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

This cranberry upside-down cake is a beautiful and tasty dessert. The tart cranberries are caramelized on top of a moist cake, making it a lovely centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar (for the cake)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
2. Prepare the Topping: In the cake pan, combine the fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Mix Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
4. Pour batter: Pour the cake batter over the cranberry mixture in the pan.
5. Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly before flipping it onto a plate to serve.

7. Chocolate Mousse

This chocolate mousse is rich and creamy, making it a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 6
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
2. Whip Cream: In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
3. Mix Egg Yolks: In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until creamy. Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
4. Fold in Ingredients: Gently fold in the whipped cream until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, and fold them into the chocolate mixture.
5. Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake

This pumpkin cheesecake is creamy and flavorful, combining the classic flavors of pumpkin pie and cheesecake. It’s a rich dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
3. Mix Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until well combined.
4. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes until set. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

9. Apple Pie Bars

These apple pie bars are a fun twist on classic apple pie. They have a buttery crust and a sweet apple filling, making them easy to serve and enjoy!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 16 bars
• Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 cups sliced apples
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Stir in the milk to form a dough.
3. Press into Dish: Press half of the dough into the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Prepare Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar. Spread the apple mixture over the crust.
5. Add Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the apple filling. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

10. No-Bake Chocolate Tart

This no-bake chocolate tart is rich and indulgent. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving when you want something chocolatey without the fuss of baking!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a tart pan.
2. Melt Chocolate: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
3. Fill Tart Shell: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
4. Chill the Tart: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
5. Serve Cold: Slice and serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream.

11. Sweet Potato Pie

This sweet potato pie is a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie. It’s creamy, sweet, and full of flavor, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour into Crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
4. Bake the Pie: Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and lightly golden. Let cool before serving.
5. Serve: Slice and enjoy this delicious sweet potato pie!

12. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

These mini pumpkin cheesecakes are creamy and delicious. They are the perfect individual dessert for Thanksgiving, combining pumpkin and cream cheese flavors!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
• Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup.
3. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
4. Fill Cups: Spoon the filling into each crust-lined cup, filling them about 2/3 full.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until set. Allow to cool before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
6. Serve: Enjoy the mini cheesecakes chilled!

13. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

This chocolate chip pumpkin bread is moist and flavorful. It combines pumpkin and chocolate for a delicious dessert that’s great for Thanksgiving!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 10 slices
• Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
4. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.

14. Pumpkin Flan

This pumpkin flan is a creamy and decadent dessert. It combines the flavors of pumpkin and caramel for a delightful treat!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Quickly pour the caramel into a flan mold or pie dish, tilting to coat the bottom.
3. Mix the Flan: In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
4. Pour into Mold: Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture over the caramel in the mold.
5. Bake: Place the mold in a larger baking dish filled with hot water (water bath) and bake for 50-60 minutes until set. Let cool before inverting onto a plate to serve.

15. Eggnog Cookies

These eggnog cookies are soft and festive, perfect for the holiday season. They are flavored with nutmeg and topped with a sweet glaze, making them a delightful treat!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for glaze

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggnog and egg, mixing well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until combined.
4. Bake Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
5. Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little eggnog to make a glaze and drizzle over the cooled cookies.

16. Chocolate Turtle Brownies

These chocolate turtle brownies are rich and decadent, topped with caramel and pecans. They are a delightful dessert for chocolate lovers at Thanksgiving!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 16 brownies
• Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake Brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Let cool slightly.
5. Add Toppings: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Allow to set before cutting into squares.

17. Pear Almond Tart

This pear almond tart is elegant and delicious. It features sweet pears on top of a creamy almond filling in a flaky crust. It’s a lovely dessert for Thanksgiving!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 8
• Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust, unbaked
• 3 ripe pears, sliced
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: Place the unbaked pie crust in a tart pan.
3. Make Almond Filling: In a bowl, beat together the almond flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
4. Fill the Tart: Pour the almond filling into the prepared crust and arrange the sliced pears on top.
5. Bake the Tart: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and lightly golden. Let cool before serving.

18. S’mores Bars

These s’mores bars are an easy twist on the classic campfire treat. They are made with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows for a sweet dessert that everyone will love!

Serving and Time

• Servings: 12 bars
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Make Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Layer Ingredients: Sprinkle the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows evenly over the crust.
4. Bake the Bars: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and the chocolate is melted.
5. Cool and Cut: Let cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy the sweet, gooey flavors!