This post shares the top 13 thanksgiving desserts that will steal the show this year!
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and stuffing. It’s also about the sweet finale that brings the whole meal together.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional pies, creative tarts, or indulgent chocolate treats, Thanksgiving desserts are where comfort meets celebration!
There’s something magical about ending the evening with a slice of pie, a warm cookie skillet, or a cheesecake bar shared among loved ones.
If you’re ready to wow your guests (or just treat yourself), this list of 13 must-try Thanksgiving desserts is full of inspiration.
From timeless classics like pumpkin pie, to modern favorites like caramel apple galettes, these desserts are guaranteed to bring smiles to the table!
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Classic Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving dessert table is complete without a classic pumpkin pie. Its velvety, creamy filling, flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, feels like autumn in every bite.
Serve it warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and you’ve got a timeless dessert that always feels comforting and festive!
Tap here to try!
2. Pecan Pie
For those who love something rich and nutty, a pecan pie is absolutely the way to go. With its gooey, caramel-like buttery filling topped with crunchy pecans, it’s irresistible, indulgent, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying!
A slice of this pie with a cup of coffee is pure Thanksgiving bliss.
Tap here to try!
3. Apple Crisp
If you prefer something warm and fruity, an apple crisp is an absolute must. Baked apples topped with a buttery oat crumble create the perfect mix of textures.
It’s an easy yet impressive dish that highlights the best of autumn’s bounty, allowing you to embrace the delicious flavors of fall.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and you’ve got a cozy dessert that feels just like home!
Tap here to try!
4. Maple Cheesecake
If you’re looking for something a little different, Give your Thanksgiving spread a unique twist with a maple cheesecake.
Creamy, rich, and flavored with the earthy sweetness of maple syrup, this dessert offers a sophisticated take on the holiday classics. It’s a showstopper that adds elegance and warmth to your table.
To elevate this dessert even further, top it with candied pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tap here to try!
5. Cranberry Orange Tart
Bright and refreshing, a cranberry orange tart balances sweet and tangy flavors beautifully. The zesty citrus pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries, creating a dessert that feels festive and fresh.
This visually stunning dessert is sure to impress your guests, and it’s a great option for anyone who wants a lighter end to their meal!
Tap here to try!
6. Chocolate Silk Pie
If you have chocolate lovers at your gathering, a silk pie is a dream come true. Featuring a smooth, rich, and silky filling, a flaky crust, and topped with whipped cream, this pie practically melts in your mouth.
Its luxurious texture makes it feel extra special, making it perfect for guests who want a decadent treat!
Tap here to try!
7. Sweet Potato Pie
While it’s often overlooked next to pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie deserves its moment to shine. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes combined with warm spices creates a southern classic that fits beautifully on any Thanksgiving table.
It’s a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Tap here to try!
8. Caramel Apple Galette
A rustic yet stunning, simple dessert, the caramel apple galette combines buttery pastry with tender apples drizzled in caramel. Unlike a traditional pie, it’s freeform and a little imperfect—which only makes it more charming.
Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable, delightful treat.
Tap here to try!
9. Pear Tart
For a more sophisticated choice, try a spiced pear tart. Both elegant and subtle, a pear tart brings a lighter, fruit-forward option to your dessert spread.
The natural sweetness of ripe pears combined with flaky pastry and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, creates a refined dish that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious!
Tap here to try!
10. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Why choose between cheesecake and pumpkin pie when you can have both? Pumpkin cheesecake bars offer the best of both worlds!
Creamy pumpkin spice filling layered on top of a graham cracker crust makes them easy to serve and share, making them absolutely perfect for a crowd.
Tap here to try!
11. Gingerbread Cookies
Bring some holiday cheer early to your Thanksgiving celebration with gingerbread cookies. Their spiced flavor and festive shapes make them a fun addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
They’re also great for involving kids in the baking process and help add a playful touch to the table.
If you really want to go above and beyond, consider making a gingerbread house for a festive centerpiece!
Tap here to try!
12. Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Warm, gooey, and served straight from the oven, a chocolate chip cookie skillet is comfort food at its best! It’s the kind of dessert everyone gathers around for, especially when topped with scoops of delicious vanilla ice cream.
It’s a perfect, cozy, crowd-pleasing choice for Thanksgiving night.
Tap here to try!
13. Banana Pudding
Last but certainly not least, we have banana pudding.
Layered with creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers, this classic Southern dessert is light, luscious, and perfect for sharing!
Its creamy texture offers a refreshing contrast to heavier Thanksgiving pies, making it a crowd-pleaser that rarely disappoints!
Here are two delicious options to choose from:
Traditional Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafer Cookies
Tap here to try!
Biscoff Banana Pudding
Tap here to try!
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is about more than just food (as important as it is).
At it’s root, Thanksgiving is about creating memories with the people you love. And nothing brings a meal to a sweet close quite like dessert.
From classic pies to modern twists like cheesecakes and galettes, these 13 must-try Thanksgiving desserts prove that there’s something for every taste and style!
Whether you stick to tradition with pumpkin pie, or surprise your guests with a silky chocolate pie or cranberry tart, the most important thing is enjoying the moment together.
After all, dessert is the final touch that turns Thanksgiving dinner into a true celebration!
So, this year, try one (or a few if you’re feeling bold, brave, and generous) of these recipes. You might just start a new, beautiful tradition!
Leave a Reply