16 Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas Everyone Will Love

Put on your stretchy pants, it’s over-indulgence season.

no bake pumpkin pie
Photo:

GREG DUPREE

There are so many things to love about Thanksgiving—it’s a time to prepare delicious dishes, spend quality time with loved ones, and indulge in a cocktail or two. And while some pride themselves on cooking the perfect turkey or baking the best sweet potato casserole, everyone knows that the highlight of the meal is the final act, when dessert is served.  

It wouldn’t be a holiday gathering unless there was an abundance of food, but let’s be honest, there’s really no such thing as too many sweet treats. If you need some inspiration for dessert for Thanksgiving ideas, we have you covered (in fact, we almost have too many options to choose from.) From decadent pumpkin cheesecakes and irresistible autumn-inspired pies, to a sinful apple pie skillet cake and delicious pecan fudge balls, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth

01 of 16

Sheet Pan Apple Crisp

Sheet Pan Apple Crisp Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

We’ve all made easy weeknight sheet pan meals, but baking an apple crisp on a sheet pan? Genius! Sweet and tart apples topped with a buttery; crumbly topping is truly what dreams are made of. And it’s the perfect dessert to feed a crowd. 

02 of 16

Chocolate Pecan Fudge Balls

Chocolate Pecan Fudge Balls
Caitlin Bensel

Don’t underestimate these fudgy, crunchy pecan balls—they’re so good, your guests won’t be able to stop at just one. If you’re bringing dessert to a friend’s house or want to bake with the kids, these are a great option. 

03 of 16

Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Halloween desserts and Halloween treats - Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
JOHN KERNICK

Cupcakes make for a great single-serve dessert for both kids and adults. And if you’re not a big baker, this foolproof recipe is perfect since it calls for boxed cake mix and just a few additional ingredients.  

04 of 16

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Here’s a cheesecake that has it all: a smooth and creamy pumpkin filling with a buttery and crunchy crust. If you’re hosting the holiday, you can start prepping ahead of time by making this cheesecake two days in advance.

05 of 16

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Top View of Maple Pumpkin Pie on Top of Purple Fabric with Two Metal Forks Next to It
David Prince

Who knew you could whip up the perfect holiday pie in just 10 minutes? Thanks to store-bought pie crust and a simple maple pumpkin filling, this is truly a stress-free dessert. 

06 of 16

Pumpkin Cream Puffs

Pumpkin Cream Puffs
Max Kelly

This cream puff recipe is a bit more involved, but the final product is worth it. They’re light and airy, and the perfect final bite to your holiday meal.  

07 of 16

Apple Cider Donuts

Halloween desserts and Halloween treats - Apple Cider Donuts
Grace Elkus

If you’re going to make homemade donuts, they may as well be soft, sugary apple cider donuts. And once your family and friends take one bite, they’ll be begging you to make them every year. 

08 of 16

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

Who doesn’t like a no-bake dessert, especially when the oven is preoccupied with a turkey and side dishes? White chocolate is the secret ingredient in this recipe since it adds a smooth, vanilla flavor and helps to harden the filling once cooled. 

09 of 16

Apple Pie Skillet Cake

apple-pie-skillet-cookie-realsimple-1022SWT.jpg

 ANTONIS ACHILLEOS

If you haven’t yet made a skillet cake—well, what are waiting for? All you have to do is get your apple pie mixture together, pop it in the oven, and serve it once it cools down. Just make sure to add a generous scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream

10 of 16

Dark Chocolate-Pumpkin Dump Cake

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Dump Cake
Caitlin Bensel

When you think of pumpkin desserts, they don’t usually contain chocolate, but this dump cake breaks all the rules. It’s sweet, spiced, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. 

11 of 16

Honey-Apple Galette With Pistachio Sugar

honey-apple-galette-recipe-1119foo
Anna Williams

Get out your rolling pin and put a little love into this sweet and tart galette. This beautiful, rustic dessert is a cross between a pie and apple crisp, and it’s beyond simple to make. 

12 of 16

Apple Coffee Cake Twist With Giant Crumbs

Apple Coffee Cake Twist With Giant Crumbs
Brie Passano

The bigger the crumbs, the better the coffee cake! This fall-inspired crumbly apple cake is lovely when served with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You could technically have a slice for breakfast the next day too. 

13 of 16

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Greg DuPree

If baking a cheesecake feels too overwhelming, these pumpkin and cream cheese bars are a great alternative. They’re rich and decadent, and make 24 servings, so it’s the perfect dessert recipe for a large gathering. 

14 of 16

Orange and Clove Basque Cheesecake

Slices of Orange and Cloves Basque Cheesecake served on plates.
Jennifer Causey

Now this is a cheesecake to write home about. The combination of zesty orange and spiced clove will fill your kitchen with the most irresistible scent, it might be difficult to not dig in the moment it comes out of the oven. 

15 of 16

Pumpkin Pecan Crisps

Pumpkin Pecan Crisps
Max Kelly

This is another great single-serve dessert that highlights all of the most delicious autumn flavors. Each ramekin is filled with custardy pumpkin-pie filling and then topped with a sweet, crumbly pecan mixture. 

16 of 16

Apple Spice Donut Pudding

1023-DOO-apple-spice-donut-bread-pudding

Fred Hardy

This dessert has all the warm flavors you desire on Thanksgiving Day. Soft glazed donuts, tender apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a deeply rich and indulgent pudding. With a dollop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top, this melt-in-your-mouth twist on bread pudding will please your crowd.

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