12 Thanksgiving Desserts That Prove You Don’t Need Pie to Celebrate
Thanksgiving may be known for its pies, but who says dessert has to stick to tradition? These 12 recipes offer a deliciously fresh take on holiday sweets, from creamy puddings and indulgent cakes to crowd-pleasing cookies and bars. Perfect for those looking to mix things up, these desserts deliver all the festive flavors you love—no crust required. Get ready to wow your guests with treats that prove there’s more to Thanksgiving than just pie!
Irish Apple Cake
This Irish apple cake with vanilla custard sauce is a wonderfully tasty cake with the perfect moist crumb studded with fresh apples. Serve this not-too-sweet apple cake up on its own, or drizzle some of my amazing custard sauce over the cake slices when serving. It is a well-loved apple cake that’s the perfect dessert for any day of the year.
Golden Oreo Cheesecake (Vanilla Oreo Cheesecake)
This Golden Oreo Cheesecake recipe is loaded with Oreos and baked on a Golden Oreo crust for a creamy, flavorful dessert for any occasion! It’s not overly sweet, making it the perfect vanilla Oreo cheesecake to top with white chocolate, caramel, strawberries, and more. Plus we use an easy water bath method, so you never have to worry about leaks or cracks.
Caramel Apple Bar
Start your Fall holiday party off right with this DIY Caramel Apple Bar. It’s an easy and fun dessert for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and any day in between!
Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake
I make this Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake every Thanksgiving. I think anything containing cranberry is a nice segue between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it’s absolutely perfect right now!
Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan pie cookies are the best pecan pie you will ever have, but in cookie form! A crisp tender cookie filled with caramel nutty goodness, this is the perfect cookie for the holidays!
Chocolate Pumpkin Thanksgiving Cupcakes
Celebrate the season with chocolate-pumpkin Thanksgiving cupcakes. They’re crowned with gorgeous swirls of rich chocolate buttercream frosting. These decadent bakery-style treats are quick and easy to make.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Creamy pumpkin cheesecake swirled between fudgy layers of chocolate pumpkin brownies.
Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel
This Pumpkin Cake recipe makes an incredibly moist cake with the right amount of spice. Covered with decadent salted caramel cream cheese frosting and topped with sweet candied pecans, this easy to make Pumpkin cake is one of our favorite fall desserts and the perfect treat during the holidays.
Pumpkin Mousse
This fluffy pumpkin mousse is velvety smooth with a light airy texture. It’s a creamy mixture that’s richer and more decadent than pudding. It almost melts in your mouth! Make this easy no-bake dessert in just 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy this parfait on Thanksgiving Day.
Butter Pecan Cupcakes
These butter pecan cupcakes are tender, fluffy, bakery-style desserts. A celebratory treat during the autumn season, these Thanksgiving cupcakes are meant to be shared. They bring joy, smiles and food happiness!
Creamy Layered Pumpkin Dessert
This Creamy Layered Pumpkin Dessert is a wonderful make-ahead holiday dessert choice. A dreamy cream cheese layer and a vanilla and spice infused pumpkin layer on top of a sweet ginger snap crust.
Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream
Apple Cider Cupcakes – these delicious cupcakes are full of Fall cider flavor and topped with a cinnamon sugar buttercream. A warm spiced cupcake with an indulgent sweet frosting.
