Thanksgiving desserts are always at the top of my menu planning because, as you know, I have quite the sweet tooth!
Over the years, our Thanksgiving dessert table has grown beyond the traditional pies to include beautiful pumpkin treats, delicious cakes, and a few unexpected favorites.
I have gathered 10 easy Thanksgiving desserts that my family and I love. From classic pecan pie to elegant French-inspired sweets and no-bake treats, there is something for everyone.
Simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing, these desserts are a wonderful way to end your Thanksgiving celebration.
From traditional pies to creative twists, these Thanksgiving treats will bring a festive finish to your holiday gathering. For something even simpler, my 3-ingredient walnut stuffed dates are ready in just 10 minutes and require no baking.
Whether savoring a slice of classic pie or trying something new, Thanksgiving desserts bring everyone together for a sweet ending to a memorable feast.
If you are planning the entire holiday meal, my Thanksgiving meal planning guide will help you organize everything, from preparing your menu to getting those last-minute dishes on the table without the stress.
How to Choose Your Thanksgiving Dessert
With so many delicious choices, deciding what to make can be the hardest part!
For traditional dessert lovers, you cannot go wrong with a homemade pecan pie or a beautiful French apple tart. Both are wonderful additions to your Thanksgiving table.
If you love pumpkin desserts, my miniature pumpkin spice Bundt cakes, pumpkin-and-white-chocolate soufflé cake, and chocolate-swirled pumpkin bars are full of cozy fall flavors.
Need an easy no-bake Thanksgiving dessert? My pumpkin tiramisu is ready to be assembled in just 20 minutes and makes for such an elegant presentation.
Looking for something a little different? Try the red-wine-poached pears or walnut-stuffed dates. Simple, beautiful, and always a lovely surprise.
I usually like to serve a couple of different desserts so everyone can find something they love. And, of course, it gives me an excuse to enjoy a little of everything!
Sweet Potato Muffin Recipe
Sweet potato muffins? Yes, please. Any day of the week, I welcome these to my table! With warm spices, sweet potatoes, and tons of fall flavor, these muffins are my go-to when I am ready to embrace autumn and its goodness in my kitchen.
Imagine biting into sweet, soft muffins that are rich in flavor and have melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips. I am telling you, those muffins will leave you wanting more and become your family favorite. You will never believe sweet potatoes could create such a fantastic muffin recipe.
Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Muffin
The Best Pecan Pie Recipe
This pecan pie is one of my absolute favorites to make. The homemade pie dough is ready in less than 5 minutes, and the filling also takes just a few minutes to make. While two whole cups of chopped pecans are the show’s star, the creamy filling is made even more decadent with the addition of bourbon… are you drooling yet?
Get the recipe: The Best Pecan Pie recipe
Pumpkin Tiramisu
The beautiful colors and fall flavors are showcased in a beautiful glass, inviting you to enjoy your Thanksgiving and any other occasion. We all love tiramisu; what is there not to love? It is sweet, easy to prepare, and always welcome to our table.
Here is a more accessible version: no eggs, and in just 20 minutes, you have a great no-bake pumpkin dessert for your family and friends.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu
Miniature Pumpkin-Spice Bundt Cakes
To know me is to know I adore sweets! Here are some reasons you will fall head over heels for this one.
The flavor of these cakes is divine! Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, mixed with the pumpkin, harmonize perfectly with a hint of vanilla. Each bite is bursting with fall flavor — and it’s not overpowering. These miniature bundt cakes are the perfect holiday gift.
Mini bundt cakes are also fantastic for a cookie exchange or for giving to friends as a token of love and appreciation.
Get the recipe: Miniature Pumpkin-Spice Bundt Cakes
A Note From Giangi
Pumpkin and White Chocolate Souffle Cake
Autumn indulgence is at our door, and with that, lots of desserts… or at least lots of pumpkins. This pumpkin and white chocolate souffle cake is the best way to channel the season’s flavors. This sweet cake is so easy to put together and the perfect treat for fall. And all of the savory autumnal flavors come through in your first bite.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin and White Chocolate Souffle Cake
Walnut Stuffed Dates
Sometimes the simplest treats are the most delicious! These walnut stuffed dates combine the natural sweetness of dates with the delightful crunch of walnuts. With just a few ingredients and very little preparation, they make an elegant addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee after a wonderful holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Stuffed Dates
Apple Pie
There is something so comforting about a homemade apple tart, especially during the fall. This beautiful French apple tart is filled with tender, sweet apples nestled in a rich, creamy custard and baked in a buttery crust. Simple yet elegant, it brings a little French charm to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible finishing touch.
Get the recipe: Apple Pie
Banana Cake Recipe
It cooked to perfection in the same amount of time as a loaf and was as moist as ever. It’s not too sweet, but it is fluffy, light, and so tasty. Plus, it’s so pretty when made in a bundt pan.
It’s also perfect for afternoon tea. Top it with whipped cream, or add your favorite ice cream. The possibilities are endless with this dessert. This is a fail-proof recipe that I have been making for the past thirty-plus years.
Get the recipe: Banana Cake Recipe
Poached Pears In Wine
Oh, so yummy!! A deliciously sweet pear that is infused with wine. A true delight for your senses. The fruits that have softened turn into a beautiful shade of red. The sauce is sweet and has a rich flavor. The holiday season is one of the best times to showcase these poached pears in wine. And seeing the abundance of pears at the market, the occasion should not be passed up.
Get the recipe: Poached Pears in Wine
Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars
Imagine sweet, soft, decadent chocolate blended with an even smoother, full-of-flavor pumpkin sponge-like cake… Is your mouth watering yet? When pumpkin is readily available this time of year, it is only a matter of time before a dessert in its honor is created.
You will enjoy the two layers of these beautiful chocolate-swirled pumpkin bars. One layer, the bottom one. Is a very soft, pumpkin-spongy cake.
The upper layer is cream cheese with rich melted chocolate and extra chocolate chips. It’s just sinful, as I am a chocolate lover.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts
Thanksgiving is much more enjoyable when you are not rushing around the kitchen at the last minute. I love preparing as much as possible ahead of time, especially dessert.
My pecan pie, pumpkin bars, and several of the cakes can be prepared in advance, following their individual storage instructions. The pumpkin tiramisu is another wonderful choice when you want to keep things simple.
Set aside a little time to plan your desserts, and you will have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day. After all, the best part of the holiday is sitting around the table with the people we love.
Still craving something sweet? You will find even more inspiration in my collection of easy fall dessert recipes, filled with wonderful seasonal flavors and a few more treats you will want to make again and again.
And because I can never have enough sweets, you can always explore my collection of easy homemade desserts for something delicious to enjoy long after Thanksgiving.
A little planning makes Thanksgiving so much more enjoyable. My Thanksgiving cooking schedule will help you decide what to prepare in advance so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
10 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love FAQs
What are the easiest desserts to make for Thanksgiving?
Pumpkin tiramisu, walnut-stuffed dates, and chocolate-swirled pumpkin bars are wonderful choices when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.
What can I serve for Thanksgiving instead of pumpkin pie?
A homemade bourbon-pecan pie, French apple tart, or beautiful red-wine-poached pears are lovely alternatives. They bring those wonderful fall flavors to your dessert table without relying on pumpkin.
Can I prepare Thanksgiving desserts ahead of time?
Absolutely! Several of these desserts can be made ahead, although storage and preparation times vary. Always follow the individual recipe instructions for the best results.
What is a good no-bake dessert for Thanksgiving?
My pumpkin tiramisu is one of my favorites. It takes just 20 minutes to assemble, and the individual glasses make such a beautiful presentation for a holiday gathering.
