20+ Delicious Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas To Make This Year

Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and I’m excited to celebrate this holiday!

Living in the Philippines, we did not celebrate Thanksgiving growing up. The next best thing to fun and creepy Halloween memories is Christmas. But when I moved and settled in Puerto Rico, I had to come to love and enjoy this American holiday. Now, I always look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with my family!

Thanksgiving often features a feast of delicious dishes. And if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy Thanksgiving desserts. Check out this collection of Thanksgiving dessert ideas – who knows, you might make one, two, or more of them this year!

Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas Your Family Will Love

1. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

These delicious cupcakes have all the fall flavors you could imagine: nutmeg, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, cloves, and topped with cinnamon buttercream. These Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes will be perfect on your Thanksgiving table. 

Photo Credit: Amy Cakes Bakes

2. Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Thanksgiving can be busy, so a make-ahead dessert like this Strawberry Pretzel Salad can save you time and effort. It has a crunchy pretzel base and a cream-based mid-layer, and it is topped with strawberry Jell-O. This dessert could not be more perfect!

Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies

3. Pecan Pie Cupcakes

I know pecan pies are traditional for Thanksgiving, but this recipe adapts the cupcake version, which I think is just as good! I love the combination of its pecan pie filling and meringue buttercream – so moist and fluffy!

Photo Credit: Ruffles and Rainboots

4. Perfect Apple Pie

This homemade apple pie will complete your Thanksgiving spread! It has a delicious crunchy base and a gooey filling. To make it even more special, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle with a caramel sauce. 

Photo Credit: Once Upon a Chef

5. Pumpkin Coffee Cake

If you’re a coffee-lover like me, you’ll love this Pumpkin Coffee Cake on your Thanksgiving table. It has a rich pumpkin spice filling and crumb topping perfect as a Thanksgiving dessert or a quick breakfast or snack treat. 

Photo Credit: Life As a Strawberry

6. Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies

Apple pie and cheesecake in one delicious dessert? This is it! This cookie has a cheesecake-like base filled with apple pie in the middle. Whether served warm or chilled, these cheesecake apple pie cookies will not disappoint!

Photo Credit: OMG Chocolate Desserts

7. Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Pecan pie is a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, but if you also love cheesecake, why not try this Pecan Pie Cheesecake recipe? With a rich cheesecake filling and delicious pecan toppings, there’s no way both pecan pie and cheesecake lovers could resist this yummy Thanksgiving treat. 

Photo Credit: Simply Stacie

8. Pumpkin Bundt Cake

You’ll never go wrong with anything pumpkin on Thanksgiving, but you can level up your classic pumpkin dessert with this pumpkin bundt cake recipe. Apart from the traditional fall spices, I love the touch of chocolate chips and cinnamon glaze on this dessert. It is so rich and decadent, you’ll go for seconds!

Photo Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

9. Pumpkin Protein Muffins

I know the holidays can be full of guilty indulgences, but if you’re looking for a delicious but healthy Thanksgiving dessert, these Pumpkin Protein muffins fit the bill! They’re moist and fluffy, easy to make, and can be modified to be vegan or gluten-free. 

Photo Credit: Savor the Spoonful

10. Chocolate Orange Cake

The Orange and chocolate combination is a surprisingly fantastic combo, bringing out fall flavors. This cake recipe features a yummy chocolate base and then smoothed with an orange-flavored buttercream. So dense and flavorful, this chocolate cake recipe will surely impress your family and guests. 

Photo Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry

11. Best Ever Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Recipe

If you’re thinking of homemade pies to serve on Thanksgiving, look no farther than this Pumpkin Chiffon Pie recipe. Light, airy, and so delicious, this Thanksgiving pie recipe has all the comforting fall flavors and is surprisingly easy to make despite its sophisticated appearance. 

Photo Credit: Kim Schob

12. Pumpkin Poke Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious twist to pumpkin cakes, you should try this Pumpkin Poke Cake. This can be a make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert, featuring a spiced cake drenched in condensed milk. I love the combination of toffee bits and light whipped cream as topping. So heavenly!

Photo Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

13. Apple Coffee Cake

Who can refuse a delicious warm cake on a chilly Thanksgiving dinner? This Apple Coffee Cake combines all of my favorite fall flavors. But I think what makes it extra special is the streusel topping that gives such a unique texture and flavor to this cake. Definitely a must-try!

Photo Credit: Well Plated

14. Peanut Butter Pie

If you’re a huge chocolate and peanut butter fan, try making this Peanut Butter Pie for Thanksgiving. It has a delicious Oreo crust and peanut butter filling and is topped with whipped cream, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Can you imagine how good this is?

Photo Credit: Simple Joy

15. Easy Apple Macaroon Cake

While apple pies are more popular around Thanksgiving, this recipe gives it an easier yet delicious twist. Instead of going through the meticulous pie-making process, you can prep and bake the entire recipe in over an hour. It’s guaranteed to be delicious but without the stress. 

Photo Credit : Homan at Home

16. Sweet Potato Pie

One of my favorite root crops, the sweet potato, takes center stage in this yummy Thanksgiving treat. Baked or steamed sweet potatoes are pureed and are used as filling over homemade or store-bought pie crust. I love how the sweet potatoes and the fall spices complement each other in this irresistible recipe. 

Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

17. Chocolate Pecan Pie

This chocolate-y version of the classic pecan pie is a must-try. But unlike the traditional pies, this one has a melted chocolate filling, so it’s more like a pudding. I also like that it is a make-ahead recipe, so you can save time come Thanksgiving Day. 

Photo Credit: Cookies and Cups

18. One-Bowl Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake

While some desserts take a lot of time and effort, this one-bowl pumpkin chocolate chip cookie makes it easier to enjoy a fall or Thanksgiving treat without slaving in the kitchen. That’s because you just need to mix all the ingredients and bake. You’d be surprised just how easy and good this is!

Photo Credit: Averie Cooks

19. Homemade Apple Crumble 

This homemade apple crumble is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert if you want to save time and money, but still want the holidays to feel special. It is made with a few inexpensive ingredients, it is easy to make, and of course, it tastes delicious! This easy apple crumble recipe can also be enjoyed both warm or chilled. 

Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies

20. Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

These cranberry oatmeal bars are one of the easiest Thanksgiving desserts you can make! If you can bake cookies, you should not have a problem making these delicious treats. Input Adding cranberries and cinnamon gives them a full-bodied fall flavor.

Cranberries and cinnamon make these cookies taste like fall in a bite!

Photo Credit: Simple Joy

21. Apple Cobbler

This apple cobbler recipe is one of my favorite fall dessert recipes. I love how comforting this dish is and that it is surprisingly easy to make. The best way to enjoy this apple cobbler recipe is topping it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream before serving. 

Photo Credit: Once Upon a Chef

22. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

If you’re looking for more ways to work with pumpkin during fall, try making these adorable mini pumpkin cheesecakes. They’re almost like pumpkin cakes but in cute individual sizes. These treats have lighter ingredients, so they’re healthier and take less time and effort to make. Try these now!

Photo Credit: Well Plated

23. Chocolate Cinnamon Cake

This chocolate cinnamon cake is moist and decadent, infused with a comforting warm cinnamon flavor and delicious ganache filling that’s too irresistible. Whether you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth or feel comforted by the classic fall flavors, this chocolate cinnamon cake is the way to go!

Photo Credit: Amycakes Bakes

24. Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake

Make the holidays even more special with this special Orange Cranberry Cake. A moist and decadent cake base is topped with white frosting and dotted with fresh cranberries. It looks good as much as it tastes fantastic!

Photo Credit: OMG Chocolate Desserts

Conclusion

There’s always something to be thankful for. Being in the presence of your loved ones on Thanksgiving is the best blessing anyone can have. May these Thanksgiving dessert ideas remind us that despite life’s ups and downs, we always have something sweet to look forward to. 

Happy Thanksgiving!