13 Delicious Thanksgiving Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Thanksgiving desserts bring joy to the table, rounding off the big feast with sweet treats that everyone looks forward to. From classic pumpkin pie to creative pecan tart variations, these delicious options add a festive flair to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re baking from scratch or picking up something special, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth this season!

Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits

These pumpkin mousse parfaits are a delightful treat for your Thanksgiving table. With layers of creamy pumpkin goodness and a touch of whipped cream, they’re sure to impress your guests. Plus, they’re super easy to make!

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup crushed ginger snap cookies

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
3. Layer the pumpkin mousse and crushed ginger snaps in serving glasses. Top with more whipped cream and a sprinkle of ginger snaps before serving.

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Apple crisp with oat topping is a cozy dessert that everyone loves. The sweet, tender apples paired with a crunchy oat topping create a perfect balance of flavors. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!

Ingredients

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish.
2. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Cranberry Orange Tart

This Cranberry Orange Tart is a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts. The tartness of cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweet citrus flavor of oranges, making it a refreshing end to your meal. It’s not just tasty; it looks stunning on the table too!

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made tart shell
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Orange slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart shell in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
2. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Pour the cranberry mixture into the baked tart shell and let it cool completely.
4. Once cooled, garnish with fresh orange slices. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. The rich chocolate and nutty pecans create a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. It’s a must-have for your Thanksgiving table!

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, bourbon, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips, then pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
5. Let it cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream for an extra treat!

Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping

Sweet potato pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Topped with fluffy marshmallows, it adds a delightful twist to the traditional recipe. This pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust and bake for 45 minutes.
4. Remove the pie from the oven and top with mini marshmallows. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown.
5. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Pecan Pie with Caramel Drizzle

Pecan pie with caramel drizzle is a classic dessert that brings warmth to any Thanksgiving table. The sweet, nutty filling pairs perfectly with a rich caramel topping, making each bite a delight. This pie is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Stir in the pecan halves until well coated.
4. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Maple Pecan Tarts

Maple pecan tarts are a sweet treat that everyone will love at Thanksgiving. These little bites of goodness combine a buttery crust with a rich, gooey filling topped with crunchy pecans. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in cold water until the dough forms, then chill for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin. Press into the tin and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir in chopped pecans.
4. Fill the Tarts: Pour the filling into the baked crusts, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the tarts cool before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Pumpkin spice cheesecake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. This creamy treat combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, making it perfect for Thanksgiving. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and spices, mixing until well combined.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust in the springform pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
4. Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Spiced Pear Galette

This spiced pear galette is a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced pear filling, it’s sure to impress your guests. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy finish to your holiday meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the sliced pears with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well combined.
3. Arrange the pear mixture in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the crust over the pears, pleating as you go.
4. Brush the crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden color. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender.
5. Let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Gingerbread Cookies with Icing

Gingerbread cookies are a fun and festive treat for Thanksgiving! These sweet, spiced delights are perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles. Gather your family for a baking session and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for easier rolling.
3. Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to shape your cookies and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are firm. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Make the Icing: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If desired, divide and add food coloring for fun designs.
6. Decorate: Use piping bags or a small spatula to decorate your cookies with icing. Let the icing set before serving.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Chocolate chip cookie pie is a fun twist on a classic dessert. It combines the gooey goodness of chocolate chip cookies with a pie crust for a delightful treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a dessert that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a pie dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Pour the cookie dough into the prepared pie crust and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutty Cranberry Oat Bars

Nutty cranberry oat bars are a delightful treat for your Thanksgiving table. These bars combine the tartness of cranberries with the crunch of nuts and oats, making them a perfect dessert for the season. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, both sugars, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter until combined.
3. Add chopped nuts and cranberries to the mixture, then spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool before cutting into bars.
5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Caramel Apple Tart

Caramel apple tart is a delightful treat that brings together sweet apples and rich caramel in a flaky crust. This dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to the table. Everyone will love the combination of flavors and textures!

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a tart pan and prick the bottom with a fork.
2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Arrange the apples in the crust.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla, then pour this mixture over the apples.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
5. Let it cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.