18 Great Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
These fall dessert recipes are the perfect way to end your Thanksgiving meal.
People look forward to Thanksgiving dinner all year long. A dinner with this much hype can't be followed by some ho-hum dessert. It needs to be spectacular.
Here's a list of 18 Great Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes that are worthy enough to be eaten after that beloved turkey.
Included, are recipes for classic Thanksgiving pies with a twist, yummy pumpkin options, and dishes where a traditional Thanksgiving vegetable takes center stage in a dessert. These Thanksgiving dessert recipes are sure to be gobbled up by your family, so make sure they're on the menu this year.
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Pecan Pie Variations
Pecan pie is one of the most popular Thanksgiving dessert recipes out there. Pies can be a lot of work, however, and after slaving away in the kitchen all morning, the idea of making one does not sound pleasant. Not to worry. Here are a few simpler pecan recipes.
Pecan Pie Bars taste just as delicious as pecan pie but take a lot less time to make. Plus, you can eat it with one hand instead of with a fork!
This Thanksgiving dessert recipe is baked in a skillet, which is always fun. The cake is made with buttermilk and is light and fluffy. The topping contains pecans and pralines and is so warm and gooey you will fall in love at first bite.
Don't worry about making a pie crust on a busy day like Thanksgiving. Opt for these easy peasy dessert bars that taste just like pecan pie!
For a unique spin on the traditional pecan pie, try this variation that includes an easy 2-ingredient chocolate sauce.
Bread pudding is an excellent alternative to many traditional Thanksgiving desserts. This bread pudding has flavors of pecan pie and is the perfect warm, comforting treat after dinner.
Find more pecan dessert recipes in our collection of23 Dessert Casserole Recipes with Pecans: Pecan Pie Recipes, Plus More Pecan Desserts
Pumpkin Recipes for Dessert
At the top of the list of Thanksgiving dessert recipes is pumpkin pie. It's special because it's a seasonal food and it tastes delicious. You can never have too much pumpkin at Thanksgiving.
This pumpkin pie variation has everything the pie has (crust and filling) plus a rolled oats and ginger topping. You could serve this and pumpkin pie and both would be completely gone by the end of the night.
Pumpkin Pull-Apart Monkey Bread
Pumpkin Pull-Apart Monkey Bread is a Thanksgiving dessert recipe that will be a kid favorite. Like the name says, you just pull off a piece and eat. The pumpkin bread is topped with a sweet, maple glaze that will keep kids and adults coming for seconds.
Here's a Thanksgiving dessert recipe that is rich and creamy and has just the right amount of sweetness. It's simple to make, and with all that work you're going to do for dinner, a simple and delicious dessert recipe is just the ticket.
For a Thanksgiving dessert that will be sure to wow all of your guests, try this easy pumpkin pie recipe. The last thing you need is something else taking up room in the oven. What's great about these individually-portioned desserts is that you don't have to bake them!
Chocolate and pumpkin are great on their own, but what happens when the two come together is pure magic. These dessert bars are an easy way to get a sweet treat on the table in a pinch.
Ooey Gooey Caramel Pumpkin Blondies
Nothing says "fall" quite like the combination of caramel and pumpkin. Instead of the usual pumpkin pie, these pumpkin blondie bars will mix things up. These delectable treats have great presentation, so they'll look just as good as the pie you would've made.
Better than Pumpkin Pie Poke Cake
All of the rich flavors of pumpkin pie, like warm cinnamon and nutmeg, are present in this easy cake. The difference is that this poke cake recipe takes it a step farther. It has touches of caramel and a cream cheese whipped topping for even more festive flavor.
If you like pineapple upside-down cake, you'll love this recipe. Instead of pineapple, this upside-down cake recipe uses a homemade pumpkin filling for a taste that's right at home for Thanksgiving. It looks so elegant, too!
For our complete Thanksgiving collection, check out theseThanksgiving Dinner Recipes: 200+ Recipes for Thanksgiving Day
Sweet Potato Desserts
Sweet potatoes are a sweeter Thanksgiving side. They're sometimes so sweet it's a wonder they're not considered desserts. Here are a few recipes that actually are labeled as desserts.
Sweet Potato Bars with Toasted Marshmallows
The marshmallows are broiled until brown but still retain their gooey-ness. Then they're cut into squares so you can enjoy them without a knife and fork.
You may be skeptical at first, but there's no need. These are scrumptious and will be a great Thanksgiving dessert. They are dense, moist, and perfectly chocolaty.
The traditional sweet potato casserole just got a whole lot sweeter. These dessert bars are a great finish to your Thanksgiving dinner. If you love sweet potato casserole and you love dessert, this recipe is for you.
Sweet Potato Casserole Crepe Cake
Crepes and candied sweet potatoes make this a super sophisticated dessert. Imagine layers of sweet potato filling, crepes, and a marshmallow topping...yum! This is a uniquely delicious Thanksgiving dessert.
BONUS: Cranberry Apple Strudel Recipe
Apple Cranberry Strudel Pie Apples and cranberries are great together. All of you cranberry sauce fans are sure to love cranberry desserts too. The apple and cranberry filling is wedged between 2 sheets of phyllo dough which will turn golden brown after baking. This is a great fruity dessert to enjoy after a delicious turkey dinner.
Looking for more Thanksgiving dessert ideas? Check out our collection ofThanksgiving Dessert Recipes: 8 Recipes for Pumpkin Poke Cake