20 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts to Make Your Holiday Table Extra Special

Thanksgiving dinner deserves a memorable dessert table, but that does not mean you need complicated recipes or hours of difficult baking. From classic pumpkin pie and apple desserts to creamy cheesecakes, cookies, and easy no-fuss treats, there are plenty of ways to finish the holiday meal on a delicious note.

These 20 easy Thanksgiving desserts combine familiar fall flavors with simple preparation, making them suitable for family gatherings, potlucks, and relaxed holiday dinners. Some can be prepared ahead of time, while others are best served warm from the oven.

Whether you want one traditional centerpiece dessert or a selection of smaller sweets for guests to sample, these ideas give you plenty of options for building a Thanksgiving dessert table that feels festive without becoming overwhelming.

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is one of the easiest ways to bring a traditional Thanksgiving flavor to the dessert table. A creamy pumpkin filling flavored with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg pairs beautifully with a flaky pie crust.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, salt, eggs, and evaporated milk until smooth.
3. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
4. Bake for about 15 minutes.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking until the center is mostly set.
6. Cool completely before slicing.

Tips

• Let the pie cool before cutting for cleaner slices.
• Serve with whipped cream for a classic finish.
• Avoid overbaking because the filling can become dry.

2. Homemade Apple Crisp

Apple crisp delivers warm cinnamon apples beneath a buttery oat topping. It is simpler than pie and can be served straight from the baking dish.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter

How to Make

1. Peel and slice the apples.
2. Toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Spread the apples in a greased baking dish.
4. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake at 350°F until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

Tips

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more flavor.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Allow the crisp to rest for a few minutes before serving.

3. Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars give you the flavor of classic pecan pie in smaller, easy-to-serve portions.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups pecans
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of salt

How to Make

1. Combine flour, butter, and powdered sugar to form a crumbly crust.
2. Press the mixture into a lined baking pan.
3. Bake the crust until lightly golden.
4. Whisk the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
5. Stir in the pecans.
6. Pour over the crust and bake until set.
7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips

• Line the pan with parchment for easier removal.
• Chill before slicing if you want very clean edges.
• Toasting the pecans first can add extra depth.

4. Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Cake

This soft pumpkin cake combines warm pumpkin spice with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and creamy glaze.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make

1. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
2. In another bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and oil.
3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together.
4. Pour into a greased baking pan.
5. Combine brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon and swirl it through the batter.
6. Bake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool and drizzle with a simple glaze.

Tips

• Do not overmix the batter.
• Let the cake cool slightly before glazing.
• Cut into small squares for a dessert buffet.

5. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

A no-bake pumpkin cheesecake is useful when the oven is already busy with Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared graham cracker crust
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup whipped topping

How to Make

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add pumpkin, powdered sugar, and spices.
3. Fold in whipped topping.
4. Spoon the mixture into the crust.
5. Refrigerate for several hours until firm.
6. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Tips

• Chill overnight when possible.
• Keep the cheesecake refrigerated until serving.
• Add crushed pecans for texture.

6. Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Chocolate and pecans make an easy cookie combination for guests who prefer something smaller than a slice of pie.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

How to Make

1. Cream butter and sugars together.
2. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour and baking soda.
4. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans.
5. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool before serving.

Tips

• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
• Refrigerate the dough briefly for thicker cookies.
• Use toasted pecans for a richer flavor.

7. Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Caramel apple cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake with cinnamon apples and a caramel topping.

Ingredients

• 1 graham cracker crust
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup caramel sauce

How to Make

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Pour into the crust.
4. Toss apple slices with cinnamon.
5. Arrange apples over the cheesecake.
6. Bake until the center is set.
7. Cool and drizzle with caramel.

Tips

• Chill thoroughly before slicing.
• Slice apples thinly so they soften evenly.
• Warm caramel slightly before drizzling.

8. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a comforting alternative to pumpkin pie with a naturally sweet, creamy filling.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 2 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make

1. Combine mashed sweet potatoes with sugar and melted butter.
2. Add eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices.
3. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour into the pie crust.
5. Bake until the center is set.
6. Cool before slicing.

Tips

• Make sure the sweet potatoes are completely tender before mashing.
• A hand mixer can create a smoother filling.
• Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream.

9. Maple Walnut Cake

Maple and walnuts create a warm fall flavor combination that works beautifully in a simple layer cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

How to Make

1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Beat in eggs.
3. Add maple syrup and milk.
4. Mix in flour and baking powder.
5. Fold in walnuts.
6. Bake in a greased cake pan until done.
7. Cool and top with maple-flavored frosting or glaze.

Tips

• Do not use too much maple syrup or the cake can become heavy.
• Toast the walnuts for additional flavor.
• Serve thin slices after a large Thanksgiving meal.

10. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Tart cranberries and bright orange flavor give this Bundt cake a festive seasonal character.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

How to Make

1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Beat in eggs.
3. Add orange juice and zest.
4. Mix in dry ingredients.
5. Fold in cranberries.
6. Pour into a greased Bundt pan.
7. Bake until golden and fully cooked.
8. Cool before adding orange glaze.

Tips

• Toss cranberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter.
• Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly.
• Let the cake cool before turning it out.

11. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Mini pumpkin cheesecakes are ideal when guests want to sample several desserts instead of committing to a full slice.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Cream cheese
• Pumpkin puree
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla

How to Make

1. Combine crumbs and melted butter.
2. Press into lined muffin cups.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar.
4. Add pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and spices.
5. Spoon over the crusts.
6. Bake until just set.
7. Cool and refrigerate before serving.

Tips

• Use paper liners for easy serving.
• Do not overfill the cups.
• Add a small whipped cream swirl just before serving.

12. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

A chocolate variation on pecan pie brings a richer flavor to the Thanksgiving dessert spread.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make

1. Prepare the pie crust.
2. Whisk sugar, syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
3. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips.
4. Pour into the crust.
5. Bake until the filling is set.
6. Cool thoroughly before slicing.

Tips

• Let the pie cool completely so the filling firms.
• Use chopped chocolate for a more even distribution.
• Serve small slices because the flavor is rich.

13. Cinnamon Sugar Apple Turnovers

Apple turnovers provide a handheld dessert that is easy to arrange on a buffet.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry
• 2 apples
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 egg for brushing
• Granulated sugar for topping

How to Make

1. Dice the apples.
2. Cook apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until slightly tender.
3. Cut puff pastry into squares.
4. Add filling to each square.
5. Fold into triangles and seal the edges.
6. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake until puffed and golden.

Tips

• Cool the apple filling before adding it to the pastry.
• Do not overfill the turnovers.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

14. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips are an easy choice for casual Thanksgiving gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make

1. Cream butter and brown sugar.
2. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
3. Stir in dry ingredients and pumpkin spice.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Scoop onto a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake until the cookies are set.
7. Cool before serving.

Tips

• Use a cookie scoop for similar-sized cookies.
• Allow them to cool before moving them.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container.

15. Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake and tart cranberry topping make these bars colorful enough for a holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Cranberry sauce
• Orange zest

How to Make

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
2. Press into a lined baking pan.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla.
5. Spread over the crust.
6. Spoon cranberry sauce over the cheesecake mixture.
7. Bake until set.
8. Cool and refrigerate before slicing.

Tips

• Use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Chill completely before cutting.
• A sharp knife gives cleaner portions.

16. Salted Caramel Brownies

Fudgy brownies topped with caramel and a small touch of salt are easy to prepare and popular with chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Caramel sauce
• Flaky salt

How to Make

1. Melt the butter and mix with sugar.
2. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Stir in flour and cocoa powder.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Spread into a lined pan.
6. Bake until the center is just set.
7. Cool, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle lightly with flaky salt.

Tips

• Do not overbake if you prefer fudgy brownies.
• Cool before slicing.
• Add caramel after the brownies have cooled.

17. Pear and Cranberry Crumble

A pear and cranberry crumble offers a lighter fruit-forward option alongside richer pies and cakes.

Ingredients

• 4 pears
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar

How to Make

1. Slice the pears.
2. Combine pears, cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Place the fruit in a baking dish.
4. Mix oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar into a crumbly topping.
5. Spread over the fruit.
6. Bake until bubbling and golden.

Tips

• Choose pears that are ripe but still firm.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Add chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

18. Maple Pumpkin Cupcakes

Pumpkin cupcakes topped with maple frosting make a convenient individual dessert for Thanksgiving guests.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Cream cheese frosting
• Maple syrup

How to Make

1. Combine flour, baking powder, and pumpkin spice.
2. Mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and oil separately.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
4. Divide the batter between cupcake liners.
5. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely.
7. Mix a little maple syrup into the frosting and pipe onto the cupcakes.

Tips

• Cool cupcakes completely before frosting.
• Use a piping bag for a neat finish.
• Add chopped pecans for crunch.

19. Classic Apple Pie

A classic apple pie brings together buttery pastry, cinnamon apples, and a familiar Thanksgiving presentation.

Ingredients

• Double pie crust
• 6 apples
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter

How to Make

1. Peel and slice the apples.
2. Toss with sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice.
3. Place the filling into the bottom crust.
4. Dot with butter.
5. Add the top crust and seal the edges.
6. Cut several vents into the top.
7. Bake until golden and bubbling.
8. Cool before slicing.

Tips

• Use a mixture of apple varieties if available.
• Chill the assembled pie briefly before baking.
• Let the filling settle before cutting.

20. Thanksgiving Dessert Board

A Thanksgiving dessert board is an easy way to serve several small sweets without choosing just one centerpiece dessert.

Ingredients

Choose a combination of:

• Mini cookies
• Brownie squares
• Apple slices
• Chocolate pieces
• Mini pumpkin desserts
• Pecans
• Cranberries
• Caramel dip
• Small pastries

How to Make

1. Choose a large wooden or ceramic serving board.
2. Place small bowls of caramel or other dips around the board.
3. Add the largest desserts first.
4. Fill the open spaces with cookies, fruit, nuts, and chocolate.
5. Arrange items in small groups rather than spreading everything evenly.
6. Add a few seasonal decorations around the edges.

Tips

• Prepare most components ahead of time.
• Include a mixture of textures and flavors.
• Keep wet ingredients in small bowls so the other desserts stay crisp.
• Use smaller portions so guests can sample several treats.