80 Best Thanksgiving Desserts That Make Turkey Day Extra Sweet
These easy and unique treats go beyond pumpkin pie.
Sure, the Thanksgiving turkey may seem like the star of that third Thursday in November (followed closely by mashed potatoes, if we’re being honest). But no matter how delicious your holiday dinner turns out, it's just not complete without Thanksgiving desserts — and lots of ‘em! Don't worry about adding another course to your to-do list on Turkey Day: So many of these desserts are easy to prep in advance. Planning on making pie? You can prep the dough and keep it in the fridge for a week. If homemade pie dough isn't your thing, stock up on store-bought crust and stash it in your freezer. Make an ingredients list for the must-have fall desserts on your family's table, whether that's fruit-based pies, luscious chocolate treats, or pumpkin spice galore, then hit the store. Seek out nonperishable staples like flour, sugar and dry spices before they sell out (you = plan-ahead goals!) and save anything that needs refrigeration for the week of the big day.
To get some menu-planning inspo, dig into our list of the very best Thanksgiving desserts, whether you're hosting or need an epic (and easy!) dessert for Friendsgiving. We've included popular treats like apple and pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving cupcakes, as well as kid-favorites (a.k.a. anything with plenty of chocolate and Thanksgiving cookies). You'll also find vegan, gluten-free and even keto diet Thanksgiving desserts so everyone at the table can enjoy a little something sweet on Turkey Day.
Cranberry Curd Tart
This tart is equally beautiful and delicious. There is no doubt that this will be a showstopper at your dessert table this Thanksgiving. From sugar coated cranberries and pecans to pie leaves and piped whipped cream, this tart is one of a kind!
Get the Cranberry Curd Tart recipe.
Apple-Cranberry Pie
Need another pie for the table? Try our Apple-Cranberry Pie that has notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Plus, to make this dessert easier, cut out squares of pie dough and arrange on top instead of weaving a lattice pie crust.
Get the Apple-Cranberry Pie recipe.
Jammy Pie Twists
Need an easy and delicious dessert? With just five ingredients, these Jammy Pie Twists are quick to make and will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Jammy Pie Twists recipe.
Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Ginger Meringue
If you love sweet potato casserole, try these cupcakes with toasted ginger meringue on top. It’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish in dessert form!
Get the Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Ginger Meringue recipe.
Apple Pie Cupcakes
This new spin on apple pie turns this classic into a cupcake! Create this treat by making an apple compote with Granny Smith apples to dollop on top.
Get the Apple Pie Cupcakes recipe.
Chocolate-Pecan Cupcakes
When you bite into these chocolate cupcakes, you’ll be delightfully surprised to find a caramel-pecan filling inside — yum!
Get the Chocolate-Pecan Cupcakes recipe.
Spiced Pumpkin Pie
We cracked black pepper into this pie to give it an extra kick.
Get the Spiced Pumpkin Pie recipe.
Apple Pie with Stenciled Crust
Use a pie crust stencil to press an intricate design into the top crust of this classic apple pie.
Flourless Chocolate-Walnut Cookies
These chewy, deeply chocolatey cookies are balanced with a pinch of flaky salt. To make them keto, use keto-friendly chocolate chips and a sugar substitute.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Grated fresh ginger stirred right into the batter makes this plush, moist pumpkin bread recipe extra special — and spicy! The warm, melty chocolate chips keep it sweet.
Get the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread recipe.
Vegan Apple Cake
This cake is a treat that everyone at your table can enjoy: It's vegan, gluten-free and totally delicious with warming spices and a fluffy vegan buttercream frosting.
Get the Vegan Apple Cake recipe.
RELATED: 40 Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes To Fill You up on the Holiday
Apple Fritters
Tucked inside the brown sugar batter (spiked with fresh apple cider!) is a combo of chopped and grated Granny Smiths that add tons of texture and a tart edge.
Get the Apple Fritters recipe.
Pecan Pie Bars
Everyone’s favorite pie, now in hand-held form! Perfect for sharing at Friendsgiving.
Get the Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Pecan Cupcakes with Spiced Vanilla Frosting
Top these spiced cupcakes with store-bought candied orange slices for an easy, festive touch.
Caramel Apple Pie
This pie consists of three simple parts: spiced apple filling, buttery flaky crust and of course, ooey gooey caramel that'll steal the show, every time.
Get the Caramel Apple Pie recipe.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Get all the flavor of pumpkin cheesecake in a convenient, shareable bar with a gingersnap crust. Yum!
Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
This warming drink topped with a toasted marshmallow (and spiked with rum or bourbon!) doubles as dessert.
Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.
Chocolate, Hazelnut and Caramel Tart
For a unique (and easy!) crust, we processed toasted hazelnuts with butter, sugar, flour and salt.
Blueberry Crème Fraîche Semifreddo with Pecan Crumble
Try an ice cream treat for Thanksgiving to save room in the fridge! This make-ahead dessert can be stashed in the freezer, just make the pecan crumble topping the day before, then sprinkle on right before serving.
Get the Blueberry Crème Fraîche Semifreddo With Pecan Crumble recipe.
Vegan Chocolate Truffles
Skip the heavy cream and opt for coconut milk, which will give you a delicious, dairy-free richness.
Get the Vegan Chocolate Truffles recipe.
Becca Miller (she/her) has been working in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen since 2018, where she researches and writes about tasty recipes, food trends and top cooking tools. She graduated from NYU with a liberal arts degree focusing on creative writing. She makes killer scrambled eggs, enjoys a glass of un-oaked chardonnay and takes pride in her love of reality television.
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
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