19 Thanksgiving Desserts Perfect For First Time Hosts

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Easy Turkey Cupcakes

These chocolate cupcakes are rich, moist, and full of chocolatey goodness, making them a perfect treat for any sweet tooth. Each one is topped with a creamy chocolate fudge frosting that adds an extra layer of indulgence. What makes them extra fun is the festive turkey decoration, turning dessert into a playful centerpiece for Thanksgiving. They’re not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids who love cute, themed treats. Perfect for sharing with family and friends after a hearty holiday meal!
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Cupcakes

Pecan Pie Cake

This delicate yellow cake is baked to perfection and layered with a rich, gooey pecan filling that will make every bite irresistible. It captures all the comforting flavors of your favorite Thanksgiving pie—but in a fun, portable cake form! Sweet, nutty, and perfectly indulgent, it’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or just treating yourself, this cake is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves classic pecan pie flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cake

Apple Pie Cupcakes

These tender cinnamon cupcakes are little bites of autumn magic, each one filled with a tangy, homemade-style apple pie filling. With every bite, you get the warm spice of cinnamon paired perfectly with the sweet-tart flavor of apples, just like your favorite pie. They’re soft, moist, and utterly comforting, making them perfect for an afternoon treat or a cozy dessert after dinner. It’s like carrying all the flavors of a classic apple pie right in the palm of your hand, no fork or plate required. Perfect for sharing—or sneaking a few for yourself!
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cupcakes

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

These pumpkin cupcakes are wonderfully moist and packed with warm, comforting flavors of autumn. Each bite tastes just like a slice of pumpkin pie, only in a perfectly portable cupcake. They’re topped with a light and sweet whipped cream that adds the perfect creamy finish. The combination of soft pumpkin cake and fluffy topping makes them an irresistible treat for any pumpkin lover. Perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a little taste of fall.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Fall Cheesecake Fruit Salad

This Fall Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect no-fuss dessert to bring to your Thanksgiving table. Creamy and sweet, with bursts of fresh fruit, it’s a treat that everyone will love digging into. The flavors of fall come through in every bite, making it both comforting and refreshing at the same time. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly—and for good reason!
Get the Recipe: Fall Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Pumpkin Tiramisu is a cozy, no-bake fall dessert that feels like autumn in every bite. Layers of soft ladyfingers soaked in a warm pumpkin spice syrup and coffee are paired with a rich, creamy pumpkin spice mascarpone filling, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during the season, especially for a festive Thanksgiving table. The best part? It comes together with minimal effort, making it an easy yet impressive treat. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, so you can enjoy the holidays without the last-minute dessert stress.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu

Pecan Hand Pies

These Pecan Hand Pies are little bites of holiday bliss, with a buttery, flaky crust that perfectly encases a rich, caramelized pecan filling. They capture all the flavors of a classic pecan pie but in a charming, single-serving size that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. The best part is how easy they are to make—no need to fuss with a full-sized pie, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities with family and friends. Each hand pie feels like a special treat, and they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. They’re sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible, making them a must-have addition to your holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Hand Pies

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a comforting, homemade dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and warm, cozy spices. The creamy, velvety filling melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Every slice feels like a hug from the inside, making it the perfect centerpiece for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving dinner. Its rich, spiced flavor and smooth texture have a way of bringing everyone to the table and keeping them coming back for seconds. Truly, it’s a timeless holiday classic that never fails to delight.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Brownies

These Turkey Brownies are the cutest addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table and are surprisingly easy to make. Using a simple boxed brownie mix as the base, you can turn them into festive little turkeys with just a few fun candy decorations. Kids will love getting involved, helping to arrange the candies and add the finishing touches. They’re not only adorable but also rich and chocolatey, making them a treat everyone will enjoy. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these brownies are as delightful to make as they are to eat!
Get the Recipe: Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Brownies

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

When it comes to holiday desserts, a honey bun cake always steals the show. I’ve brought it to both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and it’s always one of the first desserts to disappear. What makes it so special is that it starts with a simple yellow box cake mix, but once baked, no one would ever guess it came from a box. The cake turns out soft, sweet, and perfectly swirled with cinnamon and glaze, making it feel homemade in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for the recipe—and a second slice!
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Cranberry Shortcake

Move over, strawberry shortcake—there’s a new fall favorite in town! This Cranberry Shortcake is delightfully simple yet full of seasonal flavor, combining a sweet-tart cranberry compote with fluffy canned biscuits and freshly whipped cream lightly flavored with orange. It’s the kind of dessert that feels cozy and festive, perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering. Each bite balances the warmth of the biscuits with the bright, tangy cranberries, making it both comforting and refreshing. Your guests are sure to be impressed, and you might just find yourself making it again and again throughout the season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Shortcake

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

This no-bake pumpkin cheesecake is hands-down the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall gathering. A crunchy gingersnap crust provides the perfect base for the rich, creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling that’s spiced just right. It’s smooth, flavorful, and beautifully autumnal, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Best of all, it comes together quickly without needing to turn on the oven, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday with friends and family. Serve it chilled, and watch it disappear in no time!
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Apple Butter Pie

This Apple Butter Pie is a delightful spin on the traditional pumpkin pie, bringing a tangy apple flavor together with the warm, cozy spices of cinnamon. Each bite melts in your mouth with a smooth, creamy texture reminiscent of pumpkin pie, but the apple flavor makes it feel fresh and slightly tangy. Perfect for fall gatherings or your Thanksgiving table, this pie manages to be comforting and unique at the same time. With gluten-free and dairy-free options available, everyone can enjoy a slice, no matter their dietary preferences. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Pie

Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

This mini crustless cranberry pie is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that instantly feels like the holidays. Bursting with vibrant cranberry goodness, it’s the perfect treat for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering where you want something special yet simple. Made right in the air fryer, it’s quick and easy to prepare, leaving your oven free for other holiday favorites. Each bite is full of cozy, fruity flavor, making it a charming addition to any dessert table. Even those who usually skip cranberry desserts are sure to be tempted by this little holiday gem.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

Rolo Pretzel Turkeys

Get ready to make a Thanksgiving treat that’s as cute as it is delicious! These Rolo Pretzel turkeys are a fun and easy way to bring a little whimsy to your holiday table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create charming little turkeys that are perfect for a family baking activity or as a sweet centerpiece for dessert. The combination of gooey chocolate, chewy caramel, and crunchy pretzels makes each bite irresistibly sweet and salty. Everyone, from kids to adults, will love snacking on these festive little treats!
Get the Recipe: Rolo Pretzel Turkeys

Pecan Pumpkin Tart

The Pecan Pumpkin Tart is a delightful mashup of two classic fall favorites—pumpkin pie and pecan pie—baked into one irresistible dessert. Its buttery, cookie-like crust provides the perfect base for a rich and creamy pumpkin filling, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that instantly evoke the flavors of the season. On top, a layer of crunchy, caramelized pecans adds texture and a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the smooth pumpkin. Baked to a beautiful golden brown, the tart’s layers stay distinct, making every bite a little moment of joy. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a cozy autumn gathering, or just because, this tart is sure to impress and satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pumpkin Tart

Cranberry Orange Gelato

Cranberry Orange Gelato is a truly festive and refreshing dessert that brings together the best of both worlds. It starts with a classic cranberry sauce, bursting with tart, juicy flavor, which is then folded into a creamy, smooth gelato base. The result is a beautiful balance of tangy and sweet, with bright citrus notes that make every bite feel special. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, this gelato is not only delicious but also a fun twist on traditional seasonal flavors. Your guests are sure to be impressed by this unexpected and elegant treat!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Gelato

Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Carrot Cake Cheesecake is a dessert that truly steals the show, perfect for any celebration or special gathering. It brings together the warm, spiced flavors of a classic carrot cake with the rich, velvety creaminess of cheesecake, creating a combination that’s both comforting and indulgent. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Whether it’s for a birthday, Easter brunch, or a festive Thanksgiving table, this dessert is sure to wow your guests. Get ready for compliments—and requests for the recipe—because it’s that irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Pilgrim Hat Cookies

These adorable pilgrim hat cookies are not only super easy to make, but they also come together in just a few minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute Thanksgiving treat. Each cookie is charmingly festive, adding a playful touch to your holiday table that both kids and adults will love. They’re fun to assemble, even letting little hands get involved, and the end result is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Serve them alongside your Thanksgiving favorites for a sweet, whimsical addition everyone will talk about. These little hats are sure to bring smiles and a festive spirit to your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Pilgrim Hat Cookies