20 Thanksgiving Desserts That Survive Long Drives

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Apple Pie Cupcakes

These cinnamon cupcakes are soft, tender, and bursting with warm fall flavor, making them the perfect little treat for the season. Each one is filled with a sweet and slightly tart apple pie filling that tastes just like the classic dessert, only in a handheld version. The combination of the spiced cupcake and gooey apple center feels comforting and nostalgic, like a bite of homemade apple pie fresh from the oven. They’re a fun and unique twist on a traditional favorite, easy to share at gatherings or enjoy with a cozy cup of coffee. With every bite, you get all the flavors of apple pie—wrapped up in a perfectly portioned cupcake.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cupcakes

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

These moist pumpkin cupcakes are the perfect little bites of fall comfort, bringing all the warm and cozy flavors of the season in a handheld treat. Each cupcake is soft, tender, and spiced just right, then topped with a fluffy swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream that makes every bite feel extra special. They’re like enjoying a slice of creamy pumpkin pie, but in a fun and portable cupcake form that’s great for sharing. Whether you serve them at a Thanksgiving feast, a fall party, or just as a sweet pick-me-up on a chilly day, these cupcakes are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars

This dessert brings together all the cozy flavors of the season in one irresistible bite. It starts with a buttery, flaky cream cheese crust that bakes up perfectly tender and golden. Inside, you’ll find a rich and velvety filling made from brown sugar–sweetened sweet potatoes, giving it just the right balance of sweetness and warmth. To finish it off, the top is layered with soft, gooey marshmallows that melt and caramelize into a golden topping. It’s a comforting, nostalgic treat that feels like a must-have on every Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Easy Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars are soft, moist, and filled with just the right amount of warm spice to make every bite taste like autumn. Topped with a thick layer of tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting, they strike the perfect balance between cozy and indulgent. Each square feels like a little slice of comfort, making them a wonderful addition to any fall gathering. Whether you serve them at a Thanksgiving feast, a holiday party, or simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee on a crisp afternoon, these bars are sure to bring seasonal joy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Bars

Easy Turkey Cupcakes

These moist chocolate cupcakes are a fun and festive way to sweeten up your Thanksgiving celebration. Each one is topped with a rich layer of chocolate fudge frosting that adds just the right amount of decadence. To make them extra special, they’re decorated to look like adorable little turkeys—perfect for bringing a smile to kids and adults alike. Not only are they delicious, but they also double as a playful centerpiece for your dessert table. Whether you’re hosting family or heading to a holiday potluck, these turkey cupcakes are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Cupcakes

Chocolate Pumpkin Bread

This Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Bread is the ultimate cozy bake that combines everything you love about fall with the richness of chocolate. Each slice is unbelievably moist, filled with warm spices, and just the right touch of pumpkin that adds depth without being overpowering. The bread itself is studded with pockets of melty chocolate, and when you add the luscious layer of chocolate ganache on top, it transforms into something truly decadent. It’s versatile enough to serve as a show-stopping dessert, a sweet treat with your morning coffee, or even a little indulgent snack in the afternoon. One bite is all it takes for family and friends to start asking when you’ll be making it again.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pumpkin Bread

Apple Hand Pies - made in the Air Fryer

These Apple Hand Pies are the perfect blend of cozy flavors and easy preparation, making them a go-to dessert for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Made with refrigerated pie dough and filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling, they cook up beautifully in the air fryer until golden and flaky. Each little pie fits right in your hand, so you can skip the fork and enjoy them as a warm, portable treat. Whether you serve them at a party, pack them for a picnic, or whip them up for an afternoon snack, they’re a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic taste of apple pie without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Apple Hand Pies - made in the Air Fryer

Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of dessert that steals the spotlight the moment it hits the table. The cake is rich and buttery, with a soft, tender crumb that almost melts as soon as it touches your tongue, making every bite feel like pure comfort. Infused with warm, cozy spices, it carries all the nostalgic flavors of fall, while a cinnamon swirl hidden in the center adds just the right touch of sweetness and surprise. The cream cheese frosting on top is silky and tangy, creating the perfect contrast to the spiced cake beneath. It’s not just a dessert—it’s an experience you’ll want to slow down and savor, one forkful at a time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are the kind of treat that makes fall feel extra cozy. Each muffin is soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm seasonal spices that pair beautifully with the rich flavor of pumpkin puree. The pockets of melty chocolate chips add just the right touch of sweetness, making every bite feel comforting and indulgent. They’re perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, packing in a lunchbox, or savoring as an afternoon pick-me-up on a chilly day. Whether shared with family or enjoyed on your own, these muffins bring the warmth and flavors of autumn right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly feels like the holidays. The buttery richness of classic shortbread is brightened with the zest of fresh orange and little bursts of tart cranberry, creating a cookie that’s both comforting and refreshing. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these cookies come together easily and have a festive flavor that feels extra special. Since they’re slice-and-bake, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, making them perfect for busy holiday weeks when you want something homemade without the stress. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, enjoying them with a cup of tea, or wrapping them up as edible gifts, these cookies are sure to spread cheer with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Apple Butter Pie

This Apple Butter Pie is a cozy and flavorful twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, bringing a sweet-tart apple flavor that’s perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon spices. It captures all the comfort of fall in each bite while offering a smooth, creamy texture that feels just like pumpkin pie—but with a fresh, fruity spin. Plus, with gluten-free and dairy-free options, it’s a dessert that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or sharing it at a casual fall get-together, this pie is sure to stand out as a seasonal favorite that feels both familiar and new.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Pie

Pecan Tassies

These homemade Pecan Tassies are the perfect way to enjoy all the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie in a fun, bite-sized form. With their buttery crust and sweet pecan filling, each little tart packs a big punch of flavor in just a few bites. They’re not only irresistibly delicious but also charmingly petite, making them a wonderful addition to dessert trays or holiday spreads. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these tassies are guaranteed to bring smiles and plenty of compliments. They’re the kind of treat that disappears quickly—so it’s always a good idea to make an extra batch!
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies

Pumpkin Biscotti

This classic Italian cookie gets a cozy autumn twist in this pumpkin biscotti recipe, making it the perfect seasonal treat. Each piece has that signature crisp bite on the outside, but with just enough softness in the middle to keep it satisfying. The warm pumpkin flavor, paired with hints of spice, makes these cookies especially inviting when the weather turns cool. Best of all, they’re ideal for dunking into a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate, adding a little taste of fall to your daily routine. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or shared with friends, these biscotti are a delicious way to celebrate the season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Biscotti

Pecan Hand Pies

These pecan hand pies are everything you love about traditional pecan pie, but in a perfectly portioned, handheld version. Each one is wrapped in a golden, buttery crust that gives way to a rich, caramelized pecan filling with just the right balance of sweetness and crunch. They’re a festive treat that feels special enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas, yet simple enough to whip up without the fuss of making a full-sized pie. Guests will love the fun twist on a classic dessert, and you’ll appreciate how easy they are to prepare and serve. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing sweet that brings all the flavors of the season in every little bite.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Hand Pies

Pumpkin Roll

This pumpkin roll is the kind of dessert that instantly feels like fall, with a tender, spiced pumpkin cake wrapped around a rich and fluffy cream cheese filling. Every slice looks elegant with its beautiful swirl, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make with the right guidance. It’s a perfect choice for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering, adding both flavor and charm to the table. With clear step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, even beginner bakers can pull off this show-stopping treat and impress their guests. Best of all, it combines cozy seasonal flavors with a presentation that feels festive and special without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

This mini crustless cranberry pie is the kind of dessert that instantly brightens up any holiday table with its beautiful color and festive flavor. Each bite is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a refreshing change from heavier seasonal treats. Since it’s made right in the air fryer, you can have a homemade holiday dessert without taking up precious oven space—a huge bonus during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any big gathering. Quick, simple, and full of cheer, this little pie is a delightful way to enjoy the cozy flavors of the season without all the fuss of a traditional bake.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

Rolo Pretzel Turkeys

Get ready to fall in love with one of the cutest Thanksgiving treats you’ll ever see! These Rolo Pretzel Turkeys are a playful, bite-sized dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a festive snack that looks impressive but takes very little effort, making it perfect for both kids and adults to assemble together. They’re not only a fun family activity but also a whimsical addition to any holiday dessert table. Whether you’re serving them after dinner or setting them out as a cheerful nibble, these little turkeys are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face.
Get the Recipe: Rolo Pretzel Turkeys

Red Velvet Cake Pops

This Red Velvet Cake Pops recipe takes the beloved Southern classic and transforms it into a playful, bite-sized treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Each pop has the same moist, tender crumb and signature blend of light chocolate and vanilla flavor that red velvet is known for, all wrapped up in a striking red hue. Dipped in smooth, creamy white chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of red velvet crumbles, they’re equal parts elegant and fun. Whether you’re serving them at a Thanksgiving gathering, adding them to a Christmas dessert table, or surprising guests at a birthday party, these cake pops are guaranteed to catch everyone’s eye and satisfy every sweet tooth. They’re the kind of treat that makes any celebration feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake Pops

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

When it comes to holiday desserts, honey bun cake always seems to hold a special place on the table. I’ve been to both Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings where this cake made an appearance, and it was always one of the first desserts to disappear. What makes it so unique is that it starts with a simple yellow box cake mix, yet the end result is so rich, moist, and flavorful that no one would ever guess it wasn’t made completely from scratch. The warm, sweet cinnamon swirls and the light glaze on top give it that homemade charm that keeps everyone coming back for another slice. It’s the kind of dessert that feels comforting and festive, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese & Chocolate Chips

Pumpkins may be most often linked to fall, but pumpkin whoopie pies are the kind of treat that’s just too good to save for only one season. These soft, cake-like cookies are perfectly spiced and come together with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling that makes every bite irresistible. Made with pumpkin pie filling, they’re bursting with cozy pumpkin spice flavor that feels both nostalgic and comforting. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up with a warm cup of coffee or bring them to a gathering to share with friends and family, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly. If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese & Chocolate Chips