20 Thanksgiving Desserts That Travel Well

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Pecan Pie Cake

This delicate yellow cake is layered with a rich, gooey pecan filling that tastes just like your favorite Thanksgiving pie—but in soft, fluffy cake form. It’s the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and nutty depth, making every bite feel warm and nostalgic. Whether you're serving it for the holidays or just craving something cozy and indulgent, this dessert hits all the right notes. If you love pecan pie, this cake is a must-try twist you won’t want to miss!
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cake

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars

This irresistible pie starts with a buttery, flaky cream cheese crust that’s tender and rich in every bite. It’s filled with a velvety sweet potato filling, sweetened with brown sugar for that deep, cozy flavor we all crave during the holidays. But what really sets it apart is the gooey layer of toasted marshmallows on top—golden, sticky, and totally nostalgic. Each slice tastes like the perfect blend of comfort and celebration. Trust me, this dessert deserves a spot on every Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

This indulgent dessert starts with a soft and chewy cinnamon blondie crust that cradles a rich, creamy caramel cheesecake filling. It’s topped with warm, tender cinnamon apples and finished with a generous drizzle of silky caramel sauce for the ultimate cozy treat. Every bite is bursting with comforting fall flavors, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy on a crisp autumn day or while staying warm indoors during a snowy afternoon. It’s easy enough to make for a fun baking project, yet impressive enough to steal the show on your Thanksgiving dessert table. Whether you're sharing with family or treating yourself, this dessert delivers pure seasonal bliss.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Easy Pumpkin Bars

These moist, lightly spiced pumpkin bars are the perfect way to welcome fall. They’re packed with warm seasonal flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, and each bite melts in your mouth thanks to their soft, tender texture. What takes them over the top is the thick layer of rich cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy gathering or adding them to your Thanksgiving dessert table, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone. They’re comforting, festive, and downright irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Bars

Apple Pie Cupcakes

These tender cinnamon cupcakes are packed with warm, cozy flavor and filled with a sweet-tart apple pie filling that tastes just like fall. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of fluffy spiced cake and gooey apple goodness, making them feel like a comforting homemade dessert straight from grandma’s kitchen. It’s everything you love about apple pie—but in cupcake form, and way easier to serve. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just craving something sweet, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie in a fun, hand-held treat that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cupcakes

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Made with simple pantry staples and a blend of comforting spices, it comes together easily but tastes like something truly special. The filling is silky smooth and perfectly spiced, with just the right balance of sweetness to bring out the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or just because you're craving something cozy, this pie never fails to impress. It's the kind of timeless recipe you'll find yourself making again and again, especially when fall rolls around.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Hershey’s Kisses Acorn Treats

These adorable Hershey Kisses Acorn Treats are as fun to make as they are to eat—and the best part is, they come together in under five minutes! Using just a handful of ingredients like chocolate kisses, mini Nutter Butter cookies, Reese’s peanut butter chips, and mini chocolate chips, you can whip up a batch of these bite-sized treats with almost no effort. They're the perfect no-bake dessert for Thanksgiving, fall parties, or any festive gathering where you want something sweet and seasonal. Kids and adults alike will love how cute they look and how delicious they taste. Whether you’re setting them out on a dessert table or packing them up as party favors, these little acorns are guaranteed to bring smiles.
Get the Recipe: Hershey’s Kisses Acorn Treats

Pumpkin Roll

This pumpkin roll is the kind of dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. It starts with a soft, moist pumpkin spice cake that’s full of cozy fall flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, then gets rolled up around a fluffy, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s light as air. The contrast between the spiced cake and creamy filling is simply irresistible. Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving or just craving something seasonal and sweet, this dessert is sure to impress your guests—and disappear fast. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who loves cake, fall flavors, or both.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

The Best Butternut Squash Pie (Easy Recipe)

This delightful Butternut Squash Pie is the kind of dessert that steals the spotlight at any Thanksgiving gathering. With its smooth, creamy filling and warm blend of fall spices, it brings all the cozy flavors of the season to your holiday table. It’s a delicious twist on traditional pumpkin pie, offering a slightly nuttier, richer taste that’s both comforting and unexpected. Whether you're serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoying a slice on its own, this pie is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Get the Recipe: The Best Butternut Squash Pie (Easy Recipe)

Pecan Hand Pies

These Pecan Hand Pies are everything you love about classic pecan pie, wrapped up in a cute, individual-sized treat. Each one features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a gooey, caramelized pecan filling that’s rich, nutty, and perfectly sweet. They’re the kind of dessert that feels extra special, whether you're serving them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy fall gathering. Best of all, they’re much easier and quicker to make than a traditional pie—no slicing, no mess—just grab and enjoy. With their rustic charm and incredible flavor, these hand pies are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Hand Pies

Cranberry Shortcake

Move over, strawberry shortcake—there’s a new fall favorite in town. This easy Cranberry Shortcake is bursting with seasonal flavor, thanks to a sweet-tart cranberry compote that pairs perfectly with fluffy canned biscuits and a cloud of freshly whipped cream kissed with a hint of orange. It’s the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels right at home on your Thanksgiving table but is simple enough to whip up any time during cranberry season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving something festive and comforting, this shortcake delivers all the flavor without the fuss. One bite and you'll wonder why cranberry shortcake isn’t a fall tradition already.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Shortcake

Pumpkin Cupcakes

These incredibly moist pumpkin cupcakes are a delicious way to welcome the cozy flavors of fall. They start with a simple vanilla cake mix, making them quick and easy to whip up, even on busy days. Each cupcake is topped with a rich, creamy pumpkin buttercream and finished with a decadent drizzle of chocolate for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you're bringing them to a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or just enjoying them with a warm drink on a chilly day, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Their comforting autumn flavors make them a seasonal favorite that friends and family will keep reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cupcakes

Cranberry Salad

If you're looking for an easy and festive cranberry salad to brighten up your holiday table, this cranberry fluff salad is a must-try. With its creamy texture and sweet-tart flavor, it strikes the perfect balance between a side dish and a dessert—so it fits in effortlessly at Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas potluck, or even a New Year's Eve party. It’s quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and full of nostalgic charm that brings a cozy, homemade touch to any gathering. Whether you're the host or bringing a dish to share, this cranberry fruit salad is sure to be a standout. Your guests will love the refreshing twist it brings to the traditional holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Salad

Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

This Thanksgiving, wow your guests with a dessert charcuterie board that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Instead of serving just one sweet treat, offer a festive spread featuring a rich and creamy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip surrounded by a variety of cookies, cakes, and other goodies. It’s an easy yet impressive way to serve dessert, allowing everyone to pick and choose their favorites. To take things up a notch, add some seasonal touches like caramel apples, spiced nuts, or even a few mini pies for that extra wow factor. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table—and guaranteed to leave everyone smiling.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

When it comes to holiday desserts, honey bun cake is one of those unforgettable treats that always hits the spot. I’ve seen it make an appearance at both Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, and it’s always one of the first desserts to disappear. What makes this cake so special is that it starts with a simple yellow box cake mix—but you’d never guess it. Once it's baked with that gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a sweet glaze, it tastes just like something homemade from scratch. It's the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that people ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Pumpkin Tiramisu is a dreamy, no-bake fall dessert that brings cozy autumn flavors to the classic Italian favorite. It’s made with layers of soft ladyfingers soaked in a warm pumpkin spice syrup and coffee, then nestled between thick, creamy layers of pumpkin spice mascarpone filling. Each bite is rich, comforting, and full of seasonal goodness—perfect for pumpkin lovers and those looking for something a little different for Thanksgiving. Best of all, it comes together with minimal prep and no oven time, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just craving a festive sweet treat, this make-ahead dessert is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu

Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

This mini crustless cranberry pie is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, bursting with the vibrant, festive taste of cranberries. It’s the perfect little dessert to serve at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday celebration when you want something seasonal but not overly heavy. Because it’s made in the air fryer, you don’t have to worry about taking up precious oven space—ideal when you're juggling multiple holiday dishes. Despite its simple preparation, it still feels special and delivers that cozy, homemade flavor in every bite. Whether you're entertaining guests or just want a quick treat for yourself, this pie is a cheerful addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Brownies

Gobble gobble! These adorable Turkey Brownies are the perfect way to bring some festive fun to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Made with your favorite boxed brownie mix, they’re a breeze to whip up—and the real fun comes in decorating them with colorful candy eyes, beaks, and feathers to look like cute little turkeys. This is a great recipe to get the kids involved, whether it’s for a classroom party or just a cozy afternoon in the kitchen. Not only are they super easy, but they’re guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Brownies

Pumpkin Crisp

Give your Thanksgiving menu a delicious upgrade with this cozy and comforting Pumpkin Crisp. It starts with a velvety pumpkin and cream cheese filling that’s rich, smooth, and full of warm fall spices. On top, a buttery crumble with chopped nuts adds the perfect sweet crunch in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make and just might steal the spotlight from the classic pumpkin pie. Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or keeping things simple, this dessert is sure to be a new seasonal favorite everyone will ask for again.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crisp

Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies

These turkey cookies are an absolutely adorable addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread and are sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. With their playful design and festive charm, they’ll fit right in next to your pies, cakes, and other holiday treats. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make—perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen and creating fun holiday memories together. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just enjoying a cozy holiday at home, these cookies add a lighthearted, creative touch to the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies