The Only Thanksgiving Desserts Worth Saving Room For

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Easy Turkey Cupcakes

Easy Turkey Cupcakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These chocolate cupcakes are as fun to look at as they are to eat. Each one is baked to be perfectly moist, topped with a rich swirl of chocolate fudge frosting, and then decorated to resemble a cute little turkey. They bring a playful touch to the dessert table while still delivering that rich, chocolatey flavor everyone loves. It’s the kind of sweet treat that makes Thanksgiving feel extra festive and keeps both kids and adults coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Cupcakes

Pecan Pie Cake

Pecan Pie Cake. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This delicate yellow cake is soft, fluffy, and perfectly balanced with a rich, gooey pecan filling that takes it over the top. Imagine your favorite Thanksgiving pecan pie, but transformed into a moist, decadent cake that feels just as festive. It’s the kind of dessert that feels comforting yet a little indulgent, making it impossible to stop at just one slice. If you love the flavors of fall and want something that impresses every guest at the table, this is a must-try treat!
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cake

Apple Pie Cupcakes

Apple Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These tender cinnamon cupcakes are a cozy little twist on a classic dessert. Each one is filled with a sweet and tart apple pie center that bursts with flavor in every bite. You get all the comforting tastes of a homemade apple pie—warm spice, juicy apples, and just the right amount of sweetness—without ever picking up a fork. They’re fun to eat, easy to share, and the perfect way to enjoy apple pie in a bite-sized treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cupcakes

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

There’s something so comforting about these moist pumpkin cupcakes—every bite feels like a cozy fall day wrapped up in dessert form. The light, tender crumb is perfectly spiced, making each mouthful warm and flavorful without being too heavy. Topped with a cloud of sweetened whipped cream, they’re like pumpkin pie’s playful little cousin—easier to grab, share, and enjoy at any gathering. Once you try them, you’ll see why they disappear faster than you can set them down!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Golden, flaky cream cheese crust cradles a rich filling of sweet potatoes kissed with brown sugar, creating the perfect balance of cozy sweetness. And just when you think it can’t get any better, a layer of gooey marshmallows melts on top, adding that irresistible, toasty finish. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Trust me—this isn’t just a side, it’s the centerpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds at your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust. Photo credit: Stetted.

This pumpkin pie is everything you want in a Thanksgiving dessert—creamy, cozy, and full of rich fall flavor. Instead of fussing with a traditional pastry base, the graham cracker crust makes things easy while adding a sweet, buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with the smooth pumpkin filling. It’s the kind of pie that feels both comforting and just a little indulgent, making it a treat everyone at the table will look forward to. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got yourself a holiday classic that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pile of pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with more in the background on a cooling rack.
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No bake pumpkin cheesecake is the kind of dessert that instantly feels like Thanksgiving on a plate. With a crunchy, spiced gingersnap crust on the bottom and a silky pumpkin cheesecake filling on top, every bite is cozy, creamy, and full of fall flavor. It’s easy to put together without ever turning on the oven, making it stress-free during a busy holiday. This is the dessert that looks impressive on the table, tastes like pure comfort, and always has people asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

Wooden tray filled with pumpkin cream cheese dip, cookies, candies, and fall cupcakes.
Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Rose Bakes.

This Thanksgiving, wow your friends and family with a gorgeous dessert charcuterie board that feels just as festive as the main meal. Imagine a centerpiece piled high with sweet treats—creamy pumpkin dip surrounded by cookies, cakes, and all the little indulgences that make the holiday special. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to put together, yet looks like you spent hours planning. Add in cozy seasonal touches like caramel apples, spiced nuts, or even mini pies, and you’ll have a spread that’s not just delicious but totally unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

The Best Butternut Squash Pie (Easy Recipe)

The Best Butternut Squash Pie (Easy Recipe). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This Butternut Squash Pie is the kind of dessert that instantly feels like fall on a plate. With its rich, velvety texture and warm autumn spices, it brings all the cozy flavors you crave during the holidays. It’s a little unexpected, yet wonderfully comforting—something that stands out on the dessert table while still feeling like a classic. Whether you’re serving it after a big Thanksgiving feast or enjoying a slice with coffee the next day, it’s sure to be the sweet highlight of your holiday.
Get the Recipe: The Best Butternut Squash Pie (Easy Recipe)

Easy Thanksgiving Cookies - Pilgrim Hats

Easy Thanksgiving Cookies - Pilgrim Hats. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

These Easy Thanksgiving Cookies are the kind of fun, no-stress treat anyone can whip up, even if you’re short on time. All it takes is a handful of store-bought goodies like cookies, peanut butter cups, and candies, and suddenly you’ve got the most adorable little pilgrim hats on the dessert table. They look festive and creative, but no one has to know how simple they really are to make. Perfect for kids to help with or for adding a playful touch to your holiday spread, these sweet bites are guaranteed to get smiles.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thanksgiving Cookies - Pilgrim Hats

Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin roll with two slices cut on a white platter.
Pumpkin Roll. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

This pumpkin roll is all about cozy fall vibes, with a soft and moist pumpkin spice cake wrapped around a fluffy cream cheese filling. The contrast of warm spices and creamy sweetness makes every bite feel like a little taste of autumn comfort. It’s the kind of dessert that not only looks impressive on the table but also disappears quickly once people get a slice. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any seasonal gathering, it’s a treat that cake lovers and pumpkin fans alike won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Crisp

White scalloped pie pan with pumpkin crisp topped with 3 rosettes of whipped cream and 2 silver serving utensils.
Pumpkin Crisp. Photo credit: The Oregon Dietitian.

Looking to shake up your Thanksgiving dessert lineup? This Pumpkin Crisp is the ultimate fall treat that combines cozy, familiar flavors with a fun twist. Imagine a creamy pumpkin and cream cheese filling topped with a buttery, nutty crumble that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s easy enough to whip up without stress but impressive enough to steal the spotlight from pie. Once your family and friends try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes the dish they request year after year.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crisp

Pecan Hand Pies

A plate full of pecan hand pies is ready to be served.
Pecan Hand Pies. Photo credit: Evolving Table.

These pecan hand pies are everything you love about a traditional pie, just in a perfectly portioned little package. With a buttery, golden crust that gives way to a gooey, caramelized nut filling, they strike the ideal balance of flaky and rich in every bite. They’re festive enough for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table, yet simple enough to whip up without the stress of baking a whole pie. Best of all, they’re fun to share and guaranteed to have guests coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Hand Pies

Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cakes

Mini pumpkin spice bundt cake with glaze on plate.
Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cakes. Photo credit: Creators of Coffee.

There’s just something magical about fall—the crisp air, colorful leaves, and of course, cozy desserts that make the season so special. My pumpkin mini bundt cakes are everything you love about autumn wrapped up in a cute, individual-sized treat. They’re soft, spiced, and full of that nostalgic pumpkin flavor that instantly makes you think of home. Perfect for brunch with friends, a Thanksgiving table, or even a bake sale, these little cakes never fail to impress. With their festive charm and irresistible taste, they’re a sweet reminder of why fall baking is the best part of the season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cakes

Hershey’s Kisses Acorn Treats

Close up shot of Kisses Acorn Treats.
Hershey’s Kisses Acorn Treats. Photo credit: Princess Pinky Girl.

These Hershey Kisses Acorn Treats are one of those snacks that look way fancier than they actually are. You can whip them up in under five minutes, and they turn out absolutely adorable—perfect little acorns that bring a festive touch to any table. With just a few simple ingredients like chocolate kisses, mini cookies, and chips, you’ll have a batch ready to share in no time. They’re fun to make, cute to look at, and guaranteed to be one of the first things people grab at your Thanksgiving or holiday get-together.
Get the Recipe: Hershey’s Kisses Acorn Treats

Cranberry Orange Gelato

A display of Cranberry Orange Gelato.
Cranberry Orange Gelato. Photo credit: Scoops & Savor.

Cranberry Orange Gelato is the kind of dessert that feels both festive and refreshing at the same time. You start with the cozy comfort of homemade cranberry sauce, then swirl it into a creamy gelato base for a burst of citrusy brightness. The result is a dessert that’s tangy, sweet, and smooth all at once—like the holidays dressed up in a new outfit. It’s not only a creative twist on seasonal flavors but also the kind of treat that makes your guests stop mid-bite and say, “Wow, this is amazing.”
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Gelato

Cranberry Galette

A rustic raspberry cranberry galette for a holiday dessert.
Cranberry Galette. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A golden-brown cranberry galette feels like the kind of dessert that makes any gathering instantly more special. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even something as personal as a birthday, it brings just the right mix of rustic charm and elegance. The cranberries add a bold, tangy flavor that’s beautifully balanced by the sweetness of raspberries, the brightness of orange, and the creaminess tucked into every bite. Best of all, you don’t need anything fancy—just fresh or frozen berries and your favorite pie crust come together to create something that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s one of those desserts that makes guests pause, smile, and reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Galette

Pumpkin Dump Cake

A slice of pumpkin dump cake topped with whipped cream and nuts on a white plate, with a spoon resting beside it.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

This pumpkin dump cake is the kind of dessert that makes Thanksgiving feel extra special. Imagine a rich, velvety pumpkin base topped with a golden, buttery crumble that’s just the right mix of sweet and cozy. It’s one of those desserts that looks impressive on the table but comes together with hardly any effort, which means more time to enjoy with family and friends. Best of all, you can whip it up from scratch in under an hour, making it a stress-free favorite you’ll want to bring back year after year.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

Air fryer mini crustless cranberry pie recipe dinners done quick featured image.
Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie. Photo credit: Dinners Done Quick.

This mini crustless cranberry pie is the kind of dessert that instantly feels like the holidays. It’s sweet, tart, and full of vibrant flavor that pairs perfectly with any festive spread, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just enjoying a cozy family gathering. Since it’s made in the air fryer, you don’t have to worry about fighting for oven space, which makes holiday cooking so much less stressful. Best of all, it comes together quickly and delivers that homemade, festive flavor in every single bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

Pumpkin Tiramisu

A slice of pumpkin tiramisu on a plate with a bite of tiramisu on a fork.
Pumpkin Tiramisu. Photo credit: My Gorgeous Recipes.

Pumpkin Tiramisu is the kind of dessert that feels cozy, indulgent, and totally irresistible. Instead of turning on the oven, you get to layer delicate ladyfingers soaked in pumpkin spice syrup and coffee with a silky pumpkin-spiced mascarpone filling that’s creamy and rich. It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy all season long, whether you’re sharing it at Thanksgiving or just craving something special on a crisp fall evening. Best of all, it comes together with very little effort, and since it can be made ahead of time, it takes the stress out of holiday entertaining. One bite, and you’ll see why this no-bake delight deserves a permanent spot on your autumn dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A bowl of whipped feta dip garnished with chopped herbs and nuts, drizzled with olive oil, set on a rustic wooden surface with a patterned cloth nearby.
Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake isn’t just another sweet treat—it’s an experience that feels like a celebration all on its own. Imagine silky cream cheese filling layered with caramel-coated apples and topped with a praline pecan crunch that’s as dramatic as a family gathering at Thanksgiving (minus the arguments). Sure, it asks for a little patience—a water bath here, a cooling period there—but the end result is nothing short of show-stopping. One bite in, and suddenly you’re not just the person who brought dessert—you’re the legend who brought joy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

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