Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and most importantly—delicious food! While turkey and stuffing steal the show, the perfect way to end a feast is with a spectacular dessert. Here are 20 of the best desserts to wow your guests this Thanksgiving. Let the dessert table shine!
Classic Pumpkin Pie
The quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie boasts a creamy spiced filling and a flaky crust. Top it with whipped cream for the ultimate holiday treat.
Pecan Pie
Rich and nutty, pecan pie is a decadent addition to any Thanksgiving spread. Its caramel-like filling and crunchy pecans make it a guest favorite.
Apple Crisp
For a lighter dessert with warm fall flavors, apple crisp is perfect. Sweet baked apples are topped with a crumbly oat topping, served best with vanilla ice cream.
Sweet Potato Pie
This Southern classic has a smooth, sweet filling made from spiced sweet potatoes. It’s like a warm hug in pie form.
Cranberry Cheesecake
A creamy cheesecake with a tart cranberry topping adds a festive and refreshing flavor to your dessert table.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
A twist on the traditional pecan pie, this version includes chocolate and a splash of bourbon for an elevated flavor profile.
Carrot Cake
Moist, spiced carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a crowd-pleaser, balancing sweetness with a hint of earthiness.
Pear and Almond Tart
Delicate and sophisticated, this tart combines buttery pastry, sweet pears, and a nutty almond filling for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Combine two favorites in one dessert: pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Creamy, rich, and spiced, this dessert is a surefire hit.
Maple Pecan Bars
Perfect for a handheld option, these bars pack the flavor of pecan pie into bite-sized portions, with a hint of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Cinnamon Apple Galette
This rustic French dessert showcases tender apples and a buttery, flaky crust. It’s simpler than pie but just as delicious.
Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse
Rich, airy, and decadent, this dessert blends the flavors of chocolate and pumpkin in a sophisticated mousse.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Warm and comforting, this dessert uses spiced pumpkin bread soaked in a custard mixture, baked until golden, and drizzled with caramel sauce.
Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
Zesty and vibrant, this bundt cake combines tart cranberries and orange for a refreshing and festive dessert.
Gingerbread Trifle
Layers of spiced gingerbread, creamy pudding, and whipped cream come together in this show-stopping trifle.
Salted Caramel Tart
A buttery tart shell filled with luscious salted caramel and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt is perfect for those who love sweet and salty combos.
Pumpkin Roll
This classic dessert features a spiced pumpkin cake rolled with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling, creating a beautiful swirl in every slice.
Chocolate Pecan Torte
Dense and fudgy, this flourless chocolate torte with pecans is a gluten-free option that still feels indulgent.
Chai Spiced Crème Brûlée
For an elegant ending, serve this creamy custard infused with warming chai spices and topped with a crackling caramelized sugar crust.
Maple Pumpkin Custards
Individual pumpkin custards, lightly sweetened with maple syrup, are the perfect way to serve up portion-controlled indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert Table
- Variety is key: Include a mix of pies, cakes, and lighter options to cater to all tastes.
- Add toppings: Provide whipped cream, caramel sauce, or ice cream for guests to customize their desserts.
- Make ahead: Prep desserts in advance to save time on Thanksgiving Day.
No matter which you choose, these desserts are sure to leave your guests satisfied and thankful for the sweet ending to a perfect holiday meal. Happy Thanksgiving!
