25 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts for Your Holiday Table

Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be quite the same without dessert! Pumpkin pie and apple pie are always favorites, but it’s nice to have a few other choices on the table, especially when you’re feeding a crowd.

So after you’ve served your Thanksgiving turkey with homemade rolls and green bean casserole, you’ll want to serve up some delicious homemade desserts.

I’ve rounded up 25 Thanksgiving dessert recipes, including pumpkin treats, apple desserts, homemade cookies, brownies, and a few easy no-bake options.

There are plenty of traditional fall flavors like cinnamon, maple, cranberry, and pumpkin, along with some chocolate desserts for those who prefer something different.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year or bringing a dessert to share, you’ll find lots of ideas here. Several of these recipes can also be made ahead of time, which is always helpful when there’s so much cooking to do!

Pumpkin Thanksgiving Desserts

Pumpkin is always a favorite ingredient for fall baking, and these recipes offer several ways to enjoy it beyond the popular and traditional pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Pie (Sourdough or Regular Crust)

This sourdough pumpkin pie is a delicious twist on the classic Thanksgiving dessert. It features a creamy, warmly spiced pumpkin filling in a homemade sourdough pie crust. If you don’t have sourdough or would rather use a traditional crust, you can easily make this recipe with a regular, non-sourdough pie crust instead.

Skillet Pumpkin Cobbler

If you’re looking for a pumpkin dessert that’s a little different from pie, try this skillet pumpkin cobbler. It’s a warm, comforting dessert with the flavors of pumpkin and fall spices. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious Thanksgiving treat.

Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars are a wonderful choice when you’re serving a crowd for Thanksgiving. They’re easy to cut into individual portions and arrange on a dessert platter. With their rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices, they’re a great alternative to pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies

These pumpkin pie spice cookies bring the familiar flavors of fall into a simple homemade cookie. The combination of warm spices makes them especially fitting for Thanksgiving. They’re also convenient to make ahead and serve alongside pies, cakes, and other holiday desserts.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies combine two favorite flavors in one delicious fall treat. The pumpkin adds a seasonal touch, while the chocolate chips make them appealing to chocolate lovers. Add these to a Thanksgiving cookie platter for guests who would rather have a cookie than a slice of pie.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These homemade baked pumpkin donuts are a fun way to enjoy the flavors of fall. They’re especially nice for Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch, served with a hot cup of coffee. You can also arrange them on a dessert platter for a casual holiday gathering.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins

Pumpkin and butterscotch are a delicious combination in these homemade muffins. They make a sweet addition to a Thanksgiving breakfast spread or a simple treat to enjoy during the holiday weekend. You can prepare them ahead of time so there’s something ready to serve when family members arrive.

Apple and Cranberry Thanksgiving Desserts

Apples and cranberries are two of the best flavors for fall desserts. These recipes bring a mixture of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors to the Thanksgiving table.

Apple Crisp

Homemade apple crisp is a comforting fall dessert made with baked apples and a delicious crumbly topping. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional apple pie, especially if you prefer a dessert without a pie crust. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic Thanksgiving treat.

Apple Crumb Cake

This apple crumb cake combines tender cake, apples, and a crumbly topping for a delicious fall dessert. It’s a nice choice for Thanksgiving because it can be served after dinner or enjoyed with coffee earlier in the day. If you’re planning a holiday brunch, this would also be a lovely addition to the menu.

Apple Spice Cupcakes

Apple spice cupcakes are a fun way to serve the warm flavors of fall in individual portions. They’re easy for guests to pick up from a dessert table, and you won’t need to worry about cutting and serving a cake. These are a nice alternative to traditional Thanksgiving pies, especially when you want several different desserts to choose from.

Cranberry Orange Cobbler

Cranberries and oranges are a wonderful flavor combination for Thanksgiving. This cranberry orange cobbler offers a sweet and tart fruit dessert that provides a nice contrast to richer pumpkin and chocolate treats. Serve it warm as a colorful addition to your Thanksgiving dessert menu.

White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

This white chocolate cranberry fudge combines sweet white chocolate with the tart flavor of cranberries. It’s a pretty addition to a Thanksgiving dessert tray, especially alongside cookies and other bite-sized treats. Fudge is also convenient for making ahead when you have a busy holiday cooking schedule.

White Chocolate Macadamia Cranberry Cookies

These white chocolate macadamia cranberry cookies offer a delicious combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. The cranberries add a seasonal touch that makes them especially fitting for Thanksgiving. Serve them on a cookie platter or package a few for guests to take home after the holiday meal.

Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

Chocolate covered apple slices are a fun alternative to traditional baked apple desserts. They combine fresh apple slices with a chocolate coating for a sweet treat that’s easy to serve. These are especially nice for a Thanksgiving dessert board or a gathering where you want a variety of smaller desserts.

Chocolate Desserts and Homemade Cookies

Not everyone wants pumpkin or apple desserts after Thanksgiving dinner. These chocolate treats and homemade cookies offer plenty of choices for guests who enjoy something a little different.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown butter gives these chocolate chip cookies a rich, nutty flavor that makes them a delicious variation of the classic recipe. They’re a familiar favorite that fits right in alongside more traditional Thanksgiving desserts. Make a batch for your holiday cookie platter or save a few to enjoy with coffee after dinner.

Chewy Molasses Cookies

These chewy molasses cookies are full of warm, old-fashioned flavor. Molasses and spices make them especially fitting for the fall and holiday seasons. They’re a wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving cookie assortment and can be made ahead of time.

Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

When oven space is limited on Thanksgiving, a no-bake dessert is especially convenient. These easy peanut butter no-bake cookies are a simple treat that doesn’t require baking. Make them ahead of the holiday and keep them ready for your dessert table.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic combination, and these homemade treats are easy to serve in small portions. Chocolate peanut butter balls make a nice addition to a dessert tray with cookies, fudge, and other bite-sized sweets. They’re also a convenient option when you want something you can prepare before Thanksgiving Day.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies

These chocolate cream cheese brownies combine rich chocolate brownies with a creamy cream cheese layer. They’re a delicious choice for anyone who prefers chocolate desserts over traditional holiday pies. Cut them into smaller squares to serve alongside the other Thanksgiving treats.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Homemade peanut butter cookies are a familiar favorite that guests of all ages can enjoy. Their rich peanut butter flavor makes them a nice contrast to the pumpkin and fruit desserts on your Thanksgiving table. They’re also easy to add to a holiday cookie platter.

Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes

These chocolate coffee cupcakes combine two rich flavors in one delicious dessert. They’re a nice alternative to pie, especially for guests who love chocolate and coffee. Individual cupcakes also make serving easy when you’re offering several different Thanksgiving desserts.

Turkey Brownies

These adorable turkey brownies are a fun Thanksgiving dessert that kids will especially enjoy. They’re made with brownie bodies, Nutter Butter cookie heads, and colorful candy corn feathers. You can use a boxed brownie mix to keep the preparation simple, and children can help with the decorating.

Fall Dessert Charcuterie Board

A fall dessert charcuterie board is a fun way to offer a variety of treats without making several separate desserts. This colorful board features apple slices, caramel corn, candy, mandarin orange pumpkins, and cute acorns made from Nutter Butter cookies. It’s especially nice for a Thanksgiving gathering with children, and guests can help themselves throughout the day.

Candied Maple Pecans

These homemade candied maple pecans are sweet, buttery, and lightly spiced with cinnamon. Made with just five ingredients, they take about five minutes to prepare before baking and become crisp as they cool. Serve them in a small bowl, add them to a Thanksgiving dessert board, or package some for guests to take home.

Vanilla Cinnamon Candied Nuts

Vanilla cinnamon candied nuts are another delicious addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread. The combination of sweet vanilla and warm cinnamon makes them especially fitting for the fall season. Serve them in small bowls for guests to snack on, or include them alongside cookies and other treats on a holiday dessert board.

Planning Your Thanksgiving Dessert Table

With 25 Thanksgiving dessert recipes to choose from, there’s no need to make everything on the list! Choose a traditional favorite like pumpkin pie or apple crisp, then add a few cookies, brownies, or other small treats to give everyone a variety of choices.

Preparing some desserts ahead of time can also make Thanksgiving Day less hectic. Cookies, fudge, and candied nuts are especially convenient choices when you want to get some of the baking and preparation finished early.

Whether you serve a few family favorites or put together a larger dessert buffet, these homemade Thanksgiving treats are a delicious way to finish your holiday meal.