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30+ Fabulous Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

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Thanksgiving is approaching, and tasty desserts are one of the best parts of the holiday!  Turkey and stuffing are fine, but I always save room for dessert!

For me one of the hardest part of planning Thanksgiving dinner is picking out what desserts to make. My family has traditional favorites they love, like pumpkin pie or blueberry cheesecake, but it is also a great time to try something new and different. 

Keeping it relatively simple is key! The last thing you want during the holidays is extra stress because the most important part of the holiday is spending time with your family and friends, not spending all day in the kitchen. So pick a few traditional desserts, something new and fun and then relax and enjoy the holiday.

Any of these fabulous Thanksgiving desserts would be a perfect ending to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, whether you are looking for something traditional or something unique and different. I’ve also included one of my family’s favorite recipes, an easy apple galette, at the end of the post.

Fabulous Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving Pies and Tarts

Pies and cobblers seem like the most traditional Thanksgiving dessert. Apple pie, pumpkin pie and pecan pie are old standbys, but here are some ideas for more unique pies too.

Thanksgiving Cheesecakes

For me cheesecakes a very indulgent dessert! I love cheesecake, but they are too rich and calorie laden to make very often. But Thanksgiving is the ultimate forget about calorie counting holiday.

A rich cheesecake is a great way to celebrate family and friends. These cheesecakes range from traditional and Instant Pot cheesecake to no bake desserts.

Cakes and More

Cakes can be an under used dessert on Thanksgiving. When you want to a make ahead dessert that is easy to transport cakes are a fabulous choice! These desserts are quick and easy to make, while still incorporating holiday flavors like pumpkin and fruit.

Yield: 6

Elegant and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

apple galette for Thanksgiving dessert

This apple galette makes an elegant and easy Thanksgiving dessert!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 pie crust, either store bought or homemade
  • 4 medium apples
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice *see notes for substitution

Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
    2. Peel, core and slice the apples. You can also chop them into pieces instead of slices. You need about 4 cups of apples.
    3. Put the apple slices in a bowl. Add the sugar, flour, apple pie spice and toss to coat.
    4. Roll out the pie crust into a circle about 12 inches around and 1/8 inch thick. A galette is supposed to be rustic, so you don't need to make a perfect circle.
    5. Pile the apples in the center of the crust, leaving about 1 inch around with no fruit.
    6. Fold the edges of the crust up over the apples to cover them, crimping them as needed.
    7. Bake at 375 F for 45-50 minutes. The galette will be golden brown when it is done.
    8. Serve with ice cream, caramel sauce or whipped cream.

Notes

If you don't have apple pie spice you can substitute 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon allspice.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 275Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 124mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 4gSugar: 31gProtein: 2g

Nutrition facts are estimates.

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

9 thoughts on “30+ Fabulous Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas”

  1. These recipes look so delicious. I want to try the Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Roll! I’ve made pumpkin rolls in the past, but never thought to add chocolate chips. That sounds awesome!

    Reply

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