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Beyond Pie: 13 Irresistible Thanksgiving Desserts if You Dare to Ditch the Pie

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Are you ready to break free from the traditional Thanksgiving pie this year? Toss aside that pie tin and spice things up with desserts that’ll make your traditional pie look, well, a little boring. Let’s face it, pumpkin pie has had its moment – like, for centuries.

Blueberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

We’re talking about a dessert rebellion, where classic Thanksgiving flavors get a fun makeover. From gooey skillet cookies to elegant no-bake cheesecakes, these 13 desserts are not just alternatives, they are upgrades. So make one of these mouth-watering treats that’ll have your guests forgetting all about that classic slice.

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Blueberry Cobbler

Southern Blueberry Cobbler is a berry-rific twist on the Thanksgiving dessert. With its flaky biscuit topping and juicy blueberries, it’s a heartwarming, less conventional choice that still embodies the spirit of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Apple Fritter Bread

A slice of apple cinnamon bread on a cutting board.
Apple Fritter Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Apple Fritter Bread brings the essence of fall right to your dessert plate. Its cinnamon-spiced, apple-packed goodness, topped with sweet glaze, is a cozy comfort that’s a perfect break from traditional pies.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

cutting into pumpkin chocolate cake
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake is where Halloween meets Thanksgiving in a delicious swirl of flavors. With its chocolate and pumpkin batter and a cocoa dusting, it’s a standout dessert that’s both unique and seasonally perfect.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Chocolate Cheesecake

Instant Pot Chocolate Cheesecake drizzled with strawberry sauce and topped with whipped cream.
Chocolate Cheesecake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Cheesecake in the Instant Pot? Yes, please! Imagine slicing into a rich, Oreo-crusted chocolate heaven – a sublime alternative for those who prefer their desserts deeply chocolaty rather than fruity.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake

Apple Upside Down Cake

A slice of apple cinnamon coffee cake on a plate.
Apple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Apple Upside Down Cake turns the traditional on its head with caramelized apples baked into a moist cake. This twist on the classic upside-down cake is a great way to enjoy apples in their peak season, with a sticky, sweet topping that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Apple Upside Down Cake

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with whipped cream and pecans.
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake is a dream for the busy holiday cook. A gingersnap crust and creamy pumpkin filling make for a refreshing change from the typical holiday pie, plus it’s a breeze to prepare!
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

blueberry upside down cake on a platter.
Blueberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry Upside Down Cake combines the ease of cake mix with the tartness of blueberries for a refreshing alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts. The blueberries caramelize to perfection, creating a deliciously moist and fruity layer.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Skillet Cookies

digging in to a skillet cookie with ice cream
Skillet Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skillet Cookies, or the beloved pizookie, is a crowd-pleaser with its gooey, warm chocolate chip cookie base, baked right in a cast-iron skillet. Top with ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s both rustic and chic, perfect for a casual Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Cookies

Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of blueberry cheesecake on a plate.
Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ditch the pie and dive into Blueberry Cheesecake, where creamy decadence meets a burst of berry goodness. It’s a festive twist to the Thanksgiving table, offering a rich and tangy alternative that’s as delightful as it is indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake on a plate with whipped cream.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pumpkin Dump Cake simplifies Thanksgiving baking while keeping the pumpkin spice spirit alive. Just dump, mix, bake, and voila! You’ve got a hassle-free dessert that offers a comforting, seasonal flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Oreo Cheesecake

close up of piece of Oreo cheesecake
Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Oreo Cheesecake takes the beloved cookie to new heights. With Oreos in the crust, filling, and topping, it’s a triple threat for cookies and cream lovers, making it a deliciously bold move away from traditional Thanksgiving pies.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Blackberry Galette

Blackberry galette topped with whipped cream.
Blackberry Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blackberry Galette offers a rustic, charming alternative to the refined pie, with its easy-to-make crust and juicy berry filling. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that impresses without the fuss of a traditional pie.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Galette

Chocolate Lush

Slice of chocolate peanut butter lasagna on a plate.
Chocolate Lush. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Lush is for those who believe more is more. This no-bake, four-layer wonder combines Oreos, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream for a decadent dessert that’s a delightful departure from the usual Thanksgiving fare.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush

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13 thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie.
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...

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