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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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 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
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 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
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