Let’s be honest: we all know the real star of Thanksgiving isn’t the bird—it’s the desserts! This is your culinary playbook for ending the big meal with a show-stopping array of sweets.
From jazzed-up classics that’ll make Grandma do a double-take, to new-fangled treats that’ll have the kids bragging, these 23 recipes are your secret weapon to being the dessert hero this year. So, forget about stressing over dry turkey and get ready to bask in the sweet glory of dessert fame!
Cinnamon Roll Pie
Cinnamon rolls and pie join forces for this Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie. It’s a heavenly combo of gooey cinnamon rolls nestled in a flaky pie crust, topped with frosting. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it’s the talk-of-the-table dessert that doubles as a brunch treat.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie
Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls
Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls are the fall twist your Thanksgiving needs. These flaky crescent pastries filled with rich pumpkin pie filling, ready in just 30 minutes. They’re a quick, delightful bite that combines the joy of pumpkin pie and the ease of a roll.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls
Blueberry Cheesecake
Blueberry Cheesecake is a Thanksgiving showstopper. Rich, creamy cheesecake topped with sweet blueberries, it’s a decadent alternative to traditional pies. This dessert is sure to gather compliments and make everyone forget about pumpkin pie for a while.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake
Peanut Butter Pie
This no-bake Peanut Butter Pie is a creamy dream for peanut butter lovers. With just 6 simple ingredients, it’s an effortless dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy. It’s the perfect sweet treat for a Thanksgiving gathering, especially for the chocolate and peanut butter fans.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie
Chocolate Lush
Chocolate Lush is a layer upon layer of dessert bliss. Think Oreo cookies, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate pudding, and cool whip – a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s a must-have for chocoholics at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush
Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Amish Apple Fritter Bread brings a cozy, comforting twist to your Thanksgiving dessert. Soft, cinnamon-spiced apple bread with a sweet glaze, it’s the perfect blend of autumn flavors. It’s a unique and delicious alternative to the usual apple pie.
Get the Recipe: Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Chocolate Cheesecake
Chocolate Cheesecake in the Instant Pot is a rich, creamy delight. The combination of a crunchy Oreo crust and smooth chocolate filling makes for an indulgent treat. This spectacular dessert is a fabulous option for those looking to impress at their Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake
Tiramisu Trifle
This no-bake Tiramisu Trifle is an easy twist on a classic dessert. Layers of coffee and rum-soaked cake with creamy Mascarpone, it’s a sophisticated yet simple treat. Perfect for a fuss-free Thanksgiving dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Trifle
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake is the ultimate fall treat. It features a delightful swirl of chocolate and pumpkin batter, topped with a cocoa powder sprinkle and chocolate glaze. This bundt cake is a perfect conversation starter for your Thanksgiving, blending two beloved flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
Pistachio Fluff
Pistachio Fluff, also known as Watergate Salad, is a light, effortless dessert. With just 5 ingredients, it’s an ideal make-ahead dish that adds a splash of color and fun to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s a sweet, nostalgic dish that brings a touch of whimsy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff
Blueberry Galette
A rustic Blueberry Galette offers an effortless yet delicious dessert for Thanksgiving. Fresh blueberries baked in a crust, it’s an open-faced pie that can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, elegant way to enjoy the sweetness of blueberries at your festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Galette
Chocolate Oreo Pie
Chocolate Oreo Pie is a no-bake wonder perfect for Thanksgiving. With layers of chocolate mousse and cookies and cream on an Oreo crust, it’s a delightful dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. This pie is a must for Oreo lovers and those looking for a quick, yummy treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oreo Pie
Rustic Apple Galette
This easy Rustic Apple Galette brings a homely charm to your Thanksgiving table. Filled with tasty apples in a flaky pie crust, it’s a simpler, yet equally delicious alternative to traditional apple pie. Top it off with ice cream for a dessert that’s sure to gather fans.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Apple Galette
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake turns the classic apple dessert on its head. Apples coated with brown sugar and butter create a deliciously sticky topping over moist cake. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional, perfect for adding some caramelized goodness to your Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Grape Pie
This Concord Grape Pie is a unique treat for your Thanksgiving feast. It’s a traditional recipe from upstate NY, featuring a flaky crust filled with juicy Concord grapes. It’s a less common but absolutely delicious pie that will have everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Grape Pie
Oreo Cheesecake
Instant Pot Oreo Cheesecake takes the beloved cookie to decadent new heights. This ultimate cookies & cream cheesecake features Oreos in the crust, filling, and topping. It’s a dream dessert for Thanksgiving, especially for those who love a twist on the classic cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake
Lime Jello Salad
Lime Jello Salad is a fun, old-fashioned favorite that brightens up any Thanksgiving table. Its vibrant green color and sweet, tangy taste make it a delightful addition to your holiday spread. It’s a perfect pick for adding a retro and refreshing touch to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake offers a twist on the traditional pumpkin pie. Just dump the ingredients, mix, and bake for a deliciously simple dessert. It’s a great option for those who love the flavors of fall but want something different and effortless for their Thanksgiving dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake
Blackberry Galette
The Blackberry Galette is a quick and easy dessert that impresses. Made with refrigerated pie crust and frozen berries, it’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the tartness of blackberries. It’s perfect for adding a rustic and fruity touch to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Galette
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites are a modern twist on a classic Thanksgiving dessert. These bite-sized treats wrap cinnamon apple filling in a flaky biscuit crust, made easy in the air fryer. They offer all the flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient, crowd-pleasing form.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites
Apple Pie Cheesecake
Combine the best of both worlds with this Apple Pie Cheesecake. An Instant Pot creation, it melds the richness of cheesecake with the classic taste of apple pie. It’s a stunning and delicious dessert perfect for Thanksgiving, especially for those who can’t choose between pie and cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cheesecake
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake is an easy yet delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie. Featuring a gingersnap crust topped with a creamy pumpkin filling, it’s the perfect Thanksgiving dessert for those who want the pumpkin flavor without the baking fuss.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cranberry Upside Down Cake
Cranberry Upside Down Cake brings a pop of color and tartness to your Thanksgiving dessert table. This cake features a layer of vibrant cranberries topped with a moist cake. It’s a unique and festive twist on the classic upside-down cake, perfect for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Upside Down Cake
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