25 Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pumpkin Pie

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with family, enjoy a delicious holiday meal, and finish the celebration with something sweet. While pumpkin pie is a traditional favorite, there are plenty of other wonderful desserts that deserve a place on your Thanksgiving table. From creamy cheesecakes and homemade apple desserts to rich chocolate brownies and classic pecan treats, you have endless options to make your holiday extra special.

If you are looking for Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pumpkin pie, this collection has something for everyone. Whether you need an easy dessert for a busy holiday, a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner, or a make-ahead sweet treat for guests, these recipes are simple, delicious, and full of seasonal flavors.

The best part? Many of these desserts use familiar ingredients like apples, cranberries, cinnamon, caramel, chocolate, and pecans. You can prepare them ahead of time, share them with loved ones, and create a memorable Thanksgiving dessert spread without making another pumpkin pie.

Let’s explore 25 delicious Thanksgiving dessert ideas that everyone will love!

1. Classic Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving classic with a buttery crust and rich, sweet filling. Its crunchy pecan topping makes it a wonderful alternative to pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the pie crust in a pie dish and arrange the pecans inside.
3. Whisk eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla in a bowl.
4. Pour the mixture over the pecans.
5. Bake for 50–60 minutes until the filling is mostly set.
6. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.

2. Homemade Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is an easy Thanksgiving dessert featuring tender cinnamon apples and a crunchy buttery topping. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Spread the apples in a greased baking dish.
4. Mix oats, flour, and melted butter in another bowl.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve warm with ice cream.

3. Cranberry Cheesecake

This creamy cranberry cheesecake combines a smooth cream cheese filling with a sweet-tart cranberry topping. Its beautiful color makes it perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cranberry sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
6. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 50–60 minutes.
7. Cool completely, refrigerate, and spread cranberry sauce on top before serving.

4. Salted Caramel Apple Pie

A traditional apple pie becomes even more special with a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel. It is sweet, buttery, and full of warm autumn flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 pie crusts
• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Place one pie crust into a pie dish.
4. Add the apple mixture and drizzle with caramel sauce.
5. Cover with the second crust and seal the edges.
6. Cut small openings in the top crust.
7. Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden.
8. Cool slightly and drizzle with extra caramel before serving.

5. Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Chocolate fudge brownies are perfect for guests who prefer rich chocolate desserts. Their soft centers and slightly crispy tops make them irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1½ cups sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter and mix it with sugar and cocoa powder.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
4. Fold in flour, salt, and chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into a lined baking pan.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
7. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

6. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and sweet apple topping. A caramel drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 apples, diced
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crumbs and butter, then press into a baking pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until creamy.
4. Spread the filling over the crust.
5. Toss diced apples with cinnamon and scatter over the filling.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
7. Cool, refrigerate, and drizzle with caramel before slicing.

7. Classic Apple Pie

Apple pie is one of the most loved holiday desserts. A flaky crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apples makes it a wonderful Thanksgiving choice.

Ingredients:

• 2 pie crusts
• 6 medium apples
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and slice the apples.
3. Mix apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
4. Place one crust in a pie dish and add the apple filling.
5. Dot with butter and cover with the second crust.
6. Seal the edges and cut small vents.
7. Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool before serving.

8. Maple Pecan Cookies

These soft cookies are packed with chopped pecans and delicious maple flavor. They are easy to prepare and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert platters.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add egg, maple syrup, and vanilla.
4. Mix in flour and baking soda.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes and cool before serving.

9. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delicious Southern-inspired Thanksgiving dessert. Its smooth texture and warm spices make it a great alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.
3. Mix sweet potatoes with sugar, eggs, milk, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 50–55 minutes until the center is nearly set.
6. Cool completely before slicing.
7. Serve with whipped cream.

10. Chocolate Pecan Tart

A chocolate pecan tart is an elegant dessert that combines a crisp pastry crust with rich chocolate and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared tart crust
• 1 cup pecan halves
• ¾ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the tart crust in a tart pan.
3. Spread chocolate chips and pecans over the crust.
4. Whisk brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
5. Pour the mixture over the pecans.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until set.
7. Cool before slicing.

11. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

These soft donut-style muffins are coated in cinnamon sugar and make a simple Thanksgiving morning or dessert treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup melted butter and ½ cup cinnamon sugar for coating

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. Whisk egg, milk, and melted butter separately.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
5. Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes.
7. Brush warm muffins with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

12. No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

If you want an easy Thanksgiving dessert without turning on the oven, this chocolate cheesecake is a fantastic choice. It is creamy, rich, and simple to prepare ahead.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup melted chocolate, cooled
• 1 cup whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter.
2. Press the mixture into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
4. Mix in the melted chocolate.
5. Gently fold in whipped cream.
6. Spread the filling over the crust.
7. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or until firm.
8. Decorate with chocolate shavings before serving.

13. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Cranberry orange cake brings a refreshing combination of sweet citrus and tart cranberries to your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs, orange juice, and orange zest.
4. Mix flour and baking powder separately.
5. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
6. Fold in cranberries.
7. Pour into a greased Bundt pan.
8. Bake for 40–50 minutes and cool before removing.

14. Homemade Apple Turnovers

Apple turnovers are flaky, sweet, and easy to serve individually. They are a great option when you want a bakery-style Thanksgiving dessert at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 package puff pastry, thawed
• 2 apples, diced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 egg, beaten

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for 5 minutes.
3. Cut puff pastry into squares.
4. Add a spoonful of apple filling to each square.
5. Fold into triangles and seal the edges.
6. Brush with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and flaky.
8. Cool slightly before serving.

15. Pecan Pie Cheesecake

This dessert combines two holiday favorites into one impressive treat. A creamy cheesecake base and sweet pecan topping make every bite special.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 24 oz cream cheese
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix crumbs and melted butter, then press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
5. Pour the filling over the crust.
6. Bake for 50–60 minutes and cool.
7. Cook pecans, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan until bubbly.
8. Spread the pecan topping over the cooled cheesecake and refrigerate until serving.

16. Classic Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert made with layers of bananas, vanilla pudding, and cookies. It is especially convenient because it can be prepared ahead.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 1 package vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 package vanilla wafers

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package instructions.
2. Gently fold in the whipped topping.
3. Slice the bananas.
4. Arrange vanilla wafers in a serving dish.
5. Add a layer of banana slices and pudding.
6. Repeat the layers until the dish is filled.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

17. Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

This warm bread pudding transforms simple bread into a delicious Thanksgiving dessert. Apples, cinnamon, and caramel create a wonderful combination.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 apples, diced
• 2 cups milk
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ cup caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place bread cubes and diced apples in a greased baking dish.
3. Whisk milk, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
4. Pour the mixture over the bread.
5. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

18. Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Mini cherry cheesecakes are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings because everyone gets an individual serving. They look beautiful and are easy to arrange on a dessert platter.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup cherry pie filling

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter.
3. Press the mixture into lined muffin cups.
4. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Divide the filling between the cups.
6. Bake for 18–22 minutes.
7. Cool completely and refrigerate.
8. Top each cheesecake with cherry filling before serving.

19. Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler

This easy cobbler combines warm cinnamon apples with a soft, sweet topping. It is a wonderful choice for anyone who loves homemade apple desserts.

Ingredients:

• 5 apples, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 package refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Spread the apples in a greased baking dish.
4. Cut cinnamon rolls into small pieces.
5. Arrange the pieces over the apples.
6. Brush with melted butter.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is cooked through.
8. Drizzle with the cinnamon roll icing before serving.

20. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Chocolate chip cookie bars are an easy crowd-pleasing dessert that requires less effort than making individual cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and both sugars together.
3. Add egg and vanilla.
4. Mix in flour and baking soda.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Press the dough into a lined baking pan.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden around the edges.
8. Cool before cutting into bars.

21. Maple Glazed Apple Cake

This moist apple cake features fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a sweet maple glaze. It is an excellent dessert for a cozy Thanksgiving celebration.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 apples, chopped
• ½ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup maple syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and milk.
4. Mix flour, cinnamon, and baking powder separately.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
6. Fold in chopped apples.
7. Pour into a greased cake pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.
8. Warm maple syrup slightly and brush over the cooled cake.

22. No-Bake Oreo Dessert

This layered Oreo dessert is a wonderful option for busy Thanksgiving hosts. It features a crunchy cookie crust, creamy filling, and chocolate topping.

Ingredients:

• 24 Oreo cookies
• ½ cup melted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 package chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Crush Oreo cookies and mix with melted butter.
2. Press the mixture into a serving dish.
3. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
4. Fold in half of the whipped topping.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
6. Prepare chocolate pudding with cold milk.
7. Spread the pudding over the cream layer.
8. Add remaining whipped topping and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

23. Homemade Cinnamon Apple Fritters

Apple fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Their sweet cinnamon flavor makes them a delicious addition to Thanksgiving dessert menus.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 2 apples, finely chopped
• Oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. Whisk egg and milk in another bowl.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
4. Fold in chopped apples.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
6. Drop small spoonfuls of batter into the oil.
7. Fry until golden and cooked through, turning as needed.
8. Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.

24. Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Not every Thanksgiving dessert needs to be rich and heavy. These lemon blueberry cheesecake bars offer a refreshing combination of creamy filling, bright citrus, and juicy berries.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¾ cup blueberries

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
3. Press into a lined baking pan.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Add eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
6. Pour the filling over the crust.
7. Scatter blueberries on top.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, cool, and refrigerate before slicing.

25. Classic Homemade Apple Cake

Finish your Thanksgiving dessert menu with a homemade apple cake. It is soft, moist, and filled with fresh apples and warm spices.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups chopped apples
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl.
3. Mix flour, cinnamon, and baking soda separately.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
5. Fold in chopped apples and walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving desserts are about bringing people together and creating sweet memories around the holiday table. Although pumpkin pie is a traditional favorite, these 25 Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pumpkin pie prove that there are plenty of delicious alternatives worth trying.

From classic pecan pie and homemade apple crisp to creamy cranberry cheesecake, chocolate brownies, and easy no-bake treats, every recipe offers something special. You can choose a simple dessert for a small family gathering or prepare several beautiful treats for a larger Thanksgiving celebration.

Try one or more of these recipes this holiday season, serve them with your favorite coffee, tea, or ice cream, and give your guests something delicious to remember. After all, Thanksgiving is even sweeter when there is a wonderful dessert waiting at the end of the meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best Thanksgiving desserts besides pumpkin pie?

Some of the best alternatives include pecan pie, apple crisp, cranberry cheesecake, sweet potato pie, chocolate brownies, apple cobbler, and caramel apple cheesecake bars.

2. What is the easiest dessert to make for Thanksgiving?

Apple crisp, chocolate chip cookie bars, banana pudding, and no-bake Oreo dessert are some of the easiest Thanksgiving desserts. They require simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

3. Can I make Thanksgiving desserts ahead of time?

Yes! Cheesecakes, brownies, cookies, pies, and many cake recipes can be prepared one or two days ahead. Store them properly in the refrigerator or at room temperature, depending on the recipe.

4. What Thanksgiving desserts are good for a large crowd?

Sheet cakes, brownies, cookie bars, apple crisp, banana pudding, and mini cheesecakes are excellent choices for serving larger groups because they are easy to portion.