21 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Ideas That Will Steal the Show
Let’s be honest—no one ever left a Thanksgiving dinner saying, “Wow, that turkey changed my life.” The truth? It’s the desserts that people remember.
Sure, mashed potatoes and gravy are comforting, but when your aunt brings out that pie or your cousin shows up with some over-the-top trifle, that’s when everyone’s eyes light up.
If you’re stressing about what sweet treats to serve this year, stop right there.
I’ve rounded up 21 easy Thanksgiving desserts ideas that’ll wow your family, keep your stress level low, and—bonus—make you look like a culinary rockstar.
And don’t worry, I’m not suggesting anything that requires pastry-chef-level skills. These are simple, crowd-pleasing, and tasty enough that people might actually forget the turkey was dry (again).
1. Classic Pumpkin Pie
We can’t talk Thanksgiving desserts without mentioning pumpkin pie. It’s basically the Beyoncé of the holiday table—iconic, reliable, and always loved. Keep it simple with a store-bought crust if you want. No shame here.
2. Pecan Pie Bars
Not everyone wants to fuss with a full pie. That’s where pecan pie bars come in. All the gooey, nutty goodness in a handheld square. Plus, bars are easier to sneak from the fridge at midnight.
3. Apple Crisp
This one’s perfect when you want something cozy but not complicated. Toss apples with cinnamon, sugar, and top with a buttery oat crumble. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Pro tip: leftovers make a fantastic breakfast.
4. Sweet Potato Pie
Yes, it’s different from pumpkin pie, and yes, it deserves more respect. Sweet potato pie is creamy, earthy, and usually less sweet than pumpkin. Think of it as pumpkin’s cooler cousin who lives in the South and knows all the best comfort food tricks.
5. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Want cheesecake without the stress? Go no-bake. Mix pumpkin puree with cream cheese, sugar, and spices, pour it into a graham cracker crust, and chill. Done. Honestly, people will think you worked way harder than you did.
6. Cranberry Orange Bread
Not every dessert needs to knock you into a sugar coma. Cranberry orange bread is slightly tart, sweet, and makes a great option for folks who want something lighter. I like to serve it sliced with a little glaze on top.
7. Chocolate Pecan Pie
Take classic pecan pie, then throw in chocolate chips. It’s rich, indulgent, and the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes on the first bite.
8. Pumpkin Roll Cake
Okay, this one sounds fancy, but it’s easier than you think. A pumpkin-spiced sponge cake rolled up with cream cheese frosting. It looks stunning on the table, and people will think you’re a baking wizard.
9. Caramel Apple Trifle
Layer spiced cake, apples sautéed in butter, caramel sauce, and whipped cream in a big glass dish. Boom—dessert masterpiece. It’s dramatic, it’s delicious, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
10. Maple Blondies
Think brownies, but maple-flavored and chewy. Drizzle a little glaze or caramel on top for good measure. These disappear fast, so maybe double the recipe.
11. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Tear up leftover bread, soak it in a pumpkin custard mixture, then bake. Top with caramel sauce or whipped cream. It’s the ultimate way to use up stale bread and look like you planned it.
12. Mini Pumpkin Pies
Sometimes full-sized pies are too much. Mini pumpkin pies baked in muffin tins are adorable and perfect for portion control (in theory, at least—I usually eat three).
13. Apple Galette
A galette is basically pie for lazy people (aka me). Roll out a crust, toss apple slices in sugar and cinnamon, then fold the crust edges over. Rustic, easy, and no pie pan required.
14. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Cheesecake lovers, this one’s for you. A graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and pumpkin spice topping. Cut into squares for an easy-to-serve option.
15. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Yes, carrot cake counts for Thanksgiving. It’s moist, spiced, and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Plus, you can technically argue it’s a vegetable dish. Win-win.
16. Apple Cider Donuts
These scream fall. Bake them in a donut pan, roll in cinnamon sugar, and watch them vanish in seconds. You can even fry them if you want that authentic cider-mill vibe.
17. Chocolate Cream Pie
Need a break from pumpkin everything? Chocolate cream pie is rich, silky, and topped with whipped cream. It’s the kind of pie that makes even non-dessert people grab a fork.
18. Pumpkin Mousse Cups
Light, fluffy, and ridiculously easy. Whip pumpkin puree with cream, sugar, and spices. Spoon into cups and top with crushed gingersnaps. Honestly, this dessert feels fancier than it is.
19. Pear Crisp
Apples get all the glory, but pears deserve their moment too. Pear crisp is juicy, spiced, and just as good with a scoop of ice cream.
20. S’mores Pie
Yes, s’mores are more of a summer thing, but hear me out. A graham cracker crust, chocolate filling, and toasted marshmallow topping? Nobody complains when this shows up on the table.
21. Pumpkin Cupcakes
Cupcakes are always a safe bet. Pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are festive, easy to grab, and perfect if you don’t feel like slicing a pie.
Why Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Are the Real Hero
Here’s the thing: Thanksgiving is stressful enough. Between basting the turkey, juggling side dishes, and making sure your uncle doesn’t start another political debate, dessert should not add to your stress. That’s why easy desserts win every time. They taste amazing, they look impressive, and they don’t keep you stuck in the kitchen all day.
Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Baking
- Make ahead when possible. Most pies, bars, and breads taste even better the next day.
- Use shortcuts. Store-bought crusts, canned pumpkin, and whipped topping exist for a reason.
- Mix flavors. Not everyone loves pumpkin (shocking, I know). Add a mix of apple, chocolate, and nut-based desserts.
- Think about presentation. Even a simple dessert looks fancy with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Ever wonder why people rave about desserts that look good, even if they’re basic? It’s because presentation tricks the brain into thinking something tastes better. So yeah, throw a dollop of whipped cream on that pie and take the compliments.
Final Thoughts: The Sweetest Part of Thanksgiving
So there you have it—21 easy Thanksgiving desserts ideas that are simple enough for anyone to make and delicious enough that nobody will notice if the turkey’s dry. Honestly, desserts are the part of the meal people look forward to most. I mean, does anyone ever ask for seconds of green bean casserole before dessert? Exactly.
This year, try one (or three) of these desserts, and watch your guests hover around the dessert table like it’s Black Friday at the mall. Pick a few different flavors so everyone’s happy, and remember—don’t stress it. The point of Thanksgiving is being together (and eating way too much sugar).
So, what’s it going to be? Pumpkin pie, chocolate cream pie, or maybe something bold like a caramel apple trifle? Whatever you choose, just make sure you save a slice for yourself before it’s all gone. Trust me—you’ll regret it if you don’t.
