21 Friendsgiving Dessert Ideas That’ll Steal the Show (and Probably Your Waistline)
So, Friendsgiving is coming up, and let’s be honest—no one remembers who made the mashed potatoes.
But everyone remembers the desserts. That gooey pie, those warm cookies, that cake you swore you weren’t going to eat seconds of (spoiler: you did).
If you want to be the hero of your next Friendsgiving, I’ve rounded up 21 Friendsgiving dessert ideas that will make your friends fight for the last bite. Ready to plan your sweet spread? Let’s roll.
1. Classic Pumpkin Pie (Because You Kinda Have To)
I know, I know—it feels cliché. But pumpkin pie is basically the Beyoncé of Friendsgiving desserts: timeless, dependable, and always stealing the spotlight.
Pro tip? Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to make it feel a little extra.
2. Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
Ever notice how apple crisp smells like happiness in a baking dish? The crunchy oat topping paired with warm spiced apples just screams fall. Serve it hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and boom—you’ve won Friendsgiving.
3. Pecan Pie Bars
Want pecan pie flavor without the fuss of a full pie? Make pecan pie bars. They’re bite-sized, portable, and way easier to cut than an actual pie. Trust me, your friends will thank you when they don’t have to wrestle with a crumbly crust.
4. Sweet Potato Pie
IMO, sweet potato pie doesn’t get nearly enough love. It’s creamy, flavorful, and has just the right balance of sweetness and spice. If you’ve never tried it, consider this your sign.
5. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ever wondered what happens when pumpkin pie and cheesecake have a baby? You get pumpkin cheesecake—rich, creamy, and dangerously addictive. If you’re trying to impress, this is the one.
6. Apple Cider Donuts
Yes, you can totally bring donuts to Friendsgiving. Make them baked, fried, or even mini-sized. Dust them with cinnamon sugar, and suddenly, everyone’s calling you the dessert genius.
7. Chocolate Pecan Pie
If regular pecan pie feels too basic, throw in some chocolate. It adds a richness that makes the pie taste even more indulgent. Honestly, it’s like pecan pie leveled up.
8. Pumpkin Roll Cake
This dessert looks fancy but isn’t as hard as it seems. It’s basically a pumpkin-spiced cake rolled around cream cheese filling. Slice it up, and it looks like you slaved in the kitchen all day (don’t worry, your secret’s safe).
9. Cranberry Orange Bread
Want something lighter? Cranberry orange bread brings tart, sweet, and zesty vibes to the dessert table. It’s a nice break from all the heavy pies, and it pairs perfectly with coffee.
10. Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
Brownies are always a hit, so why not make them festive? Swirl in pumpkin puree and fall spices to create pumpkin brownies. They’re fudgy, seasonal, and way easier to make than a pie.
11. Pumpkin Pie Trifles
Here’s the trick: layer pumpkin pie filling, whipped cream, and crushed cookies in a cup. Congrats, you’ve just made pumpkin trifles that look fancy but take basically no effort.
12. Caramel Apple Pie
We all love apple pie, but add caramel and suddenly it feels like a luxury dessert. Bonus points if you top it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.
13. Maple Pecan Blondies
Think brownies but with brown sugar and maple syrup vibes. These blondies are chewy, nutty, and ridiculously good with coffee.
14. S’mores Pie
Who says s’mores are just for summer? Bake a graham cracker crust, fill it with chocolate, and top it with toasted marshmallows. Watch your friends fight over it.
15. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
These little cookie sandwiches are basically soft pumpkin cakes with a creamy filling. They’re cute, fun, and way easier to serve than a messy pie.
16. Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Want to add a little kick? Mix a splash of bourbon into your chocolate pecan pie. It adds warmth and depth, plus you get to sound fancy when you tell people what’s in it.
17. Mini Pumpkin Tarts
If you hate cutting pies (or your knife skills are tragic), make mini pumpkin tarts. They’re bite-sized, adorable, and perfect for people who “just want a little taste.”
18. Apple Galette
Think of a galette as pie’s laid-back cousin. It’s rustic, freeform, and forgiving if you’re not great at baking. Serve it warm with whipped cream and you’ll look like a pro.
19. Gingerbread Cookies
Yes, they’re more of a Christmas thing, but gingerbread cookies totally work for Friendsgiving too. They’re spicy, cozy, and fun to decorate if you want a group activity.
20. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
This one’s seriously underrated. Use day-old bread, pumpkin puree, spices, and a custard base. Bake it until golden, then drizzle with caramel sauce. People will beg for the recipe.
21. Cheesecake Bites
Not everyone wants a giant slice of cake after stuffing themselves with turkey. Enter cheesecake bites—bite-sized, creamy, and totally customizable with toppings like caramel, chocolate, or fruit.
Friendsgiving Dessert Tips You’ll Actually Use
Picking desserts is one thing, but let’s make sure they actually get eaten.
- Mix it up: Don’t bring three pumpkin desserts. Balance with chocolate, fruit, and spice.
- Think bite-sized: After a full meal, people love grab-and-go desserts like bars, cookies, or mini tarts.
- Prep ahead: Choose at least one dessert that can be made a day or two early. Future-you will thank you.
- Presentation matters: Even if you buy store-bought, dress it up with a fancy platter or extra garnish. Instant upgrade.
FAQs About Friendsgiving Desserts
Q: Can I just buy dessert instead of making it?
Absolutely. Nobody will complain if you show up with a box of donuts or a bakery pie. Just plate it nicely and own it.
Q: How many desserts should I bring?
Depends on your group size, but usually two desserts for every 6–8 people works well. More options = happier friends.
Q: What’s the easiest dessert on this list?
IMO, pumpkin trifles or pecan bars are almost foolproof. Minimal effort, maximum payoff.
Q: How do I make desserts feel “Friendsgiving-y”?
Add fall flavors—think pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, or maple. Seasonal flavors scream Thanksgiving without being boring.
Q: What if I’m terrible at baking?
Go with apple crisp or bread pudding. They’re forgiving, rustic, and honestly? A little messy just makes them taste better.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Friendsgiving isn’t about who made the fanciest dessert. It’s about hanging out with your favorite people and stuffing your face without judgment. That said, showing up with one of these 21 Friendsgiving dessert ideas will absolutely score you MVP status. So pick your favorite, prep it with love (or grab it from the bakery—no shame), and get ready for your friends to beg you to bring it again next year.
