Thanksgiving dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just bringing a dish to share, these pies, bars, cakes, and cheesecakes are loaded with cozy fall flavors like pumpkin, pecan, apple, and warm spices. Scroll through, pick a favorite (or three), and build a dessert table your guests will still be thinking about by Christmas.
Gingerbread Man Cupcakes with Gingerbread Buttercream Frosting
These adorable gingerbread man cupcakes bring all the cozy spice of classic cookies in a cute, handheld dessert. Soft gingerbread cake, creamy spiced buttercream, and fun toppers make them perfect for kids’ tables and office potlucks alike.
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie
This cream cheese pumpkin pie layers a tangy cheesecake-style filling with classic pumpkin spice for the best of both worlds. It tastes like you spent all day baking, but the straightforward prep makes it totally doable on a busy holiday week.
Plum Strudel
This plum strudel offers a fun twist if you’re looking for something beyond pumpkin and pecan. Flaky pastry and jammy, spiced plums make a beautiful centerpiece dessert that feels special without being fussy.
Pumpkin Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist pumpkin bread gets an upgrade with a bright orange cream cheese frosting that cuts through the richness. It’s easy to slice, travels well, and works just as nicely for a holiday brunch as it does for dessert.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
This caramel apple cheesecake layers creamy filling over a crunchy crust, then loads the top with tender apples and sticky caramel. It’s a showstopper for the dessert table and a fun alternative to plain apple pie.
Black Forest Cheesecake
Rich chocolate, silky cheesecake, and juicy cherries come together in this Black Forest-inspired dessert. It’s ideal if your crew loves chocolate after Thanksgiving dinner and wants something a little more decadent than pie.
Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
If you can’t choose between pecan pie and cheesecake, this caramel pecan cheesecake meets you in the middle. A buttery base, creamy filling, and glossy pecan topping make it rich enough that a small slice goes a long way.
Cranberry Loaf Cake
Tart cranberries and a tender crumb make this loaf cake feel perfectly on-theme for Thanksgiving. It doubles as a sweet brunch option the next morning with coffee, so leftovers definitely won’t go to waste.
Pumpkin Mousse with Candied Pecans and Chocolate
This pumpkin mousse layers airy, spiced pumpkin with crunchy candied pecans and a touch of chocolate. Serve it in small glasses for a make-ahead dessert that looks fancy but is actually very low-stress.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
This chocolate pecan pie leans into gooey filling and toasted nuts, with an extra layer of chocolate richness. It’s a great pick if you want something familiar but just a little more over-the-top than traditional pecan pie.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake bars give you all the flavor of a full cheesecake in easy-to-serve squares. They’re perfect for parties where people are grazing and want to grab just a little something sweet.
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Spiced gingersnap crumbs form the base of this ultra-creamy pumpkin cheesecake, adding crunch and extra warmth. It’s one of those desserts that feels bakery-level impressive but can happily sit in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve.
