Once the turkey’s carved, the stuffing’s gone, and everyone’s on their second helping of mashed potatoes, there’s one more thing that seals a Thanksgiving feast—the desserts.
I’ve gathered some of my favorite Thanksgiving dessert recipes—classics with a twist, nostalgic bakes, and a few easy no-bake options for when the oven’s already full.
Each one captures a bit of the season’s warmth and indulgence, perfect for sharing after a long day of good food and better company.
1. Classic Pumpkin Pie with Caramel Pecan Topping
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving tradition in its purest form—but this version takes it a notch higher with a caramel pecan topping that adds both texture and sweetness. The spiced pumpkin filling, rich and silky, contrasts beautifully with the crunch of glazed pecans.
I like to drizzle a bit of extra caramel right before serving; it makes every slice look (and taste) extra special. The aroma alone fills your kitchen with that unmistakable holiday warmth.
To bake this upgraded classic, click here.
2. No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
If your oven is packed with turkey, stuffing, and casseroles, this creamy no-bake pumpkin pie comes to the rescue.
With a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth pumpkin filling spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a stress-free dessert that doesn’t compromise flavor. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookies for a little flair.
For the easiest pumpkin pie you’ll ever make, click here.
3. Pecan Pie with Homemade Crust
There’s something deeply comforting about slicing into a gooey, nutty pecan pie, especially when it’s baked in a flaky, buttery crust you’ve made from scratch. The filling is a rich blend of brown sugar, butter, and syrup that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
If there are no kids consuming this pie, you can add a touch of bourbon to deepen the flavor without overpowering the sweetness. Every bite feels like nostalgia wrapped in pastry.
To master this Southern classic, click here.
4. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
A Thanksgiving dessert table isn’t complete without something for the cookie lovers. These brown butter chocolate chip cookies are perfectly chewy, nutty, and aromatic. The brown butter gives them a toffee-like richness that makes them taste gourmet with minimal effort.
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top before baking, as it brings out the chocolate flavor beautifully. These are the kind of cookies that disappear before the coffee even hits the table.
To bake a batch, click here.
5. Lemon Meringue Pie
Light, bright, and tangy, lemon meringue pie is the perfect way to cut through all the heaviness of Thanksgiving dinner. The citrus curd filling balances sweet and tart, while the golden, fluffy meringue topping adds that dramatic flair.
For your next showstopper pie, click here.
6. Blackberry Cobbler
This rustic dessert is pure comfort in a dish. Juicy blackberries bubble under a buttery, golden crust, creating that perfect balance of tart and sweet. I like to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts right into the filling.
If you’re using frozen berries, no problem—just toss them with a little cornstarch before baking. It’s one of those desserts that tastes like home and never fails to make people smile.
For a cozy cobbler recipe, click here.
7. Key Lime Pie
Tangy, creamy, and irresistibly smooth, key lime pie brings a bit of tropical flair to your Thanksgiving spread. The tartness of the lime filling pairs perfectly with a sweet, crumbly graham crust.
It’s cool, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make ahead of time. Top it with whipped cream and a bit of lime zest for a pop of color.
If you want something unexpected but crowd-pleasing, click here.
8. Limoncello Cake
Elegant and zesty, this limoncello cake is for those who love desserts with a little sophistication. The sponge layers are soaked in limoncello syrup, giving each bite a burst of citrus flavor without being overly sweet.
I recommend serving it slightly chilled because the flavors come alive that way. I once made this for a post-Thanksgiving brunch, and it was just as good the next morning.
To bake this light yet indulgent treat, click here.
9. Blueberry Loaf
Moist, fluffy, and dotted with juicy blueberries, this loaf is perfect for those who prefer a dessert that’s not too heavy. The berries add a natural sweetness, and the crumb has a delicate buttery flavor.
Add a touch of lemon zest to brighten things up. It’s versatile too. You can serve it as dessert, breakfast, or even a sweet afternoon snack.
For an easy bake that feels homemade and comforting, click here.
10. Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake
This one’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. With canned pineapple, cherry pie filling, and a box of cake mix, it’s basically magic in a baking dish. The layers transform into a golden, caramelized cobbler-like dessert as it bakes.
It’s fruity, gooey, and a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves something warm and nostalgic. I like topping mine with vanilla ice cream right out of the oven.
To make this simple yet crowd-pleasing treat, click here.
Sweet Endings for a Perfect Thanksgiving
Dessert is the grand finale of Thanksgiving. No matter how full your guests are, I guarantee you that every single one of them would take more than two servings of these sweet treats.
I’ve always loved ending the feast with a dessert that sparks conversation, something that makes everyone linger at the table just a little longer.
These recipes do just that: familiar flavors, a few surprises, and all the cozy joy that makes Thanksgiving truly unforgettable.
Featured image credit: @fabeveryday
