17 Thanksgiving desserts that are anything but ordinary

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Pumpkin pie might be the classic Thanksgiving dessert, but there’s a whole world of sweets that deserve a spot on the table. These 17 desserts are anything but ordinary. From rich flavors to fun twists on old favorites, there’s something here to surprise everyone. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these recipes are easy to love and hard to forget.

A close-up of a bitten chocolate-covered truffle in a purple wrapper, with two more unbitten truffles in the background, also in purple wrappers.
Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Frosted Banana Bars

Image shows a Frosted Banana Bar with a bite taken from it on a white plate.
Frosted Banana Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

When ripe bananas are begging to be used, these frosted banana bars are the answer. The soft, moist texture paired with creamy frosting makes every bite a little moment of bliss. Perfect for Thanksgiving, they’re a treat that’s both simple to make and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars

Lemon Squares

Image shows a close up of Lemon Squares on a white plate.
Lemon Squares. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Zesty lemon squares add a refreshing burst to any dessert table. The buttery, crisp crust combined with the tangy lemon filling is a perfect balance of sweet and sour. This easy-to-make dessert will have everyone asking for the recipe at your Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares

Mocha Meringues

A bowl filled with mocha meringue cookies, some scattered on a dark textured surface.
Mocha Meringues. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These mocha meringues are a twist on the classic meringue, bringing a bold coffee flavor to a light, airy dessert. Easy to whip up, they make a great option for Thanksgiving, offering a sweet, crunchy bite that’s naturally gluten-free. Perfect for those who want something unique yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Mocha Meringues

Cherry Pie Cookies

Image shows Cherry Pie Cookies close up on a white plate.
Cherry Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

If you love pie but want a simpler option, these cherry pie cookies are the perfect solution. With a sweet cherry filling wrapped in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust, they deliver all the flavors of a pie in a fun, bite-sized form. These cookies are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Cookies

S’mores Stuffed Strawberries

Image shows a hand holding a s'mores stuffed strawberry half with the filling exposed and more behind it.
S’mores Stuffed Strawberries. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Turn classic s’mores into something special with fresh strawberries stuffed with Nutella and marshmallow fluff. Rolled in graham cracker crumbs, these sweet, crunchy treats are an easy-to-make dessert that will wow your guests at Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect combination of indulgent and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Strawberries

Bourbon Chocolate Mousse

Image shows A glass bowl filled with chocolate mousse, placed on a wooden surface.
Bourbon Chocolate Mousse. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Rich chocolate mousse gets a sophisticated twist with a hint of bourbon, making this a dessert that’s as decadent as it is unique. Smooth and creamy, it’s the kind of treat that’s perfect for impressing guests during Thanksgiving. This gluten-free dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chocolate Mousse

Food Processor Pie Crust

Unbaked pie crust in a fluted dish with fork holes for venting, placed on a countertop.
Homemade Pie Crust. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Skip the hassle of rolling out dough with this food processor pie crust. A quick blend of butter and flour creates the perfect flaky crust without the mess, saving time for other Thanksgiving preparations. It’s simple and reliable, so you can focus on filling it with your favorite pie recipe.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Pie Crust

Raspberry Meringues

Image shows Raspberry Meringues in a glass parfait dish with more surrounding it on a wooden board.
Raspberry Meringues. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Light, airy, and packed with a fruity punch, raspberry meringues are a delightful dessert for Thanksgiving. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re an easy treat to prepare that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The gentle crunch and sweet raspberry notes make each bite memorable.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Meringues

Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles

A close-up of a bitten chocolate-covered truffle in a purple wrapper, with two more unbitten truffles in the background, also in purple wrappers.
Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Brown sugar cookie dough truffles are a simple yet irresistible dessert for your Thanksgiving spread. With a smooth, sweet dough that’s perfect for rolling into little bites, these truffles melt in your mouth and offer a nostalgic flavor that everyone loves. They make a perfect gift or a fun addition to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles

Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse

Image shows a Spoon with Baileys chocolate mousse and whipped cream and the full serving behind it.
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Smooth, velvety chocolate mousse combined with the creamy richness of Bailey’s Irish Cream creates a dessert that feels luxurious yet easy to make. This indulgent treat will be the highlight of your Thanksgiving dessert table, perfect for those who want something a little different. It’s a sweet, sophisticated finish to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse

Granola Apple Crisp

Image shows a close up of a fork holding a bite of Granola Apple Crisp with the whole serving behind it.
Granola Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Granola and apples come together in this simple yet delicious apple crisp, a perfect dessert to serve at Thanksgiving. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apples are topped with a crunchy granola layer that gives it a delightful texture. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Granola Apple Crisp

Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake

Image shows a spoon holding a scoop of the strawberry lemonade icebox cake with a small jar of the dessert behind it.
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

With its light, creamy layers of lemon and strawberries, this icebox cake is the perfect no-bake dessert for Thanksgiving. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and beautiful enough to be the centerpiece of your dessert table. The sweet and tangy combination of flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake

English Toffee

Image shows a stack of English Toffee on a white plate.
English Toffee. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

English toffee is a timeless treat that brings a buttery sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, this homemade candy is sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: English Toffee

Classic Butterscotch Pudding

Classic Butterscotch Pudding. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This gluten-free butterscotch pudding brings back the comforting, rich flavor everyone remembers. Its smooth, velvety texture and deep butterscotch flavor make it a perfect dessert to cap off Thanksgiving dinner. Easy to make yet satisfying, it’s a dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Classic Butterscotch Pudding

Chocolate And Caramel Tart

A slice of chocolate tart on a clear plate with a fork. The tart is topped with powdered sugar.
Chocolate and Caramel Tart. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A buttery tart crust filled with gooey caramel and topped with decadent chocolate ganache, this dessert is a perfect way to wow your guests at Thanksgiving. Rich, sweet, and utterly indulgent, it’s a treat that blends textures and flavors in every bite. No one will be able to resist a slice.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate And Caramel Tart

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding

Image shows A close-up of a spoon with chocolate pudding above a glass filled with the same pudding. Three more glasses of pudding are in the background on a gray surface.
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy, dark chocolate pudding is a dessert that feels like home, offering deep, rich flavor in every spoonful. Easy to make yet satisfying, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving when you want something comforting and sweet. Top it with whipped cream for a special touch that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Image shows a head on close up shot of a slice of Apple Pie Bread Pudding topped with whipped cream.
Apple Pie Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Apple Pie Bread Pudding takes the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie and combines them with the soft, rich texture of bread pudding. The warm spices, sweet apples, and creamy custard make this dessert a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. It’s a cozy, satisfying treat everyone will want to try.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Bread Pudding

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