Grandma’s recipe box: 15 old fashioned Thanksgiving desserts

Photo of author

| Published:

Rediscover the magic of Grandma’s kitchen. Nothing quite compares to the comforting, nostalgic flavors of old-fashioned Thanksgiving desserts.

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cranberry Fluff

A bowl of pink cranberry dip with a wooden spoon.
Cranberry Fluff. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cranberry Fluff is what happens when cranberries decide to take a walk on the wild side. This vintage concoction brings together tart berries and sweet fluffiness for a side dish that’s as quirky as your eccentric aunt. and skeptics.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff

Blackberry Galette

Blackberry galette topped with whipped cream.
Blackberry Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Blackberry Galette is a quick and easy dessert that impresses. Made with refrigerated pie crust and frozen berries, it’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the tartness of blackberries. It’s perfect for adding a rustic and fruity touch to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Galette

Cinnamon Roll Pie

Slice of cinnamon roll pie with cream cheese icing on a white plate.
Cinnamon Roll Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cinnamon rolls and pie join forces for this Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie. It’s a heavenly combo of gooey cinnamon rolls nestled in a flaky pie crust, topped with frosting. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it’s the talk-of-the-table dessert that doubles as a brunch treat.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cherry Salad is the kind of throwback your Thanksgiving desperately needs. Get ready to spoon up some nostalgia (and maybe a few raised eyebrows).
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Rustic Apple Galette

A slice of apple galette with ice cream on a plate.
Rustic Apple Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy Rustic Apple Galette brings a homely charm to your Thanksgiving table. Filled with tasty apples in a flaky pie crust, it’s a simpler, yet equally delicious alternative to traditional apple pie. Top it off with ice cream for a dessert that’s sure to gather fans.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Apple Galette

Chocolate Lush

Slice of chocolate peanut butter lasagna on a plate.
Chocolate Lush. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Lush is a layer upon layer of dessert bliss. Think Oreo cookies, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate pudding, and cool whip – a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s a must-have for chocoholics at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush

Peanut Butter Pie

Side view of a slice of peanut butter pie topped with whipped cream on a plate.
Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This no-bake Peanut Butter Pie is a creamy dream for peanut butter lovers. With just 6 simple ingredients, it’s an effortless dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy. It’s the perfect sweet treat for a Thanksgiving gathering, especially for the chocolate and peanut butter fans.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Amish Apple Fritter Bread

A slice of apple cinnamon bread on a cutting board.
Amish Apple Fritter Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Apple Fritter Bread brings a cozy, comforting twist to your Thanksgiving dessert. Soft, cinnamon-spiced apple bread with a sweet glaze, it’s the perfect blend of autumn flavors. It’s a unique and delicious alternative to the usual apple pie.
Get the Recipe: Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pistachio Fluff, also known as Watergate Salad, is a light, effortless dessert. With just 5 ingredients, it’s an ideal make-ahead dish that adds a splash of color and fun to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s a sweet, nostalgic dish that brings a touch of whimsy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Banoffee Pie

A slice of banoffee pie on a light blue plate, featuring layers of banana, caramel, and whipped cream, with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top.
Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Banoffee Pie, a decadent dessert featuring bananas, toffee, and whipped cream. This classic British treat is easier to make than you think and will be a huge hit at Thanksgiving dinner!
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie

Blueberry Galette

Blueberry galette topped with whipped cream.
Blueberry Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A rustic Blueberry Galette offers an effortless yet delicious dessert for Thanksgiving. Fresh blueberries baked in a crust, it’s an open-faced pie that can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, elegant way to enjoy the sweetness of blueberries at your festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Galette

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lime Jello Salad is a fun, old-fashioned favorite that brightens up any Thanksgiving table. Its vibrant green color and sweet, tangy taste make it a delightful addition to your holiday spread. It’s a perfect pick for adding a retro and refreshing touch to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Tiramisu Trifle

Layers of cake, coffee pudding and whipped cream in a trifle glass.
Tiramisu Trifle. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This no-bake Tiramisu Trifle is an easy twist on a classic dessert. Layers of coffee and rum-soaked cake with creamy Mascarpone, it’s a sophisticated yet simple treat. Perfect for a fuss-free Thanksgiving dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Trifle

Grape Pie

Grape pie on a plate in front of the pie plate with a bunch of grapes.
Grape Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Concord Grape Pie is a unique treat for your Thanksgiving feast. It’s a traditional recipe from upstate NY, featuring a flaky crust filled with juicy Concord grapes. It’s a less common but absolutely delicious pie that will have everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Grape Pie

Orange Fluff Salad

Orange fluff salad in a bowl.
Orange Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Orange Fluff Salad is your grandma’s secret weapon and possibly the reason your parents turned out so interesting. Combining citrusy zing with creamy nostalgia, it’s a dessert-salad hybrid that defies all culinary logic.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.