Pumpkin pie may be the star of Thanksgiving, but a dessert table with a few extra treats makes the celebration even sweeter. From rich chocolate desserts to fruity favorites, these recipes give everyone something to look forward to without making the holiday feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hosting the whole family or bringing a dish to share, you’ll find easy, crowd-pleasing desserts that round out the feast and make your holiday spread feel extra special.
Apple Cinnamon Cake
Tender apples, cozy cinnamon, and a crunchy crumble topping make every slice feel right at home on a fall dessert table. A simple milk-and-powdered-sugar glaze adds a sweet finish without taking away from the warm spices. Pair it with coffee or tea after Thanksgiving dinner, or save a slice for a leisurely breakfast the next morning.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake
Butterscotch Brownies
Soft, chewy centers and golden edges make every square rich with buttery butterscotch flavor. The simple batter comes together without much fuss, leaving more time to enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities. Cut them into bite-sized squares for an easy dessert tray or a sweet treat to nibble on after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Upside Down Apple Tart
Caramelized apples and flaky puff pastry bring all the cozy flavors of fall to the table with surprisingly little effort. As the tart bakes, the fruit turns tender and glossy, creating a lovely golden topping when flipped. Serve it slightly warm for a rustic Thanksgiving dessert that feels special without adding a complicated baking project.
Get the Recipe: Upside Down Apple Tart
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Creamy pumpkin filling meets a buttery, crumbly topping for a dessert that brings pumpkin pie flavors with a little extra texture. The straightforward preparation keeps things easy, even when the kitchen is busy with holiday cooking. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for another pumpkin favorite that can share the spotlight with the pie.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pecan Pie
A tender, buttery oil crust means no rolling pin is needed, while the gooey caramel-like filling brings plenty of old-fashioned charm. Toasted pecans add a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the rich, sweet center. Set it beside the pumpkin pie for a holiday dessert spread with room for another classic.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie
Old Fashioned Fudge
Creamy, chocolate-rich fudge brings a nostalgic touch to the holiday dessert spread, just like the treats passed around at family gatherings. Each piece melts smoothly in your mouth, making it easy to enjoy a little sweetness without needing a full slice of cake or pie. The generous batch is also perfect for gifting, sharing with guests, or packing into festive treat boxes.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Fudge
Applesauce Cake
Applesauce keeps the crumb moist and tender, while cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves fill the kitchen with those familiar fall aromas. Simple ingredients and just 10 minutes of prep make it an easy bake during a busy holiday week. Serve it plain or with a light glaze for a cozy addition to the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Cake
Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets
Flaky, buttery pastry wraps around tender apples tossed with warm spices, bringing all the familiar charm of apple pie in a hand-held treat. Using puff pastry cuts down on prep while still giving each pocket crisp layers and a lovely golden finish. Arrange them on a platter for Thanksgiving guests to grab between conversations, or tuck a few away for a sweet snack later.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets
Pumpkin Brownies
Rich chocolate and chewy brownie centers get a seasonal twist from a swirl of spiced pumpkin. Crisp edges and a tender middle give every square a lovely contrast, so there’s plenty to enjoy in each bite. Slice them into small portions for a festive dessert tray that offers something different from the usual pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies
Peanut Butter Fudge
Smooth peanut butter, vanilla, and butter come together in an easy homemade treat with the creamy flavor of a peanut butter cup. The mixture sets into neat little squares, making it simple to prepare ahead of the holiday rush. Add them to a Thanksgiving dessert platter or wrap a few up as sweet take-home treats for family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge
No Crust Cheesecake
Skip the fuss of a crust and enjoy all the creamy, velvety goodness of homemade cheesecake. A tangy sour cream layer gives each slice a fresh little contrast to the rich filling. It’s a lovely choice for guests who want something cool and creamy alongside the usual holiday pies.
Get the Recipe: No Crust Cheesecake
Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples and a crumbly oat topping bring classic apple crisp flavor to four individual ramekins. A touch of lemon zest brightens the fruit, while cornstarch thickens the juices into a spoonable sauce instead of a watery mess. Made in the air fryer, it’s a handy small-batch dessert when the oven is already packed with Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Poached Pears
Red wine, honey, citrus, and warming spices gently infuse the pears as they simmer until tender. The fruit takes on a beautiful color and delicate flavor, while the reduced poaching liquid becomes a fragrant syrup for drizzling. Serve them warm or chilled for an elegant holiday dessert that feels lighter after a generous Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Poached Pears
Stuffed Dates
Sweet, sticky Medjool dates pair beautifully with tangy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts for a simple mix of flavors and textures. No cooking is needed, so they’re easy to assemble while the oven is busy with the rest of the Thanksgiving menu. Set them out as a small sweet-and-savory bite for guests who like to graze before dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates
Gooey Butter Cake
A buttery cake base and rich cream cheese layer bake into a soft, gooey treat with a delicate golden top. The contrast between the tender base and creamy center makes each square feel extra indulgent without needing fancy decorations. Cut it into small portions for a dessert spread where guests can sample a little of everything after the Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Butter Cake
Pumpkin Souffle
A delicate golden top gives way to a light, tender center filled with cozy pumpkin spice flavor. With only 12 minutes in the oven, it’s a quick option when the holiday menu already has plenty of dishes competing for space and time. Serve it warm for a wholesome dessert that brings a seasonal touch to the table without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Souffle
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
A thick, buttery shortbread crust holds gooey pecan filling studded with melted mini chocolate chips. The bars bake and slice neatly, so there’s no need to fuss with pie wedges when everyone is ready for dessert. Cut them into 12 squares for an easy-to-share Thanksgiving treat that combines chocolate richness with classic pecan pie flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling
Soft, warmly spiced cookies bring the familiar flavors of carrot cake into a fun, hand-held dessert. A creamy, tangy cream cheese filling adds a lovely contrast to the sweet cookie layers. Arrange them on the holiday dessert platter for guests who want a little something different from cakes and pies.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling
Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
Warm pumpkin spice flavor and a tender cake crumb make each slice feel right at home at a fall gathering. Cream cheese icing drapes over the Bundt cake with a sweet, tangy finish that pairs beautifully with the cozy spices. Bring it to the Thanksgiving table when a pretty centerpiece dessert is welcome alongside the traditional pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing