Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about those delicious desserts that will top off your holiday meal. Whether you’re a traditionalist who sticks to classic pumpkin pie or someone who likes to mix things up with creative twists, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of the most irresistible Thanksgiving dessert recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From old favorites like apple crisp and pecan pie to new twists on traditional desserts like pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate chip cookie dough pie, there’s something for everyone in this list. So grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite holiday drink), get cozy, and start planning those dessert menus!
Classic Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
A quintessential fall dessert, this classic pumpkin pie is a staple of Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. With its creamy whipped cream topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 3 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs until smooth.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour pumpkin mixture into pie crust.
6. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until filling is set.
7. Let cool completely before topping with whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Homemade Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup
This homemade pecan pie recipe gets a boost from the rich flavor of maple syrup, adding a new dimension to this classic Southern dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously sweet and nutty treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, maple syrup, and sugar until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Stir in pecan halves until they’re evenly coated with the maple mixture.
5. Roll out pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Fill pie crust with pecan mixture and sprinkle with salt to taste.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
This comforting dessert combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and a crunchy oat topping, served chilled with creamy vanilla ice cream. Perfect for a cozy evening or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Spread oat mixture evenly over the apple filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
7. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
A classic Southern side dish gets a sweet and gooey twist with this Sweet Potato Casserole topped with marshmallows. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this comforting casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well until smooth.
3. Stir in heavy cream and melted butter until combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with mini marshmallows.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Decadent Chocolate Pecan Tart
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and indulgent tart, featuring a velvety chocolate filling, crunchy pecans, and a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Spread the mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over the filling.
6. Fold the pastry edges up over the filling to form a crust.
7. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) and sprinkle with salt.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist and flavorful, this spiced carrot cake is perfect for any occasion. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives it a unique twist that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add grated carrots, butter, and flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
Traditional Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
This classic dessert combines the comforting warmth of bread pudding with the rich, velvety smoothness of bourbon sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Bourbon Sauce:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, sugar, and eggs. Toss until the bread is evenly coated.
3. Pour in cream and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
5. While the pudding cooks, prepare the bourbon sauce by combining sugar, heavy cream, and bourbon whiskey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
6. Serve warm bread pudding with warm bourbon sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Almond Cobbler
A sweet and tangy dessert that combines fresh cherries with the warmth of almonds, topped with a crispy cobbler crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons almond extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cherries and granulated sugar; let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in almond extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add melted butter and stir until mixture forms a crumbly dough.
6. Pour cherry mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with cobbler crust, spreading evenly.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust: A fall favorite gets a new twist with a crunchy gingersnap crust and creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling.
Maple Glazed Apple Pie
This maple glazed apple pie combines the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweetness of pure Canadian maple syrup, creating a unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons pure Canadian maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with apple mixture.
4. Drizzle maple syrup over the apple filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
6. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Bourbon Pecan Brownies
Elevate your brownie game with these Bourbon Pecan Brownies, featuring the deep flavors of bourbon and pecans in a fudgy, dense treat. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
– 2 cups sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in eggs one at a time, followed by flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir in pecans and bourbon (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake
A sweet and tangy twist on a classic dessert, this Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake is perfect for the holiday season. Moist orange-infused cake topped with caramelized cranberries and a hint of citrus will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Arrange cranberries in a single layer on top of the batter.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the comforting taste of cinnamon. Perfect for fall celebrations or as a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, butter, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Cinnamon Frosting:
1. Beat softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add ground cinnamon; mix until combined.
3. Dust cupcakes with cinnamon frosting just before serving.
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pie
Treat your taste buds to a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the best of both worlds – cookie dough and pie!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Press dough into a 9-inch springform pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
This warm and comforting dessert combines the flavors of caramelized apples, sweet bread, and crispy cinnamon, perfect for a cozy fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together bread, apple, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Pour in heavy cream and mix until bread is well coated.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Gingerbread Trifle with Spiced Custard
Experience the warm, spicy flavors of the season with this show-stopping trifle featuring gingerbread cake, spiced custard, and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Cake:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
For the Spiced Custard:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare gingerbread cake according to package instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together spiced custard ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour custard into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
4. Assemble trifle by layering gingerbread cake, spiced custard, and whipped cream in a large serving dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Pear and Cranberry Galette
This elegant dessert combines the sweetness of pears with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a seasonal treat or holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large bowl, mix together pears, cranberries, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
4. Arrange the pear mixture on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Toasted Coconut Cream Pie
Elevate your dessert game with this creamy and indulgent pie that combines the flavors of toasted coconut, sweet cream, and a hint of tropical fruit. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until combined. Press into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and heavy cream. Add coconut milk and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour filling into crust and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set.
6. Allow to cool before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Molasses Spice Cookies with Vanilla Glaze
These classic cookies are perfect for the fall season, with their rich molasses flavor and warm spices. A drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– Salt to taste
– Vanilla glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and molasses. Beat in egg and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Vanilla Glaze:
1. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp heavy cream until smooth.
2. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of vanilla extract (optional).
Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
A classic fall treat, this pumpkin roll is filled with a tangy cream cheese mixture and topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– Cream cheese filling (recipe below)
– Confectioners’ glaze (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, butter, eggs, and flour mixture. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow roll to cool completely in pan.
7. Spread cream cheese filling over cooled roll.
Cream Cheese Filling:
– 8 ounces softened cream cheese
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Mix ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Cook time: 12-15 minutes. Servings: 6-8.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a feast for your sweet tooth! This collection of 20 delicious Thanksgiving dessert recipes will satisfy any craving. From classic pumpkin pie and pecan pie, to decadent chocolate tart and spiced carrot cake, there’s something for everyone. Try making homemade whipped cream or bourbon sauce to elevate your desserts to the next level. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to try something new, this roundup has got you covered.
