Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and—let’s be honest—dessert! Whether you’re team pumpkin pie, can’t resist a slice of pecan, or love trying something new each year, this roundup has you covered.
I’ve included classic crowd-pleasers, cozy comfort bakes, and a few creative sweets that will surprise and delight your guests. From easy dump cakes to show-stopping confections, these recipes are designed to bring joy to your table without adding holiday stress.
What Should I Bring to Thanksgiving Dinner?
I’ve been asking myself that question all week. We’re meeting with the extended family and most of the foods will be provided by other family members. But everyone knows I’ll be bringing dessert. (Duh!)
I’ve wracked my brain to figure out what to bring. Pies are great, but so are cakes. Oh, but my family is crazy about trifles. And they've come to expect cookies.
What's a girl to do? With so many options I want to choose carefully. No doubt you do, too. You're looking for the best Thanksgiving desserts.
Here are some of the desserts I’m contemplating. I hope they inspire you as you set the table for your own family.
Just lick the links or the photos to see the recipes for these fall-friendly desserts!
THANKSGIVING PIES AND COBBLERS
Pies, pies, and more pies! I’ve got pies and cobblers galore and many of them are absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving. Which one would you choose for your holiday table?
Fudgy Pecan Pie: A holiday classic gets a decadent twist in this fudgy pecan pie. Buttery, toasted pecans float in a rich, chocolate-kissed filling that’s silky, sweet, and utterly irresistible. The chocolate adds depth and a hint of indulgence that will have your guests coming back for seconds—maybe thirds. One bite, and you’ll see why this pie is pure Thanksgiving magic.
Easy Blackberry Pie with Decorative Crust: This jewel-toned blackberry pie is as beautiful as it is delicious. Bursting with sweet-tart berry filling and topped with a buttery, golden crust that’s artfully decorated, it’s a true showstopper for your holiday table. Each slice is a balance of flaky pastry and juicy berries, making it the kind of dessert that turns heads and earns recipe requests.
Easy Apple Pie with Homemade Crust: Nothing says comfort quite like a warm slice of apple pie. In this version, tender apple slices—bathed in cinnamon and brown sugar—nestle inside a flaky, golden homemade crust. Thanks to the shortcut of canned apple pie filling, it comes together in a fraction of the time, but every bite tastes like you spent the whole afternoon baking. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Thanksgiving treat.
Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie: This deep dish pumpkin pie is holiday comfort in every bite. Silky-smooth pumpkin filling, kissed with warm spices, is nestled in a flaky crust and baked to perfection. It’s versatile enough to be made in different styles—classic or with your own creative twist—yet always delivers that rich, cozy flavor everyone craves at Thanksgiving. One slice is never enough.
No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie: Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavor, this no bake cherry cheesecake pie is a holiday lifesaver. A buttery graham cracker crust holds a luscious cream cheese filling, topped with glossy cherries for the perfect sweet-tart finish. Best of all, it sets in the fridge—no oven required—so you can focus on the rest of your holiday menu.
Easy Chocolate Pie: If you're looking for a creamy, dreamy chocolate pie--one filled with the warmth of yesteryear, you've come to the right place. This "from scratch" pie comes straight from my mama's recipe book and it's the one that's made my children swoon for years.
Apple Pie Cobbler with Crescent Rolls: Every now and again you stumble across a recipe that changes everything. This apple pie cobbler is one of those. It’s luscious, gooey, chewy, and perfect for fall! But it’s so easy to make you won’t want to wait until then to make it! This is one of those easy recipes you'll make over and over, and not just at Thanksgiving time!
Yummy Blackberry Cobbler: There’s nothing like a hot blackberry cobbler to make you feel comforted after a long, hard day. I don’t know about you, but the combination of sweet berries, luscious thickened juice, and crisp pie crust is just divine! It’s the perfect way to forget your troubles. This one's perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Old-Fashioned Cobbler with Homemade Pie Crust: If you’re looking for a luscious cobbler with that crisp homemade crust you grew up eating, you’ve come to the right place. This easy recipe calls for canned pie filling but a crust so flaky and delicious you’ll swear you’re sitting around grandma’s table eating it.
Sweet Potato Pie Dump Cake: If fall had a flavor, this sweet potato pie dump cake would be it. Layers of velvety sweet potato filling are topped with a buttery cake mix crumble, baked until golden, and dusted with warm spices. It’s all the cozy comfort of a classic sweet potato pie with the ease of a dump-and-bake recipe—perfect for busy holiday kitchens.
Sweet Potato Pocket Pies: Crisp, golden puff pastry meets silky sweet potato pie filling in these irresistible pocket pies. Each handheld treat is flaky on the outside, rich and spiced on the inside, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. They’re simple to make, gorgeous to serve, and even better to eat warm from the oven.
Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake: Part cobbler, part pie, and fully delicious, this apple snickerdoodle dump cake is loaded with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery cookie crumble. It’s warm, gooey, and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Best of all, it comes together with minimal effort—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
THANKSGIVING CANDY RECIPES
These candies are perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert tray! Why not make several of these and offer them to family member on a large Thanksgiving platter! (They will love you for it!)
Easy Peanut Brittle: If you love the crisp sweet flavor of brittle with the yummy crunch of peanuts, this is the recipe for you especially during the holiday season. This brittle is a family recipe, passed down over multiple generations. It’s easy, and definitely one you’ll pass on to your friends and loved ones.
Easy Caramel Pecan Pralines: If you love those chewy, rich pralines, the kind that leave your teeth feeling a bit sticky, you’re going to flip over this great recipe. You cook these pralines up in a heavy saucepan. There’s no baking involved!
Easy Peanut Butter Snowballs: These easy peanut butter snowballs are bite-sized holiday bliss. Smooth, creamy peanut butter centers are wrapped in a blanket of rich chocolate and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish. They’re simple to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for gifting—or keeping on your own dessert tray.
Old-Fashioned Divinity: If you love the light, sweet texture and flavor of divinity but you’ve been scared to make it because you think it’s too difficult, think again! This easy recipe comes together with ease. . .and tastes amazing. You’re going to love this southern confection!
Traditional English Toffee: This traditional English toffee is the ultimate holiday indulgence—light and crunchy with a buttery caramel base, cloaked in a layer of silky chocolate, and sprinkled generously with chopped nuts. Each bite delivers that perfect snap, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth richness that keeps you reaching for just one more piece. Simple to make, stunning to serve, and unforgettable to taste.
Easy Chocolate Coconut Balls: If you love the sweet, tropical taste of coconut wrapped in rich chocolate, these easy chocolate coconut balls are your new go-to treat. With a creamy coconut filling that’s soft and chewy, coated in a smooth chocolate shell, they’re reminiscent of your favorite candy bar—but even fresher and more satisfying. Best of all, they come together quickly with just a handful of ingredients.
Easy Homemade Turtles: These easy homemade turtles are the perfect blend of buttery caramel, crisp pecans, and silky chocolate. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Best of all, they’re a no-bake wonder—quick enough for a last-minute treat and simple enough for the kids to help. Whether for gifting or snacking, these classic candies will disappear in a flash.
Easy Candied Pecans: Sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly snackable—these easy candied pecans are a holiday favorite you’ll want to make year-round. Toasty pecans are coated in a glossy, caramelized sugar mixture with just the right hint of spice, all made right on the stovetop—no oven required. They’re perfect for topping salads, packaging as gifts, or enjoying by the handful.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Puppy Chow: If you love Cinnamon Toast Crunch you’ve definitely come to the right place. In this post we’re going to learn how to make Puppy Chow (also known as Reindeer Chow during the holidays) out of your favorite breakfast cereal.
THANKSGIVING COOKIES AND BARS
I love cookies for so many reasons but I'm particularly fond of them during the holiday season. First of all, they're so easy to make. And they're super easy to transport. Which of these sounds most appealing for your Thanksgiving dinner?
Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies: These super soft pumpkin cookies are like little pillows of autumn joy. Packed with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, they have a tender, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea, they’re a cozy treat you’ll want to bake all season long—and maybe even year-round.
Delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: If you love the warm, rich spices of fall but you’re also a fan of those delicious oatmeal cookies grandma used to make, you’re going to flip over this simple but yummy recipe from Out of the Box Baking! It merges both worlds into one scrumptious cookie!
Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: If you’re a fan of Snickerdoodles but you’re looking for an autumn-themed version, this is the recipe for you! This simple cookie--lovingly nicknamed Pumpkin-Doodles--is going to be a fan favorite, and not just during the holidays!
Old Fashioned Butter Cookies: These old fashioned butter cookies are crisp, delicate, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—just like Grandma used to make. With a rich, buttery flavor and a light golden finish, they’re perfect for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or enjoying straight from the cooling rack. Simple ingredients, timeless taste, and pure baking nostalgia in every bite.
Easy Pecan Pie Cookies: These easy pecan pie cookies pack all the gooey, nutty goodness of a classic pecan pie into a perfectly portioned handheld treat. With a buttery cookie base, rich caramelized filling, and crunchy pecans on top, they’re a holiday favorite you can whip up in no time. Perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert trays, or sneaking straight from the cooling rack.
Easy Twix Cookies from Scratch: These easy Twix cookies are everything you love about the classic candy bar—only better. A tender, buttery shortbread base is topped with silky caramel and finished with a smooth layer of chocolate. With just a handful of ingredients, they come together quickly but taste like a bakery masterpiece. Perfect for holiday platters, special occasions, or anytime you crave that caramel-chocolate magic.
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter: My Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with brown butter provide a true sensory overload! They have an intoxicating aroma, nutty and sweet, and trust me when I say that they taste even better than they smell! I promise. . .you’ll swoon! These are the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve had in ages, (and I’m not just saying that!)
S’Mores Kiss Cookies: You know that amazing feeling you get when you stand outside at a fire pit, holding a long stick with a marshmallow on the end? You can almost taste the sticky, scorched sweetness even before it goes into your mouth. That’s the same sense of expectation you’ll have when you eat your first S’Mores Kiss Cookie. It’s that good, y’all.
Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies: I hardly know where to begin with these amazing chunky oatmeal Craisin cookies, y’all. They’re a cross between a traditional old-fashioned oatmeal cookie and a chunky, heavier bite of muffin. I load them with walnuts or pecans, along with a more-than-adequate amount of Craisins (dehydrated cranberries).
Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies: I mean, perfection is sort of an unattainable goal for the baker, right? But in the case of these cookies, they’re about as close to perfection as anything I’ve ever baked. And they turn out beautifully every single time. (Hey, I’ve even deliberately tried to mess them up, but couldn’t!)
Yummy Double Mint Chocolate Cookies: These yummy double mint chocolate cookies are a holiday dream for mint lovers. Rich, fudgy chocolate dough is infused with cool peppermint flavor and studded with creamy mint chips for a refreshing twist. Soft and chewy with just the right balance of sweetness and bite, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or pairing with a cup of hot cocoa.
Cut-Out Sugar Cookies: They’re perfect any time of year, but especially during the holidays. See the bottom of this post for Thanksgiving decorating ideas!
THANKSGIVING BREADS AND CAKES
I’m known for my cakes and I’ve got several that are rich with those fall flavors you’ve come to enjoy. Here are some of my very favorites!
Caramel Butterscotch Pound Cake: In this post I'm going to teach you how to make a delicious caramel butterscotch pound cake. This is a simple recipe, but it's an unforgettable one, filled with flavor and texture.
Sweet Potato Pound Cake: If you love the yummy goodness of sweet potatoes and those warm spices of fall you’re going to flip over this simple but delicious pound cake from Out of the Box Baking.
German Chocolate Pound Cake: If you love a terrific German Chocolate cake but the idea of making one from scratch sounds overwhelming, do I have the perfect recipe for you!
Homemade Pumpkin Bread: It’s fall here in the south and everyone is adding pumpkin to their favorite cakes, pies, and cookies. My friend stopped by today and taught me how to make her family’s favorite pumpkin bread. . .from scratch!
Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Mention the words “red velvet cake” and southerners begin to swoon. We’re so addicted to this cake we can’t imagine life without it. If you’re a fan of this rich cocoa-infused delicacy, you’re going to love this post. I’m about to offer you a “from scratch” version that’s simply irresistible. It's delightful any time of year but especially perfect for Thanksgiving!
Butter Pecan Bundt Cake: f you’re crazy about brown butter and pecans you’re going to love this easy cake. It’s topped with a crunchy praline topping and rich with flavor. Best of all, it starts with a boxed mix! Easy-breezy! And this cake just screams fall!
Old-Fashioned Pound Cake with Whipping Cream: If you’re looking for a classic pound cake to serve at your next get-together, you can stop looking! I’ve got a luscious butter pound cake recipe for you that’s going to thrill and delight your guests and make you proud to serve it! It will bring smiles to the faces of your Thanksgiving guests!
Luscious Brown Butter Walnut Cake with Maple Glaze: This rich yellow cake, loaded with browned butter, toasted walnuts, and vanilla extract is ideal for your Thanksgiving table. The addition of sour cream makes it sturdy and moist and the milk adds a luscious texture. The brown butter maple glaze on top? Well, that’s just the icing on the cake! (Literally!)
Easy Carrot Cake Cupcakes: Holiday spice and everything nice! That’s what these carrot cake cupcakes are made of! Best of all, they start with a boxed mix!
Best Italian Cream Cake: This is my go-to for the holidays. Family members have come to expect it! This is an easy Italian cream cake recipe, one you’ll use again and again.
Traditional German Chocolate Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting: If you love the sweet flavor of German Chocolate cake and you’re nuts about coconut pecan frosting, you’ve definitely come to the right place! In this post I’m going to give you my tips and tricks for one of the most classic cakes of all time–German Chocolate! And best of all. . .it starts with a boxed mix!
Easy Bundt Cake Pumpkins with Hershey’s Kisses: If you’re looking for a cute little dessert for a Halloween or Thanksgiving event, have I got a recipe for you! You can turn a simple cake mix into tiny bundt pumpkins that will delight your holiday guests!
The Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake: If you’re looking for a rich, moist cake, loaded with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. This Old Fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise cake is a southern favorite guaranteed to please everyone on your guest list. And this yummy recipe takes things a step further, adding a rich chocolate frosting with mayonnaise in it, as well!
Cinnamon Sugar Pound Cake: If you’re in the mood for a buttery cake with luscious swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, you’ve come to the right place! This moist, delicious pound cake is easy to whip up and the addition of the cinnamon and sugar sends it over the moon!
Cookie Butter Cupcakes: These cookie butter cupcakes are on my top ten list of best cupcakes ever. They’re warm, sweet, and loaded with just enough spice to make you want to grab your cupcake pans and start baking! This recipe starts with a boxed mix but you add all sorts of yummy extras to make it extra-special!
Jelly Roll Cake: This cake would be absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving. Decorate it with fall colors and flowers or leaves and you're good to go!
Carrot Bundt Cake: This is a simple and delicious cake that has "Thanksgiving" written all over it. It's loaded with fall flavors and so simple to make!
Kentucky Butter Cake: This is a new recipe, similar to a pound cake, but loaded with depth of flavor that makes it perfect for a holiday feast!
BROWNIES AND BARS
They're cookie-like in texture but in bar form. Boy, do I have some sweet treats for you, perfect for Thanksgiving!
Easy Doctored Brownie Mix with Mint Chocolate: If you love chocolate and mint, you’re going to adore these easy mint chocolate brownies. They’re rich, minty, and best of all, easy to make. Like so many of our recipes here at Out of the Box Baking they start with a box mix.
Simple Pecan Pie Bars: If you love the ease of a cookie bar but the luscious richness of pecan pie you’re going to flip over this simple pecan pie bar recipe! It merges both of those worlds into one dreamy bite, loaded with flavor and crunch!
Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Chip Blondies: Have you ever had a hankering for something sweet but couldn’t quite put your finger on what you really wanted? These chocolate chip blondies are perfect for days like that! Not quite a cookie, not quite a brownie, not quite a cookie bar. Gooey, chewy, and crisp on the edges. . .they are (in a word) perfect.
Delicious Apple Crumble Bars: If you love a yummy streusel, these apple crumble bars are going to make your day. They’re so easy and tasty and come together in minutes!
Pumpkin Spice Bars: If you love a delicious pumpkin pie but don’t have the time to bake one, have I got a great alternative for you! These simple Pumpkin Spice Bars are quick and easy, and start with a box of cake mix!
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars: If you love sopapillas, but you’re also in love with sugar and cinnamon, have I got a treat for you! These easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are simple to make and absolutely packed with texture and flavor.
OTHER SWEET TREATS
Feel free to browse the site for a plethora of other culinary delights, perfect for the holiday season. I'll leave you with a couple of my favorite trifle recipes. Yum!
Easy Pumpkin Bread Pudding: If you’re in the mood for pumpkin spice and you love the rich warmth of a bread pudding, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make a simple and delicious pumpkin bread pudding!
Easy Pumpkin Banana Bread: Talk about the perfect blend of fall flavors! This delicious sweet bread is perfect for the autumn season. It combines sweet, ripe bananas with the delicious spice of pumpkin!
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Rolls: If you're looking for a delicious pumpkin-themed recipe for fall (or any time of year) this is a great one! It's simple, delicious, and comes together in minutes!
Delicious Apple Crisp: You've got a bag full of apples and you're not sure what to do with them. Bake a pie? Create an apple strudel? Maybe pocket pies? The answer is simple: turn those apples into a Delicious Apple Crisp. Loaded with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, oats, and pumpkin pie spice, this apple crisp will leave your family and friends swooning!
Puff Pastry Apple Galettes: If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert that's both beautiful and tasty, this is it! These lovely little apple galettes will impress your guests and are perfect for a tea party!
Apple Pie Bread Pudding: If you love a rich, sweet bread pudding but you’re also a fan of apple pie, have I got a treat for you! This delicious bread pudding is packed full of flavor and it’s super easy to make!
Cookie Butter Trifle: If you’re a fan of Biscoff cookies and that yummy concoction known as cookie butter, you’re sure to love this Cookie Butter Trifle. I made it for our Christmas celebration and guests swooned!
Delicious Mint Oreo Trifle: If you love creamy layers of chocolate fudge brownies, mint chocolate mousse and whipped cream, along with bits of minty Oreos, you’ve come to the right place! This post will offer you one of my favorite recipes, a delicious Mint Oreo Trifle.
Cranberry Creamsicle Pudding: I created this dessert by accident. No kidding! It's my new favorite pudding, perfect for Thanksgiving or any day of the year!
That's it for this post, friends. I hope you enjoyed looking over some of my favorite thanksgiving dessert recipes. Let me know which ones you choose for your holiday feast!
People are Also Asking. . .
Q: What is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert?
Pumpkin pie is the classic, but pecan pie, apple crisp, and sweet potato pie are also holiday favorites.
Q: Can I make Thanksgiving desserts ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many pies, bars, and cookies taste even better after a day or two. Just store them properly in airtight containers.
Q: What is the easiest Thanksgiving dessert to make?
Dump cakes, doctored cake-mix cookies, and no-bake pies are perfect for last-minute bakes with minimal fuss.
Q: How many desserts should I serve at Thanksgiving?
Plan for at least two to three dessert options for variety—especially if you have guests with different tastes.
Tips for a Stress-Free Dessert Table
- Mix and Match – Pair one show-stopper with one or two easy recipes.
- Make Ahead – Bake pies and bars a day in advance; prep frostings and fillings earlier in the week.
- Think Variety – Offer something fruity, something chocolatey, and a seasonal spice option.
- Add a Finishing Touch – Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar makes any dessert look extra special.
- Don’t Forget Dietary Needs – Have a gluten-free or nut-free option if possible, so everyone can indulge.
We Have So Much to be Thankful For
I don't know about you but I've really been counting my blessings lately. In spite of some health challenges over the past year I'm happy and well, and excited about the upcoming holidays.
Keeping an attitude of gratitude is a good idea all year 'round, but especially as we enter the Thanksgiving season.
What are you most grateful for this year? Take the time to write down a list!
From my house to yours. . .Happy Thanksgiving!
If you make any of these recipes and love them, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!
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About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.