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    Grits and Pinecones » Holidays » Thanksgiving

    40 Best Desserts for Thanksgiving – 2022

    October 30, 2022 by Sharon Rigsby 16 Comments

    Pinterest pin showing four Thanksgiving desserts including sweet potato pie.

    Turn your Thanksgiving into a true celebration this year with quick and easy recipes and menu ideas from my 40 Best Desserts for Thanksgiving – 2022 collection.

    Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and food, and your family and friends will be thankful for these simple, mostly make-ahead desserts, which are as delicious as they are beautiful. 

    A collage of Thanksgiving desserts including a sweet potato pie and cake.

    Like my collection of 40 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Desserts, these showstopping Thanksgiving desserts are perfect for your dessert table or to take to a potluck. Chose from favorites, including make-ahead desserts to freeze and popular no-bake wonders.

    If you are looking for a pumpkin dessert, you are in the right place. You will also find a wide array of luscious top-rated Thanksgiving desserts without pumpkin, featuring other ingredients such as fruit, chocolate, apples, pecans, and everything in between from top food bloggers around the globe.

    And if you are looking for friends or family with dietary restrictions, I have included crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving dessert recipes that are gluten-free, paleo, vegan, sugar-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.

    Easy Southern Sweet Potato Pie – Grits and Pinecones

    My, oh my, Sweet Potato Pie! Easy Southern Sweet Potato Pie tastes like a cool crisp Fall day, warm, pungent spices, and Thanksgiving all wrapped up in one delicious and decadent bite. A wonderful alternative to pumpkin pie, it will quickly become a family favorite.

    Read More
    A slice of sweet potato pie on a plate.

    Cranberry Gingersnap Pie – The View from the Great Island

    Cranberry Pie, with its spicy gingersnap crumb crust and silky cranberry curd filling, brings a little va-va-voom to the traditional dessert table ~ this vibrant pie going to be everybody’s holiday favorite!

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    Cranberry pie topped with frosted cranberries and sprigs of thyme.

    Nutella Tart with Toasted Hazelnut Crust – Sally’s Baking Addiction

    This Nutella tart tastes exactly how it looks: lush. It’s a Nutella ganache of sorts, cooked on the… I’m sorry, wait. Did you read that just now? NUTELLA GANACHE. Like regular chocolate ganache but even better. Ok, so a Nutella ganache cooked on the stovetop in a matter of minutes and poured into a toasted hazelnut crust. It’s rich, but not quite as rich as you would guess. Who am I kidding, the ingredients are heavy cream and Nutella. It’s exactly as rich as you would imagine.

    Read More

    Old-Fashioned Southern Pecan Pie – Grits and Pinecones

    One bite of this old-fashioned Southern Pecan Pie will have your taste buds swooning with crunchy, sweet, custardy, caramelly goodness. In the South, there are as many recipes for pecan pie as there are pecan trees. Every family has a favorite, and this is ours. A wonderfully rich, old-fashioned southern pecan pie recipe, which isn’t cloyingly sweet like most pecan pies. Classic and simple, and along with pumpkin pie, it’s a Thanksgiving tradition.

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    A slice of pecan pie topped with whipped cream.

    Easy Pumpkin Patties – Mom on Timeout

    Delightfully easy Pumpkin Patties are the perfect no-bake treat to celebrate the season. The cute factor here is off the charts!

    Read More
    Candy shaped like a pumpkin in a green bowl.

    Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake – Grits and Pinecones

    This is the season, and I have a delicious make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert for you today! Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake is everything a cheesecake should be and includes a delicious and decadent pecan praline topping.

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    A slice of Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake ready to serve with a dollop of whipped cream

    Pumpkin Ricotta Bundt Cake – The Merchant Baker

    I originally was going to call this Pumpkin Ricotta Bundt Cake “Pumpkin Ricotta Custard Bundt Cake.” But that’s a mouthful of words that doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. So, I took “Custard” out of the title and made peace with it. Or not. Because custard is the highlight of this cake, the pièce de résistance. And that custard forms magically for you in the oven!

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    pumpkin-ricotta-bundt-cake-4-759x1024

    Easy Cranberry Cake with Hard Sauce – Grits and Pinecones

    A beautiful and festive dessert, Easy Cranberry Cake with Hard Sauce, will make a unique sweet ending for your Thanksgiving meal. Full of fresh tart cranberries, this cake has it all; the colors of the season, a winning combination of flavors and textures, and the creamy, blissful yumminess of a decadent hard sauce.

    Read More
    Cranberry Cake with Hard sauce in a Christmas bowl.

     Grandma’s Pumpkin Roll – Berly’s Kitchen

    Grandma’s Pumpkin Roll Recipe is one of my family’s favorites. Sweetened cream cheese filling rolled in light and moist pumpkin cake makes this dessert unforgettable!

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    grandmas-pumpkin-roll

    Caramel Upside Down Apple Cake – An Italian in My Kitchen

    Fast and Easy and so Delicious, this Caramel Upside Down Apple Cake has a self-making Caramel Sauce over a perfectly baked moist Apple Cake.  The Best Thanksgiving Dessert.

    Read More
    Upside down apple cake with a scoop of ice cream.

    Bourbon Butter Pecan Cake with Brown Butter Maple Frosting – The Flavor Bender

    A pumpkin pie alternative for your Thanksgiving spread – this soft, moist, spiced Bourbon Butter Pecan Cake with Brown Butter Maple Frosting is made with ground pecan in the cake batter, plus chopped pecans sprinkled throughout for a rich, buttery pecan flavor throughout the cake.

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    A whole pecan cake with butter icing with a slice cut out.

    Susan’s Perfect Pecan Pie – Pudge Factor

    At Thanksgiving, friends and family members fight over getting a piece of Susan’s Perfect Pecan Pie. It’s dubbed perfect for two reasons: (1) It’s perfectly delicious, and (2) it took almost ten years to perfect.

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    A pecan pie with individual tartlets.

    Pear Pie – Homemade with Fresh Pears – Grits and Pinecones

    Imagine a delicious homemade pear pie laced with a flakey buttery crust and a juicy, cinnamon and nutmeg-infused fresh pear pie filling.  It’s how Thanksgiving dessert dreams without pumpkin are made! 

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    A piece of pear pie topped with whipped cream on a white plate.

    Pumpkin Banana Cream Pie Bars – Impeckable Eats

    This recipe combines a classic old-fashioned pie with autumn flavors and fluffy marshmallows instead of whipped cream. Why marshmallow? Simply because I have a small obsession with the billowy, overly sweet melt-in-your-mouth confection. You can replace this with standard whipped cream if you prefer.

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    pumpkin-banana-cream-pie-bars-marshmallow

    Apple Pie Cheesecake with Caramel Topping – Grits and Pinecones

    Say yes to Apple Pie Cheesecake with Caramel Topping for a sweet ending to your holiday meals, and be prepared to be blown away by all of the flavorful layers and textures tucked into this delicious dessert!

    Read More
    Apple Pie Cheesecake with Caramel Topping on a cake stand

    Sharlotka Russian Apple Pie – Happy Kitchen Rocks

    Sharlotka (Шарлотка) is the most well-known and easy Russian apple pie. This recipe uses honey, resulting in the moistest, healthy, and most delicious sharlotka.

    Read More
    Russian apple pie cut into squares.

    Chocolate Pumpkin Tart – Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free – Nirvana Cakery

    I’ve got just the right Thanksgiving dessert for you – Chocolate Pumpkin Tart. I’ve been working on this recipe for quite some time, and it is perfect!

    Read More
    Chocolate pumpkin tart with a pumpkin.

    Pumpkin Bundt Cake – Pudge Factor

    Tired of the same old pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving? If so, you should try this incredible Pumpkin Bundt Cake. It has the same characteristic flavor of a pumpkin pie but will leave your family and guests saying, “WOW”! What’s even better is that it’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time and frozen.

    Read More
    pumpkin-bundt-cake

    Apple Dapple Cake with Caramel Glaze – Grits and Pinecones

    It’s fall and the time of year when it just seems right to put apples in everything. There is a season for everything, and fall and apples go together. Apples will never taste juicier or sweeter than they do right now. And what goes perfectly with apples, why caramel, of course! The perfect dessert to take to a Thanksgiving potluck!

    Read More
    A slice of apple cake on a stack of white plates.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake – Berly’s Kitchen

    Need a Thanksgiving dessert that is smooth, rich, creamy, and sure to please a crowd. Try this delicious pumpkin cheesecake. 

    Read More
    pumpkin-cheesecake-4

    Mini Pumpkin Pies – Jar of Lemons

    These Mini Pumpkin Pies, y’all. Everything glorious about a real pumpkin pie (which also happens to be my absolute FAVE), but mini and healthy and perfect for Thanksgiving!

    Read More
    Five mini pumpkin pies topped with whip cream on a counter.

    Paleo Pumpkin Bars( Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free – What Molly Made

    Paleo bars filled with pumpkin and spice! These little squares of heaven taste just like pumpkin pie! And they’re paleo:) Which means they’re gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free. They taste like fall in a bite and are topped with a light maple frosting you will be drooling over.

    Read More
    Pumpkin bars with icing on a white plate.

    Homemade Classic Pumpkin Pie – Jessica Gavin

    Classic pumpkin pie recipe with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and black pepper infused in the creamy custard. This festive holiday treat is baked in a delicious flaky crust!

    Read More
    A slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.

    Pumpkin Ice Cream with Coconut, Caramel and Praline Pecans (Vegan) – Viktoria’s Table

    Pumpkin ice cream with coconut caramel and praline pecans – 3 ingredients, no-churn, vegan ice cream that’s as creamy and delicious as pumpkin pie and decadent, drizzled with coconut caramel, toasted coconut chips, and maple-spiced praline pecans.

    Read More

    Gluten-Free Apple Pumpkin Spice Cake with Butter Rum Glaze – Recipes Worth Repeating

    With all the wonderful Fall flavors going on right now, you’re guaranteed to love this homemade Apple Pumpkin Spice Cake! It features apples and pumpkin mixed with ground cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, topped with creamy butter and spiced rum glaze. This bundt cake is guaranteed to be one of your family’s Fall favorites desserts!

    Read More
    Apple pumpkin bundt cake with glaze. cake

    Gluten-Free Mini Pumpkin Pies – Wanderlust And Wellness

    Who wants pumpkin pie for dessert?? These gluten-free mini pumpkin pies will hit the dessert spot on Thanksgiving dinner. They are the perfect bite-sized dessert, so you don’t overindulge when it comes to the dessert table, right?! I’m also including a maple cinnamon coconut cream in this recipe, too! So you’ll get two recipes in one!

    Read More
    Mini pumpkin pies topped with whipped cream.

    Easy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing – Grits and Pinecones

    If you like carrot cake, you will love this recipe! Easy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is chock full of pineapple, carrots, raisins, and, because I’m a Southern girl, pecans.  If this isn’t enough to get your attention, it’s then topped with a quick and easy but decadent, luscious, and velvety smooth cream cheese icing.

    Read More
    Carrot cake on a cake platter with a slice cut.

    Flourless Chocolate Cake – Pudge Factor

    Flourless Chocolate Cake is amazingly dense, rich, and decadent, with every bite packed with intense bittersweet chocolate flavor.

    Read More
    Flourless chocolate cake on a white pedestal cake plate.

    Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches – What a Girl Eats

    Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches, with vanilla ice cream and chocolate chips or butter pecan and English toffee bits, is the best dessert I’ve had in a long time. 

    Read More
    Two pumpkin ice cream sandwiches on a piece of paper with an ice cream scoop in the background.

    Partridgeberry Bundt Cake – Girl Heart Food

    This Partridgeberry Bundt cake has tart partridgeberries, orange zest, and rosemary. It’s easy to put together and super moist! Delicious on its own or paired with whipped cream! 

    Read More
    Newfoundland Partridgeberry Berry Cake with oranges.

    Easy Caramel Apple Galette – Sweet Tea and Thyme

    A perfect fall treat: an easy apple galette made from scratch with warm caramel drizzled on top. They’re elegant, rustic, and so easy to make their nickname is ‘the lazy cook’s apple pie’!

    Read More
    A apple galette topped with caramel with apples in the background.

    Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars – The Unlikely Baker

    Pecan pie cheesecake bars bring together two of Thanksgiving’s favorite desserts — pecan pie and cheesecake. They are perfect for a delicious, stress-free holiday celebration.

    Read More
    Pecan pie cheesecake bar on a white plate.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert – The Gunny Sack

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert has two layers of smooth, creamy cheesecake with a gingersnap crust. Made in a 9×13 inch pan, this cheesecake is made for sharing!

    Read More
    A slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert on a white plate.

    Pecan Cornbread Cobbler – South your Mouth

    A pecan cobbler recipe made with cornbread for a rustic, sweet, Southern dessert perfect for Fall and Winter holiday meals!

    Read More
    A large scoop of pecan cornbread cobbler in a white bowl.

    French Silk Pie Recipe – Salt and Baker

    Silky smooth French silk pie with a graham cracker crust makes for the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. It’s easy to make and loved by all!

    Read More
    French silk pie cut into slices topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

    Ultimate Cranberry Upside-Down Cake – Grits and Pinecones

    This exceptionally moist Cranberry Upside-Down Cake, topped with luscious deep garnet cranberries, is a unique twist on the more familiar pineapple upside-down cake. This quick and easy cranberry cake combines fresh fruit, orange juice, brown sugar, and cornmeal with a box cake mix and takes only minutes to prepare. 

    Read More
    Cranberry upside down cake on a white cake pedestal.

    Frequently asked questions:

    What are the most popular Thanksgiving desserts?

    The number one dessert across the country is pumpkin pie, however, this does vary depending on where you live.

    In the South, sweet potato or pumpkin pie and pecan pie reign supreme and you would be hard-pressed to find a Thanksgiving dessert table without one or both!

    What desserts would be best for a potluck?

    You will want a dessert that can be made ahead, one that travels well and something that doesn’t have to be refrigerated. Examples include: Apple Dapple Cake, Old-Fashioned Southern Pecan Pie, or Pumpkin Bundt Cake.

    More Thanksgiving recipe collections:

    • Thanksgiving dressing and stuffing images.
      23 Savory Dressing and Stuffing Recipes
    • 10 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes they are all delicious
      23 Easy No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes and Menu Ideas
    • 19 Best Thanksgiving Savory Side Dishes
      42 Best Thanksgiving Savory Side Dish Recipes and Menu Ideas
    • A collage of sweet potato recipes including a pie, soup, and two casseroles.
      15 Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Recipes

    You can also find even more dessert choices in my collection of 50 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes, and if you are looking for recipes for leftovers, you will want to check out my collection of 27 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes!

    Christmas recipe collections:

    • Five Christmas desserts including a cranberry cheesecake, gingerbread cookies and a gingerbread cake.
      30+ Best Christmas Dessert Recipes 2022
    • Beef tenderloin, green beans and cranberry cake.
      30+ Easy And Elegant Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas and Recipes
    • A collage of six different christmas appetizers including cranberry brie bites.
      45 Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers 2022

    I also have a great collection of 31 Easy Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts full of recipes for the foodies in your life.

    ★★★★★ If you make any of these recipes, please leave a comment. I would love to know how you liked it!

    I hope you enjoy these tasty desserts, and I wish you a year filled with warm memories and cherished moments. May you also find all joys and happiness that this heartfelt wish brings. Happy Thanksgiving!

    More Thanksgiving Recipes recipes

    • A white serving dish full of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter.
      Easy Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes
    • Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Cranberry Stuffing garnished with rosemary and cranberries
      Easy Cornish Hens with Stuffing
    • 27 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
    • A glass dish full of cranberry sauce, topped with lemon peels.
      Easy Cranberry Sauce with Fruit and Nuts

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    1. Margaret Swendseid

      November 22, 2022 at 6:12 pm

      Good heavens, these desserts are fantastic! I’m a Northerner, but lived in South Carolina for several years where I fell in love with Southern cuisine. Thank you so much for your website. I’m going to make your Carrot Cake for Thanksgiving 2022!

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        November 23, 2022 at 5:21 pm

        Thanks so much, Margaret! I hope you enjoy it and Happy Thanksgiving!
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    2. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats

      November 15, 2021 at 11:51 pm

      Thank you for sharing! Pinned, tweeted and yummed!

      Reply
    3. Linger

      November 16, 2019 at 9:13 am

      Just in time for Thanksgiving!! What a wonderful collection of recipes for the Holidays. You do such a great job of pulling together a variety of ideas. Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply
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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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