Best Thanksgiving Desserts

While I’ll always believe Thanksgiving is mostly about the pies, there’s definitely room on the dessert table for a little variety. After all, who’s going to complain about more sweets?

Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie, from cakes and cobblers to cheesecakes and cookies. You’ll find a mix of longtime Bake or Break classics and newer favorites, all easy to make and sure to impress your holiday crowd.

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Looking for something specific? Use the list below to jump straight to your favorite kind of Thanksgiving dessert.

How Much Dessert Should I Make for Thanksgiving?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — every group is different! Some guests will want just a small bite after the big meal, while others will happily sample a bit of everything.

If you’re hosting the same crowd each year, you probably already have a feel for how much dessert to make. As a general guideline, plan for at least one serving per person, and if you like to play it safe (and who doesn’t?), aim for closer to two servings each. Worst case? You’ll have leftovers, and that’s never a bad thing.

Cakes

Whether you’re aiming for a showstopper or a simple bake that still feels special, these cakes deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. From classic spice and caramel to chocolate and fruit, there’s something here for every kind of baker.

Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Warm, cozy, and topped with the creamiest frosting, this one tastes like fall in every bite.

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Cranberry Bundt Cake

Tart cranberries meet a soft, buttery cake for a festive burst of flavor.

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Italian Cream Cake

A Southern classic layered with coconut, pecans, and rich cream cheese frosting.

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Hazelnut Pear Bundt Cake

Elegant but easy, with toasted hazelnuts and juicy pears in every slice.

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Caramel Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft, tender layers paired with sweet caramel flavor and tangy frosting.

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Rum Cake

Moist, buttery, and irresistibly boozy, this cake is a nostalgic favorite for the holidays.

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Apple Crumb Sheet Cake

Perfect for feeding a crowd, with a tender crumb and a crunchy topping.

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Brown Sugar Spice Cake with Caramel Rum Glaze

Deep caramel notes and warm spices make this one pure comfort.

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Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake

Simple to make but truly decadent, this cake is rich, moist chocolate perfection with a glossy glaze.

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Brown Butter Texas Sheet Cake

Buttery, nutty, and full of flavor, this is an easy bake that’s just right for sharing.

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Cobblers, Crumbles, and Bread Puddings

If you’re after something cozy and comforting, these desserts are just the thing. Filled with warm fruit, buttery crumbs, and rich sauces, each one brings all the fall flavors you love without the fuss of pie.

Cranberry Apple Crumble

Tart cranberries and sweet apples topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

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Autumn Spice Pear Cobbler

5 from 3 votes

Juicy pears and warm spices come together under a golden, biscuit-like topping. A simple but stunning seasonal dessert.

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Brown Sugar Apple Cobbler

Deep caramel notes and soft, baked apples make this an instant comfort favorite.

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Caramel Apple Pear Cobbler

The best of both worlds: tender, caramelized apples and pears baked underneath an irresistible topping.

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Praline Bread Pudding with Caramel-Pecan Sauce

Sweet, nutty, and ultra-rich, this Southern-style bread pudding is pure indulgence.

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Chai Spice Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Cozy chai spices meet a creamy vanilla sauce for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.

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Cheesecakes

Rich, creamy, and surprisingly make-ahead friendly, cheesecakes are always a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving dessert table. Whether you’re craving warm spice, nutty caramel, or something simply classic, these recipes prove that cheesecake can give pie a run for its money.

Bourbon Caramel Swirl Cheesecake

Luscious caramel meets a hint of bourbon for a dessert that feels elegant and indulgent.

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Apple Butter Cheesecake

Sweet, spiced apple butter gives this cheesecake a cozy fall flavor that’s hard to resist.

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Snickerdoodle Cheesecake

Everything you love about the cookie — cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness — in creamy cheesecake form.

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Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A decadent mash-up of two Southern favorites, complete with gooey pecan topping.

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Classic Vanilla Cheesecake

Smooth, simple, and endlessly adaptable, this cheesecake is the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings.

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Casual Desserts

If you’re in the mood for something simple and shareable, these easy desserts fit right in. From cookies to bars to a cozy coffee cake, they’re perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying with a cup of coffee once the dishes are done.

Apple Crumb Cookies

All the cozy flavors of apple crumble in soft, chewy cookie form. Spiced, sweet, and irresistible!

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Cranberry Orange Shortbread

Buttery shortbread with bright citrus and tart cranberry for a festive pop of flavor.

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Salted Caramel Almond Bars

Sweet, salty, and crunchy — a no-fuss dessert bar that disappears fast.

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Apple Butter Snickerdoodles

A fall twist on a classic, made extra soft and flavorful with apple butter and plenty of cinnamon.

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Maple Nut Bars

Sticky, nutty, and rich with maple flavor, these easy bars taste like fall in every bite.

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Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Creamy, caramel-swirled cheesecake on a cookie crust. Simple to make, but they look impressive.

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Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf

5 from 1 vote

Soft, moist, and topped with a cinnamon streusel, it's perfect for coffee time, dessert, or a next-day breakfast treat.

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No-Bake Desserts

When oven space is limited (or you just want to make life easier), these no-bake treats are the answer. They’re simple to prep ahead, perfectly creamy or cool, and just as satisfying as any baked dessert on the table.

Mini No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecakes

Silky smooth and rich, these mini cheesecakes are a make-ahead dream for chocolate lovers.

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White Chocolate Mousse

Light, creamy, and elegant, this easy, impressive dessert feels restaurant-worthy.

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Cookie Butter Dip

Creamy, spiced, and ready in minutes! Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, or fruit for an easy, crowd-friendly treat.

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Chocolate Eclair Cake

5 from 1 vote

Layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and chocolate topping come together for a crowd-pleasing classic.

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Butterscotch Pudding

Sweet, nostalgic, and buttery smooth, this classic pudding is a comforting way to end the meal.

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More Sweet Ways to Celebrate

Whether you stick with one dessert or serve a whole spread, these recipes will make the sweetest end to your Thanksgiving celebration. And if you do want to give pie its moment, don’t miss my Best Thanksgiving Pies roundup for even more holiday inspiration.

More Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

Best Fall Cake Recipes for Cozy Baking

Easy Fall Desserts to Make This Season

Small Batch Desserts for Thanksgiving