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Pumpkin pie may be the Thanksgiving classic, but it’s not the only dessert worth serving. If you’re looking for something different or simply want to add more variety to the dessert table—there are plenty of easy options that guests will love.
Many of these desserts come together easily with simple baking tools like mixing bowls, baking dishes, and pie plates, making holiday baking a little less stressful.
Here are easy Thanksgiving desserts that go beyond pumpkin pie but still capture all the cozy flavors of the season.
Helpful Tools for Thanksgiving Baking
A few simple baking tools can make holiday desserts easier:
• Glass mixing bowls
• Baking dishes
• Pie plates
• Hand mixer
• Cooling racks
Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Beyond Pumpkin Pie
1. Pecan Pie Bars
All the gooey, buttery goodness of pecan pie—none of the fuss.
Recipe by Mint And Mallow Kitchen
2. Oatmeal Apple Pie Bars
Shortbread base topped with spiced apples and a crisp oat crumble.
Recipe by The Roasted Root
3. Cranberry Crumble Bars
Tart-sweet cranberry layer with a buttery crust; adds a ruby pop to the table.
Recipe by At Home by Heather
4. Maple Pecan Blondies
Buttery, chewy, and perfect for packing away leftovers.
Recipe by Brocc Your Body
5. Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
Autumn spices, creamy cheesecake center, easy squares that everyone will love.
Recipe by Dude That Cookz
6. Slab Chocolate Pecan Pie
Sheet-pan dessert with a hint of cocoa balancing the sweet pecans—great for crowds.
Recipe by King Arthur Baking Company, Photography & Styling by Liz Neily
Crisps, Crumbles & Skillet Sweets (No Dough Anxiety)
7. Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Buttery oat crumble tops warm cinnamon spiced baked apples.
Recipe by The Chunky Chef
8. Cranberry Pear Crumble
Tart cranberries and juicy pears; ideal for make-ahead serving.
Recipe by A Classic Twist
9. Maple Bourbon Peach–Apple Crisp
Shoulder-season friendly with warm, cozy autumn flavors.
Recipe by Food Nouveau
10. Skillet Caramel-Apple Crumble
Assemble in a cast-iron skillet and bake—rustic and visually impressive.
Recipe by Solly Baby
Tarts, Galettes & Simple Cakes (Rustic = Forgiving)
11. Orange Ginger Cranberry Galette
Rustic orange ginger cranberry galette with flaky golden crust
Recipe by Whole And Heavenly Oven
12. Bourbon Pecan Tart
Thinner than pie with a rich, nutty flavor; prettier slices for serving.
Recipe by 12 Kitchens
13. Pear Frangipane Tart
Buttery tart filled with almond frangipane and sweet, tender baked pears.
Recipe by A Beautiful Plate
14. Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
Glossy cranberries atop a moist vanilla-buttermilk crumb.
Recipe by David Lebovitz
15. Apple Cider Donut Cake
Bake ahead; finished with cinnamon-sugar for an autumnal touch.
Recipe by Well Fed Baker
16. Buttermilk Maple Spice Cake
One-bowl recipe; stays moist for days and easy to slice.
Recipe by The English Kitchen
Cheesecakes & Parfaits (Make-Ahead Stars)
17. Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake
Bake the day before; dramatic marbled top for an impressive dessert.
Recipe by Taming of the Spoon
18. No-Bake Cheesecake in a Jar
A lighter, creamy no-bake cheesecake dessert with Greek yogurt, graham crust, and cherry topping.
Recipe by Hannah Magee RD
19. Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits
Light, airy pumpkin mousse with gingersnap crumbs—not pie, but still festive.
Recipe by Aggie’s Kitchen
20. Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars
Hybrid dessert—cheesecake meets apple crisp; guaranteed seconds.
Recipe by Celebrating Sweets
Puddings, Custards & Spoon Desserts (Gentle on Full Bellies)
21. Butterscotch Pudding with Salted Pecans
Stovetop pudding, chilled and ready to serve.
Recipe by Nature’s Yoke
22. Maple Crème Brûlée
Six ingredients, torch or broil for a silky, special treat.
Recipe by Living Sweet Moments
23. Apple Cranberry Compote
15-minute stove-top recipe; tart and sweet, perfect for a quick dessert.
Recipe by My Quiet Kitchen
24. Bread Pudding with Brown Butter & Apples
Use day-old bread; bakes while you enjoy turkey—cozy and comforting.
Recipe by Kendall-Jackson
Cookies & “Small Sweet Bites” (Perfect for the Dessert Platter)
25. Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Slice-and-bake dough; rich nutty flavor with minimal effort.
Recipe by The Creek Side Cook
26. Maple Molasses Cookies
Soft, spiced, and very Thanksgiving-appropriate.
Recipe by But First We Brunch
27. Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
Cakey-chewy cookies with autumnal spice; festive and easy.
Recipe by Saveur
28. Maple Walnut Fudge
Five ingredients; sets in the fridge for quick, indulgent bites.
Recipe by How to Make Easy Fudge
Thanksgiving desserts don’t have to stop at pumpkin pie. From apple crisps to rich chocolate cakes and creamy cheesecakes, there are plenty of delicious options to round out the holiday meal.
Choose a few favorites, add them to your dessert table, and enjoy a sweet ending to your Thanksgiving celebration.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Many bars, cheesecakes, crisps, and tarts can be baked or assembled a day ahead.
Bars, skillet desserts, and simple galettes are foolproof and low-stress.
Most bars, cakes, and cookies keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
📌 Save These Easy Thanksgiving Desserts
Planning your holiday menu?
Tap the Pin button below to save these dessert ideas to your Thanksgiving Recipes or Holiday Baking board on Pinterest.
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