Save room for the best part! These Thanksgiving desserts go from classic pies to easy bars and no-bake treats, so you can feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. Most can be made a day ahead of Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026.
Classic Thanksgiving pies
- Pumpkin pie — smooth, spiced and topped with whipped cream.
- Pecan pie — rich, gooey and crunchy.
- Apple pie with a lattice top.
- Sweet potato pie — a Southern favorite.
- Chocolate cream pie.
- Cranberry apple pie.
- Dutch apple pie with crumb topping.
Pumpkin desserts
- Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting.
- Pumpkin cheesecake.
- Pumpkin bread with streusel.
- Pumpkin roll.
- Pumpkin cookies with maple glaze.
- Pumpkin dump cake (just a few ingredients).
Apple and fruit desserts
- Apple crisp with oat topping.
- Apple cider donuts.
- Pear and cranberry crumble.
- Caramel apple bars.
- Baked apples stuffed with oats and cinnamon.
Cakes and cheesecakes
- Spiced carrot cake.
- Maple pecan cake.
- Classic New York cheesecake with cranberry sauce.
- Gingerbread cake.
- Chocolate bundt cake.
No-bake Thanksgiving desserts
- No-bake pumpkin cheesecake cups.
- Pumpkin pie dip with graham crackers.
- Pecan pie truffles.
- Icebox pie with cookie crust.
- Trifle with pumpkin mousse and whipped cream.
Fun Thanksgiving desserts for kids
- Turkey cupcakes with candy-corn feathers.
- Pilgrim hat cookies.
- Acorn treats made from cookies and chocolate kisses.
- Rice krispie pumpkins.
- Mini pie pops.
Bars and cookies
- Pecan pie bars — easier to serve than a whole pie.
- Brown butter snickerdoodles.
How many desserts for Thanksgiving?
Plan about one pie for every 6–8 guests, plus one easy extra like bars or cookies. For 12 guests, two pies and one tray of bars is plenty.
Make-ahead dessert tips
- Bake pies one day ahead; pumpkin and pecan pies keep well.
- Freeze pie dough up to a month ahead.
- Whip cream just before serving.
- Store cheesecakes in the fridge for up to three days.
Complete the menu with our Thanksgiving side dishes, see our Thanksgiving countdown and host a fun Friendsgiving.
FAQ
What is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert?
Pumpkin pie is the classic favorite, followed by pecan and apple pie.
What is an easy Thanksgiving dessert for a crowd?
Pumpkin bars, pecan pie bars and apple crisp are easy to make in big pans.
Can I make Thanksgiving desserts the day before?
Yes. Most pies, bars and cheesecakes taste even better after a night in the fridge.
