Thanksgiving at our place is always a little hectic, but I kind of find myself in my glory.
Especially when it comes to desserts!
If you ask my father-in-law, he’ll tell you it’s the best part of the whole meal.
And I really can’t argue.
There’s something about having a pie, cake, or even some cookies that makes the whole spread feel complete.
Over the years I’ve figured out a few go-to treats that are easy to whip up but taste like you spent all day on them.
1. Salted Caramel Apple Pie
To make this delicious salted caramel apple pie, peel and slice tart apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little flour to thicken the juices.
Pile the apples into a buttery pie crust and drizzle salted caramel sauce over the filling before adding the top crust.
Bake until golden and bubbling, letting the caramel seep into every apple slice.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving makes the flavor pop even more!
2. Pumpkin Pie
There’s nothing wrong with serving a traditional pumpkin pie at your Thanksgiving dinner!
I always cheat a little here and use a store-bought crust because no one in my family cares as long as the filling is good.
Whisk together canned pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice with a splash of evaporated milk until it’s silky.
Pour the mixture into the crust and bake until the center is just set but still has a slight jiggle.
The smell fills the whole house, and by the time it cools enough to cut, everyone is already hovering with a fork!
3. Blackberry Pie
Fresh or frozen blackberries work beautifully here for a blackberry pie, tossed with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Once they’re coated, pour the berries into a prepared crust and dot the top with butter before sealing with a lattice or second crust.
As it bakes, the filling thickens into a jammy consistency that looks gorgeous spilling out around the edges.
Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
4. Rolo Pretzel Turkeys
My kids love these cute little Rolo pretzel turkeys!
To make them, start by laying mini pretzels flat on a baking sheet and top each one with a Rolo candy.
Bake for just a couple minutes until the chocolate softens, then press candy corns into the top to make the feathers.
Add candy eyes and a colored sprinkle or dollop of icing for the beak.
They’re silly, sweet, and salty all at once, and they disappear fast!
5. Cherry Coffee Cake
This cherry coffee cake starts with a simple batter made from flour, sugar, eggs, and sour cream for extra tenderness.
Spread half the batter into a pan, spoon cherry pie filling over it, then cover with the remaining batter.
A buttery streusel topping made with brown sugar and cinnamon goes over the whole thing before baking.
The layers come out moist and flavorful with a sweet, tangy bite of cherry in every slice.
6. Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Press a graham cracker crust into a springform pan and fill it with a creamy cheesecake batter.
Layer in some spiced apple slices and then cover the top with a cinnamon oat crumble.
This apple crumble cheesecake bakes up smooth and rich while the crumble gets golden and crisp.
It’s a combination of pie, crisp, and cheesecake all in one dessert that always draws attention at the table.
7. Pecan Pie Dip
Blend cream cheese, brown sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth, then spread it into a shallow dish.
Make a quick pecan topping by simmering butter, pecans, and more brown sugar until glossy, then spoon it over the cream cheese layer.
Pecan pie dip is best served with graham crackers, apple slices, or vanilla wafers for scooping.
It gives all the flavor of pecan pie without the need to bake an entire pie!
8. Carrot Cake Cookies
Who says you can’t have cookies for dessert?
To make carrot cake cookies, shred carrots super fine so they blend right into the dough with oats, raisins, and warm spices.
Scoop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet and bake until the edges turn golden and the centers are still soft.
Once cooled, you can sandwich them with cream cheese frosting so they feel like little handheld cakes!
9. Mini Turtle Cheesecakes
I love little bite-sized desserts for after dinner!
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and press a chocolate cookie crust into each one.
Fill with cheesecake batter and bake until set, then chill completely.
Top each mini with caramel sauce, a drizzle of melted chocolate, and chopped pecans.
These mini Turtle cheesecakes are yummy and decadent, and just right for people who “only want a little dessert” but end up grabbing two.
10. Coffee Cheesecake
This coffee cheesecake starts with instant espresso powder stirred right into the creamy batter, giving every bite a bold coffee kick!
The crust is usually chocolate cookies for a mocha effect, though a plain graham cracker base also works well.
After baking, let it cool slowly in the oven so the top doesn’t crack.
A thin layer of chocolate ganache poured over the top adds richness and makes it look extra special.
11. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
I actually cheat with these pumpkin cinnamon rolls and use store-bought pizza dough to save time!
Roll it out, spread on a pumpkin puree mixture with sugar and spices, then roll everything up and slice into spirals.
Place them in a baking dish, let them puff up, and bake until golden.
Drizzle with cream cheese icing while they’re still warm so it melts into all the layers.
12. Pecan Pie Cheesecake
A graham cracker crust holds a creamy pecan pie cheesecake filling that bakes low and slow.
While it cools, make a sticky pecan topping with butter, corn syrup, and some sugar simmered until thick.
Pour the pecan mixture over the cheesecake so it sets into a shiny, nutty glaze.
Each slice feels like two desserts stacked into one, both creamy and crunchy.
13. Spiced Apple Galette
Thinly slice apples and toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until coated.
Roll out pie dough, pile the apples in the center, and fold the edges up around the filling to get those rustic folds.
Then brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for sparkle.
As it bakes, the apples soften and release their juices, creating a free-form pie that looks fancy without the effort.
14. Cranberry Orange Tart
To make a cranberry orange tart, start with a buttery shortcrust that’s baked until crisp.
Make a filling by simmering cranberries with orange juice, zest, and sugar until it’s all thickened.
Then spread it into the crust and let it cool.
Once it sets, you can slice it.
To make it look a little extra fancy for Thanksgiving, garnish it with some sugared cranberries or orange peel curls.
15. Pumpkin Spice Tarts
Use mini tart shells or phyllo cups and fill them with a pumpkin custard mixture spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
Bake until set and then top each tart with whipped cream.
These little pumpkin spice tarts are great for a dessert tray because they’re neat to serve and easy to eat.
The flavor is classic pumpkin pie in a smaller, lighter package!
16. Pumpkin Pie Macarons
I’ll admit these take a little patience, but they’re so worth it!
Whip up a meringue with almond flour and powdered sugar folded in, pipe the rounds, and bake until they have those pretty little feet.
Fill them with a pumpkin-spice buttercream or even a pumpkin cream cheese frosting.
They look delicate, taste delicious, and feel like a fun twist on the traditional pie.
Sweet Endings for Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving desserts don’t have to be stressful to be delicious!
I love having a mix of easy no-fuss recipes alongside one or two that feel a little special.
And these recipes keep the holiday feeling warm, cozy, and just a little bit extra without taking all day in the kitchen!
