Thanksgiving Desserts to Wow Your Guests (Without the Stress!)

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and—let’s be honest—dessert. After the turkey and stuffing, there’s nothing better than finishing the meal with something sweet and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a big feast or bringing a dish to share, these simple Thanksgiving dessert recipes are guaranteed to impress without keeping you in the kitchen all day.

Let’s dig in!

🥧 1. Classic Pumpkin Pie (with a Twist)

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked pie crust

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• Optional: a dash of maple syrup for sweetness

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Whisk together pumpkin, sugar, spices, eggs, and milk.

3. Pour into the crust and bake for 45–50 minutes, until set in the center.

4. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving for a fall-inspired twist.

Tip: Use a store-bought crust to save time—no one will notice!

🍎 2. Warm Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Ingredients:

• 5 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 cup oats

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon, then place in a baking dish.

3. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter to form the topping.

4. Sprinkle over apples and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

🥮 3. Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)

• 2 eggs

• 3/4 cup light corn syrup

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine flour, sugar, and butter; press into a greased baking pan.

3. Bake crust for 15 minutes.

4. In a bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir in pecans.

5. Pour over crust and bake for 25–30 minutes.

6. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Perfect for sharing or adding to your dessert platter!

🍂 4. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 package cream cheese (softened)

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp pumpkin spice

• 1 cup whipped topping

• Crushed graham crackers for layering

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and spice until smooth.

2. Fold in whipped topping.

3. Layer graham crumbs and cheesecake mixture in cups.

4. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

These make adorable single-serve desserts for guests!

🍫 5. Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions.

2. Stir in pumpkin and spices.

3. Bake as directed, then let cool.

Moist, chocolatey, and perfectly seasonal.

🍰 Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving desserts don’t have to be complicated. These recipes are simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing, making your celebration even sweeter. Whether you’re baking a classic pie or trying no-bake cheesecake cups, you’ll find that a little creativity goes a long way in creating holiday magic.

Happy Thanksgiving—and may your dessert table be as full as your heart!