38 Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

Introduction

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and stuffing—it’s also the perfect opportunity to wow your guests with delicious sweets! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or looking for low-fuss, crowd-pleasing options, these 38 Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas help you deliver standout finales to your holiday meal. From make-ahead classics to quick-fix treats, there’s something for every schedule and skill level on this list.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

What makes these desserts special? Simplicity and excellent flavor. Many options use pantry staples or can be prepped ahead, ensuring you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the holiday. These Thanksgiving treats are sure to make any gathering memorable—without requiring all-day kitchen duty.

38 Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie
2. Pecan Pie Bars
3. Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
4. Maple Walnut Blondies
5. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
6. Salted Caramel Apple Galette
7. Sweet Potato Pound Cake
8. Cranberry Orange Loaf
9. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
10. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
11. Pumpkin Roll With Cream Cheese Filling
12. Mini Apple Hand Pies
13. Caramel-Drizzled Bread Pudding
14. Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake
15. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
16. Gingerbread Trifles
17. Butterscotch Pudding Cups
18. Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake
19. Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies
20. Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding
21. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
22. Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits
23. Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies
24. Chocolate Pumpkin Tarts
25. Cranberry Cheesecake Bites
26. Pecan Tassies
27. Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée
28. Sweet Potato Pie
29. Apple Chai Cupcakes
30. Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
31. No-Bake Turtle Pie
32. Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
33. Maple Cinnamon Popcorn Balls
34. Spiced Carrot Bundt Cake
35. Pear and Almond Tartlets
36. S’mores Bars
37. Brown Sugar Pecan Blondies
38. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these dessert recipes to automatically generate a detailed, organized shopping list for your Thanksgiving menu. CookifyAI will sort all your ingredients by store section, making your holiday grocery trip smoother and more efficient.

Instructions Overview

These desserts follow simple prep methods so you can focus on enjoying the festivities:

1. For pies and tarts, pre-bake or blind-bake crusts as needed and prepare fillings per each recipe’s instructions.
2. In most bars and cakes, mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine and bake in prepared pans.
3. No-bake desserts typically involve layering or chilling assembled components for at least an hour to set flavors.
4. Always allow baked treats to cool before topping with glazes, frosting, or whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your desserts family-style on a buffet tray, or elevate a few into mini portions for single-serve treats. Garnish with whipped cream, dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle with extra caramel or melted chocolate for a festive finish. Add candied nuts or fresh berries for extra color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional details will vary based on the desserts chosen. Typical single-serving treats range from 150 to 400 calories. Opt for fruit-based desserts for lighter options, and indulge in pies and cheesecakes for a classic, hearty treat.

38 Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas (Recap)

Mix and match from this collection for a Thanksgiving dessert table that satisfies every guest. These recipes focus on ease, festive flavors, and minimal fuss, guaranteeing sweet success for your holiday meal.

Weekly Meal Planning

With so many options, planning ahead is key! Save and schedule all your Thanksgiving dessert picks to CookifyAI to create a seamless shopping list across your entire holiday menu. Never worry about missing an ingredient—just focus on joyful hosting!

**Planning Benefits:**

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for all desserts you want to make
• Organizes your shopping list by store section for efficient errands
• Prevents duplicate purchases and saves time at the store
• Helps you stagger prep across several days for a stress-free holiday

Pro tip: When scheduling multiple desserts, combine your plans so overlapping ingredients are consolidated—making shopping and baking even easier.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10–30 minutes per recipe
Cook Time: 15–60 minutes per dessert
Total Time: Varies; most recipes ready in under 1 hour (plus any chill times for no-bake options)

Ready to make this the sweetest Thanksgiving yet? Dive into these easy dessert ideas, and let CookifyAI keep your planning simple!