Explore this collection of the BEST Thanksgiving desserts to impress your guests this holiday! From classic recipes like pumpkin pie to more unique treats, like my sweet potato cake, there’s an option for every taste bud and occasion on this list.
Crowd-Pleasing Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
Do you have your Thanksgiving menu planned? I always find the main courses easy (my citrus herb roasted turkey breast or creamy braised short ribs are both great choices) Then, I just sort through my best Thanksgiving sides and pick a few. It’s really Thanksgiving dessert ideas that I have the most trouble choosing. There are so delicious options and directions you can with dessert which makes it hard to decide!
So, to make the choice a little easier, I’ve rounded up a collection of easy Thanksgiving desserts that are always a favorite with family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a large crowd or hosting a small gathering, these desserts are guaranteed to satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth, making for the perfect addition to your holiday table.
20+ of the BEST Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
- Dutch Apple Pie
- Gooey Chocolate Pecan Pie
- No Bake Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
- Pear Pie with Crumble Topping
- Pumpkin Cake
- The Best Pear Crisp
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake
- Classic Pecan Pie
- The Best Healthy Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Pecan Pie
- Brown Butter Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
- Healthy Pecan Pie Bars
- Gluten Free Oatmeal Pumpkin Crisp
- Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
- Healthy Apple Pie Crumble Bars
- Gluten Free Apple Crisp
- Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars
- Cranberry Crumble Bars
- No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Brown Butter Sweet Potato Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- Sweet Potato Cake with Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Thanksgiving desserts ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many Thanksgiving desserts can be made 1-3 days in advance. Pies, cheesecakes, and bars often taste even better the next day once the flavors have time to develop. I provide make-ahead instructions, if applicable, for individual recipes!
How many desserts should I have at Thanksgiving?
I recommend planning on having at least two to three dessert options for a typical family gathering of 8-12 people. A good rule of thumb is to offer one traditional option (like pumpkin pie), one fruity or chocolate-based dessert, and something unique or bite-sized for variety.
I hope you give a few of my best Thanksgiving desserts a try this holiday. They’re all so delicious and easy to make. If you do give these recipes a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating on that recipe. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.







