Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy a hearty feast, and indulge in some truly delightful desserts. While pumpkin pie is often the traditional star of the holiday table, a world of other delicious options is waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to switch things up or offer an additional sweet treat to your dessert spread, these top 10 Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pumpkin pie will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. From classic apple crisps to indulgent chocolate silk pie, each dessert brings something unique to the table, making your Thanksgiving celebration even more memorable.
1. Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp is a quintessential fall dessert that combines warm, spiced apples and a buttery, crumbly topping. Unlike a traditional pie with a crust, this dish is about the satisfying contrast between the soft, tender apples and the crispy oat topping. Sliced apples, often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes a hint of cloves, are baked until they become tender and slightly caramelized. The topping, made from oats, flour, sugar, and butter, bakes into a golden, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the fruit below. Brown sugar in the crumble adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness, while a pinch of salt helps to balance the flavors.
Apple crisp is often served warm, and it’s hard to resist adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast between the hot, cinnamon-spiced apples and the cool, creamy ice cream makes for an incredibly comforting and satisfying dessert. Easy to make and full of flavor, apple crisp is perfect for Thanksgiving because it delivers all the cozy, autumnal flavors you want in a dessert without the fuss of rolling out pie dough. It’s also versatile — depending on your preferences, you can add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra texture or drizzle caramel sauce for a more decadent finish. Whether served casually in a baking dish or fancied in individual ramekins, apple crisp is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
2. Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan Pie Bars take all the indulgent flavors of classic pecan pie and transform them into a convenient, handheld dessert perfect for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving. These bars feature a buttery shortbread-like crust that forms the base, providing a sturdy yet tender foundation for the rich pecan filling. The filling is made from a sweet mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, corn syrup, or maple syrup, creating a gooey, caramel-like consistency perfectly balanced by the crunchy, toasted pecans scattered on top. As the bars bake, the filling becomes a chewy, luscious layer, while the pecans on the surface become slightly candied, contrasting the texture.
What makes pecan pie bars particularly appealing is their portability and ease of serving—no need for slicing a pie, as these bars can be cut into neat squares or rectangles, making them easy to grab and enjoy at a Thanksgiving gathering or potluck. The rich, buttery flavor of the crust pairs beautifully with the nutty, caramelized sweetness of the filling, making each bite a perfect combination of textures and tastes. For an extra touch, some variations include adding a bourbon or vanilla extract to the filling for depth of flavor or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars for added indulgence. These bars also hold up well for a few days, making them a great make-ahead option for the busy holiday season. Whether served alone or alongside other desserts, pecan pie bars are a delicious, crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional pecan pie, offering all the flavor and satisfaction in a more casual, shareable format.
3. Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Pie is a Southern classic that rivals pumpkin pie with its rich, earthy flavor and silky-smooth texture, making it a perfect alternative for Thanksgiving dessert. The filling, made from cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, is blended with sugar, butter, eggs, and various warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice. This mixture is poured into a flaky, buttery pie crust and baked until the filling is set and the top is slightly golden. What sets sweet potato pie apart is the natural sweetness and creaminess of the sweet potatoes, which lend a deeper, more complex flavor than pumpkin pie. Many recipes also incorporate a hint of vanilla extract or a splash of evaporated milk or cream, adding to the pie’s richness and making the filling irresistibly smooth and velvety.
Some variations include a touch of orange zest or bourbon for a nuanced twist. The result is a custard-like filling that’s both light and dense, with a slight caramelization that forms on top as it bakes. Traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, sweet potato pie is often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream. However, some prefer it plain to appreciate its warm, spiced sweetness fully. The crust provides a crisp, buttery contrast to the creamy filling, creating a perfect balance of textures. Sweet potato pie is a delicious and satisfying dessert and holds cultural significance in many African American households, often considered a symbol of comfort and tradition. Its earthy, spiced flavor makes it a comforting end to a Thanksgiving feast, offering all the warmth and coziness of fall in a single bite.
4. Cranberry Cheesecake
Cranberry Cheesecake is a stunning, flavorful dessert that beautifully balances cheesecake’s rich creaminess with cranberries’ tart brightness, making it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving. The base is a classic cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker or cookie crust, offering a slightly sweet and crunchy foundation for the smooth, creamy filling. The cheesecake itself is made from a blend of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, resulting in a luscious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The cranberry element elevates this dessert, which can be incorporated in a few different ways: a tart cranberry swirl, a cranberry compote topping, or even a cranberry-infused layer in the middle of the cheesecake. The cranberries’ tartness cuts through the cheesecake’s richness, providing a perfect balance of flavors—sweet, creamy, and tangy.
As the cheesecake bakes, the cranberries soften and release their juices, creating vibrant pops of color and flavor throughout the dessert. Some versions also feature a hint of orange zest or juice in the cranberry mixture, enhancing the citrus notes and complementing the natural tartness of the berries. Once baked and chilled, the cheesecake is often garnished with more cranberries, whether fresh, candied, or as part of a glossy cranberry sauce, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. The creamy, rich base paired with the tangy, jewel-toned cranberries offers a refreshing contrast to heavier Thanksgiving desserts, a showstopper when served. Cranberry cheesecake’s festive colors and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleasing dessert that celebrates the season with elegance and a burst of autumnal flavor.
5. Apple Cider Donut Cake
Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful, nostalgic dessert that captures the cozy, autumnal flavors of apple cider donuts in the form of a bundt cake, making it a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving dessert spread. The cake is infused with apple cider, which gives it a moist, tender crumb and a subtle apple flavor. Often, the cider is reduced before being added to the batter, concentrating its flavor for a more decadent, more pronounced apple essence. The batter is spiced with warm, comforting flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, echoing the taste of traditional apple cider donuts. After baking to a beautiful golden brown, the cake is brushed with melted butter while still warm. It is then generously coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, giving it the signature sugary crunch of its donut inspiration.
This finishing touch adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft, spongy cake inside. Some recipe variations may include a touch of vanilla or even a hint of bourbon or apple brandy for added depth, but the star remains the apple cider, which brings a fresh, fruity brightness to the dessert. The bundt shape makes the cake visually impressive. It ensures an even bake and a pleasing presentation, often adorned with a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. Served warm or at room temperature, this cake is intensely flavorful yet light, making it an excellent option for those who want something festive but not overly rich after a big Thanksgiving meal. Its rustic charm and comforting flavors make apple cider donut cake a crowd favorite, evoking the warmth and coziness of a fall harvest celebration in every bite.
6. Maple Pecan Tart
The Maple Pecan Tart is a sophisticated, indulgent dessert that combines the nutty richness of pecans with the deep, earthy sweetness of maple syrup, making it a perfect alternative to traditional pecan pie for Thanksgiving. The tart starts with a buttery, flaky pastry crust, a delicate yet sturdy base for the decadent filling. The filling is made from a combination of pure maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and eggs, creating a smooth, custard-like consistency that’s richer and more nuanced than the corn syrup-based filling of a typical pecan pie. The maple syrup infuses the tart with a distinct, caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the toasty, crunchy pecans scattered throughout. As the tart bakes, the pecans rise to the top, becoming slightly candied and adding a delightful texture to each bite. The golden-brown filling sets to a gooey, caramelized layer that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, tender crust.
Some variations may include a hint of bourbon or vanilla to enhance the complexity of flavors, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top can add a subtle balance to the sweetness. The tart’s rich, nutty, buttery flavors are perfect for those who enjoy fall’s deep, comforting tastes but want something a bit more refined and elegant than the typical pie. The presentation, often finished with a glossy maple glaze or a powdered sugar dusting, makes the Maple Pecan Tart a stunning centerpiece on any Thanksgiving dessert table. Served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this tart offers an irresistible combination of sweet, nutty, and buttery goodness, satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth while showcasing the season’s best flavors.
7. Chocolate Silk Pie
Chocolate Silk Pie is a luxurious and decadent dessert that delivers a rich, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor, making it an irresistible choice for Thanksgiving. The foundation of this pie is a buttery, flaky crust or, in some variations, a crumbly chocolate cookie crust, which adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky filling. The star of the pie is the chocolate mousse filling, made by whipping together high-quality melted chocolate, butter, sugar, and eggs, creating a smooth, creamy consistency that melts in your mouth. Some versions also incorporate a splash of vanilla extract or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor, while others may add a bit of heavy cream for extra richness. The mousse is carefully whipped to achieve a light, airy texture, yet it retains the intense, luxurious depth of the chocolate.
Once the filling is poured into the crust, the pie is chilled to set, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up while staying creamy and indulgent. The top of the pie is often garnished with a generous layer of freshly whipped cream, which adds a light, airy counterpoint to the dense chocolate filling. For an added touch of elegance, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can be used as a garnish, providing visual appeal and an extra flavor dimension. The result is a rich but not overwhelming dessert, making it a perfect ending to a festive Thanksgiving meal. Its creamy, indulgent filling, paired with the contrasting crust and whipped cream, offers a balance of textures and flavors that will satisfy any chocolate lover, making Chocolate Silk Pie a crowd-pleaser and a showstopper on the holiday dessert table.
8. Pear and Almond Tart
Pear and Almond Tart is an elegant and flavorful dessert that showcases the delicate sweetness of ripe pears paired with almonds’ rich, nutty flavor, making it a refined addition to any Thanksgiving dessert table. The tart features a crisp, buttery pastry shell with a layer of almond cream, also known as *frangipane*, made from ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs. This almond cream bakes into a soft, moist layer that complements the juicy pears perfectly. Thin slices of poached or fresh pears are artistically arranged on top of the almond filling, creating a visually stunning presentation that highlights the beauty of the fruit. As the tart bakes, the pears soften slightly, becoming tender and infused with the subtle sweetness of the almond filling.
The nutty, buttery flavors of the frangipane meld beautifully with the floral, juicy pears, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Some tart versions enhance the flavor with a splash of vanilla or almond extract in the filling or by poaching the pears in a lightly spiced syrup with hints of cinnamon or star anise. Once baked, the tart is often finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a glossy apricot glaze, which adds shine and enhances the sweetness of the fruit. The combination of the crisp pastry, the rich almond cream, and the tender pears creates a sophisticated yet comforting dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Served warm or at room temperature, Pear and Almond Tart is a light yet indulgent dessert that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined, less heavy alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts.
9. Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a delightful twist on the classic upside-down cake, merging the warm flavors of caramel and spiced apples into a moist, buttery cake perfect for autumn gatherings like Thanksgiving. The preparation begins with a layer of sliced apples, often tossed in cinnamon and sugar, arranged beautifully at the bottom of a cake pan. A rich, homemade caramel sauce is poured over the apples, infusing them with a sweet, buttery flavor and creating a luscious base to soak into the cake during baking. The cake batter, made from flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla, is poured over the apple and caramel layer, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The apples soften and caramelize as the cake bakes while the batter rises to create a light, fluffy cake.
The magic happens when the cake is inverted onto a serving plate after baking; the caramel seeps into the cake, creating a sticky, decadent topping adorned with tender, caramelized apple slices. The result is a beautiful presentation that showcases the rich colors and textures of the apples and caramel. Each slice reveals a moist cake infused with the sweet, buttery flavor of caramel and the warm spice of cinnamon, complemented by the tender apples that provide a delightful contrast. This cake is best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making it an irresistible finale to a Thanksgiving feast. The combination of flavors and textures—sweet, buttery, and fruity—makes Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake a crowd-pleaser, evoking the cozy essence of fall in every delicious bite.
10. Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies, elevating the flavor profile with the nutty richness of brown butter and the crunch of toasted pecans. The process begins by browning the butter, which involves cooking until it reaches a deep golden hue and develops a rich, toasty aroma. This step transforms the butter, intensifying its flavor and adding a delightful, warm, and nutty depth. Once the butter is browned, it is combined with granulated and brown sugars to create a cookie dough that is not only sweet but also carries the complexity of caramel undertones. The dough is then mixed with eggs, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt, which enhances the overall flavor. Chopped pecans, lightly toasted to enhance their nuttiness, are folded into the dough, adding a satisfying crunch and a delicious contrast to the soft, chewy cookie.
The cookies are baked until golden around the edges yet still soft in the center, resulting in a perfect balance of textures. The nutty aroma wafts through the kitchen as they bake, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge. Once cooled, these cookies can be enjoyed as is or drizzled with a light glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Brown Butter Pecan Cookies are ideal for fall gatherings, offering a cozy, comforting treat that captures the season’s essence. Their unique flavor and delightful texture make them a standout addition to any dessert spread, appealing to traditional cookie lovers and those seeking something different. Whether served with a cup of coffee or enjoyed alone, these cookies will leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, gratitude, and indulging in delicious desserts that bring warmth and joy to the table. While pumpkin pie often steals the spotlight, countless other delectable options can elevate your holiday feast. From the comforting warmth of Apple Crisp to the luxurious richness of Chocolate Silk Pie, each dessert offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that cater to various palates. Desserts like Pear, Almond Tart, and Maple Pecan Tart bring sophistication and elegance. At the same time, more casual treats like Brown Butter Pecan Cookies and Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake evoke the cozy spirit of the season.
Embracing these alternatives allows for a delightful exploration of seasonal ingredients and showcases the diverse culinary traditions that make Thanksgiving unique. No matter which desserts you choose to serve, sharing these sweet creations with family and friends will create cherished memories and enhance the festive atmosphere of the holiday. This Thanksgiving, consider stepping outside the traditional pie box and treating your guests to an array of delicious desserts celebrating fall flavors and the joy of togetherness.
