11 Thanksgiving Desserts Worth Saving Room For

Let’s be honest. Once dinner is done, everyone’s just eyeing the dessert table. Thanksgiving dessert is where all the magic happens. Whether you’re a pie purist or love something a little unexpected, this list has a dessert everyone at your table will eat!

A top down view of a Thanksgiving dessert of pumpkin pie with a slice taken out of the dish.

What Everyone’s Really Waiting For

Let’s be honest. Everyone pretends Thanksgiving is about the turkey, but we all know it’s really about dessert. This is the moment we’ve all been saving room for, the reason stretchy pants were invented, and honestly the only part some of us show up for. Pies, crisps, cheesecakes, you name it. I’m ready! Are you?

Tips for Making Thanksgiving Desserts

  • Double it. Because there’s no such thing as “too much dessert.”
  • Mix things up. You don’t need five pies. A mix of pies, crisps, and bars keeps things fun.
  • Make desserts ahead. Lucky for you, these desserts almost all (aside from the crisp) taste better after a night in the fridge.
  • Serve warm last. Plan for crisps or galettes to come out of the oven right before dessert time.
  • Don’t skip toppings. A quick caramel drizzle or cinnamon sugar sprinkle makes homemade desserts feel extra special.
  • Save fridge space early. Desserts take up more room than you think once they’re chilled. Bake the pies in a dish that has a lid like these! Then you can stack them!
  • Always serve ice cream or whipped cream. I’m just saying…There are no rules against having both.

Grandma’s Famous Pumpkin Pie

5 from 5 votes
Grandma's famous pumpkin pie is smooth, thick, and creamy! A MUST for the holidays and the best when served with a big scoop of whipped cream on top!
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Apple Pecan Crisp

5 from 3 votes
Apple pecan crisp is so easy to make and is the perfect fall dessert. The crisp apples, crunchy pecans hidden throughout, and a buttery cinnamon sugar crumb topping are the perfect combo!
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Chocolate Pie

5 from 3 votes
Chocolate Pie. Easy, homemade chocolate pudding is the perfect pie filling! Smooth and creamy chocolate layered with sweet, vanilla whipped cream is the perfect dessert. 
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Cherry Pie Bars

4.76 from 70 votes
Enjoy cherry pie in its best form: cherry pie bars! You can whip up a whole pan in minutes using cherry pie filling. They’re beautiful, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser!
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Apple Cider Cookies

No ratings yet
These soft and delicious Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful blend of apple cider, warm spices, and drizzled with a sweet glaze. These cookies are a cozy and irresistible treat that's perfect for any occasion.
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Lemon Pie

5 from 1 vote
Lemon Pie is sweet, a bit tart and totally refreshing! The perfect zingy, light, summertime dessert!
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No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

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Delicious no-bake pumpkin cheesecake topped off with whipped cream is the perfect fall dessert. It has a creamy cheesecake filling with real pumpkin puree that sits in an irresistible Biscoff cookie crust. It’s easy to make, rich and perfectly spiced!
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Caramel Apple Pie

5 from 1 vote
Caramel apple pie is the traditional American dessert, but totally elevated. Sour tart apples are smothered in caramel, it's insanely delicious.
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Pie Crust Cookies

No ratings yet
Turn leftover pie crust into perfect buttery and flakey pie crust cookies. Roll and shape using fun cookie cutters then simply sprinkle with sweet cinnamon and sugar. 
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodles

4.07 from 16 votes
Pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodles are a fresh take on a classic cookie! Delightfully soft and filled with tangy cream cheese, these cookies will be sure to get a "WOW!" from your friends and family!
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Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

5 from 2 votes
A sweet, tart fruit filling and golden, flaky crust make this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie the dessert of the summer. With a pie this fresh and decadent, you won't want store-bought again!
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Tell Me Your Thanksgiving Dessert MVP!

Be honest. What’s the one thing you have to make every Thanksgiving or there’s a family riot? Drop your favorite dessert (or secret twist) in the comments so we can all upgrade our dessert tables this year



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