The turkey is delicious, and the mashed potatoes are great, but let’s be honest: the real star of Thanksgiving dinner is the dessert table. Now is not the time to buy boxed brownies or store-bought cookies (although we can’t decide if that’s your thing). We like to think of dessert as an experience, an excuse to slow down, turn up the music, and fill the kitchen with the aromas of butter, spice, and caramelized sugar. Because if there’s ever a time to create something unforgettable, it’s now.
The hours you spend whipping, rolling, and baking the day before your fancy meal are sure to pay off when your guests take their first bites. Please believe me. Your future self (and everyone at the table) will thank you.
From classics to conversation starters
Pumpkin pie, pecan tarts, apple crumble, these must-haves always have their place and never go out of style. But this year, we’re focusing on desserts with a twist. Salted caramel pot de crème, dessert-shaped blankets of maple custard, and other sweet surprises that will make your guests stop and ask. “Wait, what’s in this?” These recipes strike the perfect balance between the nostalgic and the new, comforting yet surprising enough to get you talking.
15 Best Thanksgiving Desserts
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or setting an intimate table, these Thanksgiving desserts celebrate the best flavors of the season and the joy of ending a meal beautifully. Find recipes that might become your new holiday tradition.
maple pecan pie
A refined take on a holiday favorite, this pie layers a glossy maple syrup filling with toasted pecans, adding depth of nostalgia and new flavors. Think of it as the grown-up cousin of the classic Southern staple.
pumpkin cheesecake cookies
This pumpkin cheesecake collaboration combines two of my favorite desserts into one perfect flavor. Each cookie blends fall’s most cozy flavors with a luxurious touch. Bite-sized answers to the inevitable. “Just one more” for a moment.
Pumpkin pie with gingersnap crust
If you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin pie recipe, you’re welcome. With a spicy, buttery gingersnap crust, this pumpkin pie has everything you want in the ultimate pie. Plus, if you’re not a big fan of traditional puff pastry (like me), this might change your mind.
pumpkin loaf cake
Whether you make this pumpkin cake for Thanksgiving dinner or breakfast, everyone will fall in love with this fluffy, nutty bread. Topped with crunchy pecans that bring out the cinnamon flavor, you’ll get in the holiday spirit with every bite.
cookie tiramisu
If you’re looking for presentation points with your Thanksgiving dessert, this cookie tiramisu is absolutely irresistible. Layers of delicious espresso and chocolate chip cookies are combined for this whimsical take on an Italian classic.
Salted caramel pot de crème
We created a unique salted caramel pot de crème by combining caramel-flavored custard and fresh cream. If you haven’t tried this decadent French dessert yet, add it to your list this Thanksgiving.
No-bake pumpkin pie bar
All the comforting flavor of classic pumpkin pie without the oven time. These silky, spiced bars sit atop a buttery graham crust and chill to perfection. It’s proof that you can feel effortless and luxurious.
Walnut cream cheese coffee cake
If someone brings coffee cake for Thanksgiving, they’ll probably find me nearby. You will never get tired of the combination of crunchy walnuts and sweet cream cheese no matter how many times you eat it. For those who love a post-Thanksgiving breakfast, this one will definitely turn heads.
Dairy and gluten free pumpkin pie
When baking for a large group, it’s essential to provide a dessert that everyone will enjoy. This gluten-free pumpkin pie is just as delicious as the traditional recipe and can accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
classic buttermilk pie
Buttermilk pie is a Thanksgiving staple. The creamy custard-based pie is surprisingly light and fluffy, and the buttermilk gives it a pleasant tangy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the pie’s sweet ingredients.
Pumpkin pie tartlets and candied pepitas
Aren’t pumpkin pie tarts so cute? These are the perfect option for anyone looking to add a more personal touch to their Thanksgiving desserts, and the flavor will wow you.
apple crumble
There’s a reason apple and cinnamon are a timeless duo. If pie isn’t your thing, this buttery oat crumble is a great alternative. It’s comforting, simple, and equally appealing on the dessert table.
Chewy pumpkin spice cookies
Think of these as mini pumpkin breads in the shape of cookies. It’s soft, chewy, and never dry. It has just the right balance of sweetness and spice, making it an unexpected hit on the dessert table.
pumpkin snack cake
This pumpkin snack cake delivers all the cozy coffee cake vibes with a buttery streusel topping and a light dusting of powdered sugar. It’s simple, nostalgic, and every bit as beautiful as it is delicious.
Rum & Coffee Spiced Leche
Tres Leches are the ultimate holiday cake. You can make it a day or two in advance and it will taste better the longer it sits. If your menu is already packed with dishes to prepare, consider this your make-ahead savior.
This post was last updated on November 17, 2025 with new insights.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
