It’s 2023; changing up Thanksgiving staple dishes is totally cool. The time is now to serve stuffing cups and mashed cauliflower puree, but do you dare go beyond the classic pumpkin or apple pie? The answer is yes. There are so many new ways to incorporate your favorite Thanksgiving ingredients that you might as well try them all! (Well, as many as you can anyway).
You can always opt for new takes on apple crisp, unique pecan recipes, and pumpkin pie alternatives. Or, if you’d rather skip the pies altogether, try something completely new. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that break the mold and taste delicious while doing so.
Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Toffee
Image via Brit + Co
Don’t want to deal with any leftovers? This crispy pumpkin-spice toffee is one of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie because it’s easy for people to take home in bags. Give some to your friends, your family, and your neighbors! (via Brit + Co)
Einkorn Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Image via Calico + Twine
These aren’t your average cookies. Not only are they packed with pumpkin flavor, but they’re fluffy like cake instead of dense like other chocolate chip cookie recipes. One thing you’ll want to note is that this recipe is specified for Einkorn flour (which hasn’t been hybridized, meaning it’s full of health benefits and flavor), so if you use another kind, you’ll want to follow Kaetlyn’s instructions on ratios. (via Calico + Twine)
Pumpkin Pie Brownies
Image via The Cookie Rookie
Boxed brownie mix (which is already a good Thanksgiving dessert) gets a gooey upgrade when layered with pumpkin, cream cheese, and warming spices. (via The Cookie Rookie)
Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust
Image via Completely Delicious
This is like pumpkin pie, only so much better. The rich gingersnap crust pairs so nicely with the dark chocolate ganache and sweet pumpkin filling. (via Completely Delicious)
Nutella-Stuffed Pumpkin Beignets
Image via Half-Baked Harvest
Reason 8,453 why Nutella makes everything better: these plump and pillowy pumpkin beignets. Your guests will love the look of these fun Thanksgiving desserts, but they’ll really freak out when they take a bite from the gooey center. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Kabak Tatlisi – Turkish Pumpkin Dessert
Image via Give Recipe
This Turkish pumpkin dessert only requires two ingredients (seriously, what could be better than that?), is budget-friendly, and oh-so comforting! (via Give Recipe)
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll
Image via Give Recipe
Nothing beats a good old cinnamon roll, and this one is only elevated by the addition of pumpkin! (via Give Recipe)
Baked Pumpkin Churros
Image via Cooking Classy
When churros and hot fudge are involved, there will always be room for dessert. (via Cooking Classy)
Easy Apple Dessert Ideas
Goat Cheese Cheesecake With Honey-Cinnamon Apples
Image via Food Faith Fitness
Turn your favorite charcuterie-board combo into dessert with a rich and sweet goat cheese filling, sliced apples, and honey-cinnamon syrup that is definitely a Thanksgiving dessert to impress. (via Food Faith Fitness)
Puff Pastry Apple Roses
Image via Give Recipe
Not only does this dessert taste amazing, but it looks amazing too! It’s perfect to make for a Thanksgiving get-together, as everyone will be ooh-ing and aah-ing over it. (via Give Recipe)
Apple Dumplings With Sparkling Apple Cider Sauce
Image via Sweet Cayenne
Sparkling apple cider, butter, and brown sugar form a sticky sauce when baked with soft apple dumplings. If you listen closely, you can practically hear the dumplings begging to be heaped with ice cream. (via Sweet Cayenne)
Samoa Caramel Apple Nachos
A unique twist on a classic caramel apple, these nachos are the ultimate treat. (via The Girl on Bloor)
Apple Fritter Bread
Image via Crazy for Crust
Here’s a five-ingredient dessert that won’t let you down — and it even has fresh fruit to boot. (via Crazy for Crust)
(Cheese)cakes Make Awesome Thanksgiving Dessert
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
Image via Brit + Co
If you want the taste of a cake without committing to a huge slice, opt for cupcakes instead! They’re delicious, they’re bite-sized, and they make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. (via Brit + Co)
Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Image via The Recipe Critic
When there’s a crowd, you can’t go wrong with a sheet cake. (via The Recipe Critic)
Glazed Buttermilk Donut Bundt Cake
Image via The View From Great Island
Why buy a dozen donuts when you can make a giant one? This unique cake is made with oat flour, buttermilk, and nutmeg. (via The View From Great Island)
Nutella Gooey Butter Cake
Image via Spicy Southern Kitchen
It’s only logical to end an extremely large meal with an extremely rich dessert. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Rum Cake
Image via Averie Cooks
Few things are better than a moist and boozy bundt with a buttery sauce. (via Averie Cooks)
Pumpkin Roll
Image via The Recipe Critic
If you want an elegant Thanksgiving dessert that doubles as dessert and a centerpiece, go with this pumpkin roll, which looks complex but is beginner-friendly. (via The Recipe Critic)
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Image via The Recipe Critic
Gingersnap crust, caramel drizzle, can’t lose. (via The Recipe Critic)
Pumpkin Carrot Cake
Image via Averie Cooks
The veggie action doesn’t have to stop after dinner. Load pumpkin with more carrot! (via Averie Cooks)
Cookies, Bars and Other Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving
Baked Churro Chips
Image via Brit + Co
These healthy-ish churro chips are an easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe, and they pair oh-so-well with your end-of-feast espresso. Serve them with multiple dipping sauces for a shareable treat. (via Brit + Co)
Caramel Cranberry Nut Bars
Image via Completely Delicious
It’s not Thanksgiving without cranberries! This bar is buttery and masterfully combines tart cranberries with sweet caramel. (via Completely Delicious)
Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
Image via Brit + Co
Casseroles and sweet potatoes are already turkey day staples — together they make one of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes! (via Brit + Co)
Gingerbread Pecan Cheesecake
Image via Brit + Co
Gingerbread and pecans come together seamlessly in this festive, unique Thanksgiving dessert. Our stomachs are already grumbling. (via Brit + Co)
Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
Image via Brit + Co
Pumpkin spice pairs deliciously with cinnamon-heavy snickerdoodles. (via Brit + Co)
Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts
Image via Brit + Co
Hot chocolate is one of our favorite winter treats, and we’d eat doughnuts every day of the year if given the opportunity. The logical next step? Combining the two. (via Brit + Co)
Vegan Butter Board
Image via Brit + Co
This Thanksgiving dessert can also double as an appetizer, making it double the fun! Since it’s vegan, you don’t have to worry about your guests with allergies feeling left out. Plus it’s a hands-on snack which is great for kids. (via Brit + Co)
Low-Carb Eggnog
Image via Brit + Co
This Keto drink might not technically be a dessert, but it’s sweet and delicious so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include it. It’s also the perfect segway from Thanksgiving to the rest of the holiday season. (via Brit + Co)
Caramel Apple Crisp Bars
Image via Pinch of Yum
Love apple crisp but don’t love doing dishes? These squares pack plenty of apple, butter, and cinnamon and make great finger food. (via Pinch of Yum)
Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Image via The Novice Chef
Pass a plate of this Thanksgiving baking idea around, and they’ll disappear faster than the turkey. (via The Novice Chef)
Nutter Butter Acorn Cookies
Image via Wondermom Wannabe
If kids are on dessert duty, they’ll love dipping Nutter Butters into chocolate and customizing them with sprinkles — no oven necessary. These cookies are festive, cute, and a great dessert to make for Thanksgiving! (via Wondermom Wannabe)
Check out our email newsletter and our online baking classes for more Thanksgiving day desserts and inspiration!
Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken and Sara Cagle
This post has been updated.