Thanksgiving desserts don’t have to stop at pumpkin pie. This collection brings together pecan tarts and cookies, apple pastries including Danish Kringle, comforting bread puddings, and chocolate-forward treats such as Peanut Butter Balls for a dessert table with more than one kind of sweet finish.
Choose one centerpiece dessert and one or two small treats so guests can sample different flavors. The pecan and apple recipes feel especially at home after Thanksgiving dinner, while the bars and cookies are easy to portion for a crowd.
How to Build a Thanksgiving Dessert Table
- Include a fruit dessert, a nutty favorite, and a chocolate or creamy choice if you are serving several options.
- Offer a few smaller portions alongside a centerpiece cake or pie.
- Follow each recipe’s cooling, chilling, and storage guidance instead of assuming every dessert keeps the same way.
Table of contents
- How to Build a Thanksgiving Dessert Table
- Pecan Pies, Tarts and Cookies
- Apple Desserts and Sweet Pastries
- Warm Cakes and Bread Puddings
- Creamy and Chocolate Pies
- Bars and Small Thanksgiving Treats
- Make-Ahead and Serving Tips for Thanksgiving Desserts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Thanksgiving Recipe Collections
Pecan Pies, Tarts and Cookies
Pecan desserts offer the caramel-like, nutty flavors many guests expect at Thanksgiving, with both full-size and individual options.
Apple Desserts and Sweet Pastries
Apple desserts and sweet pastries make an autumnal alternative to pumpkin, from a sliceable cake to a flaky strudel or nut-filled Kringle.
Warm Cakes and Bread Puddings
For a cozy finish to dinner, consider a tender cake or bread pudding. Check the individual serving directions before deciding whether to warm or dress the dessert at the table.
Creamy and Chocolate Pies
For guests who would rather skip apple or pecan, these pies offer a creamy or chocolate-forward finish.
Bars and Small Thanksgiving Treats
Smaller sweets are useful when guests want just a bite after a full meal, and they travel more easily than some plated desserts.
Make-Ahead and Serving Tips for Thanksgiving Desserts
- Choose desserts with different flavors and textures instead of making several similar pies.
- Check whether a pastry is best served fresh, at room temperature, or warmed; use the recipe instructions rather than a single rule for everything.
- Refrigerate cream-based and other perishable desserts as their individual recipes direct; set them out for serving rather than leaving them on the table all afternoon.
- If serving a large meal, cut cakes and bars into smaller portions so guests can try more than one dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try an apple dessert such as Apple Strudel or French Apple Cake, a pecan option such as Bourbon Pecan Tart, or a comforting bread pudding.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, cookies, blondies, and sliceable cakes are easy to portion. Pair a tray of small sweets with a pie or tart for variety.
Some can, but timing varies. Check each linked recipe for its cooling, chilling, and storage instructions, especially for cream pies and other perishable fillings.
Two or three contrasting desserts can give a small gathering variety without overwhelming the table. For larger groups, add another option or a tray of bite-size treats.
Yes. Danish Kringle, Apple Strudel, and French Apple Cake offer delightful alternatives without being presented as traditional American Thanksgiving recipes.
That depends on the recipe. Pies and cakes may be served in different ways, while desserts containing cream or custard often require chilled storage. Follow the specific recipe directions.
Need ideas for the rest of the meal? Our Thanksgiving Dinner Menu includes turkey, ham, pernil, sides, and more, with a practical holiday cooking timeline.
More Thanksgiving Recipe Collections
Looking for more ideas to complete your holiday feast? Explore these Thanksgiving recipe collections for everything from easy appetizers and comforting side dishes to festive cocktails.
- Thanksgiving Appetizers — warm cheese, savory mushrooms, crostini, and crowd-pleasing dips to start your celebration.
- Thanksgiving Side Dishes — comforting potatoes, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and breads to complete your holiday table.
- Thanksgiving Cocktails — festive fall drinks featuring seasonal flavors that are perfect for sipping and celebrating with family and friends.
With a mix of apple, pecan, chocolate, and cozy fall flavors, you can build a Thanksgiving dessert table that feels festive without repeating the same slice of pie.
