10 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

These sweet treats are the perfect finale to the big event

by Kate Donovan
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Kate is a Senior Editor covering home, registry and wedding décor. She has been with Brides since 2015.
Updated 11/14/18
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Everyone has a favorite dish when it comes to Thanksgiving, and dessert is definitely no exception. This season is all about warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves (all in the name of staying cozy!). Autumn flavors and harvest fruits like pumpkin, apple, and cranberry take center stage at Thanksgiving dinner as family and friends gather together at a beautiful table to celebrate the best that the season has to offer.

If you have a lot of guests, it's a good idea to set up a dessert table (buffet-style) to show off the sweets and give guests the opportunity to pick and choose their favorites. It's also the perfect time to display favorite serving pieces, your new pie plate, or the cake stand your Aunt Sally purchased from your registry. When it comes to the dessert table, make sure to have a mix of traditional pies and cakes along with some unexpected treats like individual custards or poached fruit. After a big meal like Thanksgiving, just a bite of something sweet (versus a huge serving of a rich dessert) might be just the thing your guests will want.

Desserts, like many other Thanksgiving recipes, are also ideal to prep ahead of time. Save a chunk of the day before Thanksgiving as your baking time and you'll definitely ease up on the stress when it comes time to get the cocktail party going and the big meal out on the table.

01 of 10

Blondies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Platings and Pairings

Gooey, buttery, sweet and delicious. These bars have literally everything you want in a dessert.

02 of 10

Easy Pumpkin Pie

Platings and Pairings

This classic recipe features a delicious twist: a salted caramel sauce that's drizzled on top.

Get the recipe here.

03 of 10

Pressure Cooker Mini Maple Bacon Pecan Pies

Kitschen Cat

These gluten-free mini cakes are made in a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, so you can make more space on your stovetop to prep other items.

04 of 10

Pressure Cooker Red Wine Poached Pears

Kitschen Cat

Another easy recipe that's made in an electric pressure cooker, these delicate poached pears are a refreshing departure from traditional cream or butter-based desserts.

05 of 10

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

Love From the Oven

The perfect marriage of a pecan pie and a chocolate chip cookie, these mouthwatering bars are also easily transportable (send off a package with guests at the end of the night).

06 of 10

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Love From the Oven

These tiny versions of a Thankgiving fave are perfect for kids and adults alike.

07 of 10

Pumpkin Roll

My Baking Addiction

This pretty pumpkin and cream cheese cake can be made up to a month ahead and stored in the freezer—just take it out to defrost about an hour before serving.

08 of 10

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

My Baking Addiction

Super simple to prep, this cake is filled with pumpkin spice flavors and is topped with whipped cream and chopped pecans.

09 of 10

Rustic Cranberry Galette

Salt and Lavender

Making a free form galette is infinitely easier than crafting "perfect" looking pie crust. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

10 of 10

Easy No Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake

Salt and Lavender

A winning trio of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves make this crunchy-creamy dish a star at the dessert table.

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