14 Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to Stuff Your Recipe Box (2024)

On Thanksgiving, you really can't have too much delicious food…especially dessert! In celebration of America's number one food holiday, break out of the norm and bake up some of these Thanksgiving-themed desserts.

The key to a delicious Thanksgiving is most certainly the tur-key! Transform the most famous Thanksgiving menu item into dessert with these turkey rice krispy treats. Using a traditional rice krispy treat recipe, candy corn, a chocolate wafer, and a few other ingredients, you'll have an adorable and yummy dessert that's easy to make and even easier to eat.

If you're usually stuffed by dessert, these are the dessert pies for you! Smaller than the tiniest sliver of pumpkin pie, these minis are made in muffin tins, so you can still enjoy a sweet flavor without giving yourself a stomach ache.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Acorns

Hershey's Kisses aren't just for Christmas cookies. These peanut butter acorns are a Thanksgiving-friendly dessert item that are bite sized and creative. Using a peanut butter cookie, mini chocolate chip, melted chocolate (as glue), and Hershey's Kiss, you can make sweet little acorns to put in a glass bowl or give out as Thanksgiving party favors.

Caramel Apple Trifle

Instead of having a bunch of pies to cut up, why not try these individual caramel apple trifle cups? They're really easy to make ahead of time and can be assembled right before dessert. You can even have everyone make their own for a twist on a typical Thanksgiving dessert routine.

Crisp-y Leaves

The leaves are probably crunching under your feet outdoors and they can be between your teeth too with these leaf rice krispy treats. Using some food coloring, Rice Krispies, and cookie cutters, you can make an original treat. Wrap them up and let your guests take them home, use them as table settings, or just set out a platter next to the pumpkin pie.

Scarecrow Cookies

We've covered leaves, turkeys, and pumpkin and apple flavored treats, but it wouldn't be right to leave out the scarecrows fall is known for. These are an exceptionally cute cookie and tasty too! Follow the directions online and give your guests something to smile about when dessert time rolls around.

Peekaboo Pumpkin Cake

Before this loaf is sliced and diced, it may look like a typical pound cake. But once you cut it open, you and your guests will be surprised by the delightful pumpkin design inside! This isn't a magic trick. It's actually fairly simple to do. So give it a try if you like a Thanksgiving surprise.

Turkey Cupcakes

These turkey cupcakes are a blast to make. Use whatever cupcake recipe you love most, make chocolate frosting, and then use a Nutter Butter cookie, candy corn, and some extra accouterments to transform regular treats into adorable turkeys. Get your kids to help if you're busy making a ton of other Thanksgiving food. It will keep them busy (and full) for a couple hours!

Mini Caramel Apple Bites

Sometimes all you need is a hint of something sweet after a big meal to top it all off and satisfy every craving. That's why we love these mini caramel apple bites. By using a melon baller, granny smith apples, and some caramel, you'll essentially have shrunken down caramel apple lollipops for all of your guests to enjoy.

14 Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to Stuff Your Recipe Box (7)

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Pump-cakes

For the truly strapped-for-time Thanksgiving host, these pumpkin cupcakes are an easy way to present a fun dessert without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. Make cupcakes (from the box is always quick!) and then top them off with a candy corn pumpkin. They're cute, tasty, and will be a hit on the dessert table this Thanksgiving.

Cone-ucorpias

Not all desserts have to be loaded with calories. These cone-ucopias are the perfect solution to introduce something lighter to your menu. Just pick up some ice cream cones and load them up with fruit. Set them on their sides and they'll look like overflowing cornucopias! You can even try a savory version.

Mayflower Treats

One of the first ships to found the new world, the Mayflower, is a quintessential part of Thanksgiving. Teach your kids a lesson in the history of America by making some of these Mayflower treats and letting them set sail on the taste buds of Thanksgiving guests.

Pilgrim Hats

America wouldn't be what it is today without the brave accomplishments of the pilgrims! Celebrate a part of American history by creating these edible pilgrim hats. With simple ingredients like a chocolate coated cookie, mini Reese's Cups, and some orange icing, you'll have a tasty and thematic sweet in no time.

Turkey Fondue

Melt a big pot of chocolate and set this turkey-shaped fruit platter out beside it. Your guests can dunk their favorite fruits as they please and enjoy the cute thought you put into dessert. The best part about fondue is that it accommodates a ton of different ingredients. Choose the ones you love most like pound cake cubes, pineapple, or Oreos!

14 Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to Stuff Your Recipe Box (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular dessert at Thanksgiving? ›

In general, pie reigns supreme as a Thanksgiving dessert. While some families have their nice selections of pie servings, tradition says apple, pumpkin pie, and a southern pecan pie are the go-tos, typically made with a buttery pastry pie crust.

How many desserts for Thanksgiving? ›

I recommend three to four desserts because everyone has different tastes, and often -dietary restrictions. Finding one perfect dessert is like ordering one pizza that everyone will want. Not gonna happen : ). So, make the evening easier by providing Thanksgiving dessert variety.

How far in advance can you make desserts for Thanksgiving? ›

Save time, space, and a little kitchen sanity by preparing some of these perfectly indulgent make-ahead Thanksgiving desserts well before Turkey Day. Just keep them in your refrigerator or freezer until you're ready for them, made anywhere from three days to a month in advance.

What is the best dessert to be served after having a heavy meal? ›

A light and fruity dessert is one of the best desserts to eat after dinner, especially if you have had a heavy meal. A fresh cream and pineapple cake, for instance, will bring respite from the richest of meals, be it an Italian feast or a Mughlai indulgence.

What 4 types of pies are most popular at Thanksgiving? ›

Since these are Thanksgiving-specific pies, we've gotta mention the quintessential ones—pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and apple pie. They're classics for a reason, and we really think our recipes for them are the best.

How many desserts for 15 people? ›

Some will just want pie, some will just want cupcakes. If it's a dessert-only event and you're wanting to offer more than just cake, plan on four to six small portions per person.

How much dessert for 50? ›

You'll want to make sure you have a beautiful display, but, more importantly, you want to make sure you have enough for your guests to eat! The general rule of thumb is to calculate 3 mini desserts per person. So, if your guest count is 50 people, plan to order 150 mini desserts.

How many desserts for 70 people? ›

​So how many desserts do you really need? If you are offering a full size dessert like a cupcake or a full size brownie, count on 1-2 per guest. With smaller desserts like cookies, macarons, bite size brownies, or mini tarts you can count on each guest taking 3 items from the various options.

What can I make 3 day before Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed Potatoes
  1. Classic Make-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese.
  2. Easy Cauliflower Casserole.
  3. Double-Crust Pie Pastry.
  4. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Homemade Cranberry Sauce.
  6. Lacey's Cornbread Dressing.
  7. 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes To Make The Holiday Just A Bit Easier.
  8. Can You Leave A Turkey Out To Thaw Overnight?

Should I bake pies day before Thanksgiving? ›

After baking the pie, let it cool, then wrap it completely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the wrapped pie in the refrigerator up to two days ahead of Thanksgiving.

Can you make food the night before Thanksgiving? ›

Proper preparation is the best way to keep yourself out of the weeds on the line, but that prep-in-advance principle isn't reserved for restaurant food. You can prepare almost every single dish for your Thanksgiving feast ahead of time.

What is the best dessert to bring to a dinner? ›

Dinner party dessert recipes
  • Next level key lime pie. A star rating of 4.7 out of 5. ...
  • Paris-Brest. A star rating of 0 out of 5. ...
  • Apple crumble trifle. ...
  • Pistachio tiramisu. ...
  • Coffee & Irish cream semifreddo wreath. ...
  • Next level chocolate fondant. ...
  • Marmalade & earl grey frangipane tart. ...
  • Ultimate lemon meringue pie.

What should I drink after eating dessert? ›

Drink water after eating sugary treats.

Eating sweets and even drinking sweet beverages (e.g. orange juice, soda, and sports drinks) can leave unwanted sugar behind. Water washes away leftover food that bacteria love to eat.

What pie is eaten the most on Thanksgiving? ›

While pumpkin pie reigns supreme in the majority of American households, sweet potato pie is still the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert in the South.

What is the most popular dessert turkey? ›

1. Turkish Baklava. This is the most famous traditional Turkish dessert that people around the world know and enjoy.

What is the desert for Thanksgiving? ›

Tarts and Thanksgiving pies may be the tradition that overtakes the dessert table this holiday, but don't forget to make room for cakes, puddings, and ice cream sandwiches for a well-rounded spread.

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