Simple Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas for a Sweet Ending

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a sweet and satisfying dessert! Whether you’re a fan of traditional pies or looking for quick and easy treats, these simple Thanksgiving dessert ideas will help you end your holiday meal on a delicious note.

From classic pumpkin pie and pecan bars to no-bake cheesecakes and spiced cookies, these easy-to-make desserts are perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a cozy celebration, these recipes ensure that everyone gets a taste of something sweet.

Get ready to serve up delicious, hassle-free desserts that will be the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving feast!

After a delicious Thanksgiving feast, there’s always room for dessert! Whether you prefer classic holiday treats or easy, no-bake options, these simple Thanksgiving dessert ideas will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table.

These desserts are easy to make, full of fall flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd. From pumpkin pies to apple crisps, these recipes will bring a sweet and satisfying end to your Thanksgiving meal.

1. Why You’ll Love These Simple Thanksgiving Desserts

• Easy to prepare – No complicated techniques or hours of baking
• Full of fall flavors – Pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and caramel make these desserts festive
• Perfect for a crowd – Great for small or large gatherings
• Make-ahead friendly – Save time by preparing desserts in advance
• A mix of classic and creative – Options for every taste preference

2. Classic Thanksgiving Desserts

1. Traditional Pumpkin Pie

A smooth, spiced pumpkin custard in a flaky crust is a Thanksgiving must-have.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients and pour into pie crust.
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set.
4. Cool before serving with whipped cream.

🔥 Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of maple syrup to the filling!

2. Easy Apple Crisp

A warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with a buttery oat crumble.

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¾ cup oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Mix oats, flour, and melted butter for the topping.
4. Spread apples in a baking dish and top with crumble.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

🔥 Tip: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce!

3. No-Bake & Quick Thanksgiving Desserts

3. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

A creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake with a graham cracker crust—no baking required!

Ingredients:

• 1 graham cracker crust
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin, spices, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Fold in whipped topping and spread into crust.
3. Chill for 2-3 hours before serving.

🔥 Tip: Top with whipped cream and crushed pecans for extra crunch!

4. Mini Pecan Pie Tarts

All the flavor of pecan pie in bite-sized, handheld tarts.

Ingredients:

• 1 package store-bought pie dough
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut pie dough into small circles and place in a muffin tin.
3. Mix pecans, sugar, butter, vanilla, and egg.
4. Spoon into dough cups and bake for 20-25 minutes.

🔥 Tip: Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence!

4. Lighter Thanksgiving Desserts

5. Spiced Poached Pears

A light, elegant dessert with pears simmered in a spiced syrup.

Ingredients:

• 4 pears, peeled
• 3 cups apple cider
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Bring cider, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla to a simmer.
2. Add pears and cook for 20 minutes until soft.
3. Serve warm with Greek yogurt or whipped cream.

🔥 Tip: Reduce the poaching liquid into a syrup for drizzling!

6. Cranberry Orange Sorbet

A refreshing, tangy dessert perfect after a big meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Freeze for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

🔥 Tip: Serve with candied orange slices for a fancy touch!

5. Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dessert Tips

• Bake pies the day before – Pumpkin and pecan pies taste better after sitting overnight.
• Prepare dough in advance – Store pie crusts or cookie dough in the fridge.
• Use slow cookers – Warm apple crisp or poached pears without taking oven space.
• Serve no-bake options – Cheesecake and sorbet can be made ahead and chilled.

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FAQs

1. What is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert?

Pumpkin pie is the classic Thanksgiving dessert, followed by pecan pie and apple pie.

2. Can I make desserts ahead of time?

Yes! Most pies, crisps, and cheesecakes can be made 1-2 days in advance.

3. What’s an easy dessert for a beginner?

Apple crisp, no-bake pumpkin cheesecake, and mini pecan pie tarts are beginner-friendly.

4. How do I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?

Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust before adding the filling for a crispier texture.

5. What’s a good nut-free dessert option?

Try pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or poached pears instead of pecan-based desserts.

6. Can I make Thanksgiving desserts gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free oats for crisps and almond flour for pie crusts.

7. What’s a great dairy-free dessert?

Cranberry orange sorbet or poached pears are naturally dairy-free.

8. What’s an alternative to pumpkin pie?

Sweet potato pie, pecan pie, or no-bake pumpkin cheesecake.

9. How do I make my pie filling thicker?

Use cornstarch or flour to thicken fruit pie fillings.

10. Can I freeze Thanksgiving desserts?

Yes! Pumpkin and pecan pies, cookie dough, and crisps freeze well for up to 3 months.