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20 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pie

I love a good pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, but I have to admit, sometimes I’m much more excited about all the other desserts on the table! Give me a big slice of caramel apple cake, a creamy cheesecake, or something warm and gooey with lots of cinnamon, and I am one happy girl!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it is all about gathering around the table with family and enjoying good food. And while the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all those delicious side dishes are wonderful, I always make sure to save a little room for dessert.

Of course, pumpkin pie and pecan pie are Thanksgiving classics, but there are so many other amazing desserts that deserve a spot on the holiday table.

I especially love desserts that can be made ahead of time. When you’re already trying to get a turkey cooked, casseroles baked, and everything on the table while it’s still hot, the last thing you want to worry about is making dessert at the last minute.

That’s why I put together these 20 easy Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie!

From pumpkin cheesecake and caramel apple desserts to no-bake treats, gooey dessert bars, and cozy fall cakes, there’s a little something for everyone.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, bringing dessert to a family gathering, or just looking for something different to make this year, these delicious Thanksgiving desserts are sure to make your holiday a little sweeter!

1. Spiced Caramel Apple Poke Cake

If you love caramel apples, this Spiced Caramel Apple Poke Cake is going to be one of your new favorite fall desserts!

It starts with a soft spice cake that gets filled with creamy butterscotch pudding, then topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and plenty of caramel drizzle. Every bite is full of those delicious flavors that make fall baking so wonderful.

I love this one for Thanksgiving because it’s made in a 9×13 pan, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and keep it chilled until everyone is ready for dessert.

2. Caramel Apple Cheesecake

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is one of those desserts that looks like you spent all day making it, but it’s actually so much easier than you might think!

A buttery graham cracker crust gets filled with rich, creamy cheesecake and topped with sweet cinnamon apples and caramel sauce.

It’s such a beautiful dessert for Thanksgiving, especially if you want something that feels a little extra special. I love that you can make the cheesecake ahead of time, then add that delicious apple topping before serving.

3. Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars

These Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars are everything I love about fall baking in one delicious little square!

They start with a buttery cake mix crust and have a rich pumpkin cream cheese filling that bakes up soft, sweet, and wonderfully gooey.

They’re almost like a cross between pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and gooey butter cake, but without having to make a traditional pie crust.

These are perfect for Thanksgiving because you can make them the day before, cut them into squares, and serve them with a little powdered sugar or whipped cream.

4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodle Bars

If you love pumpkin cheesecake and snickerdoodle cookies, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodle Bars are the best of both worlds!

They start with a buttery sugar cookie crust sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, followed by a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling. More cookie dough and cinnamon sugar go on top before everything bakes up golden and delicious.

I love these for Thanksgiving because they’re easy to slice into squares and serve to a crowd. They’re also a wonderful make-ahead dessert since they need time to chill before serving.

5. Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls

If you love a good bakery-style Danish, these Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls are such a fun little treat for Thanksgiving! They combine soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with delicious pumpkin flavor for an easy dessert that feels perfect for fall.

I love recipes like this because they look special without requiring a bunch of complicated steps. They’re wonderful for a Thanksgiving dessert table, but I also think they’d be delicious for Thanksgiving morning with a hot cup of coffee!

6. Pumpkin Cookie Truffles

Sometimes after a big Thanksgiving dinner, all you want is a little bite of something sweet, and these Pumpkin Cookie Truffles are perfect for that!

They’re a fun, bite-sized treat with delicious pumpkin cookie flavor, and they look so cute arranged on a holiday dessert platter. I especially love desserts like this when we’re having family over because everyone can grab one or two without committing to a big slice of cake.

They’re also a great choice for making ahead of time so you have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.

7. Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots

If you’re hosting a grown-up Thanksgiving gathering, these Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots are such a fun addition to the dessert table!

They have all those creamy, spiced pumpkin pie flavors everyone loves, but in a little individual treat that’s perfect for holiday parties. They’re especially cute served in small cups with a little whipped cream on top.

These are definitely more of an adults-only Thanksgiving dessert, and they’re a fun way to serve something a little different from the usual pies and cakes.

8. No Bake Pumpkin Lush

If there’s one thing I appreciate during Thanksgiving, it’s a dessert that doesn’t need any oven space! This No Bake Pumpkin Lush is exactly the kind of easy holiday dessert I love having on the menu.

It’s creamy, full of delicious pumpkin flavor, and perfect for anyone who loves pumpkin desserts but wants something different from traditional pie.

I especially love that you can prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator while you’re busy getting everything else ready for Thanksgiving dinner.

9. Apple Cider Doughnut Bundt Cake

Apple cider doughnuts are one of my absolute favorite fall treats, and this Apple Cider Doughnut Bundt Cake brings those wonderful flavors into one beautiful dessert.

It’s sweet, cozy, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee after a big Thanksgiving dinner.

I love Bundt cakes for holidays because they’re easy to slice and serve, but they still look beautiful sitting on the dessert table.

This is also a great dessert to have around the next morning when everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers!

10. Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas

If you love apple pie but don’t feel like making a whole pie from scratch, these Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas are such a fun alternative!

They have those wonderful sweet apple, cinnamon, and caramel flavors wrapped up in an easy handheld dessert. They’re especially delicious served warm when you’re craving something cozy after Thanksgiving dinner.

I love how these take familiar fall flavors and turn them into something a little unexpected. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special holiday treat!

11. No Bake Caramel Apple Lush

If you’re looking for an easy Thanksgiving dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven, this No Bake Caramel Apple Lush is a wonderful choice!

It’s a delicious layered dessert with creamy filling, sweet apples, and plenty of caramel flavor.

I love making lush desserts for family gatherings because they’re easy to prepare, feed several people, and can be kept chilled until everyone is ready for dessert.

This is especially handy on Thanksgiving when every inch of oven space seems to be taken!

12. Caramel Apple Icebox Cake

I am a huge fan of icebox cakes because they’re so easy to make, and this Caramel Apple Icebox Cake is perfect for fall!

Layers of graham crackers, creamy butterscotch pudding, apple pie filling, and caramel come together for a sweet dessert that tastes like caramel apple goodness in every bite.

The best part is that you can make it ahead of time and let the refrigerator do the rest of the work.

It’s a wonderful Thanksgiving dessert when you want something delicious without having to bake another cake.

13. Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

You know I love a good Hawaiian roll recipe, and these Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls are such a delicious way to turn them into a sweet fall treat!

The soft, fluffy rolls pair perfectly with sweet apple and caramel flavors, making these a fun alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts.

They’re wonderful served warm, and I think they’d be especially good for a Thanksgiving brunch or as a little something sweet after the big meal.

14. Apple Pie Tacos

These Apple Pie Tacos are one of those desserts that are just as fun to eat as they are delicious!

They take all those cozy cinnamon apple flavors we love in traditional apple pie and turn them into adorable little handheld treats.

I love the idea of serving these at Thanksgiving because they’re something different from the usual dessert spread, and they’re especially fun when you have kids at the table.

Serve them with a little whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious fall dessert everyone will want to try!

15. Pecan Pie Cheesecake

If you love pecan pie and cheesecake, this Pecan Pie Cheesecake is the best of both worlds!

It combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with those sweet, nutty pecan pie flavors that make Thanksgiving desserts so irresistible.

This is such a beautiful dessert for a holiday gathering, especially when you want something a little more impressive than a traditional pie. I love that it brings those familiar Thanksgiving flavors to the table in a completely different way.

And honestly, a big slice of this with a cup of coffee after Thanksgiving dinner sounds pretty perfect to me!

16. Snickerdoodle Cobbler

If you love snickerdoodle cookies, just wait until you try this Snickerdoodle Cobbler! It’s everything you love about those classic cinnamon sugar cookies turned into a warm, gooey, comforting dessert that’s absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving.

This cobbler has a delicious buttery cinnamon sugar flavor with a soft, tender topping and a rich, gooey sauce underneath. It’s one of those old-fashioned desserts that makes the whole house smell amazing while it’s baking!

I especially love this one for Thanksgiving because it’s something a little different from the usual pumpkin and apple desserts. Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, and I promise nobody will be missing the pie!

17. Pumpkin Spice Glazed Cake Bites

Sometimes after a huge Thanksgiving dinner, all you really want is a little something sweet.

That’s where these Pumpkin Spice Glazed Cake Bites come in!

They’re full of cozy pumpkin spice flavor and finished with a sweet glaze that makes them absolutely delicious.

These are perfect for adding to a Thanksgiving dessert tray, serving alongside coffee, or setting out for everyone to enjoy throughout the evening.

18. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

There is nothing better than a big mug of homemade hot chocolate on a chilly fall day, and this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate is such a fun way to give everyone’s favorite cozy drink a Thanksgiving twist!

It’s rich, creamy, and full of delicious chocolate and pumpkin spice flavors. I love that you can make it right in the slow cooker and keep it warm while everyone is visiting, playing games, or relaxing after Thanksgiving dinner.

This would be so cute as part of a Thanksgiving dessert station with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a few fun toppings. It’s especially perfect for the kids, but I have a feeling the grown-ups will be going back for seconds too!

19. Easy Air Fryer Apple Cider Doughnuts with Biscuit Dough

Apple cider doughnuts are one of my absolute favorite things about fall, and these Easy Air Fryer Apple Cider Doughnuts make it so simple to enjoy them right at home!

Using refrigerated biscuit dough makes these incredibly easy, and the air fryer gives them that delicious golden outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. With plenty of cozy apple cider and cinnamon sugar flavor, they taste like a little trip to the apple orchard!

I love these for Thanksgiving morning when everyone is hanging around the kitchen waiting for the big meal. They’re also wonderful served warm as a fun holiday dessert, especially with a mug of coffee or hot apple cider.

20. Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels

If you’re looking for something a little different to add to your Thanksgiving dessert spread, these Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels are such a fun idea!

They’re sweet, chewy, and full of delicious pumpkin spice flavor, but you don’t need to spend hours making homemade candy.

These are perfect for setting out in a candy dish, adding to a holiday dessert tray, or packaging up in little bags for family members to take home.

I love having a few small treats like this around Thanksgiving because they’re perfect when everyone is too full for another big slice of cake!

Tips for Making Thanksgiving Desserts Easier

Thanksgiving cooking can get pretty hectic, especially when you’re trying to make a big dinner and several desserts at the same time. I’ve found that a little planning ahead makes the entire holiday so much easier.

Make Desserts the Day Before

One of my favorite Thanksgiving tricks is making as many desserts ahead of time as possible.

Cheesecakes, icebox cakes, no-bake desserts, and many dessert bars are wonderful choices because they need time to chill anyway.

That means you can get dessert completely out of the way before you even start worrying about the turkey!

Choose Different Flavors

Pumpkin is always a favorite at Thanksgiving, but I like to have a little variety.

Try making one pumpkin dessert, one apple or caramel dessert, and maybe something with warm cinnamon or gingerbread flavors.

That way everyone has something they’ll enjoy, even if they aren’t big pumpkin pie fans.

Save Your Oven Space

Thanksgiving is probably the one day of the year when I wish I had three ovens!

Between the turkey, stuffing, casseroles, potatoes, and rolls, there never seems to be enough room.

That’s why no-bake cheesecakes, icebox cakes, and make-ahead desserts are such great options. You can have dessert ready without having to compete for oven space.

Make Serving Simple

If you’re feeding a crowd, desserts that can be cut into squares or served in individual portions are always convenient.

Pumpkin bars, cupcakes, cake bites, and little cheesecakes are especially nice because guests can help themselves.

And after spending all day cooking Thanksgiving dinner, I am all for anything that makes cleanup a little easier!

Keep Desserts Stored Properly

Cheesecakes, cream cheese desserts, pudding desserts, and other perishable treats should be kept refrigerated until serving.

Store leftovers in airtight containers and follow the storage instructions for each individual recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve for Thanksgiving dessert besides pie?

There are so many delicious options! Pumpkin cheesecake, caramel apple cake, dessert bars, trifles, bread pudding, cupcakes, and no-bake desserts are all wonderful alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving pies.

What are the easiest Thanksgiving desserts to make ahead?

Cheesecakes, icebox cakes, no-bake desserts, and many dessert bars are perfect for making ahead. They can often be prepared the day before and kept chilled until serving. Be sure to check the individual recipe for specific storage instructions.

What Thanksgiving desserts are best for a crowd?

Poke cakes, 9×13 dessert bars, Bundt cakes, cupcakes, and large trifles are all great choices for feeding a crowd. They’re easy to portion and make serving dessert much simpler.

What can I make for Thanksgiving if I don’t like pumpkin?

Apple desserts are a wonderful choice! Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Spiced Caramel Apple Poke Cake, Caramel Apple Icebox Cake, and Apple Cider Doughnut Bundt Cake are all delicious options without pumpkin.

Can I make Thanksgiving desserts without using the oven?

Absolutely! No-bake cheesecakes, icebox cakes, caramel apple lush, and certain homemade candies are all great choices when you want to save oven space for Thanksgiving dinner.

How many desserts should I make for Thanksgiving?

That really depends on how many people you’re serving. For a smaller family gathering, one or two desserts may be plenty. If you’re hosting a larger crowd, offering three or four different desserts gives everyone some variety.

I like to choose a mix of pumpkin, apple, and something creamy or chocolatey so there’s a little something for everyone.

Make Thanksgiving a Little Sweeter

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family, enjoying delicious food, and making memories together. And while I love all those traditional Thanksgiving dishes, I think dessert is one of the best parts of the whole day!

There’s just something about sitting around the table after a big meal, enjoying a cup of coffee and a little something sweet, that makes the holiday feel extra special.

Whether you choose a creamy pumpkin cheesecake, a cozy caramel apple cake, a batch of gooey pumpkin bars, or an easy no-bake dessert, these 20 easy Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie are perfect for adding something different to your holiday menu.

You don’t have to spend all day baking or make a dozen complicated desserts to have a wonderful Thanksgiving dessert table.

Just pick a few favorites, make what you can ahead of time, and enjoy spending a little more time with the people you love.

Happy Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to save room for dessert!

More Easy Thanksgiving & Holiday Recipes

Thanksgiving is all about good food, family, and making memories, but goodness knows there’s a LOT of cooking involved! LOL! If you’re looking for more easy recipes to make your holiday a little less stressful, I’ve got you covered! From delicious no-bake desserts to easy sides and cozy family dinners, these recipe collections are full of yummy ideas everyone will love!

• The Best No Bake Desserts – Sweet, creamy, and delicious desserts that don’t even need an oven! Perfect when every inch of oven space is already taken up by Thanksgiving dinner!
• 15 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love – All those delicious sides that make Thanksgiving dinner extra special, from comforting classics to easy family favorites.
• 12 Easy Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes – Let your slow cooker do some of the work this Thanksgiving with these easy, delicious recipes that save you time and precious oven space!
• The BEST Holiday Recipes – A collection of festive favorites that are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all those wonderful holiday celebrations.
• 25 Cozy Fall Family Dinners Everyone Will Love – Easy, hearty, and comforting dinners that are perfect for keeping everyone fed during the busy holiday season!