5 Decadent Thanksgiving Desserts You Can’t Miss

Thanksgiving desserts are the sweet finish to a day of feasting and gratitude. From classic pumpkin pie to indulgent pecan tarts, these treats bring joy and warmth to the table, making every gathering even more special. Whether you’re a baker or just looking for inspiration, there’s a dessert here to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!

Pecan Pie with Caramel Drizzle

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any Thanksgiving table. This pie features a rich filling made with pecans, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, all nestled in a flaky crust. The caramel drizzle adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each slice irresistible.

As you prepare this delightful treat, the aroma of toasted pecans and caramel will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, sparking joy and gratitude during the holiday season.

To make this pecan pie, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Gather your pecans, sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and a pre-made pie crust. The steps are straightforward, making it easy to whip up this dessert even if you’re short on time.

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the mixture into the pre-made pie crust.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Let the pie cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce.
7. Slice and serve, enjoying the sweet flavors of Thanksgiving!

Chocolate Cranberry Tart

Chocolate and cranberries come together in a delightful tart that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The rich chocolate filling pairs beautifully with the tartness of fresh cranberries, creating a balance that everyone will love. Topped with vibrant cranberries and a hint of mint, this dessert is not just tasty but also visually stunning.

This tart is a great way to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The crust is made from simple ingredients, and the filling is easy to whip up. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy the holiday festivities.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom and sides of a tart pan.
2. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then let it cool.
3. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth.
4. Whisk in the eggs until fully combined. Pour the chocolate mixture into the cooled crust.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Let the tart cool completely, then top with fresh cranberries and garnish with mint leaves before serving.

Apple Pie with Flaky Crust

Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort, especially during Thanksgiving. The flaky crust is golden and inviting, perfectly complementing the sweet and tart apple filling. Each slice reveals tender apples, often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a delightful aroma that fills the room.

Making apple pie is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. You can use a mix of apples for depth of flavor, and the flaky crust is a labor of love that pays off with every bite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
• 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide into two balls, flatten, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are well coated.
4. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one dough ball to fit your pie pan. Place it in the pan and fill with the apple mixture. Dot with butter.
5. Top the Pie: Roll out the second dough ball and place it over the filling. Seal and flute the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Pumpkin spice cheesecake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. It combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. Perfect for Thanksgiving, this dessert adds a festive touch to any table.

The crust is typically made from crushed graham crackers, providing a sweet and crunchy base. The filling is a blend of cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with whipped cream, it’s a treat that everyone will love.

Making this cheesecake is easier than you might think. It requires some simple ingredients and a bit of time to chill in the fridge. The result is a rich and flavorful dessert that captures the essence of the season.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour.
6. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
7. Before serving, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any Thanksgiving table. The creamy filling made from sweet potatoes is perfectly balanced with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topping it off with toasted marshmallows adds a delightful sweetness and a fun twist to the traditional recipe.

As you gather around with family and friends, this pie becomes the star of the dessert spread. The golden crust cradles the rich filling, while the marshmallows provide a soft, gooey texture that everyone loves. It’s a dish that not only tastes great but also looks beautiful, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Making sweet potato pie is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dessert that will impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
5. Remove the pie from the oven and top with mini marshmallows, spreading them evenly over the surface.
6. Return the pie to the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Let the pie cool for a bit before serving. Enjoy your delicious sweet potato pie with marshmallow topping!