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Wanting to change up your Thanksgiving dessert menu or looking for some new recipes to try this year? Check out these Thanksgiving dessert ideas that are NOT pie for some fun and delicious treats that your guests will ask for year after year.
When you’ve made a career out of being a baking blogger, people expect to see a really great dessert spread at your holiday dinners. I guess it’s sort of an occupational hazard.
Luckily, I have no shortage of holiday desert recipes at my fingertips.
Of course pie is always an option, and I do love a good classic pecan pie, pumpkin cheesecake pie, and sweet potato pie. But if pie isn’t your thing or you’re looking to expand your Thanksgiving dessert table, I’ve got you covered.
Thinking beyond pie
Pie is always a classic holiday dessert, especially for Thanksgiving. Whether it’s pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cherry pie, or apple pie, everyone has their favorite pies they hope to see.
But what if you don’t really like pie? (No judgement here!) Or what if you want Thanksgiving dessert ideas that don’t include pie?
You’ve come to the right place.
There are so many amazing desserts that don’t get enough attention this time of year but still deserve a place at your holiday table!
Cheesecakes, cookies, bar desserts, and even fruit crisps are all great options, and usually pretty easy to make, too. And I can promise you, your friends and family are going to LOVE them.
Setting up the perfect Thanksgiving dessert table
Many of us think about setting a beautiful holiday dinner table, but don’t forget about the dessert table!
If you don’t have enough reusable plates, don’t worry. There are tons of great disposable dessert plate options out there these days. And honestly, easier cleanup is always a win around here!
Of course there are always plenty of themed dessert plates for each holiday season. But if you’re like me and want a more elegant option, look for packs like these gold-trimmed paper plates and gold plastic forks.
If you’re setting up multiple desserts, especially bar desserts or cookies, you may want to grab some serving platters as well. I like these gold-rimmed disposable serving trays, or you can use something like this reusable tiered dessert stand to save space on the table.
My favorite Thanksgiving dessert ideas (that aren’t pie)
I’ve pulled together 30 of my favorite non-pie Thanksgiving dessert ideas for you. You’ll find everything from no-bake recipes to delicious cakes and everything in between.
And be sure to check out all of my Thanksgiving recipes for sides, drinks, breakfasts, and more!
Cheesecakes
Cheesecake is always a favorite with my family. But don’t limit yourself to full-size cheesecakes! No-bake and mini cheesecakes are just as delicious and even easier to make.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
This pumpkin cheesecake is my family’s all-time favorite that I make every year! It’s a classic baked cheesecake, but don’t be intimidated—I walk you through every step so it will turn out perfect every time.
No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecakes
Sweet Biscoff cookies and tangy cream cheese are a match made in heaven in these simple no-bake cheesecakes. They’re a fun alternative to your typical pumpkin and apple desserts!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
A spiced cheesecake, gingersnap crust, and caramel apple topping make this caramel apple cheesecake a can’t-miss recipe.
Nana’s Easy Cheesecake
This is the recipe my nana made every single holiday and is still a hit with my family. We always top it with cherry pie filling, but there are so many options you can explore!
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Want all the flavor of pumpkin cheesecake in a no-bake version? I’ve got you covered! This recipe is so simple, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
These mini pumpkin cheesecakes use a chocolate crust for a twist on a classic. This recipe also includes a gluten-free option.
No-bake desserts
No oven space? No problem. These no-bake desserts are great for when you want the perfect holiday dessert but don’t want to turn on the oven.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
All of the flavor of pumpkin cheesecake in easy, no-bake cookie balls! Use Biscoff cookies for extra spiced flavor in these cute little bites.
Pumpkin Trifle
This pumpkin trifle is a stunner but don’t require much effort to make! Use your favorite homemade pumpkin bread in this recipe or pick up a loaf from the bakery for an extra-easy shortcut.
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
Cream cheese, caramel sauce, and toffee bits pair with slices of tart, crisp apple for an easy dessert that everyone will love!
Pineapple Fluff
My family loves to make fluff “salads” for the holidays. This pineapple version is one of our favorites and makes for a fun, easy, non-traditional Thanksgiving dessert option.
Rum Balls
Rum balls are traditional around Christmas, but why not make them for Thanksgiving, too? These are also a great make-ahead option, so you can easily knock them off of your prep list early in the week.
Bar desserts
Bar desserts are great for holidays because you can cut them into as many servings as you need. These are just a few of my favorites for this time of year.
Caramel Pecan Bars
Chocolate, pecans, and caramel all in one easy bar recipe? Yes, please!
Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars
This recipe combines pumpkin pie and pecan pie into a delicious bar recipe that is perfect for packing up and taking to your next holiday event.
Apple Cider Blondies
Chewy blondie bars are packed with the sweet flavor of apple cider and cinnamon. I dare you to stop at just one!
Apple Crisp Bars
Love apple crisp but want a more portable version? These apple crisp bars are exactly what you’re looking for!
Pecan Bars
This delicious bar version of pecan pie can be cut into as many servings as you need and transports easily. You may never bother with making a traditional pecan pie again after trying this recipe!
Cranberry Crumb Bars
Looking for more tart cranberries in your life? These cranberry crumb bars are a delicious, unexpected addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Caramel Apple Blondies
These chewy apple blondies have an easy caramel frosting and toasted pecans to really pack a flavorful punch. This recipe also includes a gluten-free option.
Cookies
Who doesn’t love a good cookie?? Think beyond chocolate chip with these delicious options.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Two cakey pumpkin cookies are sandwiched with tangy cream cheese frosting in these delicious pumpkin whoopie pies.
Frosted maple cookies
If you love the flavor of maple syrup, you’re going to adore these frosted maple cookies!
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
The flavors you love in a classic, chewy snickerdoodle recipe with the addition of pumpkin and more warm spices!
Fruit desserts
Whether you’re making a fruit crisp, an easy tart, or apple dumplings, these recipes use seasonal fruit for stunning, delicious dessert options.
Puff Pastry Apple Tart
Use a sheet of puff pastry for this super easy, impressive apple tart. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch the compliments roll in!
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
These old-fashioned apple dumplings are one of the most impressive desserts you can make—but they’re so much easier than you’d think!
Cranberry Apple Crisp
Sweet apples and tart cranberries are paired with the perfect crisp topping for a dessert we can’t get enough of around here.
Apple Pear Crisp
If you think that pears don’t get enough love this time of year, this is the recipe for you! Pears and apples are the perfect combination in this simple yet delicious crisp.
Cakes
It’s not a celebration without cake! Sheet cakes, bundt cakes, and even cake rolls are so much easier to make than you’d think and are always a hit.
Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A classic pumpkin sheet cake is topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. This is one you’ll find yourself making all year round!
Pumpkin Roll
I grew up making this pumpkin roll with my nana and it’s still one of my favorites to this day! It looks impressive, but I walk you through all of the steps so you can feel confident as you make this one.
Apple Butter Cake
Easy Apple Bundt Cake
This easy bundt cake starts with a boxed cake mix, so it’s totally accessible even when you’re short on time!
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Another of my nana’s recipes, this pumpkin crunch cake is one of my favorites! It also uses a boxed mix to make it super simple but delicious every time.
