11 Fall Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving Potlucks

11 Fall Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving Potlucks

Classic Pumpkin Pie

thanksgiving classic pumpkin pie

Classic Pumpkin Pie is a quintessential Thanksgiving dessert that embodies the warm flavors of fall. This velvety and spiced pie, made with pureed pumpkin and a blend of aromatic spices, is a holiday favorite that brings comfort and joy to family gatherings. Served with a dollop of whipped cream, it’s the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients Quantity
Pumpkin puree 1 can (15 oz)
Granulated sugar 3/4 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Ground ginger 1/2 tsp
Ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp
Ground cloves 1/4 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Eggs 2 large
Evaporated milk 1 can (12 oz)
Pie crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 (9-inch)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugars, spices, and salt until well combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the evaporated milk, until smooth.
  4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cool before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream if desired!
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Caramel Apple Bars

caramel apple dessert bars

Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful fall dessert that combines the flavors of sweet, tender apples with rich caramel and a buttery crust. These bars are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, offering a comforting treat that can be easily sliced and shared with family and friends. Topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, they’re a delicious fusion of sweet and savory that adds a festive touch to your dessert table.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Brown sugar 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1/2 cup
Unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (2 sticks)
Baking powder 1 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Apples (peeled, cored, diced) 3 cups
Caramel sauce 1 cup
Sea salt (for topping) 1/2 tsp (optional)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
  3. Blend in the softened butter until crumbly, then add eggs and vanilla extract to form a dough.
  4. Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  5. Evenly layer the diced apples on top, then drizzle with caramel sauce.
  6. Crumble the remaining dough over the apples and caramel.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown; let cool before slicing.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt before serving. Enjoy!
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Maple Pecan Chiffon Cake

fall inspired maple pecan cake

Maple Pecan Chiffon Cake is a light and airy dessert that captures the essence of fall with its rich maple flavor and crunchy pecans. This cake is perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations, as its moist texture and delightful taste provide a satisfying finish to any festive meal. It’s beautifully layered with maple frosting, making it a showstopper on your dessert table.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Baking powder 2 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups
Vegetable oil 1/2 cup
Maple syrup 1/2 cup
Eggs 4 large, separated
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Chopped pecans 1 cup
Heavy cream 1 cup
Powdered sugar 2 cups
Additional maple syrup (for frosting) 1/4 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 10-inch chiffon cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
  3. In another bowl, combine vegetable oil, maple syrup, egg yolks, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Fold in chopped pecans.
  5. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool upside down for about 1 hour, then remove from the pan.
  8. For the frosting, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and maple syrup until soft peaks form. Frost the cooled cake.
  9. Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired. Enjoy!
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Spiced Cranberry Crumble

cranberry crumble autumn dessert

Spiced Cranberry Crumble is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the warmth of autumn spices. This crumble is topped with a buttery oat and brown sugar topping, creating a crunchy texture that complements the juicy fruit filling. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, it can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh cranberries 4 cups
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
Lemon juice 2 tbsp
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Old-fashioned oats 1 cup
Brown sugar 3/4 cup
Unsalted butter (melted) 1/2 cup
Salt 1/4 tsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice; pour into the prepared baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly.
  4. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cranberry mixture.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the cranberries are bubbling.
  6. Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy warm with ice cream if desired!
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Apple Cider Donuts

warm spiced apple cider donuts

Apple Cider Donuts are a quintessential fall treat that perfectly capture the essence of autumn. These fluffy, cake-like donuts are infused with the warm flavors of apple cider and spices, making them a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving gathering. Coated in cinnamon-sugar, they are best enjoyed fresh, warm, and paired with a hot cup of cider or coffee.

Ingredients Quantity
Apple cider 2 cups
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Granulated sugar 3/4 cup
Baking powder 2 tsp
Baking soda 1/2 tsp
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Eggs 2 large
Unsalted butter (melted) 1/4 cup
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Cinnamon-sugar mixture (for coating)

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium heat until it thickens to about 1 cup. Allow it to cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract.
  5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
  6. Fill the donut pan about halfway with the batter and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  7. Allow the donuts to cool slightly before tossing in cinnamon-sugar mixture, and enjoy fresh!
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Sweet Potato Cheesecake

sweet potato cheesecake recipe

Sweet Potato Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of sweet potatoes and cream cheese, making it a perfect indulgence for Thanksgiving. This delightful cheesecake is spiced with warm autumnal flavors and is sure to impress your guests with its velvety texture and festive appearance.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed) 2 cups
Cream cheese 16 oz (2 packages)
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Eggs 3 large
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
Ginger (ground) 1/2 tsp
Salt 1/4 tsp
Graham cracker crumbs 1 1/2 cups
Unsalted butter (melted) 1/2 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and mix until fully combined.
  4. Add in the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, vanilla, spices, and salt. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
  7. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least four hours before serving. Enjoy!
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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

pumpkin chocolate chip bread

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful quick bread that perfectly embraces the essence of fall with its rich pumpkin flavor and sweet chocolate chips. This comforting treat is ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, as it can be enjoyed as dessert, breakfast, or a delightful snack with coffee.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Baking soda 1 tsp
Baking powder 1/2 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Eggs 2 large
Vegetable oil 1/2 cup
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
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Gingerbread Cookies

festive holiday gingerbread cookies

Gingerbread Cookies are a classic holiday treat that fills the air with the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, these cookies can be shaped into festive designs or simply cut into traditional rounds, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or decorate them with icing for an added festive touch.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 3 cups
Ground ginger 1 tbsp
Ground cinnamon 1 tbsp
Ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
Baking soda 1 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Unsalted butter 3/4 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Molasses 1/2 cup
Eggs 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 tsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
  7. Place the cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until firm.
  8. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. Decorate if desired. Enjoy!
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Pear and Walnut Galette

rustic pear walnut galette

A Pear and Walnut Galette is a rustic, free-form tart that showcases the delightful combination of sweet, ripe pears and crunchy walnuts, all enveloped in a flaky pastry crust. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also simple to make, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups
Cold unsalted butter 1/2 cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar 1/4 cup
Salt 1/4 tsp
Ice water 3-4 tbsp
Pears (sliced) 3 medium
Chopped walnuts 1/2 cup
Cinnamon 1/2 tsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Egg (beaten) 1 (for egg wash)

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss sliced pears with walnuts, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
  5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a rough circle. Transfer to the baking sheet.
  6. Arrange the pear mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling.
  7. Brush the dough with the beaten egg.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the pears are tender. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
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Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies

bourbon pecan pie brownies

Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies are a decadent and indulgent dessert that perfectly marries the rich flavors of classic pecan pie with the fudgy texture of brownies. These sweet treats feature a brownie base topped with a gooey, nutty pecan pie filling infused with bourbon, making them an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

Ingredients Quantity
Unsalted butter 1 cup (2 sticks)
Granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Eggs 4 large
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Cocoa powder 1/2 cup
Salt 1/4 tsp
Chopped pecans 1 cup
Corn syrup 1/2 cup
Bourbon 1/4 cup
Additional chopped pecans 1/2 cup (for topping)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat and stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the cooled mixture, stirring until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together corn syrup, bourbon, and additional chopped pecans. Pour this mixture over the brownie layer.
  7. Add the remaining brownie batter over the pecan pie filling and gently spread it out.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Muffins

cinnamon roll pumpkin muffins

Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional muffins, perfect for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations. These muffins combine the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with the decadent sweetness of cinnamon rolls, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Baking powder 2 tsp
Pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Eggs 2 large
Canned pumpkin 1 cup
Vegetable oil 1/2 cup
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 tbsp
Cream cheese (for glaze) 4 oz
Powdered sugar (for glaze) 1 cup
Milk (for glaze) 2-3 tbsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the eggs, canned pumpkin, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl.
  6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, sprinkle a teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then cover with more batter.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. For the glaze, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins. Enjoy!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.