11 Festive Fall Desserts for Thanksgiving

11 Festive Fall Desserts for Thanksgiving

Pumpkin Pie With Ginger Crust

ginger crust pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie with a ginger crust is a delightful twist on the traditional Thanksgiving dessert. The warm, spicy notes of ginger perfectly complement the creamy pumpkin filling, making this pie a must-have for your festive fall table. Not only is it a flavorful addition, but the ginger crust adds a unique crunch and zest, setting it apart from the typical pie crust.

Ingredient Quantity
Ginger snaps (crushed) 2 cups
Unsalted butter (melted) ½ cup
Granulated sugar ¼ cup
Ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Canned pumpkin puree 1 can (15 oz)
Brown sugar ¾ cup
Ground ginger 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon
Eggs 2 large
Heavy cream 1 cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine crushed ginger snaps, melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined and press it into a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground ginger, extra cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared ginger crust and spread evenly.
  5. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
  6. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your festive fall dessert!
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Apple Crisp With Oat Topping

apple crisp dessert recipe

Apple crisp with oat topping is a warm and comforting dessert that highlights the flavors of fall. With tender, spiced apples baked under a crunchy, buttery oat topping, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser for any Thanksgiving gathering. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Ingredient Quantity
Granny Smith apples 6 cups (sliced)
Granulated sugar ½ cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Rolled oats 1 cup
All-purpose flour ½ cup
Brown sugar ½ cup
Unsalted butter (cold) ½ cup (cubed)
Salt ¼ teaspoon

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread this mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish.
  5. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
  6. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, enjoy!
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Pecan Pie Brownies

pecan pie brownie delight

Pecan Pie Brownies are a deliciously indulgent dessert that combines the best of two classic treats—rich, fudgy brownies and sweet, nutty pecan pie. This delightful dessert has a chewy brownie base topped with a gooey pecan pie filling, making it an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them at room temperature for a tasty treat.

Ingredient Quantity
Unsalted butter ½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Light brown sugar ½ cup
Large eggs 2
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour ¾ cup
Cocoa powder ⅓ cup
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Chopped pecans 1 cup
Corn syrup 1 cup
Eggs 2 (additional)
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon (additional)
Additional chopped pecans ½ cup (for topping)

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then remove it from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 2 eggs until well combined.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
  4. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, 2 additional eggs, vanilla, and chopped pecans for the topping.
  6. Pour the pecan mixture over the brownie layer.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the brownie layer comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
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Maple Caramel Cheesecake

maple caramel cheesecake recipe

Maple Caramel Cheesecake is a luscious and creamy dessert that beautifully combines the rich flavors of cream cheese with the warmth of maple syrup and sweet caramel. This festive treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your Thanksgiving gathering, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a decadent caramel drizzle on top.

Ingredient Quantity
Cream cheese 16 oz (2 packages)
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Maple syrup ½ cup
Large eggs 3
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Heavy cream 1 cup
Graham cracker crumbs 1 ½ cups
Unsalted butter ½ cup (1 stick)
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Caramel sauce ½ cup (for drizzling)

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the springform pan.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and enjoy!
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Sweet Potato Mousse Parfaits

sweet potato mousse parfaits

Sweet Potato Mousse Parfaits are a delightful and creamy dessert perfect for Thanksgiving. This layered treat features smooth sweet potato mousse, whipped cream, and crunchy granola, creating a wonderful contrast in textures and flavors that celebrate the essence of fall.

Ingredient Quantity
Sweet potatoes 2 cups (mashed)
Heavy cream 1 cup
Granulated sugar ½ cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Granola 1 cup
Chopped pecans or walnuts ½ cup (optional)

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and roast for about 45-60 minutes until tender.
  2. Once cool, peel and mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl, then stir in granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold half of it into the sweet potato mixture.
  4. In clear serving glasses, layer the sweet potato mousse, whipped cream, and granola, repeating the layers until the glasses are full.
  5. Top with remaining whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
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Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

cinnamon roll coffee cake

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a warm, inviting dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with a moist, buttery coffee cake base. This delightful treat is perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or as an afternoon indulgence while enjoying family gatherings. With its rich cinnamon swirl and crumbly topping, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a fantastic option for your festive spread.

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ½ cups
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ½ cup
Baking powder 1 tablespoon
Baking soda ½ teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon
Unsalted butter (melted) ½ cup
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Buttermilk 1 cup
Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) ½ cup (optional)

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix well before incorporating the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
  4. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon mixture (made with brown sugar and ground cinnamon), followed by the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
  5. Swirl the batter gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. Optionally sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy!
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Cranberry Orange Tart

cranberry orange tart recipe

Cranberry Orange Tart is a deliciously tart and sweet dessert that beautifully captures the essence of fall flavors. This dessert features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a vibrant combination of fresh cranberries and zesty orange, creating a delightful balance that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This elegant tart not only looks stunning on the dessert table but also offers a revitalizing contrast to the richness of typical holiday desserts.

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed) ½ cup
Granulated sugar ¼ cup
Salt ½ teaspoon
Ice water 3-4 tablespoons
Fresh cranberries 2 cups
Orange zest 1 tablespoon
Orange juice ¼ cup
Granulated sugar (for filling) ¾ cup
Cornstarch 1 tablespoon
Egg (for egg wash) 1 large

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Add ice water, mix until dough forms, then chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a tart pan, trimming excess. Prick the bottom with a fork and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
  4. Pour the cranberry mixture into the prepared tart shell and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool before serving, optionally with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy!
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Spiced Pear Galette

rustic spiced pear galette

Spiced Pear Galette is a rustic and inviting dessert that showcases the warm flavors of fall, making it a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving celebration. This free-form pastry features sweet, juicy pears spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Not only is it delightful to taste, but its charming, unrefined appearance adds a cozy touch to the dessert table.

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed) ½ cup
Granulated sugar ¼ cup
Salt ½ teaspoon
Ice water 3-4 tablespoons
Pears (peeled and sliced) 4 medium
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon
Brown sugar ¼ cup
Egg (for egg wash) 1 large

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough forms, then chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Roll out the chilled dough into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. In another bowl, toss sliced pears with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
  4. Arrange the spiced pears in the center of the dough, leaving a border, and fold the edges over the pears.
  5. Brush the edges with an egg wash and bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and the pears are tender. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
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Chocolate Bourbon Pumpkin Cake

decadent pumpkin chocolate cake

Chocolate Bourbon Pumpkin Cake is a decadent dessert that beautifully combines rich chocolate, fragrant pumpkin, and a hint of bourbon, creating a luxurious treat perfect for Thanksgiving. This cake is moist, flavorful, and showcases the essence of fall, making it a standout centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Baking soda ½ teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ½ cup
Eggs 2 large
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Vegetable oil ½ cup
Bourbon ¼ cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, bourbon, and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
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Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding

caramelized banana bread pudding

Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding is a warm and comforting dessert that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich texture of bread pudding, all elevated with a luscious caramel sauce. This dish not only makes use of leftover bread but also offers a delightful way to celebrate fall flavors, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredient Quantity
Day-old bread 6 cups, cubed
Ripe bananas 3 large, sliced
Granulated sugar ½ cup
Brown sugar ¼ cup
Eggs 4 large
Whole milk 2 cups
Heavy cream 1 cup
Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Butter (for greasing) 1 tablespoon

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter and add the sliced bananas with granulated sugar; cook until caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
  4. Add the bread cubes and caramelized bananas to the egg mixture, gently folding to combine.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up the liquid.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream or extra caramel drizzle if desired!

Chai-Spiced Buttermilk Cupcakes

chai spiced holiday cupcakes recipe

Chai-Spiced Buttermilk Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of tender cake and warm autumn spices, making them an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving celebrations. Infused with the aromatic flavors of chai tea, these cupcakes offer a unique twist on traditional vanilla cupcakes, topped off with a creamy frosting that echoes the spices inside. These treats are not only festive but also perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Baking soda ½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground ginger ½ teaspoon
Ground cardamom ½ teaspoon
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter ½ cup (1 stick)
Buttermilk ½ cup
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Chai tea bags (strong) 2 bags

Cooking Steps Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt; whisk until well blended.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla; mix until combined.
  4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  5. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Frost with your favorite buttercream or cream cheese frosting, and enjoy the chai-spiced goodness!

These Chai-Spiced Buttermilk Cupcakes are sure to impress your guests and warm their hearts this Thanksgiving!

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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.