18 Thanksgiving Desserts Better Than Pumpkin Pie

Looking for Thanksgiving desserts that go beyond the usual pies? This list is full of simple, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving treats that are perfect for any gathering.

From pumpkin cookies and apple cakes to cranberry desserts, these easy Thanksgiving recipes are great for prepping ahead or bringing to a family gathering.

Whether you’re feeding a big group or just want a few make-ahead options, you’ll find plenty of Thanksgiving desserts for a crowd that everyone will be excited to try.

Let’s find some Thanksgiving dessert ideas!

four pictures of thanksgiving desserts: cranberry cheesecake, apple galette, apple cake and pumpkin mousse

Mini Cranberry Pistachio Cheesecakes

Pistachio cranberry no-bake mini cheesecakes topped with cranberries

How beautiful are these mini cranberry cheesecakes? Tart cranberries on top balance the richness, and chopped pistachios add a little crunch. It’s a great option if you want something festive but different from the usual pies.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Think about how excited everyone would be to see pumpkin whoopie pies as a fun surprising on the Thanksgiving table. They feel playful and nostalgic without being fussy, and they’re great for serving a crowd.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Move over pumpkin pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars have all those good pumpkin flavors with the added bonus of rich and creamy cheesecake. Cheesecake bars are also great when you’re serving a crowd like at Thanksgiving.

Cranberry Eggnog Truffles

cranberry pistachio eggnog truffles on a wood plate with ingredients in the background

These no-bake cranberry truffles come together fast and look impressive. The cranberry adds a pop of tartness to the sweet, creaminess of eggnog. They just scream holiday vibes.

Rustic Apple Galette

Sliced Apple Crumb Galette with toppings

This apple galette keeps things simple but still keeps all the fall flavors of apple pie. You still get buttery crust and cozy apples, just in a more rustic form. It looks beautiful without needing to be perfect.

Pumpkin Fluff Salad

This pumpkin fluff salad tastes like pumpkin pie with none of the work. It is so easy (5-minutes to throw together and no baking!) and it actually gets better as it sits so its a Thanksgiving treat you can make the day before.

Honeycrisp Apple Pie

This apple pie recipe uses Honeycrisp apples for a good mix of sweet and tart. The filling holds its shape, and the crust comes out golden and flaky. There’s a good reason that this is a classic Thanksgiving dessert for a crowd!

Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies

thumbprint cookies on a tray - gingerbread cookies with cranberry sauce filling

These cranberry thumbprint cookies feature a tangy cranberry sauce center which is perfect for Thanksgiving. The base of the cookie is gingerbread which is a nice segue to the holiday season after Thanksgiving dinner is done.

Easy Pumpkin Mousse

pumpkin mousse in a bowl with whipped cream

Pumpkin mousse is like a lighter and much easier to make pumpkin pie. You can make this one ahead and do individual servings for a super easy Thanksgiving dessert. This is one I make pretty much every year in lieu of a traditional pie.

Apple Crisp (Gluten Free & No Refined Sugar)

Warm apples with cinnamon and a crisp oat topping make this apple crisp a fall go-to. And best of all, its free of refined sugar and gluten. There’s no crust to deal with so it’s way easier to make than a pie too.

Candied Cranberries

A close-up of a white bowl filled with sugar-coated cranberries, with more sugared cranberries blurred in the background against a red cloth

Cranberries are quintessential Thanksgiving and these sugared cranberries are coated in sugar and have a sweet-tart crunch. They’re fun Thanksgiving treats and look great on a dessert table. You can also use them to top cakes, pies, or even cocktails.