I love pie, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up for Thanksgiving. If you’re planning a dessert spread and want options beyond the usual pies, here are 20 delicious, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie. These recipes range from puddings and cakes to tarts and bars—perfect for adding variety to your holiday table.
Below you’ll find easy-to-follow ideas and short descriptions to help you choose treats that fit your time, oven space, and flavor preferences. Whether you prefer make-ahead desserts, no-bake options, or show-stopping cakes, this list includes something for every Thanksgiving celebration.
If you love pie too, don’t worry—there are plenty of pie recipes elsewhere. For now, enjoy these non-pie Thanksgiving dessert ideas that are sweet, seasonal, and sure to impress your guests.
1Apple Crisp Pudding
A simple, comforting dessert that tastes like apple pie without the fuss of rolling crust. Tender baked apples topped with a buttery crisp layer make this a perfect seasonal alternative.
2Raspberry White Chocolate Pudding Dessert
Creamy white chocolate pudding layered with bright raspberries for a dreamy, elegant dessert. Light enough after a big meal, yet rich and satisfying.
3Pumpkin Poke Cake
A moist pumpkin cake with sweetened condensed milk and tangy cream cheese frosting—rich, comforting, and ideal for fall gatherings.
4Cranberry Muffins with Butter Sauce
Tender cranberry muffins finished with a luxurious butter sauce—comforting, nostalgic, and perfect for holiday brunch or dessert.
5Pumpkin White Chocolate Pudding Dessert
A layered dessert with a graham crust, cream cheese layer, and pumpkin white chocolate pudding—decadent, smooth, and seasonal.
6Coconut Bundt Cake
Moist and dense with tropical coconut flavor—this bundt cake is rich, satisfying, and an unexpected hit for holiday dessert tables.
7Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart
A shortbread crust filled with silky vanilla cream and topped with fresh berries—bright, elegant, and a colorful centerpiece for any holiday buffet.
8Slow Cooker Pumpkin Dump Cake
A foolproof slow-cooker dessert: assemble, set, and enjoy. The warm pumpkin and spice aroma fills the house while it cooks.
9Creamy Coconut Tart
A buttery shortbread shell filled with smooth coconut custard and topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream—subtle, tropical, and comforting.
10Lemon Cheesecake
Bright, tangy lemon combined with creamy cheesecake makes for a refreshing finish to a heavy meal. Easy to make ahead and serve chilled.
11No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups
A salty-sweet no-bake treat with a pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fresh raspberries. Quick to assemble and great for potlucks.
12Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
Classic banana pudding with layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers—comforting and easy to scale for a crowd.
13Apple Pudding Cake with Caramel Sauce
A cozy apple cake served with warm caramel sauce—decadent, comforting, and a great way to showcase seasonal fruit.
14Pumpkin Crumb Cake
A dense, spiced pumpkin cake topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble. Ideal for morning-after leftovers or dessert with coffee.
15Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a streusel topping—easy to slice and serve for dessert or brunch.
16Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Thick, chewy bars packed with pumpkin spice and chocolate chips—an easy, portable pumpkin treat for parties or dessert tables.
17Chocolate Toffee Trifle
Decadent layers of brownie, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chopped toffee—an impressive, make-ahead dessert that feeds a crowd.
18Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Browned Butter Frosting
A tender pumpkin sheet cake topped with rich browned-butter frosting—simple to bake in a single pan and perfect for serving many guests.
19White Chocolate Toffee Bar Cheesecake
Ultra-creamy cheesecake swirled with melted white chocolate and toffee pieces—decadent and memorable for anyone who loves rich desserts.
20Blackberry Crisp
Juicy blackberries baked under a buttery oatmeal topping—simple, rustic, and a terrific seasonal choice for those who prefer fruit-forward desserts.