It's 2024; changing up Thanksgiving staple dishes is totally cool. It's almost time to serve stuffing cups and mashed cauliflower puree, but do you dare go beyond the classic pumpkin or apple pie? The answer is yes. There are so many new ways to incorporate your favorite Thanksgiving ingredients that you might as well try them all! (Well, as many as you can anyway).
You can always opt for new takes on apple crisp, unique pecan recipes, and pumpkin pie alternatives. Or, if you'd rather skip the pies altogether, try something completely new. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that break the mold and taste delicious while doing so.
Pumpkin Recipes
Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread
Sloane's Table
Nothing says Thanksgiving like delicious pumpkin bread, but have you ever tried the brown butter recipe? It adds "a nutty, caramelized flavor" that'll make it hard for you to eat only one slice.
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Toffee
Brit + Co
Don't want to deal with any leftovers? This crispy pumpkin-spice toffee is one of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie because it's easy for people to take home in bags. Give some to your friends, your family, and your neighbors!
Einkorn Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Calico + Twine
These aren't your average cookies. Not only are they packed with pumpkin flavor, but they're fluffy like cake instead of dense like other chocolate chip cookie recipes. One thing you'll want to note is that this recipe is specified for Einkorn flour (which hasn't been hybridized, meaning it's full of health benefits and flavor), so if you use another kind, you'll want to follow Kaetlyn's instructions on ratios.
Pumpkin Pie Brownies
The Cookie Rookie
Boxed brownie mix (which is already a good Thanksgiving dessert) gets a gooey upgrade when layered with pumpkin, cream cheese, and warming spices.
Nutella-Stuffed Pumpkin Beignets
Half-Baked Harvest
Reason 8,453 why Nutella makes everything better: these plump and pillowy pumpkin beignets. Your guests will love the look of these fun Thanksgiving desserts, but they'll really freak out when they take a bite from the gooey center.
Kabak Tatlisi - Turkish Pumpkin Dessert
Give Recipe
This Turkish pumpkin dessert only requires two ingredients (seriously, what could be better than that?), is budget-friendly, and oh-so comforting!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll
Image via Give Recipe
Nothing beats a good old cinnamon roll, and this one is only elevated by the addition of pumpkin!
Puff Pastry Apple Roses
Give Recipe
Not only does this dessert taste amazing, but it looks amazing too! It's perfect to make for a Thanksgiving get-together, as everyone will be ooh-ing and aah-ing over it.
Apple Fritter Bread
Crazy for Crust
Here's a five-ingredient dessert that won't let you down — and it even has fresh fruit to boot.
(Cheese)cakes Make Awesome Thanksgiving Dessert
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
Brit + Co
If you want the taste of a cake without committing to a huge slice, opt for cupcakes instead! They're delicious, they're bite-sized, and they make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert.
Nutella Gooey Butter Cake
Spicy Southern Kitchen
It's only logical to end an extremely large meal with an extremely rich dessert.
Rum Cake
Averie Cooks
Few things are better than a moist and boozy bundt with a buttery sauce.
Pumpkin Roll
The Recipe Critic
If you want an elegant Thanksgiving dessert that doubles as dessert and a centerpiece, go with this pumpkin roll, which looks complex but is beginner-friendly.
Pumpkin Carrot Cake
Averie Cooks
The veggie action doesn't have to stop after dinner. Load pumpkin with more carrot!
Cookies, Bars and Other Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving
Baked Churro Chips
Brit + Co
These healthy-ish churro chips are an easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe, and they pair oh-so-well with your end-of-feast espresso. Serve them with multiple dipping sauces for a shareable treat.
Caramel Cranberry Nut Bars
Completely Delicious
It's not Thanksgiving without cranberries! This bar is buttery and masterfully combines tart cranberries with sweet caramel.
Brit + Co
Casseroles and sweet potatoes are already turkey day staples — together they make one of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes!
Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts
Brit + Co
Hot chocolate is one of our favorite winter treats, and we'd eat doughnuts every day of the year if given the opportunity. The logical next step? Combining the two.
Vegan Butter Board
Brit + Co
This Thanksgiving dessert can also double as an appetizer, making it double the fun! Since it's vegan, you don't have to worry about your guests with allergies feeling left out. Plus it's a hands-on snack which is great for kids.
Low-Carb Eggnog
Brit + Co
This Keto drink might not technically be a dessert, but it's sweet and delicious so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to include it. It's also the perfect segway from Thanksgiving to the rest of the holiday season.
Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
The Novice Chef
Pass a plate of this Thanksgiving baking idea around, and they'll disappear faster than the turkey.
Nutter Butter Acorn Cookies
Wondermom Wannabe
If kids are on dessert duty, they'll love dipping Nutter Butters into chocolate and customizing them with sprinkles — no oven necessary. These cookies are festive, cute, and a great dessert to make for Thanksgiving!
Check out our email newsletter and our online baking classes for more Thanksgiving day desserts and inspiration!
Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken and Sara Cagle
This post has been updated.
