23 Thanksgiving Baking Recipes That Come From the Heart

When dessert trays roll out on Thanksgiving, all rules disappear. Suddenly, everyone remembers they have room for “just one more slice.” These 23 home-baked creations bring that exact kind of joy, the kind that slows conversations and speeds up forks. Each dish feels like it’s been made with care, stories, and maybe a secret handshake.

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

A slice of cherry cheesecake on a plate.
Sweet Cherry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Heartfelt recipes always hit home with a smooth cool dessert. Sweet Cherry Cheesecake gets picked first when plates pass around. Each slice feels special at family tables. It’s the kind of treat people sneak back for at midnight.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

Soft Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Soft Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked goods bring a warmth that makes everyone feel at home. Soft Garlic Knots disappear quickly from the bread basket. These go on every table, no matter the spread. Serve for breakfast or dinner and watch them vanish.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Home bakers love serving up creative twists for dessert. Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie comes out with all the comfort of pie and rolls in one bite. It stands out next to any main dish. Guests usually want the leftovers boxed up.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

A group of pumpkin bars with icing on top.
Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bars from scratch have a way of making everyone smile. Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting keep things simple with smooth topping and a soft bite. Everyone takes at least two. Easy enough for a grab-and-go treat.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Warm Apple Cobbler

A baked apple cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, partially served in a dish.
Warm Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Family favorites mean dessert gets a scoop for everyone, sometimes two. Warm Apple Cobbler always makes it to the table for big gatherings. It matches up well with ice cream or eaten alone. Seconds are almost a rule here.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Cobbler

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs.
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

New faces at the table love cookies that take them back. Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie stacks sweetness into a single bite. It brings old-school vibes in a pretty big cookie. These don’t last long, even if you double the batch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Buttery Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Buttery Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cake on the menu feels extra thoughtful when it’s handmade. Buttery Coffee Cake works for quick and delicious brunches or as a treat with drinks. It looks best right in the middle of everything. Slices are never left behind.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake

Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing.
Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade means you care enough to turn out something special. Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls fill the house with cozy scents and warmth. The icing barely sets before they’re gone. Serve hot if you can catch them before they’re gone.
Get the Recipe: Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Buttery Chocolate Croissant

Chocolate and pretzel rolls with powdered sugar.
Buttery Chocolate Croissant. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Everyone always lights up for soft and pleasing pastries in the bread basket. Buttery Chocolate Croissant gets pulled apart for informal snacking. Always perfect to share over long talks. Not many make it to the second day.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Chocolate Croissant

Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

A slice of coconut cream pie on a plate.
Creamy Coconut Cream Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pie brings everyone to the table for just one more forkful. Each bite mixes flaky crust with cool, creamy layers. Creamy Coconut Cream Pie packs in a smooth filling you can’t stop talking about. It looks lovely at any feast. Hold back a slice, you’ll thank yourself.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies

Close-up of several chocolate brownies with a swirl of orange filling on top, arranged on parchment paper.
Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes a tray of bars says “you’re family” better than anything. Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies tie two loved desserts into one pan. They really hold together during slicing. People always go back for another square.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies

Rich Chocolate Pie

A slice of chocolate pie with a swirl of whipped cream.
Rich Chocolate Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich sweets have everyone crowding around after the meal. Each slice melts slow and feels indulgent with every bite. Rich Chocolate Pie stays smooth for days and stacks up nicely for any size crowd. Easy to cut or just dig in. Rarely needs leftovers wrapped up.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Pie

Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies with a cream cheese layer in the center are cut into squares and arranged on parchment paper.
Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Guests hope someone brings bars to the table. Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies make the best combo, smooth and dense with a swirl that always draws questions. Easy to grab in one hand. They show up at gatherings for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Rich Peanut Butter Cake

Close-up of frosted square cake pieces with a light brown crust on parchment paper.
Rich Peanut Butter Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cake trays travel well when something special is on the way. Rich Peanut Butter Cake makes birthdays or holidays feel easy and fun. Taller slices hold up with coffee or as a late-night treat. This gets finished faster than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Rich Peanut Butter Cake

Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon

A slice of apple pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The feeling of going home to family comes in every warm slice. Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon holds up for second helpings and late-night snacks. A scoop of cold topping makes it even better. You know it’s a regular at every get-together.
Get the Recipe: Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background.
Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When dessert looks like a cup of cocoa, everyone notices. Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes pull from every celebration memory with their topping. They’re built for sharing or for keeping all to yourself. Perfect for any reason to celebrate.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of Reese's pie sits on a cake slice, ready to be served.
Creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet pies draw out “oohs” from the crowd at first sight. Creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie gives more than enough layers for everyone to get a piece. Stays together for easy serving. This one is a winner for everyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

A close-up of several oatmeal cookies stacked and scattered on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the inside texture.
Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cookies warm from the oven show you care without saying a word. Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are soft inside and gone fast. Pack them up for road trips or school lunches. These always make people ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Moist Chocolate Cake

A person holding a slice of chocolate layer cake with frosting from a chocolate cake recipe.
Moist Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet leftovers mean you cooked enough for everyone to have a treat later. Each bite feels soft and rich without being too heavy. Moist Chocolate Cake packs a punch from the first forkful to the last. Layers don’t dry out through the night. Second helpings are a given.
Get the Recipe: Moist Chocolate Cake

Rich Banoffee Pie

A slice of Banoffee pie with whipped cream and caramel.
Rich Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Plates of pie disappear once this one is set down. Rich Banoffee Pie brings a creamy center with sweet layers that get scraped clean. Extra good with coffee or hot drinks. Makes a strong case for best dessert at any event.
Get the Recipe: Rich Banoffee Pie

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Close-up of a stack of gooey caramel-filled Biscoff Brownies, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, on parchment paper.
Decadent Biscoff Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Brownies cut thick always end up as the party favorite. Decadent Biscoff Brownies keep a hint of crunch and cream together in one tray. Each piece feels extra special at family celebrations. They’re gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Moist Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Moist Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Baking that comes from the heart keeps things familiar. Moist Zucchini Bread slices up soft and light, whether for breakfast or snack time. Pairs well with butter or jam. Always great for gifting or freezing if you make extras.
Get the Recipe: Moist Zucchini Bread

Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fusion desserts get everyone talking as soon as they’re sliced. Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake stacks creamy and tart in one bite. Perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. Guaranteed to run out first from the table.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

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