27 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe Ideas Worth Saving Room For

ByMandy

Thanksgiving dinner is full of big plates and second helpings but leaving room for dessert is essential. 27 ideas are ready to step in and finish the meal on a high note. Each option brings a little surprise to the table and makes leftovers feel less lonely. Pick one or mix a few and suddenly dessert is the part everyone fights over.

A close-up of a chocolate cookie with chocolate chips and small white marshmallows on top.
Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

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.

Melting chocolate scent fills the air before trays hit the table. Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes become the talk of dessert hour once everyone sees the frosting. Curious guests try to guess each layer. More than one serving is always expected with this pick.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys

A festive plate of Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys crafted with chocolate, pretzels, candy corn, and candy eyes.
Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet and salty treats attract eager guests from across the room. Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys spark laughter and conversation with every playful shape. Stories get shared over this dessert in between other bites. Plates always seem to empty early when these appear.
Get the Recipe: Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys

Moist Pumpkin Cake

Close-up of sliced pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, with plates in the background.
Moist Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Airy slices send up a sweet aroma as serving forks come out. Moist Pumpkin Cake becomes the topic of conversation as plates are filled. Texture wins new fans every season. Empty platters always result from this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Cake

Apple and Cranberry Pie

A slice of mixed berry pie with a golden crust sits on a plate next to a spoon, with fruit filling spilling out.
Apple and Cranberry Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Colorful filling gives new life to pie trays throughout the holidays. Apple and Cranberry Pie brings a touch of tart that balances tradition. Neat slices prompt remarks about flavor. Sharing just one never seems possible.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Cranberry Pie

Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse

A glass dessert cup filled with chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, placed on a light-colored surface.
Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spoons dip into silken layers as anticipation grows. Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse holds attention for its soft mouthfeel and bold flavor. Compliments keep coming while dessert disappears. Holiday meals just feel fuller once bowls of this mousse are offered.
Get the Recipe: Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

A person holding a piece of pumpkin cheesecake on a fork.
Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Slicing through creamy layers brings oohs from across the table. Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake often leads dessert spreads for those who want a memorable finish. Texture gives guests something to remember long after the meal. Sharing the last slice never goes as planned.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

Decadent Chocolate Lasagna

A slice of layered dessert with a creamy white layer, chocolate filling, and crushed cookie topping.
Decadent Chocolate Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Forks dig into stacked sweetness without a pause. Decadent Chocolate Lasagna delivers multiple layers and becomes the highlight of the dessert table. Guests talk about the creamy middle past dinner. Bites continue as other desserts are left behind.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Lasagna

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.

Sweets lovers spot the shine of a good batch before dessert is even served. Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies roll out deep flavors and a rich swirl in every piece. Chewy squares spark positive remarks with every pass. Seconds never last past the first round.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Buttery Chocolate Chip Muffins

Close-up of three chocolate muffins in brown paper wrappers, topped with chocolate chips, with part of a bowl of chocolate chips visible in the background.
Buttery Chocolate Chip Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Muffin tins bring comfort to dessert plates at every gathering. Buttery Chocolate Chip Muffins fill the space with an inviting aroma and chewy bite. Hands reach for them frequently. They always seem to spark new memories with each tray.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Chocolate Chip Muffins

Warm Apple Fritters

Close-up of freshly baked apple cookies drizzled with icing, resting on parchment paper with part of a bowl visible to the right.
Warm Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cinnamon sugar coating always brings smiles as trays circulate. Warm Apple Fritters delight the crowd for their pillowy texture and crisped edges. Stories get shared as guests snack on these rounds. Many look for this pick as soon as dessert begins.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Fritters

Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Close-up of three stacked blondies with chocolate chips, resembling cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars, one of which has a bite taken out of it.
Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Speed and convenience combine with tried-and-true flavor. Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars get top billing for their soft texture and nostalgia-inducing look. Friends gather around to grab the first square. Recipe requests keep coming after every occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

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

Toasted topping hints at a tropical twist on a traditional spread. Creamy Coconut Cream Pie starts conversations for its balanced filling and delicate look. Slices vanish quickly as chatter continues. Memories center on this treat each holiday.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

A close-up of a baked pastry ring dusted with powdered sugar, featuring multiple layers of golden-brown, flaky dough and hints of cinnamon apple strudel slices peeking through.
Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Golden layers break apart with a pleasing crunch. Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices blend texture with sweetness for a classic dessert experience. Guests mention this treat in glowing terms long after the meal wraps up. Dessert trays never have leftovers here.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

A slice of sweet potato pie with a swirl of cream on it.
Southern Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic flavors invite anticipation before dessert even begins. Southern Sweet Potato Pie barrels ahead as a classic slice everyone looks for. The smooth bite brings happiness to every table. Recipe sharing happens quickly after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Close-up of a slice of pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel on top.
Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Moist layers stack tall for those who crave bold flavor. Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake gathers chatter for its feather-light crumb and drip of caramel. Each forkful receives praise from the group. This dessert becomes the focal point of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Caramelized Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.
Caramelized Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Searing slices meet sweet drizzle right before serving. Caramelized Fried Banana impresses both for simplicity and the contrast of crisp and soft. Eager hands move fast to grab just one more. Often this sweet treat marks the ending of dessert hour.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

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.

Dessert trays fill in record time when favorites are expected. Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting lead guests to check for extra before dishes are cleared. Soft crumb pairs well with a mild tang. Praise continues over coffee or late-night snacks.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Rich Banoffee Pie

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

Richness and fruit come together every year for something unforgettable. Rich Banoffee Pie becomes a legend with every creamy slice cut. Feedback bubbles up during dessert as people try it for the first time. Refills keep coming until trays are finished.
Get the Recipe: Rich Banoffee Pie

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce on a plate, with more cake in the background.
Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Deep color signals flavor that guests return for each year. Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake sits beside the classics and becomes a runaway favorite. Handfuls of compliments fill the room. Stories about memorable bites track back to this cake.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Matcha Tiramisu

A close-up of a slice of tiramisu topped with green matcha powder, served on a ceramic plate.
Matcha Tiramisu. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Earthy notes offer something completely unexpected to dessert hour. Matcha Tiramisu surprises guests who are excited for something new. Creamy layers open new options for classic lovers. The recipe ends up in someone’s regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Swirls of syrup spark visual interest across the whole table. Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake gets positive attention for bold balance and dense filling. Forks never leave a scrap behind. Many say it becomes a new must-have.
Get the Recipe: Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

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.

Steam rises as serving spoons hit the table in anticipation. Warm Apple Cobbler gathers rounds of applause each time it graces dessert. Requests for seconds ring out every gathering. This traditional treat feels like a reward after a big meal.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Cobbler

Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies

Close-up of pecan-topped brownies on parchment paper, showing their dense chocolate base and nutty topping.
Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nutty aromas drift through the kitchen before dessert even lands on the table. Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies layer texture and depth for strong feedback every time. Tiles of chocolate and nut mean plates do not stand still. Requests repeat after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies

Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

A plate of blueberry muffins with crumb topping, arranged in a pile.
Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Little rounds promise gentle aroma as trays move around the room. Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins earn immediate praise for their soft finish and subtle tang. Friends make a point to ask for the recipe. New traditions start with each batch of these muffins.
Get the Recipe: Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Rich Chocolate Pie

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

Deep slices tempt chocolate fans as dessert rolls around. Rich Chocolate Pie lands repeat requests for its sliceable consistency and no-fuss appeal. Every plate returns empty after dessert. Many claim this as their new favorite pie.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Pie

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface.
Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Browned fruit circles announce a retro crowd-pleaser. Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake stands out for its glossy finish and caramelized base. After-dinner stories lead back to this cake. Potluck sign-ups often include this request again.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

A close-up of a chocolate cookie with chocolate chips and small white marshmallows on top.
Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of chocolate meet with nostalgia as Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies close out dessert. Crisp exteriors with soft centers turn up repeated compliments all night. Sharing starts conversations about comfort and happy gatherings. No batch ever lasts until morning.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

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