47 Thanksgiving Baking Ideas You’ll Want to Bake Again for the Next Get-Together

Thanksgiving morning calls for something special, which is why I keep coming back to these 47 baking ideas year after year. From breakfast treats to show-stopping desserts, each one brings its own magic to the holiday table. People plan their plates around these recipes, asking weeks in advance what I’m bringing this time.

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll topped with creamy icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a plate. — Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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.

Caramelized pineapple rings create golden circles that make Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake instantly recognizable on any dessert table. I flip it out of the pan while everyone watches, revealing the glossy fruit pattern underneath. Someone always mentions how their family made this decades ago, then asks for the recipe to start their own tradition.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Rich Chocolate Pie

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

Midnight-dark filling makes Rich Chocolate Pie the answer for those overwhelmed by pumpkin everything. The chocolate intensity cuts through the sweetness of other desserts perfectly. I’ve learned to hide a slice in the back of the fridge because chocolate lovers will demolish this before trying anything else.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Pie

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Close-up of a frosted cookie with a bite taken out, sprinkled with cinnamon, on a parchment surface. — Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bakery-style thickness makes these Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies stand out from typical holiday treats. Each one weighs nearly a quarter pound, with caramel swirls throughout the spiced dough. I pack extras because people slip them into napkins for later, not wanting to wait another year for these fall favorites.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

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.

Two desserts merge into one when Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies hit the table. The fudgy chocolate base supports a gooey pecan topping that bubbles golden brown. I cut them smaller than usual since they’re incredibly decadent, but people still come back for seconds, claiming they need to try just one more.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies

Amish Cinnamon Cake

Three pieces of crumbly coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl are stacked on a plate, with two white mugs partially visible around them. — Amish Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No frosting needed when Amish Cinnamon Cake has ribbons of cinnamon sugar running through every slice. The simple batter transforms into something extraordinary in the oven, filling the kitchen with warmth. Guests often mistake it for coffee cake until they taste the buttery crumb that sets it apart from anything else.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Cake

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.

Soft centers with slightly crispy edges make Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies disappear faster than any other cookie I bake. The oats give texture while pumpkin keeps them moist for days. Kids grab them for breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving, which is exactly why I always double the batch these days.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

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.

Sunday brunch vibes arrive early when Buttery Coffee Cake appears alongside the turkey preparations. The crumb topping creates pockets of cinnamon sweetness in every forkful. I serve slices throughout the day because it works as breakfast, dessert, or that perfect afternoon snack when dinner feels hours away.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee 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.

Fresh cranberries pop between tender apple slices in this Apple and Cranberry Pie that captures autumn in every bite. The fruit combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart. People who claim they don’t like cranberries change their minds after trying this, surprised by how well the flavors work together.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Cranberry Pie

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board. — Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Morning coffee gets a seasonal upgrade with Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake on the counter. The moist pumpkin base supports a generous streusel topping that crumbles perfectly. I’ve started making two because one disappears before noon, especially when overnight guests discover it waiting in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Caramelized Fried Banana

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

Golden edges form quickly when Caramelized Fried Banana slices hit the hot pan. The natural sugars bubble and brown, creating an almost candy-like coating. I serve these over ice cream or pancakes, though plenty of people eat them straight from the plate while they’re still warm.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

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

Ruby red cherries glisten on top of Sweet Cherry Cheesecake, making it the prettiest dessert on the table. The smooth filling contrasts beautifully with the fruit topping’s slight tartness. Someone always volunteers to help me carry it to the table, mostly to claim the first slice before anyone else can.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

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.

Cookie butter swirls create caramel-colored ribbons through Decadent Biscoff Brownies that catch everyone’s attention. The unique flavor combination has people guessing what makes them special. I keep cookie butter in my pantry year-round now because requests for these come up at every gathering, not just Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

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

Silky smooth texture makes Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake melt on your tongue with each bite. The graham crust provides just enough crunch beneath the spiced filling. People who insist they’re too full for dessert somehow find room for a slice, then ask if there’s enough for tomorrow too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Two pecan-topped dessert bars are stacked on parchment paper, showing a dense, crumbly base and a caramelized nut topping. — Buttery Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Portable convenience meets traditional flavor in Buttery Pecan Pie Bars that travel beautifully to any gathering. The shortbread base holds up under the gooey pecan layer without getting soggy. I wrap individual bars because people like taking them home, claiming they’re saving them for later.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes

Two cupcakes with light brown frosting are shown on a white surface, each in a beige paper liner. — Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Individual portions make Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes perfect for buffet-style dessert tables. The moist cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting swirled on top. Children especially love having their own personal dessert, though adults sneak extras when they think nobody’s watching them reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes

Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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

Pillowy dough spirals filled with cinnamon sugar make Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls worth the early morning effort. The smell alone brings people to the kitchen before coffee’s ready. I shape them the night before so all that’s left is baking, giving me more time with guests instead of dough.
Get the Recipe: Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

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

Layers of surprise await inside Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake where two classics become one showstopper. Apple pie filling hides within creamy cheesecake for an unexpected combination. The first cut reveals the hidden filling, causing excited comments about how clever the concept is while everyone angles for a piece.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate. — Rich Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Day-old bread transforms into Rich Homemade Bread Pudding that tastes like pure comfort in a pan. The custard soaks through creating a texture that’s neither too wet nor too dry. Vanilla sauce pooled on top makes each spoonful even better, though some prefer it plain to taste every nuance.
Get the Recipe: Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

Easy Apple Dump Cake

Close-up of an apple crumble dessert with a golden crust, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a spoon placed inside the dish. — Easy Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor when Easy Apple Dump Cake comes together in minutes. The cake mix creates a golden topping over tender apples below. I love how this leaves more time for other dishes while still delivering homemade taste that has everyone asking about the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Dump Cake

Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

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

Tropical flavors bring unexpected brightness through Creamy Coconut Cream Pie among all the traditional spices. The cloud-like topping hides the coconut custard beneath until the first slice. Those who skip pumpkin desserts gravitate toward this lighter option, often coming back to finish what others leave behind.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Heart-shaped cookies partially dipped in red icing, decorated with pink, white, and silver sprinkles, including stars and hearts, scattered on a white surface. — Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Love shows up in Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies that remind everyone what we’re truly thankful for. The buttery dough holds its shape perfectly through baking. Kids decorate them while adults chat, creating edible art that becomes part of our dessert spread alongside more elaborate options.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with a caramelized sugar topping, resting on parchment paper with a crumbly base visible. — Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Torched sugar creates the signature crack on Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake that everyone wants to break with their spoon. The vanilla bean filling tastes luxurious against the caramelized top. I bring out the kitchen torch at the table for drama, letting guests watch the sugar transform into glass.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Classic Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with cranberries. — Classic Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thanksgiving feels incomplete without Classic Pumpkin Pie claiming its rightful spot on the dessert table. The familiar spices bring comfort while the silky filling provides the perfect ending. I make extra because leftovers with morning coffee have become as traditional as the holiday dinner itself around here.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pumpkin 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.

Salt crystals sparkle on Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake where each layer tells its own story. Caramel drips down the sides in golden streams over dark chocolate. The combination of flavors makes even confirmed pumpkin pie fans admit they might need both desserts this year.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

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.

Marshmallow-topped tradition lives on in Southern Sweet Potato Pie that brings Southern comfort north. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes needs little enhancement beyond warm spices. First-timers often confuse it with pumpkin until they taste the earthier, deeper flavor that converts them instantly.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie

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.

Cocoa intensity reaches new heights in Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes topped with marshmallow frosting. Each bite tastes like drinking hot chocolate in cake form. I stack them on tiered stands because their dark color contrasts beautifully with lighter desserts, creating visual interest on the buffet.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

A stack of pumpkin spiced muffins on a plate. — Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Breakfast or dessert debates spark over Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins that work perfectly either way. The tender crumb stays moist thanks to pumpkin puree throughout. I set them out early for overnight guests but save some for the dessert table, where they disappear just as quickly.
Get the Recipe: Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Rich Pecan Pie Cobbler

Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes — Rich Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spoon dessert convenience makes Rich Pecan Pie Cobbler easier to serve than traditional pie. The filling bubbles up through biscuit topping creating pockets of caramelized pecans. Large groups love this because everyone gets plenty of filling and topping in each serving, no careful slicing required.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pecan Pie Cobbler

Rolled Pumpkin Cake With Cream Filling

A slice of pumpkin roll being sprinkled with powdered sugar. — Rolled Pumpkin Cake With Cream Filling. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spiral slices reveal the cream center of Rolled Pumpkin Cake With Cream Filling that looks fancy but isn’t difficult. The thin cake layers wrap around tangy filling without cracking. I freeze it briefly before slicing for cleaner cuts that show off the pretty swirl pattern inside.
Get the Recipe: Rolled Pumpkin Cake With Cream Filling

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.

Biscuit clouds float over cinnamon apples in Warm Apple Cobbler that defines comfort food. The fruit softens just enough while keeping some texture beneath the golden topping. Ice cream melts into the warm spaces, though many prefer it plain to taste autumn’s pure essence.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Cobbler

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture. — Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Butterscotch notes dominate Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies that offer a lighter alternative to brownies. The cinnamon sugar coating adds crunch to the chewy centers. People who claim they don’t like blondies change their minds after trying these, especially when served slightly warm from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

A stack of four fluffy pancakes topped with fresh raspberries, pear slices, and a drizzle of syrup. — Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Protein-packed surprise makes Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes special at holiday brunch. Nobody guesses the secret ingredient that creates such light texture. I make stacks for the breakfast crowd, but they work as dessert too with fruit compote and whipped cream on top.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

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.

Savory breaks between sweets happen with Soft Garlic Knots that balance all the sugar. The garlic butter soaks into every twisted curve of dough. People grab these throughout the day, especially those who need something besides dessert but still want homemade bread with their meal.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

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.

Marbled patterns swirl through Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies creating edible art in each square. The tangy cream cheese cuts through chocolate richness perfectly. I score them before cooling so people can choose their favorite swirl pattern, though they all taste equally amazing regardless of design.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Close-up of freshly baked cookies with nuts on top, arranged closely together. — Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cake-like texture makes Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans different from typical crispy cookies. The nuts add crunch while keeping the cookies tender inside. I arrange them on platters between pies and cakes, where they offer a lighter option that still delivers fall flavors.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

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.

Berries burst purple against creamy pockets in Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins that blur the breakfast-dessert line. The cheesecake filling creates surprises in each bite. Fresh or frozen berries work equally well, which means I can make these any time someone requests them.
Get the Recipe: Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Swirled Cinnamon Bread

Close-up of cinnamon swirl bread slices, showcasing a spiral pattern in the texture. — Swirled Cinnamon Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ribbons of spice weave through Swirled Cinnamon Bread that works for breakfast or dessert. Each slice shows a different pattern depending on where you cut. The smell while baking brings everyone to the kitchen, hoping to snag the end piece with extra cinnamon concentration.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Cinnamon Bread

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.

Three layers of autumn stack up in Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake where caramel meets pumpkin spice. The frosting holds caramel ribbons that drip appealingly down the sides. Height alone makes this impressive, but the flavor combination ensures people remember it long after Thanksgiving ends.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Buttery Chocolate Croissant

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

Bakery mornings happen at home with Buttery Chocolate Croissant fresh from your own oven. Chocolate batons melt into pockets while layers shatter beautifully. I prep these the night before for easy morning baking. The smell alone makes them worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Chocolate Croissant

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.

Autumn spices transform chocolate brownies into Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies that combine two favorites brilliantly. The pumpkin keeps them extra moist while adding subtle flavor. These disappear faster than plain brownies, probably because people can’t quite identify what makes them special but know they want more.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies

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.

Simple perfection defines Moist Chocolate Cake when you need reliable chocolate flavor without complications. The crumb stays tender for days thanks to the right moisture balance. I frost it simply because the cake itself deserves center stage, especially alongside more elaborate holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Moist Chocolate 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.

Lattice crusts showcase cinnamon-spiced apples in Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon that never goes out of style. The filling bubbles through openings in the pastry while baking. Someone always claims the corner piece with extra crust, starting friendly debates about which part tastes best.
Get the Recipe: Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon

Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Two slices of pumpkin s'mores pie on a white plate, topped with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows. — Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Campfire memories merge with fall flavors in Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake that brings outdoor fun inside. Marshmallows toast golden on top while graham pieces add crunch throughout. Kids especially love this combination, though adults sneak bites while pretending to cut pieces for others.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

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.

Hidden vegetables make Moist Zucchini Bread surprisingly decadent for something so wholesome. The shredded zucchini disappears into spiced batter leaving only moisture behind. I bring this when traveling because it actually improves after a day, becoming even more tender with time.
Get the Recipe: Moist Zucchini Bread

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.

Childhood flavors grow up in Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie sized for adult appetites. Jam pockets hide within peanut butter dough for sweet surprises. The combination seems simple until you taste how perfectly the bakery-style thickness showcases both flavors in every oversized bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

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.

Sheet pan convenience makes Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting perfect for feeding crowds easily. The tangy frosting balances the spiced base beautifully. I cut them into squares at the table so people can choose their size, though most come back for “just a small second piece.”
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Morning traditions start with Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls that bring bakery quality home. The sourdough tang plays beautifully against sweet cinnamon filling. I proof them overnight so Thanksgiving morning means simply baking, not mixing, giving everyone more time together over coffee and warm rolls.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls