47 Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas Everyone “Needs the Recipe” For

There’s always that one dessert that becomes a family legend, and these 47 Thanksgiving favorites are full of them. They’re sweet enough to start friendly debates about who makes it best. Each one brings the kind of comfort that keeps people lingering around the table long after dinner.

Banana pudding in a bowl with whipped cream and bananas. — Easy Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.

You might want something extra when muffins come up on the menu, so making Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins is smart. These muffins create a mix of creamy and fruity with each bite, offering a new spin. Kids and grown-ups alike usually reach for one more, especially when these show up at family gatherings. Bite into one and you’ll get requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Moist Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles on a plate with a chocolatey spoon resting on the plate. — Homemade Chocolate Truffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes you just need something simple but good with dessert, and Homemade Chocolate Truffles land in that spot. This sweet bite brings a smooth, rich chocolate experience people talk about after dinner. It’s easy to pass around at the table or box up for someone special. Share these once, and you won’t escape making them again.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Truffles

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.

When dessert calls for something with soft texture, Moist Pumpkin Cake gets everyone’s attention fast. This cake stands out not just for how it looks but in how each slice falls apart gently on your fork. Plates empty pretty quickly when this gets served. You’ll be asked to bring this to every holiday.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin 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.

Guests sometimes want a switch-up, so sharing Matcha Tiramisu brings something fun to the sweets table. Each bite has its own twist that stands out from more traditional choices. It even adds a hint of something special that gets people talking. Little surprise, it leaves everyone wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of several chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside. — Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cookie fans light up when Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies land on the counter. The way these cookies balance different flavors pulls people back for seconds. Everyone gets curious about what makes them so soft. These cookies leave you with smiles over empty plates.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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.

Kids and adults both can’t resist reaching for Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys when they show up. The playful look always brings laughs around the room. Parties feel more relaxed when people grab one by the handful. You’ll want to make extras because these disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys

Rich Chocolate Pie

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

For those who can’t get enough of smooth desserts, Rich Chocolate Pie makes any dessert table better. This pie draws in chocolate fans with every single slice. It tends to get picked first at gatherings, even before dinner ends. Slices rarely make it to the fridge for later.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate 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.

Looking for something sweet with morning coffee, try Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake for a twist. This one brings together crisp flavors with a warm finish you can’t ignore. People usually start slicing before the plates are even stacked out. The cake usually vanishes by midday.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Mini Cheesecakes

Smaller treats win events, and Mini Cheesecakes turn into a go-to for busy gatherings. Everyone gets their own little cake, which avoids sharing issues. The size makes them easy for little hands or quick bites. You will get requests for another batch at next year’s meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheesecakes

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.

Celebrate dessert with flavors when Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting show up at the table. These bars balance creamy frosting with a soft base for a cool treat. Everyone nods in approval with the first bite. Don’t be surprised if the pan comes back empty.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

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.

Kids love sweets they can pick up, and Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes bring smiles all around. Each bite bursts with flavor, making them stand out from ordinary cupcakes. Your friends will be curious why they taste so good. People grab these before most other options.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes

Rich Pecan Pie Cobbler

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

Sometimes people expect something classic, so serving Rich Pecan Pie Cobbler brings both tradition and a new twist. Guests appreciate how the top and filling work together each time. Folks often ask if there’s enough for seconds. This cobbler usually ends the night with everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pecan Pie Cobbler

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.

Chocolate fans will be glad to find Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes among the spread. The depth of flavor gives each cupcake a strong, comforting feeling. Picking one up is always a good choice for anyone looking for extra chocolate. You can expect empty wrappers before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

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.

Lunchboxes and dessert plates get popular with Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies on hand. These bars put texture and sweetness together in a way that people remember. Each piece gets more attention than it looks at first. One pan is never quite enough—people ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

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.

Nothing beats sharing something familiar when Moist Chocolate Cake lands at the table. Everyone loves how each slice holds together but melts quickly. You’ll probably run out of slices fast if it’s on your menu. It becomes the star of many gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Moist Chocolate Cake

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.

Cookies with a change of pace appeal to guests, which makes Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans special. People grab more than one, drawn in by the texture and finish. It’s common to hear people talking about them while cleaning up. Most times there’s none left on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Caramelized Fried Banana

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

Looking to offer something unique at dessert, Caramelized Fried Banana sets the mood. Warm bites fill the room with something sweet yet simple. People return to the table for seconds. It’s one of those special desserts that people talk about later.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

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.

Roll cakes bring something cool to the table, especially with Rolled Pumpkin Cake With Cream Filling. Each slice shows off creamy layers tucked inside a soft roll. Kids love seeing how it looks and grown-ups love how it tastes. You’ll want to save the recipe for next time.
Get the Recipe: Rolled Pumpkin Cake With Cream Filling

Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie

A lemon meringue pie in a white dish, topped with swirled, browned meringue, sits on a light-colored surface next to a lemon. — Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Even those who like classics find Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie hard to skip over. The twist on sweet and sharp flavors creates a memory that sticks. People tend to grab thin slices just to go back for more. It won’t stay on the dessert table long.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with strawberry sauce and fresh strawberry pieces, sits on a serving tray. — No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Easy desserts win guests over fast, especially when No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is served. No oven needed means it shows up quickly at parties and dinners. The creamy finish keeps people scooping until it’s gone. Plan on making this again by request.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Strawberry 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.

Cozy up any meal when Warm Apple Cobbler is included in the spread. Each serving brings soft bites under a just-right crust. It usually disappears before you can put out second helpings. Friends and family will ask for the details on how to make it.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Cobbler

Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

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

Friends often get curious at the table when Sweet Cherry Cheesecake makes an appearance. Everyone asks how they can get a slice before it’s gone. This dessert often stands out when you want both fruity and creamy in one bite. Plans for leftovers rarely make sense.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

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.

Up for something classic that surprises at the table, try Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Biting through crisp layers turns into a conversation. Snacks like these get picked up first, especially by those who want something different. More people ask for slices than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

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.

Last-minute plans are no problem with Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars on hand. These bars bring together familiar flavors that everyone likes in a snackable treat. The bars go fast because one piece is never enough. They’ll become a new family favorite right away.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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.

Sharing a tradition tastes great with Southern Sweet Potato Pie at the table. Friends and family enjoy a smooth slice that makes everyone ask about the recipe. This pie is always a hit with those who want something classic. You’ll want to add it to your list every year.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato 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.

Celebration calls for something special, so Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake is always welcome. Each piece brings together flavors people keep asking about. Guests often comment on the mix in every bite. Slices go fast—make sure you keep one for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

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.

Plates fill up fast when someone brings out Warm Apple Fritters after dinner. These sweet bites disappear from trays with little effort. Nobody ever complains about a second helping. You might need to make a double batch next time.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Fritters

Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

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

For those wanting something smooth and different, Creamy Coconut Cream Pie usually stands out. The filling gets people talking and keeps forks moving. Fans of classic pies always go back for a second scoop. Get ready for recipe requests.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Cream Pie

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.

Friends might show up early just to grab a slice of Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake before it disappears. Each smooth bite mixes flavors that make this dessert stand out on crowded tables. Cheesecake lovers feel like this one always goes too quickly. Chances are, it won’t last long after it is served.
Get the Recipe: Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

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.

A fun twist on tradition draws people to Apple and Cranberry Pie for dessert. This pie stands out because it combines the familiar and something bright in each bite. Guests like sharing slices and talking about what sets it apart. Everyone wonders when it will come back again.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Cranberry Pie

Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of layered tiramisu cake with cream, coffee-soaked sponge, and dusted cocoa powder on top, served on a white plate. — Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When two favorites come together, Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake is the result. Slices bring fans of both to the table, ready for something new and memorable. There is always excitement to see how coffee and smoothness blend. It usually means coming back to the dessert table again.
Get the Recipe: Rich Tiramisu 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.

These sweet treats set up quickly when Buttery Pecan Pie Bars arrive on the plate. No one can resist the simple pleasure of picking up a bar and tasting the blend in every bite. It’s easier than pie to serve at big events too. Don’t count on leftovers after the crowd thins out.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

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.

Fans of a classic sandwich will want to try Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie right away. Each cookie gets a nod of approval for pulling together old memories in a new way. Snacks like these find their way into lunchboxes too. Most people want to know if there’s more for later.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

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.

This smooth dessert makes people stop and look when Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake hits the table. The top brings a crisp finish that makes the experience extra special. Cheesecake fans discover a new favorite with this choice. It tends to go in the first round of serving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Creme Brûlée 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.

Guests sometimes cheer when you bring out Decadent Chocolate Lasagna after a big meal. Layers stack up flavor in every spoonful, mixing up the usual dessert fare. It works great for potlucks and big group dinners. Dishes come back scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Lasagna

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Close-up of a Pumpkin Dump Cake, a baked dessert topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with caramel sauce, served in a white dish on a wooden surface. — Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Functions with busy schedules fit Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake perfectly into the plan. No complicated steps means it gets to the table before anyone notices. Guests still notice the flavor that feels homemade. This cake will find fans in every crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies

Several squares of chocolate brownies with a yellow and brown marbled pattern are stacked and arranged on parchment paper. — Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A fresh twist on desserts gets everyone reaching when Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies are sliced up. The soft layers offer a bit of everything in every bite. Conversations spark up over how it’s different from anything else on the table. Sharing the recipe becomes a must.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies

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.

Tables fill up fast with snacks when Buttery Coffee Cake is set among the sweets. This pick turns snack time into something everyone pauses for. The taste has guests coming back for more during any meal break. Coffee or no coffee, it’s a quick favorite.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake

Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

A plate of five sticky buns topped with caramelized nuts and sauce, resting on a red cloth. — Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Serving something different can surprise everyone, so making Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls does just that. Each roll brings a taste that’s both familiar and fun. Guests pass these around with big smiles at parties. Seconds are almost guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

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

Guests seem especially interested when Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake joins the dessert spread. Each piece cuts easily and serves up soft, smooth flavors. Folks who try it once usually ask for more next time. It’s usually one of the first things gone.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Two glass cups filled with layers of sliced strawberries, chocolate, granola, and chopped pistachios, with a blurred bowl of nuts in the background. — Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Friends who want something extra after dinner grab a Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup fast. Layered flavors make this dessert feel like a special treat. Sharing is easy with these cups at any group event. Everyone asks where you found the idea.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

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.

Slices disappear in record time when Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake shows up on your buffet. Baked just right, everyone takes note of how soft each bite feels. The sweet notes draw people to ask for seconds again and again. This one stays in your recipe book.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

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.

Start mornings with a smile when serving Buttery Chocolate Chip Muffins to breakfast guests. Each muffin holds a treat inside for kids and adults alike. The soft texture and sweet finish make them popular again and again. They’re gone before you expect it.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Chocolate Chip Muffins

Classic Pumpkin Pie

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

No holiday table feels quite right without Classic Pumpkin Pie set out for dessert. The smooth filling and firm crust keep people coming back every year. Most everyone agrees there should be enough for leftovers. It never gets old bringing out this pie.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pumpkin 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.

When you want a dessert that looks great, set out Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake for the family. The fun way it flips out of the pan turns heads every single time. Each slice goes fast, especially among those who love tradition. Baking this cake means a happy crowd.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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.

Desserts with a twist leave everyone talking, like Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies on the tray. Each cookie blends surprise and comfort, which keeps people interested. These go in lunchboxes, dessert plates, and even as party favors. Chances are everyone wants the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Easy Banana Pudding

Sometimes you just need dessert to be simple, and Easy Banana Pudding gets the job done fast. Bowls empty out quickly with this on the menu, no matter the crowd. The creamy texture and sweet finish keep it moving from table to table. Most people consider it a must-make again event.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding