20 Thanksgiving desserts that will make the whole family happy

Apple pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert, but there are so many ways to take it from basic to bright. One way is by making it a spiced apple pie. It’s the baking equivalent of turning apple pie into apple cider. It’s just a little more festive. 

Cheesecake is a much simpler dessert to make than most people realize. It can be finicky, but by paying attention to a few key details, it’s totally achievable. For this Thanksgiving, show off your baking skills with a festive cranberry version of the fan-favorite dessert. 

Thanksgiving is the time for pies. One delicious dessert that doesn’t get nearly enough credit is buttermilk pie. It’s rich and luscious and just tastes like the holidays. It’s a unique and unexpected dessert to add to your holiday repertoire. 

You can’t go wrong with a classic cookie. In the holiday dessert canon, snickerdoodles are a footnote for most people. Right that wrong this year by adding the decidedly festive cookie to your Thanksgiving dessert platter. 

Everybody loves brownies, and there’s no better way to make them festive than by offering a pecan pie version. It combines a year-round staple with a holiday classic to make the most irresistible dessert. 

Crumbles are great fruit desserts because they can be made with basically every fruit under the sun, so they’re always festive. For Thanksgiving, make a pear version of the dessert. If you want to add even more flair, throw some figs into the mix. 

Adding variety to your Thanksgiving dessert menu is much simpler than it seems. All it takes is mixing two classic desserts, like s’mores and sweet potato pie. It’s an unexpected combination that is too epic for words.  

Pumpkin creme brûlée is another dessert combination that’s too epic for words. It might be a little much for dessert purists, but for all others, this will be a combination they look forward to having again. 

Every Thanksgiving dessert platter needs a morsel that guests can grab throughout the day whenever they need something sweet. A great option is peanut butter balls. They’re fun to make, and they freeze well, so you can make a huge batch early in the season and serve at every holiday function you host. 

It might be a bit easier just to make standard pies, but your guests will love having hand pies. They’re a great way to add variety to your dessert options and an excellent serving size. 

Thanksgiving is the season of the pies. Every pie flavor is acceptable over this holiday, so add butterscotch this year. It’s a tasty and festive flavor that’s a welcome respite from the more traditional options. 

Apple dumplings are a bit of a thing of the past, but they need to make a comeback. They’re a delicious dessert that essentially gives everyone a personal apple pie. And who doesn’t want that?

Few desserts are easier to whip up than a dump cake. If you’re short on time or don’t want to go to the trouble of making an elaborate dessert, opt for a dump cake, and make it pumpkin. 

Now, if you do want to serve an elaborate dessert, try flambeed pears this Thanksgiving. They’re so decadent and unbelievably tasty, and you’ll seem like a true gourmet baker to all your guests. 

If you want a delicious dessert that your guests can grab when they want rather than waiting to be served, make cranberry orange cupcakes. Top them with cream cheese frosting and decorate with candied orange peels and cranberries. 

Ricotta cheesecake is another great cheesecake offering. It’s so rich and silky, and it’s a great way to elevate your cheesecake while offering a flavor everyone will like. You can serve multiple toppings, too, like chocolate sauce or raspberries. 

If you need lots of pumpkin pie, make it on a sheet pan. It’s better than dealing with a traditional pie in almost every way: it’s easier to make, yields more servings, and is simpler to serve. It also tastes just as good, so it’s a major win. 

Galettes aren’t served enough at any function, especially not Thanksgiving dinner. Change that this year by making a pecan peach galette. It’s a bit of an unexpected combination but in the best way. All of your guests will be begging for your recipe. 

A banana chocolate chip muffin will get everyone going at your holiday get-together. Banana chocolate chip muffins are so good and so underrated. They’re also incredibly easy to make, and you can serve them at breakfast if you have guests staying the night. 

If your guests all like different types of desserts, serve something that’ll please everyone, like a cherry pudding cake. It satisfies fruit lovers, sweet lovers, and nontraditional dessert lovers.