I don’t know about you, but dessert is always the part of Thanksgiving I look forward to the most. And I’m not just talking about classic desserts like pumpkin pie.
Every year, I try to make something new, whether it’s with pumpkin, apples, or something else entirely, and this is exactly what keeps me so excited for dessert each time!
In this article, I’ve gathered Thanksgiving desserts that have become favorites over the years. Many of these can be made ahead (at least parts of them), so you don’t have to stress and rush at the last minute.
Whether you’re hosting the big feast this year or bringing something sweet to share at a party, here are over ten delicious and easy recipes perfect for finishing your Thanksgiving meal.
Toast Cups With Apple Sauce & Whipped Cream
These adorable little toast cups are a fun, fuss-free dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
They’re made with cheap ingredients, with toasted bread cups forming the cutest edible shell, which is then filled with warm homemade applesauce and topped with a swirl of whipped cream.
They’re easy to make, even easier to serve, and a light way to wrap up a big meal without overdoing it.
Mixed Berry Tiramisu
A refreshing twist on the classic, this mixed berry tiramisu layers juicy cooked berries with a fluffy mascarpone and Greek yogurt cream between soft, soaked ladyfingers. It’s rich but not heavy, with just the right balance of sweet and sour.
This is one of my go-to make-ahead desserts for holidays, as it looks absolutely stunning in a glass dish and always gets a ton of compliments!
Light Apple Mousse (Apple Snow)
This apple mousse – also known as Apple Snow – is the kind of old-fashioned, elegant dessert that brings a little magic to the Thanksgiving table.
It’s light as air thanks to whipped egg whites, gently sweetened with sugar or a sweetener, and served over a layer of homemade cinnamon applesauce.
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving dessert that feels special but isn’t overloaded with sugar, this is it.
Healthy Apple Parfait Dessert
Layered with creamy whipped ricotta and stewed apples, this parfait is a healthy but totally satisfying end to your Thanksgiving meal.
I love how the chopped dates add natural sweetness and texture, so you can pretty much skip the sugar altogether.
The dessert is super pretty in a glass, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for guests who prefer a lighter dessert.
Healthier Pumpkin Bars With Sugar-Free Frosting
These pumpkin bars are soft, moist, and filled with all your favorite fall spices; plus, they’re made with applesauce and topped with a light, sugar-free frosting, so you can feel good about that second piece.
The texture is dreamy, like a cross between cake and pumpkin pie, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. I love making these when I want a pumpkin dessert that isn’t pie but still brings all the flavor.
Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait Cups
With this recipe, you get a creamy pumpkin dessert where the pumpkin yogurt is layered with spicy gingersnap crumbs and the whole thing is topped with a cloud of whipped cream.
The parfait cups are simple to put together and make a great addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table, especially if you’re looking for a no-bake, pumpkin-spice treat.
Bonus: they double as a sweet breakfast the next morning!
Healthier Apple Tiramisu
This apple tiramisu is everything you love about fall in a layered dessert – creamy mascarpone, Greek yogurt, soft ladyfingers, and tender, cooked apples all come together for a delicious bite full of all the autumn flavors.
It’s a lighter take on traditional tiramisu, which means you can totally go back for seconds. A lovely make-ahead option that’s still totally indulgent!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Cups
These little mousse cups are a luxurious way to enjoy pumpkin without baking a full cheesecake, and they’re perfect for the holiday table as they come in individual servings.
The dessert cups start with a buttery cookie base and are filled with a light, airy pumpkin and cream cheese mousse, then topped with whipped cream to make things really fancy.
Cinnamon Apple Rice Pudding
This cinnamon apple rice pudding is deliciously cozy and just right for Thanksgiving.
The creamy rice pudding is folded with ricotta and whipped cream, then topped with a buttery cinnamon apple filling that tastes just like the inside of a pie.
It’s definitely an unexpected dessert that still feels classic and comforting, especially when served with warm apples!
Toast Cups With Ricotta Filling & Homemade Applesauce
Another take on the toast cup idea, this elegant version features a creamy ricotta filling paired with cinnamon-spiced applesauce.
This dessert is perfect for buffet or grazing tables, where guests can help themselves to something sweet without needing a plate and fork.
Apple and Ricotta Phyllo Parcels
Flaky, golden phyllo wraps up a luscious filling of ricotta and applesauce in these little dessert parcels. The pastry gets perfectly crisp in the oven, while the filling stays creamy and spiced.
The apple and ricotta phyllo packages are light, pretty, and pair wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. They will definitely be a showstopper on your Thanksgiving dessert spread this year!
