12 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes That Aren't Pie
Put on your stretchy pants, and let’s get to business.

If there is one thing I am consistently thankful for, it’s pie. Strawberry, chocolate, pumpkin, chess. I don’t care. I can’t think of a single pie I’m not into. But guys? This Thanksgiving, let’s consider giving pie a well-deserved break and branching out on the dessert scale for something a bit unexpected but still completely decadent and delicious. After all, there’s a whole world of dessert out there just waiting to be gobbled up this Thanksgiving. And personally, I’m very willing to give each and every one a chance.
Pumpkin Tiramisu Layer Cake

Instead of pumpkin pie, give this stunning layered cake a try. Each layer of spice cake is topped with creamy mascarpone and amaretti cookies. Your guests won’t know what hit ‘em.
Make It: Pumpkin Tiramisu Layer Cake
Pumpkin Mousse and Ginger Parfaits

Though these gorgeous parfaits look extremely impressive, they’re actually fairly easy to make. And guests will feel extra special to have their very own dessert ready and waiting after dinner.
Make It: Pumpkin Mousse and Ginger Parfaits
Pumpkin Cheesecake Tiramisu

Whenever someone asks me what my favorite dessert is, I usually say tiramisu or cheesecake. This wickedly-tasty dessert is the best of both worlds, and I think I’m in love.
Make It: Pumpkin Cheesecake Tiramisu
Cranberry Pecan Tart

photo by Sam Henderson
It may look similar to a pie, but this is a tart. Tarts aren’t pies, so this totally counts. Plus, this variation on the classic pecan pie is so tasty, we’re pretty sure it’ll only take one bite before you realize you’ve never had anything quite like it.
Make It: Cranberry Pecan Tart
Pomegranate Blood Orange Tiramisu

Sweet, tart and total eye candy, this fruity take on the classic tiramisu will make your mouth water. Sprinkle the top with orange zest, and you have yourself a zingy dessert like no other.
Make It: Pomegranate-Blood Orange Tiramisu
Tasty Pecan Tassies

If you have guests staying at your house this Thanksgiving, I would recommend this simple dessert for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drizzle day-old tassies with a little extra maple syrup and heat for a few seconds for the ultimate sweet sensation.
Make It: Tasty Pecan Tassies
Pumpkin Fudge Recipe

This creamy pumpkin fudge is just as good as its chocolate counterpart, and guests will love its sweet and spicy taste. Just be sure to prepare it at least two hours in advance so your fudge will have adequate time to rest before being served.
Make It: Pumpkin Fudge
Baklava With Nutella Glaze

It may not be your traditional Thanksgiving offering, but after one taste of the chocolatey-hazelnut glaze, friends and family will demand it every year.
Make It: Baklava With Nutella Glaze
Creme Brulee

Branislav Senic
For a lighter note at the end of a very heavy meal, try this sweet vanilla creme brulee topped with the fruit of your choice. Once you buy the cooking torch, the rest is easy peasy.
Make It: Creme Brulee
Carrot Cake Cookies

Made with real carrots, these delightfully-soft cookies pair perfectly with rich cream cheese icing. Sprinkle with finely-chopped nuts for the perfect crunch.
Make It: Carrot Cake Cookies
Apple Stack Cake

Layers of sweet apple filling with an even sweeter origin story, apple stack cake is sure to be a crowd pleaser. But one word of advice, this cake is best when it has had a day or two to soak up all the spiced apple goodness. So it’s best to plan ahead.
Make It: Apple Stack Cake
Turkey Cupcakes

Not so much a dessert recipe as an adorable and edible craft, this cute turkey cupcake is the perfect way to keep kids entertained after dinner. Simply set them up with a cupcake topped with white icing and all the materials needed to design their own turkey.
Make It: Turkey Cupcakes How-To