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
Pumpkin Cheesecake Tiramisu
Classic tiramisu is given a twist with an all-time fall favorite, pumpkin. A touch of espresso makes this dessert the perfect pairing with a cup of joe. Get the recipe.
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
Pecan Tassies
Like mini pecan pies, these tart-like cookies have a shortbread crust and a maple-pecan filling. Get the recipe.
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
Baklava Drizzled With Nutella Glaze
This flaky, nutty, layered dessert recipe is easier to make than you might think. Add the Nutella glaze for a chocolatey twist.
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
Carrot Cake Cookies
Dense, moist carrot cake is delicious but it can be a bit too heavy after a big meal. These equally delicious cream cheese icing-topped cookies are just the right size when you only have room left for a few bites of dessert. Get the recipe
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
Turkey Cupcake
Seriously, how cute is this little turkey — don't you just wanna gobble him up? Yeah, me too, and so will your littlest Thanksgiving guests. Bake cupcakes the day before and have icing and small bowls of candy prepped so kids can start decorating their cupcakes as soon as the festivities begin. Get step-by-step instructions.
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
