50 Irresistible Fall Desserts

Finish your Thanksgiving feast on a sweet note with one of our delicious desserts. From decadent, chocolatey brownies to scones, cookies and pies that bring together everyone's favorite fall flavors.

August 18, 2020

By: H. Camille Smith

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Photo By: Heather Baird, SprinkleBakes.com

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Photo By: Heather Baird, SprinkleBakes.com

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Pumpkin Tiramisu Layer Cake

Top moist pumpkin-and-spice cake layers with rich mascarpone cream and crunchy amaretti cookies for a seasonal dessert your Thanksgiving guests won't soon forget.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu Layer Cake Recipe

Sweet + Savory Pear Pies

Wrap a sliced pear in flaky pastry, then bake and top with bleu cheese, honey and walnuts to create a light dessert that only feels decadent.

Get the Recipe: Mini Pear Pies Recipe

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Pumpkin Panna Cotta

Impress your guests with this decadent take on the melt-in-your-mouth Italian treat. Get the recipe, plus 15 more easy edibles you can make with a can of pumpkin pie filling below.

Get the Recipe + More: 16 Treats You Can Make With a Can of Pumpkin Pie Filling

No-Bake Owl Snack Cakes

Whoooo's the cutest?! These tasty treats are easy to assemble from storebought goodies and will add a fun woodland feel to your kids' table or dessert buffet.

Get the Recipe: No-Bake Owl Snack Cakes

Pumpkin Mousse and Ginger Parfaits

Andrea Bearce of Bake Sale Austin shares this recipe that features layers of creamy pumpkin mousse, crunchy graham-cracker streusel and dense maple-ginger cake — a combination that's sure to become a favorite fall dessert and new Thanksgiving tradition.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Mousse and Ginger Parfaits

Cranberry and Pecan Tart

Crunchy pecans meet sweet-yet-tart cranberries in this light-and-flaky tart that beautifully marries the flavors of two Thanksgiving staples: pecan pie and cranberry sauce.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Tart Recipe

Spiced Pumpkin Truffles

Containing just 3 ingredients and sure to please the pickiest of palates, these bite-size bonbons are a quick fix for busy holiday cooks.

Get the Recipe + More: 16 Treats You Can Make With a Can of Pumpkin Pie Filling

Sweet Treats From the Forest

No, those aren't toadstools — they're actually no-bake cookies cleverly disguised as the forest fungus. Package them as favors or add them to the kids' table to delight your littlest Turkey Day guests.

Get the Recipe: No-Bake Mini Toadstool Treats

Tasty Pecan Tassies

These tart-like goodies are the perfect mix of nuts and cookies. Make this traditional holiday treat with real maple syrup; you (and your guests) will love the homey taste.

Get the Recipe: Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

Pomegranate-Blood Orange Tiramisu

Layers of rich, creamy mascarpone cheese top ladyfingers soaked in pomegranate juice and liquer for a decadent take on the Italian favorite.

Get the Recipe: Pomegranate-Blood Orange Tiramisu Recipe

Chocolate Hedgehogs

Kids of all ages will love helping make these chocolate-dipped cuties. Using prepackaged crispy rice treats will help keep the focus on the fun part — decorating!

Get the Recipe: Woodland-Inspired Treats: Chocolate Hedgehogs

Pineapple Tartlets

Fill a homemade nut crust with smooth, ginger-infused pastry cream finished with a layer of caramelized pineapple for an unforgettable treat.

Get the Recipe: Pineapple Tartlette Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

Chocolate-Dipped Pumpkin Madelines

Dipped in dark chocolate, these not-too-sweet treats are worthy of a post-stuffing savor. Enjoy them while lingering at the table after the feast.

Get the Recipe: Fall Recipe: Chocolate-Dipped Pumpkin Madeleines

From: Sam Henderson

Lemon Meringue Tartlets

With a tart custard filling and fluffy melt-in-your-mouth topping, these mini mouthfuls are the right-size finish to your Thanksgiving feast.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue Tartlets Recipe

Mason Jar Pumpkin S'Mores

What would fall be without the oh-so-versatile pumpkin?! This year, trade in your traditional pie for these pumpkiny twists on fall's other favorite: s'mores!

Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Pumpkin S'Mores

Chocolate-Dipped Deer Cookies

Give your littlest Thanksgiving guests a real treat with these adorable deer cookies that can be made using either homemade or storebought shortbread as the cookie base.

Get the Recipe: Holidays Made Easy: Delish Deer Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Ooey-gooey and oh-so-decadent, this irresistible confection is baked in a single layer that's piled high with homemade peanut butter icing, marshmallows, chocolate chips, caramel sauce and chopped candies.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

From: Heather Baird

Pecan Pie Cookies

Perfect for Friendsgiving or potluck-style Turkey Day celebrations, these handheld treats are a decadent stand-in for a fullsize pie.

Get the Recipe: How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Easy Pumpkin Pie

What would Thanksgiving be without pumpkin pie? Whip up this signature dessert as the traditional finish to your Thanksgiving meal.

Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Pumpkin Cheesecake Tiramisu

Try this twist on traditional pumpkin desserts for your next fall get-together. The addition of espresso and spice make this the perfect end to any holiday gathering.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Tiramisu Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

Champagne-Glazed Fruit Tartlets

End your feast on a light and fruity note with these bite-size nibbles.

Get the Recipe: Champagne-Glazed Fruit Tart Recipe

Traditional Red Velvet Cake

TV weatherman Al Roker (yes, that Al Roker) shares his recipe for the chocolatey, Southern classic.

Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Fudge

Though chocolate fudge is the gold standard for many folks, that's only because they've never sampled the not-too-sweet richness that is pumpkin fudge. Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy this old-fashioned recipe with a seasonal twist.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Fudge Recipe

Lemon Curd Tart

Tangy and creamy, this fruit-topped tart is the just-right, not-too-sweet finish to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Curd Tart Recipe

Cream Puffs With Chocolate Sauce

Although cream puffs may look complicated, this classic French pastry is easy to make from scratch. Whip up a batch of these light-as-air treats and fill with everything from whipped cream to fresh fruit.

Get the Recipe: Cream Puffs With Chocolate Sauce Recipe

From: Camille Styles

Easy Apple Cobbler

Less work than traditional pies and with a taste and character all its own, apple cobbler is comfort food best enjoyed on a crisp fall day. Cobbler's all-in-one-pan preparation also makes it an easy way to treat a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Cobbler

Salted Caramel Topped Chocolate Brownies

Top dense, moist chocolate brownies with a gooey salted caramel layer for a decadent dessert worthy of a special occasion.

Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel-Topped Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

This dense, moist cake showcases the fall flavor of pumpkin complemented by seasonal spices and the subtle tang of buttermilk. A sugary glaze adds the just-right sweet finish.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

Baklava With Nutella Glaze

Nutella glaze adds a chocolately twist to these traditional nutty and flaky Turkish pastries.

Get the Recipe: Baklava With Nutella Glaze Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

Decadent Chocolate Brownies

Chocolate brownies are (nearly) everyone's favorite dessert. Bake two batches, one with and one without nuts so everyone can indulge.

Pumpkin Ice Cream Gingersnap Sandwiches

Just because it's chilly out doesn't mean you can't enjoy ice cream. Bonus: Kids will love helping to assemble (then devour!) these creamy, crunchy treats.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Ice Cream Gingersnap Sandwiches Recipe

Southern Pecan Pie Tartlets

A timeless Southern staple, pecan pie has been the star of Thanksgiving dinner for generations. Our twist turns them into mini pies that are just the right size for guests who want to sample a bit of everything on the dessert spread.

Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Tartlets Recipe

S'mores Spiked Pie

Kids may be tempted to dive right into this take on the fire-side favorite but a heavy dose of bourbon makes this boozy, chocolate dessert adults only.

Get the Recipe: Spiked S'mores Pie Recipe

Creme Brulee

Top creamy custard with a layer of browned sugar for a decadent dessert that's sure to impress your guests.

Get the Recipe: Creme Brulee Recipe

Chocolate Panna Cotta

Fill martini glasses with this creamy chilled dessert then top with a crunchy cookie or chocolate shavings for a sophisticated, small bite.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Panna Cotta Recipe

Pear and Fig Tart in a Jar

These rich fruit-and-cream tarts are easy enough for novice foodies to make, thanks to a pie crust shortcut. Individually portioned in lidded jars, guests can enjoy them after the feast or take them home as a tasty favor.

Get the Recipe: Pear and Fig Tart in a Jar Recipe

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: Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

For the Kiddos: Turkey Cupcakes

Kids are naturals in the kitchen. Let them have fun with their food by turning candy corn and icing into cute turkeys they can gobble up.

Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Kids' Craft: Turkey Cupcakes

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Cranberry-Maple Layer Cake

This decadent, cardamom-scented cake features a colorful surprise inside: cranberry-orange filling. A light-as-air maple frosting, sugared cranberries and a pecan garnish make this cake fit for a celebration.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry-Maple Christmas Layer Cake Recipe

Strawberry and Ricotta Tart

Fill a crumbly homemade crust with rich ricotta cheese and fresh strawberries for a light and not-too-sweet dessert.

Get the Recipe: Strawberry and Ricotta Tart Recipe

From: Camille Styles

Chocolate Biscuit Cake

Treat your Thanksgiving guests royally by whipping up the same dessert Prince William had as his groom's cake. Although it's fit for a future king, this cake requires no baking and is a snap to make.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Biscuit Cake Recipe

Key Lime Tartlets

The perfect not-too-sweet finishing touch to any meal. Highlight the bright flavor of key limes with this miniature version of the classic dessert.

Get the Recipe: Mini Key Lime Pie Recipe

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Dutch Apple Pie

Forgo a typical top crust for this streusel topping that's crumbly, crunchy and the perfectly sweet contrast to tart apples.

Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

"Take the Day" Pie

Salty and sweet lovers, rejoice! Layers of peanut butter, caramel sauce, chopped peanuts and chocolate top a crispy pretzel crust to create a pie that's even tastier than the insanely delicious Take 5 candy bar.

Get the Recipe: "Take the Day" Pie

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

The perfect companion to an early morning (or late night) cup of hot tea, coffee or cocoa, these dense, flavorful scones combine two favorite fall flavors: pumpkin and chocolate.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownies

Treat your nearest and dearest to these irresistible goodies. Combining the flavors of chocolatey brownies, rich cheesecake and two kinds of chocolate chips, this decadent dessert is sure to become a favorite.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Cinnamon, spice and everything nice make up this sweet-meets-savory homemade treat.

Get the Recipe: How to Make Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Chocolate. Brownie. Pudding. Even the name sounds delicious! Somewhere between the gooeyness of a brownie and the melt-in-your-mouth decadence of a molten lava cake, this one is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Brownie Pudding Recipe

Apple Pie in a Jar

Give Thanksgiving guests an extra reason to give thanks by sending them home with their very own handheld treats. This apple pie-in-a-jar recipe is seasonal, simple and the just the right amount for satisfying a holiday sweet tooth.

Get the Recipe: How to Make Pie-in-a-Jar Party Favors

Spiked Key Lime Margarita Pie

Start a new holiday tradition with this refreshing meal-ender that pairs a homemade pretzel and graham cracker crust with the flavors of lime, tequila and orange liquer.

Get the Recipe: Key Lime Margarita Pie

50 Irresistible Fall Desserts

Related To:

Shop This Look

Pumpkin Tiramisu Layer Cake

Sweet + Savory Pear Pies

Pumpkin Panna Cotta

No-Bake Owl Snack Cakes

Pumpkin Mousse and Ginger Parfaits

Cranberry and Pecan Tart

Spiced Pumpkin Truffles

Sweet Treats From the Forest

Tasty Pecan Tassies

Pomegranate-Blood Orange Tiramisu

Chocolate Hedgehogs

Pineapple Tartlets

Chocolate-Dipped Pumpkin Madelines

Lemon Meringue Tartlets

Mason Jar Pumpkin S'Mores

Chocolate-Dipped Deer Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Pecan Pie Cookies

Easy Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Cheesecake Tiramisu

Champagne-Glazed Fruit Tartlets

Traditional Red Velvet Cake

Pumpkin Fudge

Lemon Curd Tart

Cream Puffs With Chocolate Sauce

Easy Apple Cobbler

Salted Caramel Topped Chocolate Brownies

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

Baklava With Nutella Glaze

Decadent Chocolate Brownies

Pumpkin Ice Cream Gingersnap Sandwiches

Southern Pecan Pie Tartlets

S'mores Spiked Pie

Creme Brulee

Chocolate Panna Cotta

Pear and Fig Tart in a Jar

Carrot Cake Cookies

For the Kiddos: Turkey Cupcakes

Cranberry-Maple Layer Cake

Strawberry and Ricotta Tart

Chocolate Biscuit Cake

Key Lime Tartlets

Dutch Apple Pie

"Take the Day" Pie

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownies

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Apple Pie in a Jar

Spiked Key Lime Margarita Pie

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