Looking for a creative, out-of-the-box dessert for this Thanksgiving that doesn’t involve pie crust? Or maybe you need a good option for Friendsgiving or a fall party. Look no further than this list! It’s full of cheescakes, bars, cookies, cakes, donuts, and… I think you get the idea.
Food traditions can be comforting and enjoyable. But sometimes, you want a Thanksgiving dessert that’s a bit more…unique. A little bit new and exciting. Here’s a list of Thanksgiving Desserts (that aren’t pie) to add a bit of flair to this year’s post-turkey dessert spread.
Apple Pie Donuts
Here’s the thing about donuts: pretty much everyone loves them, and they double as breakfast, brunch, and dessert. These Apple Pie Donuts fall solidly in the dessert category, with a spiced apple filling inside a tender, fluffy donut. They’ll make you think you’ve died and gone to apple spice heaven.
Apple Pie Donuts
The Best Pumpkin Cheesecake
This Pumpkin Cheesecake is creamy and decadent and will please both the Thanksgiving guest who wants something traditional as well as the guest who isn’t so into pie.
The Best Pumpkin Cheesecake
Layered Pumpkin Spice Cake
I love how much party cakes can add to any gathering, and this Layered Pumpkin Spice Cake from Alli at Longbourn Farm will definitely bring the party to your turkey dinner. Also, that caramel drizzle is goals.
Layered Pumpkin Spice Cake
Chai Spice Kettle Corn
This Chai Spice Kettle Corn is the perfect snack. A little unexpected, but perfectly fall-ish and comforting. And while it may not replace the pies, it adds a little boost to the dessert buffet or your pre-dinner snacking game.
Chai Spice Kettle Corn
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
These Pumpkin Rice Krispy Treats from Cooking with Karli are sure to be popular with the smallest guests, though I really think that the adults might be going for them too.
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
I acknowledge that this is the second donut recipe on the list, but I’m not really sorry. These old-fashioned style Pumpkin Spice Donuts are one of the best things that could happen to your Thanksgiving spread.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Shortbread Apple Crumble
This Shortbread Apple Crumble is a little bit unique. It’s definitely not pie, not quite a crisp either, but it still brings that cozy, cinnamon apple flavor that everyone loves.
Shortbread Apple Crumble
Apple Cider Donut Cake with Dulce de Leche Frosting
If you’re more into apples than pumpkin, this Apple Cider Donut Cake with Dulce de Leche Frosting (by Bernice at Baran Bakery) has got you covered! It’s a beautiful statement cake with so many good flavors and textures going on.
Apple Cider Donut Cake with Dulce de Leche Frosting
Pumpkin Spice Madeleines
Madeleines are just about the most delightful thing you can eat. Not quite a cake, not quite a cookie, they’re basically little pillowy bites of heaven on earth. Pumpkin Spice Madeleines from Del’s Cooking Twist are so seasonally approriate, too!
Pumpkin Spice Madeleines
Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Let’s hear it for the fanciest, coziest cheesecake you ever did see! This Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake with a Gingersnap Crust from Wild Thistle Kitchen is so beautiful and would make the perfect addition to any dessert spread for your Thanksgiving gatherings. Pretty sure nobody will even miss the pie if you’ve got this on this on the table.
Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Classic Snickerdoodles
These classic Snickerdoodles from Kindra at The Rose Wife are everything a cookie should be for Thanksgiving. Cinnamon spicy and sweet, simple and perfect.
Classic Snickerdoodles
Maple Cream Puffs
I feel like of all the fall flavors, Maple gets overlooked the most. I’m really not sure why, because it really is one of the best! These Maple Cream Puffs are a case in point–so elegant, simple and delicious!
Maple Cream Puffs
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are simple, buttery, and tender. The base shortbread recipe consists of only six ingredients and adding orange zest and dried cranberries takes them to a new level. Make the cookie dough in advance, freeze, and bring them out over the holidays!
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Butter Pecan Biscotti
These Butter Pecan Biscotti would be the PERFECT accompaniment for an after-dinner cup of coffee or tea. The recipe is from King Arthur Baking.
Butter Pecan Biscotti
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
I feel like that caramel drip says it all, you know? But if you need another cheese option, this recipe from Kickass Baker is a beautiful, delicious option.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Bonus Recipe! Cinnamon Ice Cream
Technically, this is recipe #16. But while Cinnamon Ice Cream could be a dessert on it’s own, it’s also a great way to top any of your Thanksgiving desserts, pie or not. Either .way, it’s a good one! Because ice cream is never out of season.