Unforgettable Thanksgiving Desserts Your Family Will Love

When it comes to Thanksgiving, desserts are often the highlight. Whether you’re a fan of apple, pumpkin, or chocolate treats, having a few kid-friendly and gluten-free options ensures everyone leaves happy. Below are recipes for desserts perfect for a crowd, each easy to follow and full of flavor. Each recipe features Thanksgiving desserts that will make your holiday gathering even more special.

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Thanksgiving Dessert: Classic Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a Thanksgiving staple that always hits the spot. It’s warm, sweet, and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery oat topping makes this dish one of the most beloved Thanksgiving desserts. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients:

• 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread apple slices evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
4. Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a must-have for Thanksgiving, but this version adds a hint of maple for a deeper flavor. This Thanksgiving dessert is perfect for pumpkin lovers who appreciate a slight twist on the classic. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, unbaked

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, cream, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, and spices until smooth.
3. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set.
5. Let cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream.

Chocolate Pecan Bars: Thanksgiving Dessert

For chocolate lovers, these pecan bars are rich, gooey, and perfect for sharing. This dessert brings together the nutty flavor of pecans and the indulgence of chocolate, making it a crowd-pleaser for any Thanksgiving gathering. The balance of sweetness and texture ensures these bars stand out among other Thanksgiving desserts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, melted butter, and sugar; press into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan.
3. Bake crust for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. In a bowl, mix pecans and chocolate chips; set aside.
5. In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
6. Pour pecan-chocolate mix over the crust and top with the syrup mixture.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Muffins

These muffins are moist, spiced just right, and easy for kids to grab. They are perfect for little hands and make a great addition to your Thanksgiving desserts spread. With simple ingredients and a warm pumpkin flavor, these muffins will win over kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Thanksgiving Dessert: Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

This cake is rich, fudgy, and perfect for those avoiding gluten. You don’t have to miss out on dessert just because of dietary restrictions. This cake is dense and moist with a deep chocolate flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth. It ensures that everyone can enjoy a slice of indulgence on Thanksgiving without feeling left out.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round pan.
2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top springs back when touched.
6. Let cool and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These bars are quick, no-bake, and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for when the oven is full of other Thanksgiving dishes, these bars require minimal effort but deliver maximum taste. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter makes them irresistible, and they are an easy addition to your Thanksgiving desserts lineup.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free option)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp peanut butter (for topping)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter.
2. Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch pan.
3. Melt chocolate chips and 2 tbsp peanut butter in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
4. Spread the chocolate mixture over the crust.
5. Chill for 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Apple Hand Pies

These hand pies are simple and perfect for serving without utensils. They’re great for kids and adults alike, making them an easy grab-and-go dessert. With a warm apple filling and flaky crust, these hand pies are an excellent choice for Thanksgiving desserts.

Ingredients:

• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 sheets refrigerated pie dough
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a bowl.
3. Roll out pie dough and cut into 6-inch circles.
4. Spoon filling onto half of each circle, fold over, and press edges with a fork.
5. Brush with beaten egg.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving desserts should bring everyone together with flavors they love. These options cover classic flavors, kid-friendly bites, and gluten-free treats, so everyone at your table has something special. From warm apple crisps to decadent chocolate cakes, these recipes will make your Thanksgiving table unforgettable. Enjoy these treats, and watch as your guests come back for seconds.