This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Let’s get your Thanksgiving desserts sorted and full of nice variety! Pie is fantastic and, yes, a quintessential part of most feasts, but if we’re being honest, some people just aren’t that into it. This collection of fall-inspired desserts includes a couple of crowd-pleasing pies, but also custards, cookies, crisps, and bars so there truly is something for everyone.
If you’re on dessert duty for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any similar fall gathering, I’d like to make a pitch for thinking to pie and beyond. There’s certainly nothing wrong with pies—they’re delicious!—but baking them may stress you out, or you may just want some variety. Good news: there are many other seasonal and cozy desserts that will complete the menu and still feel right on theme.
Browse this collection of tried-and-true sweets to plan your most fun and delicious Thanksgiving dessert table yet!
Take a peek at my collection of tried-and-true Thanksgiving sides and appetizers, too, especially if you’re hosting the full affair or bringing a couple different items to the feast.
Non-Pie Thanksgiving Desserts
These items are all perfectly in season and involve favorite fall flavors like pumpkin, pear, apple, and caramel, without a pie plate in sight.
- Miniature Pumpkin Custards – possibly my favorite of the whole bunch. So delicious, adorable, and easy to make, plus they vibe like pie with less work.
- Pear and Blueberry Crisp – another easy seasonal wonder.
- Blueberry Nectarine Crisp – a beautiful choice if you can still get your mitts on some stone fruits. The dark blue color is gorgeous and really pops on Thanksgiving.
- Pear Caramel Galette – galette is like a pie’s easygoing cousin. Much preferred by me as the baker!
- Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp – can’t beat this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItCookies & Bars for Thanksgiving
I actually love having some easy grab-and-go desserts on hand to complement pies, which typically are best eaten sitting down or at least standing at the counter. They’re easier if you don’t mind anyone who wants to get quickly back to playing, crafting, puzzling, or just hanging out! Plus, they’re extra easy to make in advance.
- Apple Butter Snickerdoodles – it’s kind of amazing how fast these disappear.
- Apple Cinnamon Oat Cookies – don’t skip the glaze!
- Mini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – one of the cookies for which I am most often asked for the recipe!
- Shortbread Toffee Cookie Bars – love that these are so easy to make in a big, share-able batch.
- Caramel Stuffed Molasses Cookies – the tender caramel packed inside is the most fun surprise.
- Eggnog Sugar Cookies – perfect way to usher in the next holiday!
- Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies – an early winter must-have in my house.
- Thick, Chewy Carmelita Bars – always in season.
More Traditional Options
Please know that I’m not anti-pie; I love all desserts equally! These are the two traditional favorites we do rely on year after year.
- Bourbon Molasses Pumpkin Pie – the classic, elevated.
- Brown Butter Slab Pecan Pie – another yearly tradition here!
Save and Stay in Touch
If you enjoyed this collection, follow me on Pinterest for more great recipe ideas, and subscribe below to get more of my favorite dinner solutions and seasonal ideas.
