Thanksgiving dinner may get all the attention, but dessert is where the celebration truly comes together—and this ultimate guide has everything you need to create the perfect sweet ending. Explore timeless classics like pumpkin and pecan pie or a creative twist on seasonal favorites. You'll also discover dessert recipes that accommodate different dietary needs.
Classic Thanksgiving Pie Recipes
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, pie is a tradition for a reason. Pumpkin pie is often considered the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, but pecan pie, apple pie and sweet potato pie have all earned a place on holiday tables. If your guests are fans of the classics or wanting to try something new, these Thanksgiving delights offer plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
Traditional Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving dessert table is complete without pumpkin pie. This Traditional Pumpkin Pie recipe features a creamy filling made with warm spices and baked in a flaky pie crust for a classic holiday dessert everyone knows and loves. Serve it with whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Classic Pecan Pie
Rich, sweet and full of nutty flavor, pecan pie is another Thanksgiving favorite. The Classic Pecan Pie recipe combines a buttery crust with a decadent filling for a dessert that brings warmth and comfort to every holiday gathering.
Apple Pie with Walnut Crumb Topping
Fresh apples and warm seasonal spices come together in this Apple Pie with Walnut Crumb Topping. The crisp walnut topping adds texture and flavor to this classic Thanksgiving dessert.
Sweet Potato Apple Pie
Two beloved fall flavors come together in one pie! This dessert combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the bright flavor of apples making it a memorable addition to your dessert spread.
Thanksgiving Desserts for Every Guest
Thanksgiving often brings together family and friends with different tastes, dietary needs and opinions (but food is our forte here) and there are plenty of ways to create a welcoming dessert table for your gluten-free, vegan or dairy-free diet guests. The recipes below reveal how with just a few thoughtful swaps you can make traditional Thanksgiving desserts more inclusive without sacrificing flavor. Gluten-free pie crusts, dairy-free fillings and vegan alternatives make it easier to serve holiday favorites to everyone gathered around the table.
Vegan Pumpkin Pecan Pie
This Vegan Pumpkin Pecan Pie offers a plant-based alternative to TWO classic Thanksgiving desserts. It delivers on the creamy texture, warm spices and seasonal flavor that make pumpkin pie a holiday tradition, while giving you just enough of a pecan crunch.
Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
For guests avoiding dairy, this Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie brings all the familiar flavors of a traditional pumpkin pie without milk or butter. It’s a delicious option that lets more guests enjoy a slice of Thanksgiving dessert.
Gluten-Free Pie Crust
A great pie starts with a great crust. This Gluten-Free Pie Crust makes it easy to create Thanksgiving pies and desserts for guests avoiding gluten while still delivering a flaky, satisfying base for your favorite fillings.
More Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
While classic pies are always welcome at Thanksgiving, adding a few unexpected desserts can make your holiday table even more memorable. From chocolate-filled favorites to fruit-forward tarts, these recipes bring new flavors and textures to your celebration.
Southern Chocolate Pecan Pie
A chocolate twist on a holiday classic, Southern Chocolate Pecan Pie combines rich chocolate flavor with the sweet, nutty filling that makes pecan pie a favorite. It’s a decadent choice for anyone looking to take a traditional Thanksgiving dessert in a new direction.
Sugared Cranberry and Lemon Curd Pie
Bright, tart cranberries and creamy lemon curd create a beautiful balance of flavors in this festive pie. Topped with sugared cranberries, it’s a colorful dessert that brings a fresh seasonal touch to the Thanksgiving table.
Cranberry Raspberry Galette
Let’s get crazy with a rustic alternative to traditional pie. This free-form tart highlights the flavors of seasonal fruit with a golden crust, making it a simple yet impressive addition to any Thanksgiving dessert spread.