22 Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes You’ll Be Thankful Are Not Pies

It's 2020; changing up Thanksgiving staple dishes is totally cool. The time is now to serve stuffing cups and mashed cauliflower puree, but do you dare go beyond the classic pumpkin or apple pie? The answer is yes. You can always opt for pumpkin pie alternatives. Or, if you'd rather skip the pies altogether, here are some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that break the mold and taste delicious while doing so.

Pumpkin Dessert Ideas for Thanksgiving

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Toffee

Don't want to deal with any leftovers? This crispy pumpkin-spice toffee is one of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie because it's easy for people to take home in bags. Give some to your friends, your family, and your neighbors! (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Pie Brownies

Boxed brownie mix (which is already a good Thanksgiving dessert) gets a gooey upgrade when layered with pumpkin, cream cheese, and warming spices. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Nutella-Stuffed Pumpkin Beignets

Reason 8,453 why Nutella makes everything better: these plump and pillowy pumpkin beignets. Your guests will love the look of these fun Thanksgiving desserts, but they'll really freak out when they take a bite from the gooey center. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Baked Pumpkin Churros

When churros and hot fudge are involved, there will always be room for dessert. (via Cooking Classy)

Easy Apple Dessert Ideas to Satisfy the Sweet Tooth

Apple Dumplings With Sparkling Apple Cider Sauce

Sparkling apple cider, butter, and brown sugar form a sticky sauce when baked with soft apple dumplings. If you listen closely, you can practically hear the dumplings begging to be heaped with ice cream. (via Sweet Cayenne)

Apple Fritter Bread

Here's a five-ingredient dessert that won't let you down — and it even has fresh fruit to boot. (via Crazy for Crust)

(Cheese)cakes Make Awesome Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

Goat Cheese Cheesecake With Honey-Cinnamon Apples

Turn your favorite charcuterie-board combo into dessert with a rich and sweet goat cheese filling, sliced apples, and honey-cinnamon syrup that is definitely a Thanksgiving dessert to impress. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

When there's a crowd, you can't go wrong with a sheet cake. (via The Recipe Critic)

Glazed Buttermilk Donut Bundt Cake

Why buy a dozen donuts when you can make a giant one? This unique cake is made with oat flour, buttermilk, and nutmeg. (via The View From Great Island)

Nutella Gooey Butter Cake

It's only logical to end an extremely large meal with an extremely rich dessert. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Rum Cake

Few things are better than a moist and boozy bundt with a buttery sauce. (via Averie Cooks)

Pumpkin Roll

If you want an elegant Thanksgiving dessert that doubles as dessert and a centerpiece, go with this pumpkin roll, which looks complex but is beginner-friendly. (via The Recipe Critic)

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Gingersnap crust, caramel drizzle, can't lose. (via The Recipe Critic)

Pumpkin Carrot Cake

The veggie action doesn't have to stop after dinner. Load pumpkin with more carrot! (via Averie Cooks)

Cookies, Bars and Other Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving

Baked Churro Chips

These healthy-ish churro chips are an easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe, and they pair oh-so-well with your end-of-feast espresso. Serve them with multiple dipping sauces for a shareable treat. (via Brit + Co)

Caramel Apple Crisp Bars

Love apple crisp but don't love doing dishes? These squares pack plenty of apple, butter, and cinnamon and make great finger food. (via Pinch of Yum)

Nutter Butter Acorn Cookies

If kids are on dessert duty, they'll love dipping Nutter Butters into chocolate and customizing them with sprinkles — no oven necessary. These cookies are festive, cute, and a great dessert to make for Thanksgiving! (via Wondermom Wannabe)

Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Pass a plate of this Thanksgiving baking idea around, and they'll disappear faster than the turkey. (via The Novice Chef)

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin spice pairs deliciously with cinnamon-heavy snickerdoodles. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Gingerbread Pecan Cheesecake

Gingerbread and pecans come together seamlessly in this festive, unique Thanksgiving dessert. Our stomachs are already grumbling. (via Brit + Co)

Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

Casseroles and sweet potatoes are already turkey day staples — together they make one of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes! (via Brit + Co)