
It's 2022; 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. There are so many new ways to incorporate your favorite Thanksgiving ingredients that you might as well try them all! (Well, as many as you can anyway).
You can always opt for new takes on apple crisp, unique pecan recipes, and pumpkin pie alternatives. Or, if you'd rather skip the pies altogether, try something completely new. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that break the mold and taste delicious while doing so.
Turkey Berries
Recipe: by Chef Genevieve
- 6 Strawberries
- 12 toothpicks
- 1 Bag Ghirardelli DARK melting wafers
- 12 pretzel sticks (trimmed to 2/3 the length)
- 18 mini marshmallows
- White melting chocolate (optional)
- Gold edible luster dust (optional)
- Skewer your strawberries then trim pretzel sticks 1/3 the way down, quickly dip cut side of pretzel in water then through 2 mini marshmallows. Trim if needed.
- Melt dark melting wafers according to package direction and use the chocolate to secure the leg to the strawberry. Repeat on the other side.
- Cut a mini marshmallow in half diagonally then press on as your wings
- Once chocolate has set, fully submerge the strawberry in the chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- Allow to dry on parchment paper. For an extra touch, dip the leg tips in white chocolate to resemble turkey frills and brush on edible gold dust to give a roasted look.
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)
Einkorn Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These aren't your average cookies. Not only are they packed with pumpkin flavor, but they're fluffy like cake instead of dense like other chocolate chip cookie recipes. One thing you'll want to note is that this recipe is specified for Einkorn flour (which hasn't been hybridized, meaning it's full of health benefits and flavor), so if you use another kind, you'll want to follow Kaetlyn's instructions on ratios. (via Calico + Twine)
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)
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
If you want the taste of a cake without committing to a huge slice, opt for cupcakes instead! They're delicious, they're bite-sized, and they make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. (via Brit + Co)
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 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)
Vegan Butter Board
This Thanksgiving dessert can also double as an appetizer, making it double the fun! Since it's vegan, you don't have to worry about your guests with allergies feeling left out. Plus it's a hands-on snack which is great for kids. (via Brit + Co)
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)
Low-Carb Eggnog
This Keto drink might not technically be a dessert, but it's sweet and delicious so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to include it. It's also the perfect segway from Thanksgiving to the rest of the holiday season. (via Brit + Co)
Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts
Hot chocolate is one of our favorite winter treats, and we'd eat doughnuts every day of the year if given the opportunity. The logical next step? Combining the two. (via Brit + Co)
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)
Check out our email newsletter and our online baking classes for more Thanksgiving day desserts and inspiration!
Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken and Sara Cagle
This post has been updated.
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