26 of Grandma’s Best Thanksgiving Desserts

From the Recipe Creator: This simple, old-fashioned milk cake tastes so good it will surprise you! As I remember my mom’s delicious meals, this dessert was always the perfect ending. Mom always used “a dash of this and dab of that” to come up with what we thought was “the best.” —Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland. Next, try these Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie.

From the Recipe Creator: These cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I’ve ever tasted…and with six kids, I’ve made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: My mother’s family members all were excellent cooks and known for their great hospitality. A longtime family favorite, this old-fashioned black walnut cake was always expected at holiday dinners, special occasions and potlucks.

From the Recipe Creator: I have made these Butter Pecan Cookie Bars for many, many years. They are rich, chewy, nutty and buttery—all the good stuff. They freeze well, that is, if they last long enough. A little drizzle of old-fashioned penuche icing takes them over the top. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

From the Recipe Creator: My children love this old-fashioned potato candy. It’s so easy to make and I always have the ingredients on hand. Nutella would also work as a filling in place of peanut butter. —Bonnie Presley, Lovely, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: Treasured by my family, this easy recipe for old-fashioned apple cobbler is a delicious nostalgic dessert. It travels well and slices nicely, so it’s perfect for picnics or tailgate parties. We like apples, but you can use your favorite fruit. —Rita Reifenstein, Evans City, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother served this old fashioned chocolate pie recipe after Sunday dinner each week, usually with an apology it was “too runny” or something else was wrong with it. Of course, grandma’s chocolate pie was never less than perfect! —Donna Vest Tilley, Chesterfield, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This simple but special deep-dish pie provides a down-home finish to hearty autumn meals. Pecans and pumpkin pie spices make it a comforting seasonal classic. —Paul Azzone, Shoreham, New York

From the Recipe Creator: This berry compote is an old recipe my grandma made when I was younger. She always added extra blueberries to help thicken the sauce. —Diane Higgins, Tampa, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: My maternal grandmother preferred sewing and quilting to cooking and baking, but there were some things that she cooked and baked really well. She was the only person I knew who made snickerdoodles, simple but yummy cookies that I've always enjoyed. Since cheesecake is my very favorite dessert, I couldn't resist coming up with one that re-creates those flavors. I think of my grandmother each time I make it! Sometimes I'll drizzle the slices with maple syrup. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: For a little old-fashioned goodness, treat your clan to this divine dish that bakes up warm and bubbly. It's great on its own or served with a scoop of ice cream. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe goes back at least as far as my grandmother, who was born in the early 1900s. Our sons and I enjoy eating it in a bowl with milk poured on it—much to the dismay of my husband, who prefers it plain! —Kathy Nienow Clark, Byron, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: My family has been making these delicate fruit-filled cookies for generations. They’re light and flaky, with the look of an elegant old-world pastry. —Gloria Siddiqui, Houston, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pumpkin pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this version since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: A family friend gave me a simple way to make apple dumplings without lots of steps. I love the sticky cinnamon topping. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother handed down the recipe for these gooey bars that we all love. The candied cherries are a must. —Deborah Pennington, Falkville, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, this no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: My Grandma Ellis made her shortbread cookies only at Christmas because the ingredients were so indulgent. The results are, too! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

From the Recipe Creator: I won grand champion honors in a potato festival baking contest with this moist chocolate cake. The icing recipe can be doubled if you have a real sweet tooth. —Catherine Hahn, Winamac, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: A favorite of young and old, this recipe came from my sister-in-law. It’s simple to prepare and delicious. There’s no need to keep it warm or cold, so it’s perfect for the potluck that has you traveling longer distances.
—Kathy Tremel, Earling, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: For generations, our family has handed down this cake recipe starring cranberries. Simple and unusual, it remains a treasured family heirloom. —Lisa Potter, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: As a teenage foreign exchange student in the south of France, I was horribly homesick. Then my host family's Grandmother Miette arrived and asked if I'd like to help her bake this nutty tart from scratch. It turned my trip around and inspired my lifelong passion for baking. Weighing ingredients, roasting nuts, kneading dough—the art of baking transcends language. —Lexi McKeown, Los Angeles, California