The Best Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pie
Updated: Feb. 08, 2024
Give plain pumpkin pie a rest this year. Instead, start a new tradition and try these Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie!
Pumpkin pie may be a classic, but this year we suggest trying a new tradition at the dessert table. These Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie still have all the fall flavors you want—think cinnamon, apples, pecans and cranberries—just in different packaging.
And if you just can’t get pie out of your head, we get it! A good pie is hard to beat. We suggest serving up your favorite alongside a new recipe. After all, who can resist a slice of pecan pie with a side of pumpkin tiramisu?
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Pumpkin Cream Tiramisu
Pumpkin isn’t only for pies. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. I promise after one bite, you’ll add this recipe to keeper files. —Pam Peters, Fernie, British Columbia
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Turkey Cake
Switch things up this Thanksgiving with a whimsical turkey-themed cake that will delight your guests. This colorful and fun dessert is a fantastic alternative to the traditional pies. It's not just a treat for the taste buds but also a creative project—perfect for getting the kids involved in the decorating process. Read on for all the details on how to make this standout dessert for your holiday celebrations.
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Pumpkin Spice Custard
We love this traditional Crockpot pumpkin spice custard. The added espresso powder gives it a latte effect! —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
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Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)
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
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Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart
I love the flavor combination of spiced pumpkin and chocolate, which inspired me to create this chocolate pumpkin tart. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the chocolate ganache for extra flavor and texture. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
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Plum Poppy Seed Cake
You can also use nectarines or even apricots in this recipe, but plums and poppy seeds are the most traditional Polish version of this dessert. One tip: Do not push the plums into the batter. Just let them sit on top. They will sink in a bit as they bake. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, WI. Next, check out our collection of mini Thanksgiving desserts.
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Easy Apple Crisp
Here’s an easy apple crisp! This is a delicious dessert perfect for young cooks to prepare. It’s super simple to make since there’s no crust—just a crumbly topping. Plus, with apples and oats, it’s a wholesome treat. —Sheri Hatten, Devil’s Lake, North Dakota
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Festive Cranberry-Topped Cheesecake
When my daughter was 4 months old, my husband and I hosted both of our families for Christmas dinner. I served this cheesecake for dessert. It’s quite festive—it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. —Stacy Dutka, Bienfait, Saskatchewan
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Apple Brandy Pecan Cake
My favorite apple cake is made with a shot of brandy and drizzled with caramel to set off the wonderful flavors. If alcohol is a no-go, use orange juice instead of apple brandy. If you’d rather follow a chocolate route, add mini chocolate chips to the cake and use chocolate ice cream topping for the drizzle. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Pumpkin Creme Brulee
You can easily create a rich and creamy pumpkin creme brulee using simple ingredients found in your fridge and pantry. So why limit yourself to enjoying restaurant-style desserts at restaurants?
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Toffee-Pear Crisp Bread Pudding
My son loves pear crisp, but one night I was making bread pudding. He asked if I could make both. I compromised by combining two desserts into this one dish. It's absolutely fantastic! —Kurt Wait, Redwood City, California
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Pumpkin Charlotte
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it's a big hit. —Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois
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Heavenly Praline Cake
A moist cake and generous frosting are filled with the fabulous flavor of caramel. The candied pecans are almost a dessert by themselves!—Jennifer Rodriguez, Midland, Texas
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Pumpkin Ice Cream Roll
This wonderfully light dessert is our standby at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hint of pumpkin and the refreshing ice cream make a most delicious after-dinner treat. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
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Apple and Squash Crisp
Someone brought this crisp to a parish dinner at my church. I asked for the recipe, and now I make this yummy dessert all the time. —Therese Butler, Ijamsville, Maryland
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Carrot-Cranberry Spice Cake
I love carrot cake and those made with cranberries. Using leftover cranberry sauce, I add carrots to make one marvelous cake that’s tangy and sweet. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
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Butter Pecan Cheesecake
Fall always makes me yearn for this pecan cheesecake, but it’s delicious in any season. You’ll want to put it on your list of favorite holiday desserts. —Laura Sylvester, Mechanicsville, Virginia
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Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu
I added pumpkin and subtracted some of the coffee flavor in a tiramisu I developed for a special holiday dinner. A new tradition was born! —Heather Clary, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
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Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
This Kentucky bourbon pecan cheesecake will wow your guests and your taste buds. Serve in spring during the Kentucky Derby or at any other special occasion throughout the year. —Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor
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Pumpkin Spice Cake
We sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake “Thanksgiving Cake” because it’s a tasty alternative to pie, but we don’t relegate it to just that holiday. I think you’ll agree it’s delicious any time of the year.—Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Cranberry Christmas cake is a one-bowl recipe that yields a pretty and pleasing dessert. Whole ruby-red cranberries are folded into the batter, where they will burst open when baking, creating gorgeous red swirls with tangy flavor.
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Apple-Walnut Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is one of those desserts that you basically can throw anything into. It’s the kitchen sink of desserts. This recipe came about because I had stale bread and apples that needed to be used. No apples? You can use dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots, or even dried apples. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
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Gingerbread Pumpkin Trifle
I like to spice up our Thanksgiving dinner with this special dessert featuring two popular holiday flavors. A delicious alternative to pumpkin pie. —Deborah F. Hahn, Belle, Missouri
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Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars are rich and delicious – just like pecan pie! They’re perfect for gatherings…I always come home with an empty pan. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
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Chocolate Truffle Cake
Love chocolate? Then this tender, luxurious layer cake is for you. With a ganache glaze and a fabulous bittersweet filling, the indulgence is so worth it. —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
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Pecan Pound Cake
This pecan pound cake always turns out great. It’s wonderful with a steaming cup of coffee on a chilly winter day. —Fleta West, Hayes, Virginia
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Winning Cranberry Cheesecake
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without cranberries and eggnog. I use them both in this flavorful cheesecake that’s the perfect finale for a special dinner. Set it out at the start of the meal, not just to solicit “oohs” and “aahs,” but to remind folks to save room for dessert! —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake
This simple recipe yields a delectable German chocolate cake that folks will “flip over”! The tempting coconut and pecan “frosting” bakes under the batter and ends up on top when you turn the cake out of the pan.
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Gingered Almond Truffle Tart
Fresh ginger complements the chocolate truffle filling in this elegant, almost sinful tart. Small servings are best! —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Caramel Apple Strudel
My father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
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Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Southern desserts are known for being decadent and delicious, and this southern sweet potato pie recipe is no exception.
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Orange Cranberry Cookie Bars
These cranberry cookie bars combine two beloved holiday flavors and top a delicious soft crust with cream cheese icing. We enjoy these during the holiday season. —Jennifer Blakely, Visalia, California
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Pumpkin Mousse
If you’ve had your fill of pumpkin pie, this cool and creamy pumpkin mousse is perfect for you. Its light and fluffy texture won’t make you feel “stuffed” after your favorite turkey dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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