40 Dessert Recipes for the Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with family and friends and share delicious meals, stories and end the night with a sweet finish. From flaky pies and spiced cakes to warm cookies, bread puddings, and festive cookies, these During the holidays, dessert recipes fill your home with the seasonal flavor of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that everyone will love.

In this roundup, you’ll find amazing dessert recipes, full of seasonal flavors, and sure to delight every guest. Try a few, share them with loved ones, and make this holiday season a little sweeter for everyone at your table.

A big thank you to some amazing Food Bloggers who’s recipes are shared here today. Maria’s Mixing Bowl. Jersey Girl Cooks, The Foodie Affair, Moore or Less Cooking, Blend with Spices, Best Christmas Desserts, Like Mother Like Daughter, Tasty Cue, Hot Eats and Cool Reads, A Taste of Madness, Butter with a Side of Bread, Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch, Easy Online Baking Lessons, Kudos Kitchen by Renee, This Mom Cooks, Swirls of Flavor, Caked by Katie, Manila Spoon, Life with the Crust Cut Off, The Lazy Slow Cooker, Spaceships and Laser Beams, Kim Schob, Mid Western Holidays, Risa’s Family Kitchen, Sweet and Savory Meals, Outnumbered 3 to 1, Planning Inspired, Midwestern HomeLife, Family Cookie Recipes, Learned it from My Mom, Maegan Kay Bakes, Simply Five Ingredients, Marathons and Motivation, a few from me too here at Pam’s Daily dish.

Tips on How To Make The Best Holiday Dessert Recipes

• Plan desserts in advance to reduce stress: From Thanksgiving on it can be a hectic time, so choose which desserts to make ahead. Prepping ingredients, baking pies or cakes the day before, and organizing your kitchen will save time on the big day and let you enjoy the holiday with family, stress-free.
• Decorate in theme and add personal touch: Simple decorations like a dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel, or a few sugared cranberries can elevate any dessert. These thoughtful touches show care, make your treats feel homemade, and add a special festive charm to the table.
• Keep desserts fresh and presentable: Store pies, cakes, and cookies properly until serving. Cover baked goods with foil or plastic wrap, refrigerate custard- or cream-based desserts, and avoid stacking delicate items. Proper storage keeps desserts tasting fresh and looking beautiful when it’s time to share them with loved ones.

40 Dessert Recipes For The Holidays

1. Pumpkin Cheesecake With Pecan Crust

This pumpkin cheesecake is rich and creamy, with just the right balance of tangy cream cheese and spiced pumpkin. It’s baked on a buttery graham cracker and pecan crust, then topped with homemade whipped cream that takes it completely over the top.If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving dessert that isn’t pumpkin pie but still screams autumn, this is it. Once you bring this to the table, no one will miss the pie.

Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish

2. Apple Spice Cream Cheese Ball

Cream cheese ball mixed with a combination of apple pie spices, sweetener, and then topped with pumpkin cookie crumbs and pecans! Add this dessert to your next gathering and watch it disappear!This is a great addition to your fall gatherings, especially when you want something quick without turning on the oven.

Get the full recipe from: The Foodie Affair

3. Autumn Apple Cake

Autumn Apple Cake Recipe is loaded with great Fall flavors and studded with chopped apples. A perfect dessert to serve any time of year especially for your Thanksgiving table.It’s just a healthier cake or dessert alternative. Especially in the Fall season when you have all the leftover Halloween candy, football game day get togethers with appetizers, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Holiday parties.

Get the full recipe from: Maria’s Mixing Bowl

4. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Spiced pumpkin cupcakes are covered in a decadent cream cheese frosting for a perfect fall or anytime treat! Not only are these fluffy pumpkin cupcakes with luscious cream cheese frosting absolutely divine, but they’re also a fantastic dessert for any fall gathering. They are the perfect fall treats to satisfy any pumpkin lover but really good any time of year. Or imagine serving them as a delightful finale to your Thanksgiving feast. No matter when you serve them, they are the ultimate autumnal dessert!

Get the full recipe from: Jersey Girl Cooks

5. Best Pecan Cobbler & Video

Pecan Cobbler is just like an amazing pecan pie that only takes half the time to bake. With it’s ooey-gooey, deliciously sweet pecan filling and it’s super easy biscuit crust, it will be your favorite holiday dessert!This cobbler is perfect for the Fall season and would make the most amazing Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will go crazy for!

Get the full recipe from: Moore or Less Cooking

6. Pumpkin Chia Pudding

Pumpkin Chia Pudding – Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this creamy and delicious chia pudding. Enjoy this wholesome and aromatic treat chilled for a breakfast or dessert!It is super easy to make and a delicious treat for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of autumn in a healthy way.

Get the full recipe from: Blend with Spices

7. No Bake Eggnog Pie

This No Bake Eggnog Pie is such an easy holiday dessert! It’s light, creamy, and full of cozy eggnog flavored pudding, all snuggled in a buttery graham cracker crust. The best part is there’s no baking, so it’s perfect when you need a quick dessert that still feels homemade!It comes together in just minutes, so it’s a great dessert during the busy holiday season. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert, Christmas dinner, or a holiday party!

Get the full recipe from: Best Christmas Desserts

8. Peanut Butter “Turkey” Cookies

These adorable turkey cookies are such a delicious and adorable cookie for Thanksgiving! They’re made with peanut butter cookies, decorated with a peanut butter cup, candy eyes, and candy corn feathers.These turkey cookies are so cute, and so delicious. The perfect untraditional, Thanksgiving dessert, that is not only tasty, but adorable too. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.

Get the full recipe from: Like Mother, Like Daughter

9. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake

These are the BEST Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes are the perfect easy bite size dessert for Thanksgiving and they are so incredibly easy to assemble.They make such an amazing easy dessert without the fuss of pie crust. Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake filling inside a graham cracker gingerbread cookie spiced crust really takes these to the next level of deliciousness.

Get the full recipe from: Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch

10. Chocolate Turkey Cupcakes

Everyone loves these deep dark chocolate cupcakes. Look how cute the turkey is! You will have so much fun decorating these. Make a batch of these chocolate turkey cupcakes for your holiday table and enjoy!This is a really fun recipe to decorate with the kiddos. Using sour cream makes the texture of these cupcakes light and silky. Have fun and make your own fun chocolate turkey cupcakes for your holiday Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah table.

Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish

11. Butterscotch Glazed Pumpkin Gingerbread Bundt

This Butterscotch Glazed Pumpkin Gingerbread Bundt is a cozy holiday treat bursting with warm spices and rich flavor. The moist pumpkin gingerbread cake is infused with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, then topped with a silky butterscotch glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Beautiful, aromatic, and full of festive charm, it’s the ultimate dessert for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving tables.

Get the full recipe from: Easy Online Baking Lessons

12. Easy Pumpkin Spice Palmiers

Easy Pumpkin Spice Palmiers are crisp, buttery puff pastry cookies swirled with warm pumpkin spice and sugar. They’re golden, flaky, and lightly caramelized—perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables, cozy fall gatherings, or whenever you want an effortless treat that feels festive and homemade.

Get the full recipe from: Kudos Kitchen by Renee

13. Pecan Pie Cookie Cups (with Shortbread Crust)

These tasty cookie cups are made with a soft and buttery shortbread crust, then filled with a delicious pecan pie filling and baked until golden. These delicious pecan pie cookie cups are just in time for the holidays and would make the perfect dessert to take to a Thanksgiving event or other hosting event.

Get the full recipe from: This Mom Cooks

14. Turkey Brownies

Turkey Brownies is an easy recipe for homemade brownies topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream and turkeys made of candy! So much fun for kids to make and eat! Turkey Brownies are guaranteed to become a holiday tradition!They’re going to be a hit on your holiday dessert table! Kids love creating these simple thanksgiving brownies. Gobble gobble and Happy Thanksgiving!

Get the full recipe from: Swirls of Flavor

15. Sweet Potato Cake (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

Nothing is more perfect for autumn than a slice of this gluten-free sweet potato cake. Filled with homemade honey marshmallow fluffy and covered in whipped molasses frosting, this amazing cake is a total Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser.Sweet homemade honey marshmallow fluff filled each layer, and the whole cake was covered in a smooth dairy-free molasses buttercream.

Get the full recipe from: Caked by Katie

16. Pumpkin and Pecan Cheesecake Bars

These scrumptious Pumpkin and Pecan Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert, perfectly spiced and sweetened, and great for Thanksgiving or Christmas! A yummy alternative to pumpkin pie!There are nuts for the texture and crunch. The addition of Vanilla extract for a delicious aroma and flavor makes a difference in the outcome, too.

Get the full recipe from: Manila Spoon

17. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Fall is perfect for baking, and nothing says fall like pumpkin cinnamon rolls. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a gooey pumpkin spice mixture, made with real pumpkin puree for a rich flavor and moist texture.They’re ideal for cozy weekend breakfasts, Thanksgiving morning, holiday brunches, or anytime you crave a soft, sweet pumpkin treat.

Get the full recipe from: Mama Needs Cake

18. Pumpkin Cookie Truffles

These Pumpkin Cookie Truffles are delicious and adorable! Golden oreos and cream cheese mix with pumpkin pie spice to create truffles that taste exactly like a thick, soft pumpkin cookie.They are shaped like pumpkins and dipped in orange chocolate to look just like pumpkins. These are so cute, easy and always a hit! These are also so cute on your Thanksgiving dessert table.

Get the full recipe from: Life With The Crust Cut Off

19. No Bake Acorn Donut Holes

These No Bake Acorn Donut Holes are a sweet and salty snack that decorates pre-made donut holes with chocolate and pretzels to make them look just like adorable, edible acorns. They’re the perfect treat for fall!They’re decorated to look just like acorns, making them a sweet, delicious fall treat to serve at any get-together or even as a delightful weeknight dessert or afternoon snack. How cute would these look on your Thanksgiving dessert table? So cute! Oh, so yummy for sure!

Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish

20. Peanut Butter Cookie Pilgrim Hats

These adorable Peanut Butter Cookie Pilgrim Hats are perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert table! With just 5 ingredients and no baking required, they’re a fun treat to make with kids.The combination of fudge stripe cookies, chocolate peanut butter cups, and a creamy white chocolate-peanut butter mixture creates the perfect sweet treat. The best part? They only take about 20 minutes from start to finish!

Get the full recipe from: Kim Schob

21. Pumpkin Biscoff Truffles

No-bake Biscoff Truffles have all the fall flavors with Biscoff cookie crumbs, pumpkin puree, warm spices, and creamy white chocolate. They stir together in minutes with 5 simple ingredients for an easy, delicious treat for Thanksgiving or Christmas. These no-bake treats come together fast with just a few simple ingredients and all the warm, cozy pumpkin spice flavors you’ll crave.

Get the full recipe from: Midwestern Holidays

22. Fall Themed Charcuterie Board

This Fall Themed Charcuterie Board is the ultimate autumn centerpiece. Filled with sweet and savory fall desserts and snacks, it’s perfect for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or just a fun night at home. The recipes are made with pecan tassies, pumpkin cream cheese cookies, apple caramel cake, caramel sauce, and cherry pecan brie. This board is easy to customize using your favorite fall eats and treats.

Get the full recipe from: Risa’s Family Kitchen

23. Pumpkin Fudge – 5 Ingredients 5 Mins

Seasonal no-bake pumpkin fudge is an easy-to-make treat, full of pumpkin spice, that takes just five minutes and five ingredients to prepare. This no-bake fudge recipe, filled with warm and cozy fall flavors, is the perfect treat for all the fall celebrations.This fudge looks excellent on the Thanksgiving table, and everyone loves it. Don’t worry about gluten if anyone has a gluten allergy; this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Get the full recipe from: Sweet and Savory Meals

24. Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes

Thanksgiving turkey cupcakes are just adorable! These are a fun Thanksgiving treat that the kids can help to make, and everyone will be able to enjoy. These turkey cupcakes with nutter butters are more than just a cupcake.

Get the full recipe from: Outnumbered 3 to 1

25. Cinnamon Apple Danish – Simple from Puff Pastry

This Cinnamon Apple Danish is a simple yet irresistible treat made with flaky puff pastry, sweet spiced apples, and a drizzle of icing. It’s buttery, crisp, and filled with cozy cinnamon flavor—perfect for anyone who loves homemade pastries without the fuss. Enjoy it warm for breakfast, share it at brunch, or serve it as a comforting dessert during the fall season or any time you crave something sweet and cozy.

Get the full recipe from: Maegan Kay Bakes

26. Turkey Nutter Butters

Fun and festive Turkey Nutter Butters made with nutter butter cookies, candy corn, and more! These are made with nutter butter cookies, oreo sandwich cookies, and candy pieces to make the cutest little turkeys that are perfect for a fun Thanksgiving treat. These cookies are great to make with the kids, or for an additional Thanksgiving dessert idea that is ultra kid-friendly.

Get the full recipe from: Planning Inspired

27. Puffed Pastry Pull Apart Pumpkin Twist

This recipe for a puffed pastry pull apart pumpkin twist is simple to make yet, looks elegant and definitely tastes divine. Made with simple ingredients for a most delectable dessert anytime. You’ll wow your family and friends at holiday time.With only a handful of simple ingredients, you have a most delicious dessert that’s also a showstopper. Great for any dessert table especially a holiday dessert table.

Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish

28. Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups

Pumpkin Pie Cups are easy, no-bake mini pies in adorable mason jars or cups. These no-bake pumpkin pie cups have all the warm and cozy flavors of homemade pumpkin pie in a fun individual dessert!Made with layers of buttery gingersnap crumbs, pumpkin spice cheesecake, and pumpkin pudding, they’re cool, creamy, and a fun individual dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, and gift giving.

Get the full recipe from: Midwestern HomeLife

29. Easy Pumpkin Trifle – Creamy, Spiced & Perfect for Fall

This pumpkin trifle combines layers of light angel food cake, creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, and fluffy whipped topping for a quick and easy dessert.A mix of velvety cream cheese, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice that tastes like fall gave you a hug. And because every good trifle needs a little crunch, it’s topped with delicious toffee bits for a caramel-kissed finish.

Get the full recipe from: Spaceship and Laser Beams

30. Pumpkin Angel Food Cake

This Pumpkin Angel Food Cake is so delicious, light and airy. The pop of pumpkin adds so much flavor and the most gorgeous color. It’s a wonderful dessert after a Fall dinner and will make a fabulous dessert for Thanksgiving!

Get the full recipe from: Marathons and Motivation

31. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Bread Pudding is an irresistible treat. It combines the richness of pumpkin, the warmth of spices, and the comfort of custardy bread into one heavenly dish. It is so tasty you may just want to make it all year long!!While this may be the perfect fall dessert – you might want to make this in the winter too. And the spring. Yes, it is that good!

Get the full recipe from: The Lazy Slow Cooker

32. 4-Ingredient Frosted Soft Sweet Potato Cookies

These 4-ingredient sweet potato cookies feature a soft cake mix cookie base topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re the perfect dessert for any fall gathering!These cookies are fantastic for Thanksgiving dessert, for any fall gathering, or even for a decadent afternoon snack. If you bring them to the latest potluck, get ready for oohs and aahs!

Get the full recipe from: Simply Five Ingredients

33. Pilgrim Hats

These adorable Pilgrim Hat treats are the cutest no-bake Thanksgiving dessert! Made with soft marshmallows dipped in rich melted chocolate and set on top of a crisp chocolate cookie “brim,” they come together in just minutes and are always a hit at Thanksgiving feasts, kids’ parties, and school celebrations. Add these fun and festive Thanksgiving marshmallow hats to your dessert table this year for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing treat everyone will love.

Get the full recipe from: Learned it from my Mom

34. Honeycrisp Apple Pie

Homemade Honeycrisp Apple Pie is such a great fall or Thanksgiving dessert! Made from scratch with an easy to follow recipe that’s so delicious!This pie is easier to make than it looks. It does have a few steps and takes some time, but it’s so worth it! The apple filling has so much flavor from the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. It’s sweet and delicious, plus the apples are perfectly cooked through.

Get the full recipe from: Hot Eats and Cool Reads

35. Thanksgiving Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Cups

These Thanksgiving Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Cups combine the classic cookie with a Pillsbury Thanksgiving sugar cookie. They are the perfect size to bring to your next party or cookie exchanges. The best thing about them is that they are so versatile. You can really use any Pillsbury cookies on top of the cookies. Switch it up based on the occasion! They will be a huge hit.

Get the full recipe from: A Taste of Madness

36. How To Make Caramel Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cakes

Sweet, spiced, and perfectly portioned — these caramel pumpkin mini bundt cakes bring cozy café vibes to your fall kitchen.The caramel glaze only needs butter, brown sugar, and milk. No cream, no candy thermometers — just simple ingredients that come together in minutes. They also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal-prep desserts or gifting.

Get the full recipe from: Tasty Cue

37. Simple Pumpkin Ricotta Parfait

For a quick and easy recipe using leftover canned pumpkin, you must try this simple pumpkin ricotta parfait. It’s sweet and creamy and looks so fancy. It’s perfect for company yet easy enough for a weeknight dessert. So easily made into more serving for larger crowds. Make some just for you the first time and enjoy every spoonful!

Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish

38. Mini Pecan Pies

Mini Pecan Pies are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table! These personal pecan pies are incredible & made easily with brown sugar, butter, corn syrup & pecans!This mini pecan pie recipe has all the wonderful flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but in an individual size serving. These single serving pecan pies are great to make for holiday parties, every guest gets their own mini treat! Not to mention this recipe is incredibly easy to make too!

Get the full recipe from: Butter with a side of Bread

39. Pumpkin Meringue Cookies

Pumpkin Meringues are light, crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a sweet pumpkin flavor and festive orange color. These adorable treats look like mini pumpkins and make the perfect fall dessert for parties, cookie trays, or Thanksgiving tables!They’re so charming you’ll want to make them all season long, and they taste like sweet pumpkin pie air!

Get the full recipe from: Family Cookie Recipes

40. Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These copycat Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins deliver all the rich, delicious flavor of the Starbucks favorite right from your oven. These muffins are moist and tender and feature a rich, sweet cream cheese filling. They’re sooo good.The muffins cream cheese center is rich, creamy, and sweet. It’s the perfect sweet breakfast or brunch, a sweet addition to breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a tasty dessert.

Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish

Frequently Asked Questions on Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Can I make Thanksgiving dessert recipes ahead of time?

Yes, most Thanksgiving desserts can be made in advance. Pies, cheesecakes, and bars often taste even better the next day as the flavors blend. Just store them properly in the refrigerator or at room temperature, depending on the recipe.

What’s the best way to transport desserts to a Thanksgiving gathering?

Use sturdy containers or boxes with lids, and place non-slip mats or towels underneath to keep everything stable. Avoid stacking delicate desserts, and bring toppings or glazes separately to add just before serving.

How To make thanksgiving dessert recipes feel more homemade

Add personal touche to store bought desserts, like fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, homemade sauce, or decorative garnishes. Small details can make even simple store-bought desserts feel special and homemade.

Thanksgiving desserts aren’t just a sweet finish, they’re the heart of the holiday table. From classic pies to quick no-bake treats, there’s something here for every taste and skill level. With a little planning and some personal touches, you can create desserts that wow both the eyes and the taste buds.

So go ahead try a recipe from this roundup, mix in your favorite flavors, and share the joy of homemade treats with everyone at your table. This Thanksgiving, let your desserts be as memorable as the moments you spend enjoying them.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed these delectable dessert recipes that are just right for the holiday season.

To save and collect these and any favorites, you can pin on Pinterest. It’s a great way of saving for later on.

Please stop back again soon, there’s so many more recipes to see both sweet and savory, new ones go up weekly and there will be more roundups popping up too.

Bye for now…