If pie just isn’t your thing, this list is for you! Here is my list of the best Thanksgiving desserts (that aren’t pie!)! I’m sharing 25+ pie-free desserts, you’ll find everything from classics like pumpkin bars to fun new twists like cranberry cake and apple pie cookies!
Pie-Free Thanksgiving Desserts
When you think of Thanksgiving desserts, do you think of pie? Most people do, but there are SO many other options! This curated list explores the many pie alternatives for your Thanksgiving dessert table. If pie isn’t your thing or you simply want a variety of desserts this year, you are going to LOVE these recipes!
Below you’ll find a collection of my favorite fall desserts made with festive ingredients like cranberries, pecans, apples, and of course, pumpkin. There’s really something for everybody in this list, but if I had to name a fan favorite, it has to be my pumpkin cheesecake bars (#1 on the list). They are so easy to make, slice into neat, perfectly portioned squares, and have a gorgeous swirled appearance every is so impressed by!
Don’t worry though, if cheesecake isn’t your thing, there’s plenty more to choose from. So grab your pumpkin spice, and let’s get baking!
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Beautifully swirled and perfectly handheld, these pumpkin cheesecake bars are an easy and impressive dessert to add to your Thanksgiving menu.
2. Spice Cake
Spice cake has a warm, spiced flavor perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s not too festive in it’s flavor, unlike gingerbread, which is a Christmas classic!
3. Butter Pecan Cookies
So cozy and flavorful, these are one of the easiest Thanksgiving desserts.
4. Apple Pie Cheesecake
All the flavor of Dutch apple pie, but in cheesecake form! This is always a hit at parties.
5. Maple Leaf Cookies
How cute are these maple leaf cookies? They would be so pretty on their own plate or used as a decoration/garnish for other desserts.
6. Pumpkin Cake
Pumpkin cake is a great choice for feeding a crowd (or celebrating a Thanksgiving birthday, which Luke has every few years). I also have a pumpkin bundt cake recipe and pumpkin cupcakes that you might enjoy.
7. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
One of my all-time favorite pumpkin recipes, these pumpkin snickerdoodles perfectly balance classic snickerdoodles and pumpkin cookies.
8. Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars are one of my most popular Thanksgiving desserts. The buttery shortbread crust is a fun and oh-so-tasty addition to the classic pie recipe.
9. Orange Cranberry Cookies
Cranberry orange cookies make the perfect holiday dessert. Serve them for Thanksgiving or bookmark this recipe for your Christmas cookie baking!
10. Apple Pie Cookies
These are a showstopper at the dessert table every single time. If you want to impress people, bring these cookies, seriously. They even have an “a la mode” topping that’s optional but I mean look how cute it is.
11. Pumpkin Bars
Not quite cookie, not quite cake, these are a fun and classic hybrid of the two. The cream cheese frosting smeared on top is my favorite part.
12. Butter Pecan Cake
If you’re looking for a pecan pie alternative, try my butter pecan cake. People fall just as in love with the soft cake crumb as they do the delicate brown sugar frosting.
13. Spice Cookies
These soft and chewy spice cookies can be customized to your liking. Chill them longer for thicker cookies, or stick with 30 minutes for average thickness.
14. Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a classic holiday dessert. We love it on the dessert table just as much as we do on the breakfast table (beside a dish of breakfast casserole) Make this, and everyone will be asking you for the recipe!
15. Pumpkin Cheesecake
A pumpkin pie alternative, this pumpkin cheesecake is equally as impressive and festive.
16. Apple Dumplings
Made with homemade pie crust (hint: you can also use my sourdough pie crust) and fresh apples, these apple dumplings are reminiscent of apple pie and so much fun! This is my grandmother’s recipe and it’s been loved for generations 💕
17. Cranberry Cake
Cranberries aren’t just for cranberry sauce! I use them in quite a few of my Thanksgiving desserts. Also see my cranberry bundt cake recipe, if you’re looking for something with a more elevated presentation.
18. Candied Pecans
Everyone absolutely loves these! They also make a fantastic homemade gift (so do these cookie mix in a jar gifts!) for the holidays.
19. Apple Crisp
Who doesn’t like apple crisp? This fall favorite deserves a spot among your Thanksgiving desserts!
20. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies are an old-fashioned favorite, especially this pumpkin version!
21. Praline Cookies
Inspired by pecan praline candy, these cookies will disappear off your Thanksgiving dessert table!
22. Apple Cake
This is my grandmother’s traditional apple cake recipe, with a few of my own modifications. I also have an apple crumb cake that would work nicely for dessert or Thanksgiving breakfast.
23. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Gourmet cookies can be just as impressive and satisfying as other Thanksgiving desserts, especially when they are stuffed with cheesecake!
24. Pumpkin Fudge
This adorable pumpkin fudge is fun served alongside your Thanksgiving desserts or as a homemade gift!
25. Brown Butter Blondies
Infused with fall flavor and oh so decadent! We love serving ours with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce.
26. White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
A classic! You could also try my pumpkin oatmeal cookies.
27. Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
If your family loves classic rice krispie treats, make them this pumpkin spice version! So easy and there’s no baking required.
Still want to include a few pies on your dessert table? I have huge collection of pie recipes to choose from. Or skip the browsing and head right over to my list of my top 10 best pie recipes.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. Keep scrolling for a few more Thanksgiving recipes you might want to try!
Enjoy!
If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
April
Sam, you are amazing! I love having recipes that I know are made by a human (SO ridiculous that this is even a factor nowadays. I hate AI generated garbage!!), especially recipes made by someone with excellent taste.
I appreciate everything you do here. Thanks for making life sweeter for my family!
Sam
Thank you so much, April! I truly appreciate it. I’m so glad to hear everyone has been enjoying all of the recipes. 🙂
Leigh Jenks
I thank you for sharing, I luv to bake and try lots of new recipes
Sam
I hope you love everything you try, Leigh! 🙂