I Bake 29 Thanksgiving Recipes When Words Fall Short

Thanksgiving has a way of bringing up big feelings and weird silences no one quite knows how to handle. That’s usually when 29 homemade favorites show up, quietly filling the table without anyone needing to say a word. It’s not about being impressive; it’s more like sending a group text through pies, casseroles, and rolls.

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

A plate of blueberry muffins with crumb topping, arranged in a pile.
Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Some days call for an easy treat that feels fancy. Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins combine a soft base with a creamy, tangy touch in every bite. They have the perfect balance of sweet and tart. These muffins make a great snack or breakfast pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Close-up of a stack of gooey caramel-filled Biscoff Brownies, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, on parchment paper.
Decadent Biscoff Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Something is exciting about a dessert that blends rich chocolate with a unique cookie flavor. Decadent Biscoff Brownies take fudgy dessert to another level with a smooth, caramel edge. Each bite has layers of comfort and crunch. Perfect for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Salted Honey Cookies

A stack of three round, golden-brown cookies with chocolate flecks and a sprinkle of salt on top, resting on a cooling rack with more cookies around them.
Salted Honey Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

When you want something sweet yet unexpected, these cookies stand out. Salted Honey Cookies balance sweetness with a subtle salty kick. The unique flavor mix brings a fresh twist to your regular sweet options. They’re simple but unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Salted Honey Cookies

German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cakes don’t get much more classic than this. German Chocolate Cake is layered with a deep chocolate flavor mixed with a coconut-based frosting. It’s rich without being too heavy. Always a good choice for a special dessert.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some meals feel incomplete without something warm and soft to fill the table. Dinner Rolls are fluffy, golden brown, and perfect for scooping everything up. They shine as a classic side. A small addition that makes a meal better.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Banana Cream Pie

A slice of banana cream pie topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a plate.
Banana Cream Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Not every pie brings the creamy texture and delicate sweetness like this one. Banana Cream Pie is smooth and flavorful from bottom to top. This dessert feels nostalgic with its layered simplicity. It wraps up any meal on a lighter note.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cream Pie

Apple Dump Cake

Close-up of an apple crumble dessert with a golden crust, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a spoon placed inside the dish.
Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A fast dessert doesn’t always need to feel rushed. Apple Dump Cake brings warm fruit flavors together with a crisp, buttery layer. Each spoonful has a mix of textures that feels comforting. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Apple Dump Cake

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Close-up of three chocolate muffins in brown paper wrappers, topped with chocolate chips, with part of a bowl of chocolate chips visible in the background.
Chocolate Chip Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm and soft bites bring comfort to simple moments between meals or as a treat. Chocolate Chip Muffins offer the classic combination with subtle richness. Perfect for anyone in need of a friendly dessert experience. Add this recipe to those perfect-for-sharing moments.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Buckeye Brownies

Several squares of chocolate cake with a layer of peanut butter filling and a chocolate topping are arranged on brown parchment paper.
Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Peanut butter and chocolate fans will appreciate this twist on a beloved mix. Buckeye Brownies have the richness of brownies with a thick swirl of peanut butter. Every piece gives a balanced mix of both flavors. A hit for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Good sides can sometimes steal the spotlight during a meal. Garlic Knots are soft with just the right hint of savory garlic. They pair well with almost anything on your plate. Simple but unforgettable and worth grabbing seconds.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Close-up of cinnamon swirl bread slices, showcasing a spiral pattern in the texture.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes breakfast needs to feel slightly more special. Cinnamon Swirl Bread is baked with layers of cinnamon tucked into every slice. It’s excellent toasted or eaten plain. A perfect choice that feels timeless.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Close-up of a Pumpkin Dump Cake, a baked dessert topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with caramel sauce, served in a white dish on a wooden surface.
Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For when you want something quick without losing flavor. Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is moist with a balanced spiced base that blends well with its crumbly topping. It’s one of those desserts you can keep coming back to. Works beautifully for get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate.
Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Leftover bread finds its best purpose in this dish. Homemade Bread Pudding has a soft, pudding-like interior with a golden crisp on top. It’s a simple dessert that carries charm in its humble approach. Always a comforting choice on any table.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Best Chocolate Cake

A person holding a slice of chocolate layer cake with frosting from a chocolate cake recipe.
Best Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When desserts need to impress, this one does. Best Chocolate Cake is richly flavored and perfectly moist, making every bite feel like a treat. Simple frosting accents the chocolate. Perfect for birthdays or just an extra-special dessert moment.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Cake

Sourdough Bread

Sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board with a knife beside it.
Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some breads are about flavor, others about texture. This gives both. Sourdough Bread stands out with its firm crust, tangy taste, and airy center. It’s a choice that feels just right for sandwiches or dipping. Not a bread easily forgotten.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Coconut Cream Pie

A slice of coconut cream pie on a plate.
Coconut Cream Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When dessert needs something light but satisfying, this works. Coconut Cream Pie layers creamy textures with a rich coconut element. The crust adds a subtle crisp contrast. It feels both airy and smooth with every slice.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Best Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Best Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Some baked goods are unexpectedly versatile, like this one. Best Zucchini Bread stays soft while bringing a gentle sweetness. It works as breakfast, a snack, or dessert. A great way to add something unique to familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

A close-up of a baked pastry ring dusted with powdered sugar, featuring multiple layers of golden-brown, flaky dough and hints of cinnamon apple strudel slices peeking through.
Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Not everything has to be made from scratch, especially when it looks this good finished. Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices deliver fruity sweetness wrapped in flaky layers. They’re perfect when warmed and paired with a scoop of something cold. There’s no wrong time for these.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background.
Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A mix of tart and creamy in bite-sized servings works every time. Key Lime Bars combine sharp citrus flavors with a smooth base. The crumbly bottom ties it all together. They work well for those craving something light.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Cherry Cheesecake

A slice of cherry cheesecake on a plate.
Cherry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some desserts grab attention on sight, especially when served on a platter. Cherry Cheesecake pairs its creamy filling with a rich, fruity topping. The layers combine for a balance of smooth and slightly tangy. Best served as the centerpiece of any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake

Apple Cobbler

A baked apple cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, partially served in a dish.
Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fruity desserts always seem to hit the spot. Apple Cobbler features soft-cooked fruit topped with a buttery layer that bakes into a golden crisp. It’s a dish soaked in simplicity that feels timeless. Great alone or served with whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cobbler

Peanut Butter Cake

Close-up of frosted square cake pieces with a light brown crust on parchment paper.
Peanut Butter Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The classic peanut butter flavor gets its time in a soft-baked dish. Peanut Butter Cake is moist and packed with exactly what the label says. Every slice can hold its own without overcomplicating things. For lovers of nutty dishes, this one stands out.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.
Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes small bites say plenty. Fried Banana takes the soft sweetness of the fruit and gives it a light exterior that offers texture. It’s a versatile option for mixing with ice cream or eating plain. Perfectly portioned for a quick snack option.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs.
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mixing childhood nostalgia in cookie form feels special no matter the day. Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie has thick peanut-laden dough paired with just enough fruity balance. Its texture comes in dense yet chewy layers. This cookie stands out as big and bold in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Pecan Pie Cobbler

Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes
Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It combines the richness of pie with an easier approach. Pecan Pie Cobbler layers gooey textures and nutty depth over a soft base. The sugars caramelize, bringing out richer notes. It’s the kind of dish you almost want to keep to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler

Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mornings get better when this is sliced up with something warm to drink. Coffee Cake has a soft base and crumbly topping with flavors that stand out without being too sweet. It’s both simple and memorable. Delicious for breakfast or even a dessert break.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Bars

A group of pumpkin bars with icing on top.
Pumpkin Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A bar dessert doesn’t need frills when it checks all the boxes. Pumpkin Bars are soft and flavorful shortbreads with just enough character to hold up individually. They’re a compact choice for anytime hunger strikes. Seasonal or not, these bars deliver what you want.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine combining two great desserts into one dish without choosing. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie wraps a fruity filling inside the classic warm cinnamon roll layers. The combination surprises and satisfies with its mix of soft interior and sturdy layers. Excellent if pie lovers and cinnamon lovers share a table.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert sometimes meets perfection when textures and flavors stack just right. Salted Caramel Cheesecake balances creamy layers with a caramel salty layer, finishing rich but never overindulgent. It’s hard to stop at one slice. Perfect for those sweet tooth cravings.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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