I Rely on These 29 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes Every Holiday

Every holiday season has its unspoken rules, and for some households, one of them is keeping all 29 desserts ready to go. They’ve been tested in situations like sudden guest arrivals and “just one more slice” requests. Somehow, they keep the peace between the pie lovers and cake loyalists. If dessert could hold diplomatic immunity, these would qualify.

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it.
Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Coffee Cake

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

Family gatherings always get a little better when someone brings Coffee Cake for dessert. Its crumbly topping and soft center beg for another slice. The cake is easy to share, which means everyone gets a piece. It’s familiar but never gets old. You’ll notice plates get emptied fast.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

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.

Childhood favorites inspire smiles with Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie at the table. Guests always comment on the soft bite and unique twist. This cookie quickly becomes the first choice for kids and grown-ups alike. Sharing them turns into a conversation starter. Extras barely make it to storage.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

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.

Chocolate lovers line up when Decadent Biscoff Brownies are offered after dinner. A rich texture with a hint of spice creates something memorable. Plates clean up fast as people grab another square. This option stands out on any dessert tray. Friends often ask for the recipe as the pan runs out.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Two slices of pumpkin s'mores pie on a white plate, topped with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows.
Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet endings get interesting with a slice of Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake. Every bite includes a mix of soft, gooey layers and rich fillings. Guests call this dessert fun and always return for seconds. It fits right in beside more traditional pies. The tray never has leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Tiramisu

A slice of tiramisu is being lifted from the dish, showcasing layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, topped with cocoa powder.
Tiramisu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Classic favorites like Tiramisu get noticed at any dessert table. Its rich layers and smooth texture bring people back for more. Older family members especially enjoy sharing a slice or two. The dish feels both simple and special at the same time. This recipe often gets requests for every celebration.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

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.

Sweets with a little crunch get attention, so Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices tend to vanish quickly. These slices work for both smaller bites and hearty endings. People love pairing them with coffee or just as a snack. It’s hard to stop at one piece. There’s always a request for more next time.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta

A plate of baked pasta with a crispy, browned topping and dollops of white sauce.
Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

New flavors keep guests talking, especially when Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta is on the table. Smooth, sweet noodles catch everyone’s eye. It’s a surprise hit that always gets mentioned after the meal. Curiosity leads many to take a second helping. You’ll find this dish gone before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

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

Apple pie gets a fun twist when you bring out Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie for dessert. Spirals of dough with layers inside make it a hit. Guests reach for a slice even before the plates are passed out. It sits well with both kids and adults. People search for an extra bite as dinner wraps up.
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.

Special gatherings call for something bold like Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Smooth on top with just the right touch of sweetness and salt, this treat gets top marks. Slices move quickly, sometimes before the main meal is finished. It’s a dessert that feels right for any crowd. People return for seconds without waiting.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Pecan Pie Cobbler

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

Traditions are easy to keep when Pecan Pie Cobbler fills the dessert table after the meal. This dish layers sweet and crunchy textures in every scoop. Warm bowls disappear the fastest when topped with something cool. It’s a must-have when family is gathered together. Everyone thanks the baker after tasting it.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Close-up of a frosted cookie with a bite taken out, sprinkled with cinnamon, on a parchment surface.
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cookie trays look special with Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies stacked high. Each bite brings soft dough and spiced sweetness. These cookies get the most attention with their rich aroma. Friends and family reach for more than one. The plate never seems full enough for the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin 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.

Chocolate fans celebrate when someone brings German Chocolate Cake to dessert hour. Thick layers and a coconut topping make every forkful unique. It fits well alongside other rich options, but always stands out. Relatives mention it long after the dinner. Recipe requests come before everyone leaves.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Coconut Cream Pie

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

Dessert takes a cool turn with a piece of Coconut Cream Pie for the group. Its thick filling and light topping feel like a treat in every slice. Older guests often call it a classic. Sharing the pie is easy since it cuts so smoothly. Most times, only crumbs are left behind.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Pumpkin Bars

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

Soft treats like Pumpkin Bars are easy to pass around on big days. There is always something a little extra in the mellow flavor, making them a hit with all ages. Guests appreciate being able to grab a square and mingle. These bars stack well for leftovers too. Not much remains by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars

Dubai Chocolate

Close-up of sliced dessert bars with layers of chocolate, crumbly filling, and green topping, garnished with chopped pistachios.
Dubai Chocolate. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chocolate lovers discover something new when Dubai Chocolate enters the mix. Its rich and sweet profile gives a little surprise to each dessert plate. Sharing it brings out stories from those who have traveled. Curious minds want another taste. It usually disappears before the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate

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.

Light and nutty, Peanut Butter Cake offers something unique between pies and cookies. Families mention the balanced flavor which keeps them reaching for seconds. This cake handles big crowds with ease. People enjoy it on its own or paired with ice cream. Requests for leftovers are almost guaranteed.
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.

Fun sweets such as Fried Banana win the crowd with crisp edges and a soft center. Kids love picking these up, while adults enjoy the classic feel. It’s easy to hand out extras to anyone still hungry. Friends talk about how each bite brings them back to childhood. There’s never enough for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

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.

Simple desserts make sharing easier, so Apple Dump Cake lands on many tables. This cake is easy to slice while everyone helps themselves. The familiar flavor gives comfort at the end of a big meal. Dessert lovers are quick to grab more. Not even a crumb is left by the end.
Get the Recipe: Apple Dump Cake

Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys

A festive plate of Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys crafted with chocolate, pretzels, candy corn, and candy eyes.
Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Kids’ eyes light up when Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys show up after dinner. These snacks combine sweet and salty for a playful ending. Every plate draws people for a closer look. They disappear as quickly as they’re set down. It’s fun watching guests get a laugh from each treat.
Get the Recipe: Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys

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.

Guests recognize a classic like Best Chocolate Cake before dessert is even served. Each slice is full, rich, and sure to be the first dessert finished. Chocolate fans frequently ask for seconds. The cake earns praise from people of all ages. Leftovers don’t happen often with this one around.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate 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.

Comfort comes in a bowl of Homemade Bread Pudding shared around the table. Its soft and warm sweetness mixes well with a scoop of ice cream. Guests remember the dish from past meals and look forward to it every year. This pudding seems to vanish before you know it. People are quick to ask about the secret to its texture.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Pumpkin Roll

A slice of pumpkin roll being sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rolling up pumpkin dessert makes Pumpkin Roll a showstopper among other sweets. It’s easy to cut and pass around, making it perfect for big families. The creamy swirl adds even more reason to take seconds. Dessert plates empty fast for this favorite. Everyone asks for a slice to take home.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

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.

Tart and cool, Key Lime Bars are a bright finish to a long meal. Each square is simple to pass so groups share easily. People like exploring a new take on familiar flavors. The bars stand out on dessert trays filled with sweets. Almost all of them vanish before coffee is poured.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with cranberries.
Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing feels more traditional than sharing Pumpkin Pie after dinner. Creamy inside and a firm crust mark it as a staple among family desserts. Each bite finds fans from every age group at the table. Requests for extra slices come in quickly. No one wants to skip this classic.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

A plate of five sticky buns topped with caramelized nuts and sauce, resting on a red cloth.
Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Desserts get a light touch with Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls ready for sharing. The rolls are soft, sweet, and quick to grab when you pass through the kitchen. Kids and adults both reach for these first. They make a nice switch from heavier desserts. A batch disappears almost right away.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Biscoff Ice Cream

Scoops of ice cream with chunks of cookie and a whole cookie piece placed on top in a glass bowl.
Biscoff Ice Cream. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Something cold always rounds out the table, so Biscoff Ice Cream fits right in. Each scoop pairs creamy texture with a sweet crunch. People smile and talk about its flavor as they take another spoonful. It’s a good match for cakes or on its own. Empty bowls are proof of its popularity.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Ice Cream

Apple Pie

A slice of apple pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’ll always see a crowd around the Apple Pie at any gathering. Its blend of crisp crust and warm fruit makes everyone pause for dessert. People debate about the best toppings but agree it’s a must-have. Second servings are common, even after a big meal. One pie is rarely enough to go around.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Banana Pudding Brownies

Several squares of chocolate brownies with a yellow and brown marbled pattern are stacked and arranged on parchment paper.
Banana Pudding Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slices of Banana Pudding Brownies are handed out while people compare their favorite desserts. This dessert combines creamy pudding with a soft brownie layer for something a little different. It gets noticed for both texture and flavor. Newcomers ask for a taste before picking anything else. Leftovers disappear by the first morning.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Brownies

Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it.
Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bringing out Blueberry Cheesecake always means smiles line up fast at dessert time. Its smooth filling and fruit topping make every forkful bright. It’s great for sharing since slices hold up well on a plate. Guests look forward to it every time it’s served. The cheesecake often goes before anyone can grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry 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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *