64 Thanksgiving Desserts for a Festive Table

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The Best Pecan Pie

Is it even Thanksgiving without pecan pie? Our best-ever version is made with toasted pecans, maple syrup and—best of all—a splash of bourbon.

“Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving tradition in my house, and I was on a quest to create the ultimate version. This might be it!” —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Plenty of fall spices go into this classic Thanksgiving dessert—along with a can of pumpkin. Make sure you’re using one of our experts’ favorite brands for your best-ever pumpkin pie.

“Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pumpkin pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this version since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Turkey Cake Recipe photo by Christine Ma for Taste Recipes

Turkey Cake

Take the Turkey Day theme from dinner all the way to dessert with this cake. You can use a boxed cake mix to start. Use the time you saved to create all the colorful tail feathers.

“Create a simple centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dessert table. The cake comes together fast with the help of a mix, and melted candy coating keeps decorating easy.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Cranberry Cheesecake

Switch up your Thanksgiving menu by including something other than pie. This cranberry cheesecake has a graham cracker crust and gets topped with a homemade cranberry sauce.

“Every year when the cranberries are harvested, my family looks forward to eating this cheesecake.” —Recipe contributor Nairda Monroe, Webberville, Michigan

Cranberry Apple Sheet Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Cranberry Apple Sheet Pie

When you need Thanksgiving dessert recipes to serve a big family, you can’t go wrong with a slab pie. These treats are baked in a sheet pan and are large enough to serve 20 or more!

“My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast.” —Recipe contributor Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Southern desserts are known for being decadent and delicious, and this sweet potato pie recipe is no exception.

“This Mississippi sweet potato pie is very popular in the South. It’s a particular favorite at our house because we always have plenty of sweet potatoes in our garden. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream.” —Recipe contributor Bonnie Holcomb, Fulton, Mississippi

Winning Apple Crisp Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Apple Crisp

If you can’t get enough of apples’ sweet and tart flavors, this apple crisp is for you. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it an indulgent dessert.

“I live in apple country, and making a delicious apple crisp is one way to use the fruit. This treat doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble.” —Recipe contributor Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin-Butterscotch Gingerbread Trifle

Need make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert ideas? You can’t beat a trifle. The cake and creamy filling can be made in advance and then layered up the morning of your feast.

“There’s more to pumpkin than pie, as this impressive trifle proves. It looks so elegant with alternating layers of gingerbread cake and pumpkin/butterscotch pudding. Try making it ahead of time for a fuss-free dessert when you’re planning to entertain guests.” —Recipe contributor Lyla Lehenbauer, New London, Missouri

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Recipe photo by Laura Scherb for Taste Recipes

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake

Looking for some show-stopping Thanksgiving dessert ideas? Look no further than this luscious chocolate chip cheesecake. To make the dessert extra festive, top it with orange peel, meringue cookies or pumpkin mallow candies.

“Our daughter first astounded us with her cooking talents when she made this cheesecake at 13 years of age. With a unique cookie crumb crust and extra-creamy filling, people think this dessert was made by a gourmet baker!” —Recipe contributor Kathleen Gualano, Cary, Illinois

Wonderful Carrot Cake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Wonderful Carrot Cake

You may not have thought of it before, but carrot cake is really the perfect fall dessert. It uses just-harvested carrots and is flavored with the autumnal flavors we all love: cinnamon, allspice, cream cheese and walnuts.

“This cake is moist, tender and delicious, and you won’t think ‘healthy,’ but it is. Kids will love it because it’s sweet, and you’ll love it because it’s packed with good-for-you carrots.” —Recipe contributor Brenda Rankhorn, New Market, Alabama

Pumpkin Brownies Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Pumpkin Brownies

Need a sweet treat to share before the big meal? These top-rated brownies use canned pumpkin and plenty of chocolate for the perfect festive goodie.

“Chocolate and pumpkin pair up to make a family-favorite fall dessert. These brownies are fantastic for potlucks, parties and picnics. If you like nuts, stir 1 cup of chopped walnuts into the pumpkin batter before adding it to the pan.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Pumpkin Cream Tiramisu Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic dessert that everyone enjoys. For a more fall flavor, try this version, which features a creamy pumpkin filling, cream cheese and autumn spices.

“Pumpkin isn’t only for pies. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. I promise that after one bite, you’ll add this recipe to your keeper files.” —Recipe contributor Pam Peters, Fernie, British Columbia

Banana Pudding Tart Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Banana Pudding Tart

Dress up your classic banana pudding recipe by transforming it into a tart. Reserve leftover Nilla wafers or shortbread cookies to crumble over the top. If you want to make this even more seasonal, try gingersnaps!

“Here’s a tart version of the classic banana pudding. Use the entire box of vanilla wafers, reserving 1/4 cup to sprinkle on the whipped cream topping. Add chai spice to make it interesting!” —Recipe contributor Tania Gordon, Chicago, Illinois

Streusel Pumpkin Pie

Upgrade a classic pumpkin pie with a crunchy, cinnamony streusel topping. It’s so delicious that guests will be fighting over the last slice.

“Basic pumpkin pie is good, but we think this dressed-up version is even better. Plenty of pecans add a nutty crunch to the crust and the streusel topping. It’s a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any time you want to end a dinner with something special.” —Recipe contributor Bertha Johnson, Indianapolis, Indiana

Cranberry Tart Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Nantucket Cranberry Tart

There’s a reason this dessert has a near-perfect rating: It’s incredibly easy to make and so delicious. You only need one bowl to stir up this beauty. Then, just pop into a tart pan and bake!

“While everyone enjoys a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baked perfectly in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it’s a snap to assemble.” —Recipe contributor Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut

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Easy Apple Cake

Some of the best Thanksgiving dessert ideas are easy desserts. This aptly named easy apple cake can be stirred together in one bowl and baked in your go-to 13×9 pan.

“After testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, I found this old-fashioned easy apple cake that is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it’s quick to fix, and when it’s served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, it’s one of my family’s very favorites.” —Recipe contributor Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio

Cranberry Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Citrus Cranberry Pie

This Thanksgiving, break from the status quo by making an orange-cranberry-flavored pie. To tame the tartness, try switching the orange cream to plain whipped cream.

“To showcase abundant fall cranberries, make this beautiful lattice-topped pie. A dollop of orange cream complements the slightly tart flavor.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste Recipes

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Can’t decide between cake and pie for Thanksgiving dessert ideas? Lucky for you, this recipe combines the best of both worlds.

“No one will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It’s a year-round favorite.” —Recipe contributor Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire

Potluck German Apple Cake Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes

German Apple Cake

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Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Yes, even vegans can enjoy a rich slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. Our recipe uses oat milk to achieve a creamy texture and plenty of spices to amp up the taste.

“Rich, creamy and wonderfully spiced for the holidays, this vegan pumpkin pie is perfect for all your guests.” —Recipe contributor Justin Weber, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Cranberry-Almond Pound Cake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Cranberry-Almond Pound Cake

Cranberries and almonds imbue this cake with plenty of flavor. To accent, top with sugared cranberries; they’re surprisingly easy to make!

“When you want an extra-special dessert for the holidays, it’s hard to beat a seasonal homemade cake. I like to drizzle mine with a simple but elegant glaze flavored with amaretto.” —Recipe contributor Jackie Howell, Tucson, Arizona

Maple and Cream Apple Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Maple and Cream Apple Pie

This recipe calls for Granny Smith apples which are extra firm and tart—just the right contrast to sweet and sticky maple syrup!

“The cream in this pie makes it so rich and toothsome! If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, this is it.” —Recipe contributor Glenda Ardoin, Hessmer, Louisiana

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

This pumpkin dessert will go so fast that you’ll want to make an extra one just for you to enjoy. Its pumpkin flavor is enticing, and the colors create a beautiful aesthetic for the dinner table.

“If you’re looking for a classic autumn dessert, try this pumpkin cheesecake pie. It’s a winner at potlucks and on the Thanksgiving table. The gingersnap crust forms a spicy-sweet foundation.” —Recipe contributor Sharon Crockett, La Palma, California

Butter Pecan Cake Recipe photo by Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Butter Pecan Cake

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe photo by Jena Carlin for Taste Recipes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Desserts that can be enjoyed as finger foods are a must at busy Thanksgiving tables. These creamy pumpkin bars are perfect for picking up and snacking between catching up with the fam or sneaking a peek at the big game’s score.

“This recipe caught my eye and was extremely popular at the annual Christmas party sponsored by our Extension Homemakers. It’s a great dessert for fall.” —Recipe contributor Agnes Jasa, Malabar, Florida

Paul's Pumpkin Patch Pudding Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Paul’s Pumpkin Patch Pudding

Pumpkin fanatics won’t be able to resist a generous helping of this pudding. It’s made with canned pumpkin, cream cheese and graham cracker crumbs. Don’t forget to pile fresh whipped cream on top!

“This recipe originated with Donna Esh, whose husband, John, is the manager at the restaurant my brother Jim and I operate. I reworked it slightly and named it after our dad.” —Recipe contributor John Smucker, Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania

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Spiced Upside-Down Apple Pie

You’ve heard of upside-down cake, but what about upside-down pie? This Thanksgiving treat is show-stopping, delicious and deserving of a five-star rating.

“My grandma taught me to make this pie when I was 4. Over the years, I’ve kept it about the same with just a few changes. Flip it out the second it stops bubbling. The glaze makes it look especially delicious.” —Recipe contributor Francine Bryson, Pickens, South Carolina

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White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies

Looking for Thanksgiving dessert ideas that are a bit more casual? These fall-inspired blondies fit the bill. Topped with a lush cream cheese frosting, no one will be able to resist.

“Friends sometimes ask me to make these for wedding receptions. For a fancier presentation, I cut the bars into triangle shapes and drizzle white chocolate over each one individually.” —Recipe contributor Erika Busz, Kent, Washington

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Sweet Potato Pie

Take your favorite Thanksgiving side dish and turn it into dessert! It’s sweet, lightly spiced and more flavorful than your typical pumpkin pie.

“This creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family.” —Recipe contributor North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission

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World’s Best Lemon Pie

After a day of ultra-rich foods, a tart citrus pie is just the right way to end the feast. This pie uses plenty of fresh lemon juice and zest for an exceptionally tangy treat.

“Mother’s pies were always so memorable, with tender, flaky crusts. In summer the order of the day was lemon meringue!” —Recipe contributor Phyllis Kirsling, Junction City, Wisconsin

Easy Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Cobbler Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Easy Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Cobbler

This quick and easy cobbler is a must during apple season. For the best results, use good baking apples.

“This is a common dish from where I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. It’s a classic Dutch-style apple cobbler recipe—easy, quick and delicious. Who wouldn’t love this golden brown delight?” —Recipe contributor Andrea Robson, York, Pennsylvania

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe photo by Kristina Vanni for Taste Recipes

Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake Pie

This recipe proves that cast-iron pies are a must-bake this time of year. These heavy-duty pans help crisp up the pie crust and provide plenty of room for delicious fillings. Get our tips on how to bake pies in cast-iron pans, and then head to the kitchen!

“In fall or at any time of year, this nutty, rich and delicious pecan pie recipe is one I’m proud to serve. While it seems very special, the caramel pecan cheesecake is a snap to make.” —Recipe contributor Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa

Apple Stack Cake Recipe photo by Leticia Almeida for Taste Recipes

Apple Stack Cake

This delightful fall dessert is inspired by Appalachian heritage. While it takes a bit of time and effort to make, the results are worth it.

“My mom loved to bake this sky-high apple stack cake. Layer the apple goodness two days before serving. Later, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar is the only topping you’ll need.” —Recipe contributor LeVa Clement, Jackson, Missouri

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Pumpkin Roll

This pumpkin cake roll is a great Thanksgiving dessert. It combines people-pleasing flavors and looks stunning on the table. The best part: You can make this cake roll in advance and freeze it. The day before your big feast, defrost this dessert in the fridge.

“This pumpkin roll recipe is great to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert for my family or unexpected guests, to take to a gathering. or to give as a yummy gift. The recipe is in such demand, I use a 29-ounce can of pumpkin to make four cake rolls at a time.” —Recipe contributor Erica Berchtold, Freeport, Illinois

Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart

While pumpkin and cream cheese get a lot of play this time of year, we’re here to remind you that pumpkin and chocolate is an equally dynamic pair. This tart is filled with velvety pumpkin and topped with fudgy ganache.

“I love the flavor combination of spiced pumpkin and chocolate, which inspired me to create this tart. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the chocolate ganache for extra flavor and texture.” —Recipe contributor Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake

Love the idea of apple pie but can’t resist the idea of a cheesecake on your Thanksgiving table? This dessert lets you have the best of both.

“An attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy dessert a definite showstopper.” —Recipe contributor Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma

Ginger-Walnut Tube Cake

This Bundt cake is flavorful thanks to molasses, cinnamon, ground ginger and crystallized ginger. Together, these ingredients sing—especially when topped with a lemony glaze.

“My husband, Ken, loves this tube cake with its bits of crystallized ginger. Feel free to drizzle it with a lemony glaze.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

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Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. It’s also a great Thanksgiving dessert for when you’re craving fall flavors but want that cool and creamy texture.

“This pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. While it’s perfect for a Halloween party, this make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year.” —Recipe contributor Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia

Red Velvet Pound Cake Recipe photo by Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

Red Velvet Pound Cake

No matter the season or the celebration, red velvet cake is always a hit. This version is made in a tube pan and then coated in cream cheese frosting. You can dress it up with a sprinkling of chopped nuts, sprinkles or even chocolate chips.

“This delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it; for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top.” —Recipe contributor Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina

Pecan Pie Cobbler

We’ve all had fruit cobblers before, but this recipe takes its flavors from a different Thanksgiving dessert. It gets lots of flavor thanks to pecans, brown sugar and toffee bits. It tastes even better when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

“I couldn’t find a recipe, so I took it upon myself to devise this amazing dessert that combines the ease of a cobbler and the rich flavor of pecan pie. It tastes even better with ice cream or whipped topping.” —Recipe contributor Willa Kelley, Edmond, Oklahoma

Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Fresh Pumpkin Pie

This ultra-traditional Thanksgiving recipe starts with fresh pumpkin puree. Remember to shop for a pie pumpkin (a carving pumpkin isn’t the right squash for the job). And don’t forget: Pumpkin pie is rich and egg-based, so it should be refrigerated.

“In my opinion, there’s no contest as to which homemade pumpkin pie is best. No matter how good your canned filling is, it will never match pumpkin pie from scratch.” —Recipe contributor Christy Harp, Massillon, Ohio

Cranberry Bog Bars Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Cranberry Bog Bars

These dessert bars travel well, so they’re great when you’re traveling to visit loved ones for the holiday.

“Sweet and chewy, these fun bars combine the flavors of oats, cranberries, brown sugar and pecans. I like to sprinkle the squares with confectioners’ sugar before serving.” —Recipe contributor Sally Wakefield, Gans, Pennsylvania

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Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s a dessert that’s at home on any holiday table.

“A classic recipe like this never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange.” —Recipe contributor Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas

Maple Walnut Cake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Maple Walnut Cake

A towering layer cake always makes for an impressive finish to a meal. This recipe uses two fall flavors that we don’t think get enough hype: maple and walnut.

“This maple-flavored cake with candied walnuts honors beloved my grandpa, who made maple syrup when I was a child. It honors his memory and has proven to be a favorite with family and friends throughout the years.” —Recipe contributor Lori Fee, Middlesex, New York

Mama’s Buttermilk Coconut Pie Recipe photo by Danielle Moore

Mama’s Buttermilk Coconut Pie

An old-fashioned pie is always welcome at the dessert table. Thanks to buttermilk, this one is wonderfully rich and tender.

“My mama showed me how to make this pie about 40 years ago, just as her mama showed her how to make it. I was 6 when Mawmaw passed away, but I can still remember her cooking in the kitchen in her beautiful cotton dresses dusted with flour. I am honored to teach my daughter how to make this dessert, too.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama

Cranberry-Orange Pound Cake

Cranberry and orange are iconic fall flavor combinations. They work especially well in this elegant Bundt cake topped with a vanilla butter sauce.

“At the summer tourist resort my husband and I operate in Ontario, we prepare all the meals for our guests, so I’m always trying out new recipes.” —Recipe contributor Sheree Swistun, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Glazed Apple Pie Bars

Need Thanksgiving dessert ideas that serve a crowd? These apple pie bars make enough to serve two dozen! That’s perfect for a big party—or for you to enjoy leftovers all Thanksgiving weekend long.

“This is only one of many wonderful recipes that my mother handed down to me. With their flaky crust and scrumptious fruit filling, these delicious bars are the perfect way to serve apple pie to a crowd.” —Recipe contributor Janet English, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cranberry Pecan Upside-Down Cake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Cranberry Pecan Upside-Down Cake

Instead of using pineapple for your upside-down cake, grab a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce. It serves as the perfect fruity base for this cozy recipe.

“At our house, cranberries are a favorite. I made this dessert for the first time in the 1990s. It started out as a pineapple upside-down cake—I just changed a few things around! It keeps and travels well, so it’s perfect for taking to church dinners. And we love to share it with our son and grandchildren.” —Recipe contributor Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina

Vegan Pecan Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Vegan Pecan Pie

This vegan pecan pie delivers on flavor thanks to plenty of pecans, maple syrup and a splash of vanilla extract.

“This vegan pecan pie has a flaky crust and an ooey-gooey, delicious filling. It’s a special holiday treat. You can replace the pecan halves with additional chopped pecans if you prefer.” —Recipe contributor Echo Tillman, Freeport, Florida

Praline Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Pumpkin and pecan come together to create this delightful hybrid pie. With a gingerbread and pecan crust, it is the epitome of the Thanksgiving season.

“My husband and I are not big fans of traditional pumpkin pie, however my mother and others are. Because of this, we must have pumpkin pie as one of the desserts at Thanksgiving. I decided to meet everyone halfway with this recipe, and it was a hit. Now I bring it to Thanksgiving every year. My mother doesn’t even feel the need to bake her own pumpkin pie.” —Recipe contributor Emily Reese, Glade Hill, Virginia

Honey Gingerbread Trifle Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Honey Gingerbread Trifle

This delicious trifle is based on honey-imbued gingerbread. Like other trifles, it can be assembled in advance—perfect for Thanksgiving when the kitchen is busy the day of.

“My husband’s grandma made the most amazing honey gingerbread. It’s wonderful all on its own, but when you add it to a trifle, your guests are sure to ask for the recipe.” —Recipe contributor Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

Apple Crostata Recipe photo by Julia Hartbeck for Taste Recipes

Caramel Apple Galette

What’s easier than pie? A galette! This dessert has all the pie components without the fuss of crimping that just-right crust.

“Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping.” —Recipe contributor Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas

Gingersnap-Pumpkin Dessert Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Gingersnap-Pumpkin Dessert

These bars are subtly sweet with a hint of ginger spices. You’ll want to give this enough time to cool down, so plan accordingly.

“I’ve never quite gotten the hang of making a good pie crust. So I came up with this recipe featuring a cake mix crust. The creamy filling pairs well with the crunchy topping.” —Recipe contributor Brigitte Mazure, Wheeling, West Virginia

Contest-Winning Chocolate Potato Cake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Contest-Winning Chocolate Potato Cake

We know that potatoes are an essential part of Thanksgiving dinner, but this recipe proves that they have a spot on your dessert spread too! Potatoes add moisture to this contest-winning cake, which makes it wonderfully lush and delicious.

“I won grand champion honors in a potato festival baking contest with this moist chocolate cake. The icing recipe can be doubled if you have a real sweet tooth.” —Recipe contributor Catherine Hahn, Winamac, Indiana

Layered Mocha Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Layered Mocha Cheesecake

End the holiday night with a kick of caffeine from this rave-worthy cheesecake. Oreos make the crust, while coffee granules provide the caffeine and coffee flavors. The cheesecake is then topped with a sweet chocolate glaze to tie it all together.

“In my search for the perfect mocha cheesecake, I ended up combining a few of my favorite recipes to create this delicious version. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate!” —Recipe contributor Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Apple-Walnut Bread Pudding

Got day-old bread sitting on the counter? You can turn it into a delicious fall bread pudding. When folded together with a custardy base, apples and nuts, that old loaf is totally transformed and totally irresistible.

“Bread pudding is one of those desserts you 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.” —Recipe contributor Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma

Mini Sweet Potato Pies Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Mini Sweet Potato Pies

Skip the slicing! These bite-sized pies pack all the flavor of a traditional sweet potato pie, but they’re baked in mini muffin tins!

“My son Levi was only 2 years old when he helped me create this delicious recipe, and it was the first time he told me “I love you!” I’ll always remember making these with him.” —Recipe contributor Emily Butler, South Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Classic Pound Cake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Pound Cake

Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle

Rustic cast-iron Thanksgiving desserts always hit the spot after a big feast. This skillet buckle is ultra cozy when enjoyed straight from the oven. Our Test Kitchen recommends enjoying it with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

“My grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I’ve adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel.” —Recipe contributor Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri

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Flourless Chocolate Cake

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Pumpkin Cheesecake

This pumpkin cheesecake is perfect for beginners because even if the cake cracks (a common cheesecake mistake), the smooth sour cream topping will cover any errors. And, of course, this Thanksgiving dessert tastes delicious.

“When I was young we produced several ingredients for this longtime favorite on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made our own butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd.” —Recipe contributor Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois

Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding

Besides being a great base for cocktails, amaretto adds a wonderful touch of almond to desserts. This bread pudding uses a splash of this liqueur along with cranberries and white chocolate chips.

“This is an update to a recipe that’s been in our family for three generations. The combination of white chocolate and amaretto mingled with seasonal cranberry is my favorite way to end any celebration’s meal.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Evans DaCastello, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Maple Syrup Pie Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Maple Syrup Pie

Grab your favorite bottle of maple syrup! This sweet recipe lets this ingredient shine. To drive home the theme, top with extra pie crust cut out in maple leaf shapes.

“Folks in New Hampshire apparently appreciate maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire, we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version.” —Recipe contributor Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake

Our Test Kitchen transformed the classic cinnamon-sugar cookie into a creamy cheesecake you won’t be able to resist this Thanksgiving.

“My maternal grandmother preferred sewing and quilting to cooking and baking, but there were some things that she cooked and baked really well. She was the only person I knew who made snickerdoodles, simple but yummy cookies that I’ve always enjoyed. Since cheesecake is my very favorite dessert, I couldn’t resist coming up with one that re-creates those flavors. I think of my grandmother each time I make it. Sometimes I’ll drizzle the slices with maple syrup.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas