Thanksgiving dessert often means pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, or apple pie. Those are classics for a reason, but that does not mean that’s all you have. You can offer up other options for your final Thanksgiving course that are better suited to your menu, offer up different portions or presentations, or options that are mind-blowingly delicious and decadent.
None of those options mean you have to sacrifice the ease you need from a Thanksgiving dessert. With all the things being prepared, including food and decor, you don’t want to waste time on a dessert that takes away time or energy from other things. With these desserts, you get all of the decadence and all of the ease.
What makes a good Thanksgiving dessert?
A good Thanksgiving dessert is easy to prepare so that you can focus on as much as you need. It is also easy to store and serve to guests. Most importantly, a Thanksgiving dessert is amazing enough to cap off a show-stopping meal.
Thanksgiving desserts also need to play well with the season and the menu. This means leaning into seasonal fruits, spices, and popular flavors. Think apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, caramel, spice, and all things rich and warm.
Don’t be afraid to branch out this Thanksgiving, even if it’s in addition to your usual pumpkin pie! Take a look at these decadent desserts that will make a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table.
1. Cranberry, Orange, & Chocolate Pavlova
Pavlova’s have gotten a reputation for being hard somehow, but they aren’t. You just cannot rush through them. With a little patience, you can make Thanksgiving dinner feel like a Michelin-star restaurant with these flavorful little bites.
2. Sweet Potato and Cream Cheese Danishes
Perfectly flaky and sweet, perfectly poppable, and perfectly easy, these are the perfect option for a Thanksgiving dessert. These sweet treats only take a few ingredients and a few minutes of your time but deliver an exceptionally decadent, warm and cozy treat.
3. Black Forest Trifle
Decadence can be in the looks of a dessert, but also in the taste. Black forest cake is deep and rich and always gives the feeling of decadence without heaviness, especially in these individual trifle sizes.
4. Brown Sugar Chai Cake
Thanksgiving desserts are supposed to be warm and cozy, and the embodiment of fall, which is exactly what this cake is. Full of warm spicy flavors perfectly balanced with sweetness, this cake will have guests wanting thirds.
5. Pumpkin Panna Cotta
By looks alone, this one may look a little intimidating, but don’t shy away, it is deceptively easy. The flavors stick close to the classics with the cream pumpkin flavor. These can also be prepared ahead of time to save you some trouble on Thanksgiving day.
6. Espresso Bourbon Bread Pudding
Rich, bold flavors of espresso and bourbon paired with a cozy classic bread pudding make for a delicious dessert that is bound to be a new family favorite.
7. Apple Cider Donut Cake
Anything better than an apple cider donut after a day of apple picking? How about an apple cider donut cake, coated in a sweet, salted caramel glaze after a day with family and friends? All of the familiarity and comfort but better.
8. Pumpkin Creme Brûlée
There is not much more decadent than a Creme Brulee but this one manages to step it up even more. The pumpkin addition makes it a perfect option for personal Thanksgiving desserts.
9. Salted Bourbon Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
You, or your guests, won’t believe how easy this cake is when you are indulging in the end result. Salty, sweet, warm, and rich all rolled into one is this cake that feels like it could be for breakfast, lunch, or dessert.
10. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits
It does not get much easier than these cheesecake parfaits. The no-bake desserts can be made in individual portions and they store well. Even better, these sweet treats taste like all the best parts of fall, perfect for an easy Thanksgiving dessert.
11. Poached Pear Cardamom Cakes
The look of these alone is enough to make someone stop in their tracks. Individual small, spiced sweet cakes are topped with delicious pears that have been poached in white wine, offering a complex, but well-balanced flavor.
12. Pumpkin Dream Cupcakes with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting
Cupcakes can get left out of the discussion when talking about decadent desserts, but that is definitely not going to happen with these. These sweet, soft cupcakes are topped with a super creamy, espresso cream cheese frosting that is unbelievable.
Don’t shy away from the luxury and decadence this Thanksgiving, instead choose one of these options to make an easy transition from the easy classics to the easy new favorites.
Be a gracious host during the holiday season and check out these posts.
