I love the turkey and all the sides, but let's be honest: dessert is what I'm really waiting for. These 8 easy Thanksgiving desserts are the perfect way to wrap up your feast. From pies to cakes to the cutest little cupcakes, there's something here for every single craving at your table.
1. Mini Cranberry Orange Upside Down Cakes
You've probably had pineapple upside-down cake before, but these little cranberry orange versions are a whole different story. They're beautiful and perfectly sized for a simple single-serve presentation. But don't let the small size fool you because the flavor is huge. Each one is just bursting with bright cranberry and citrus goodness.
2. Turkey Cupcakes
If you need a fun holiday project to keep the kids busy, this is it. These little turkey cupcakes are completely charming and so much fun to put together. There's no baking involved at all, which makes them the easiest Thanksgiving dessert ever. Just grab some store-bought frosted cupcakes and decorate them with Nutter Butters, candy eyeballs, Reese's Pieces, candy corn, and sprinkles.
3. Caramel Pecan Bundt Cake
Bundt cakes aren't always the first thing you think of for Thanksgiving, but this one deserves a spot on your table. It gets topped with a brown sugar caramel glaze and chopped pecans, so it fits right in with all the holiday classics. Even though it looks super elegant, it's actually pretty easy to make. You start with a boxed cake mix, which keeps things simple.
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
When it comes to holiday desserts, you really can never have too much pumpkin. So let's end this list with one more pumpkin treat. These pumpkin cheesecake bars are rich, indulgent, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. They look just as good as they taste, with an elegant appearance that makes them perfect for even the fanciest holiday dinner.
5. Apple Crisp Cheesecake
This creamy cheesecake gets topped with cinnamon apples, caramel sauce, and a buttery crumble topping. It takes everything you love about cheesecake and everything you love about apple crisp and puts them together in one amazing dessert. All your favorite fall flavors are packed right in there. Serve it with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle for the perfect finishing touch.
6. Apple Pie Cupcakes
Apple pie in cupcake form, how adorable is that? These start with a cinnamon roll base and get filled with apple pie filling, then finished with a crisp walnut brown sugar topping. It's impossible not to love them. They're gorgeous, delicious, and just plain fun to eat.
7. Crustless Cranberry Pie
Here's proof that you do not need a crust to make a pie that totally wows. This festive treat is somewhere between a pie, a cake, and a blondie, and it gets your taste buds dancing. I love how it finds that perfect sweet and tart balance. And skipping the crust means it's a little lighter than your usual pie, which honestly feels like a win.
8. Pumpkin Chocolate Cake
This cake is absolutely stunning, and in the right setting, it can even feel a little spooky. The bold pumpkin and chocolate flavors make it perfect for Thanksgiving. But honestly, you could just as easily make this black and orange beauty for Halloween. No matter the occasion, people are going to love it.
