Looking for Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie this holiday season? While pie is a beloved classic, there’s a world of delicious dessert options waiting to grace your Thanksgiving table. These 33+ non-pie desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet teeth and add a memorable twist to any Thanksgiving feast.
When you are planning your Thanksgiving menu or Friendsgiving meal, you might be tempted to add a pie or two to the menu.
But perhaps someone in your party just doesn’t love pie. Yes, even apple pie and pumpkin pie. We all know that person who just isn’t about pie.
Or perhaps you are just looking for a real show-stopping dessert that everyone will remember.
Or maybe you think pie crust is a total pain to mess with. (I’ve been in this faction before. I. Get. It.)
Don’t worry — it can still be Thanksgiving without pie, and we’ve got several easy Thanksgiving desserts for you to try.
Pie for dessert on Thanksgiving is a tradition. But why pie? According to Martha Stewart, there are a few reasons for pie’s place on the table.
In the late 18th century, Thanksgiving stopped being a church-based holiday and became a holiday associated with friends and family. Around the same time, there was a wave of immigrants from the United Kingdom arriving in the United States.
Brits are famous for their pies and tarts — they love anything in a crust or pastry shell, from meat to fish to fruit. Many Britons settled in New England, so pie recipes abounded in that area.
Also, baking powder wasn’t invented until the 1940s, and it wasn’t readily available then as it is now. This made baking cakes more challenging, because you had to beat a lot of eggs to get the batter to rise. As a result, home bakers didn’t make a lot of cakes until chemical leaveners reached the shelves.
The last reason pie is beloved at Thanksgiving is thanks to one person: Sarah Josepha Hale, the “godmother of Thanksgiving.” Hale worked as a writer and magazine editor in the early 19th century.
For 17 years, Hale wrote letters to the U.S. presidents, members of Congress and the governor of every state and territory, requesting they make Thanksgiving a national holiday to help unite Americans.
In 1983, President Abraham Lincoln finally declared the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. Hale responded by publishing recipes we still love today: for turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.
Types of Non-Pie Desserts
If you’re ready to think outside the box about Thanksgiving dessert, here are some types of Thanksgiving desserts — that aren’t pie — to consider:
Cakes — those who vote for cake in the great Pie vs. Cake debate will be delighted in a slice of fluffy cake with a delicious frosting at Thanksgiving.
Tarts — are they pies? Maaaaaaybe. Some have traditional pastry crusts, and some don’t. Usually they have a baked or unbaked custard filling.
Cheesecakes — another thing you can slice into wedges is a cheesecake, but it’s not really a pie. These creamy desserts are baked in a springform pan — and sometimes they are no-bake, too. You can always buy one store-bought and top it with sugared cranberries or cranberry sauce.
Cookies — cookies make a great addition to dessert tables, especially for anyone who is too full for a slice of pie.
Dessert bars — think brownies, blondies and, well, pie bars. These are hand-held slices of heaven that are as great for serving on a dessert table as they are on a plate with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Puddings & trifles — desserts with layers of creamy puddings, custards, cookies and crumbles of cake are show-stopping desserts everyone will want a scoop of.
Candy — who said we stop eating candy at Halloween? Fall candies like ____ are great for dessert tables or sending guests home with a sweet snack.
Fresh fruit — this is an easy dessert when paired with homemade whipped cream. It takes little time and adds just a bit of sweetness at the end of your meal.
Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned
Pie-themed Drinks
You can also bring in some pie vibes with drinks that are flavored like pie. Plus, many drinks are sweet so they can also work as dessert.
These drinks go well with pie or any of the below Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie.
Pumpkin Upside Down Cake with a Bourbon Praline Topping
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
Who doesn’t love offering more than one dessert for Thanksgiving dinner that celebrates fall flavors? This time of year is all about sharing, and what better way than with delicious Thanksgiving desserts?
Here are some thoughts for you if you’re hosting this year:
Offer a range of desserts. Everyone has different preferences, so be sure to have a variety of apple, pecan, pumpkin and cranberry choices.
Consider your guests’ dietary preferences. Many desserts contain dairy and gluten, so take caution for anyone with serious allergies or intolerances.
Whipped cream and ice cream pair well with many desserts, so be sure to stock up ahead of time. These are the perfect way to finish many dishes. Drizzles of caramel sauce and chocolate sauce can be a nice garnish, too.
The Best Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie
If you’re skipping the pecan pie and chocolate pudding pie this year, I can’t blame you because there are really so many great options.
Cakes and Cupcakes
Cakes and cupcakes for Thanksgiving may seem strange, but they’re actually a great way to infuse seasonal flavor in a non-pie format.
1
Praline Upside Down Pumpkin Cake with Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Serve Praline Pumpkin Upside Down Cake for Thanksgiving. It fuses seasonal pumpkin flavors and praline sweetness to offer a unique twist on a classic dessert.
Bourbon Maple Bacon Cupcakes are a great Thanksgiving dessert because they combine the rich flavors of bourbon and maple with the smoky, salty goodness of bacon, creating a memorable and indulgent treat.
Upside-Down Cranberry Cake is a fitting addition to any fall feast, as it features the tartness of cranberries and a caramelized topping, which complements the traditional Thanksgiving meal.
This Fresh Apple Cake celebrates the harvest season with the warm, comforting taste of apples, making it a delightful and homey dessert option for Thanksgiving.
Cheesecakes offer the same elegance as a Thanksgiving pie, but in a creamy and delicious format.
5
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownie Bars
These creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownie Bars are an ideal Thanksgiving dessert, as they combine the beloved flavors of pumpkin and cheesecake with a rich brownie base. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie.
This beauty of a Pumpkin Cheesecake is that it is a perfect choice for your fall feast because of its seasonal pumpkin flavor and creamy texture. This cheesecake is the ultimate alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving dessert.
Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes are a great addition to a Thanksgiving menu. This dessert merges the classic flavors of pecan pie with a rich cheesecake in one bite-sized treat. And as an added bonus, these cheesecakes are grain- and gluten-free!
These brownies, blondies and bars have all the best flavors of Thanksgiving pie, but you can eat them with your hands. You could serve them warm with ice cream for a delicious Thanksgiving sundae, too!
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Apple Pie Bars
Want to make an easy fall-flavored dessert to share? These bite-sized Apple Pie Bars burst with apple flavor and warming spices. Complete with a decadent shortbread crust and a crispy, buttery crumble on top, this Apple Pie Bar recipe is utterly scrumptious and perfect for all occasions.
Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table with these boozy Pecan Pie Bars, which infuse the classic pecan pie with a spirited twist — in a non-pie, bar format.
Add a zesty touch to your Thanksgiving dessert spread with Cranberry Crumb Bars. This recipe combines tart cranberries and sweet crumbly layers for a pie alternative bursting with flavor.
Change up your Thanksgiving dessert menu with a batch of vibrant Orange Cranberry Bars. These bars weave together zesty orange and tangy cranberry flavors in a bar that perfectly complements the traditional holiday menu.
Savor the deliciousness of Classic Brownies as they grace your Thanksgiving dessert selection, boasting rich and decadent chocolate flavors that will satisfy every chocolate lover. You can give this classic dessert a fall twist by adding a layer of pumpkin frosting, mixing a pinch of cinnamon into the batter or adding your favorite nuts to the batter!
These Pumpkin Caramel Cream Cheese Swirl Blondies fuse the festive warmth of pumpkin with the richness of caramel and cream cheese, a fresh take on holiday treats.
Who said you can’t have cookies at Thanksgiving? Try adding them to your Thanksgiving dessert spread… I bet they’ll be gone in no time at all.
15
Bourbon Pecan Tassies
You’ll love these Bourbon Pecan Tassies! They’re an excellent choice for Thanksgiving cookies due to their rich and nutty flavor. A hint of bourbon adds warmth and depth to these pie-like cookies.
Pumpkin Drop Cookies make a great addition to the Thanksgiving menu. Filled with warm pumpkin and finished with a creamy frosting and a sprinkle of spices, they are a delightful alternative to traditional pie.
Snickerdoodle Cookies are a classic option for the holidays. Their signature, comforting cinnamon-sugar coating complements the warm and cozy atmosphere of the Thanksgiving holiday.
These are desserts the kids can help to make. From no-bake recipes to ones they can help decorate, these kid-friendly desserts are great for any occasion throughout the fall season, too.
18
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats combine the fun and chewy crunch of the classic cereal treats with seasonal pumpkin spice flavors. Kids can help make these with adult supervision, but they’ll love eating them more.
Peanut butter pie lovers should serve these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars. They’re a convenient and child-friendly dessert for Thanksgiving, as they offer a simple and tasty treat that requires no baking.
Kids will love rolling out and decorating these colorful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies. They capture the essence of the season in a familiar and easy-to-enjoy cookie form, perfect for children to eat with their hands and participate in the holiday baking fun.
Who wouldn't love a tart or a crisp at their Thanksgiving dessert table? Serve these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a healthy dollop of whipped cream to really bring them over the top.
21
Apple Crumble
This classic Apple Crumble has the most delicious pecan crumble topping and would fly off the table when warm at the Thanksgiving dessert able. This comforting dessert combines a seasonal favorite flavor and irresistable crunch.
This delicious and colorful Creamy Cranberry Tart makes a festive addition to Thanksgiving. With its rich cranberry flavors, creamy texture and beautiful pink color, it offers a unique twist on traditional pie for the holiday.
Apple Crisp is a perfect choice for Thanksgiving because it features the comforting taste of baked apples and apple pie. With a crumbly topping, it really delivers as a classic and heartwarming dessert. Serve it with ice cream for the ultimate presentation.
Puff Pastry Apple Tarts are a delightful option for Thanksgiving. They’re easier than apple pie, while still showcasing sweet, spiced apples with the flakiness of puff pastry.
Who doesn't love a cool and creamy dessert for the holidays? These offer unique, creamy flavors and texture to the Thanksgiving dessert table.
25
Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Caramel Bread Pudding is a great non-pie Thanksgiving dessert. It offers a comforting, custardy treat with a rich caramel sauce, providing a warm and indulgent option for the holiday.
These individual servings of Nutella Mousse make a great addition to the dessert table. This luscious, creamy, chocolate hazelnut mousse is a delightful departure from traditional pies.
No pumpkin pie? Pie not try Pumpkin Trifles instead? With layers of pumpkin goodness, whipped cream and pumpkin bread, these are a superb alternative to regular pie. Guests will love this festive and adorable dessert.
Perhaps you aren’t here for making a big ol’ pie, but your party might be into these miniature versions. I thought I’d include them in case you want something pie-adjacent. 😉
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Mini Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pies
These Mini Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pies are perfect Thanksgiving desserts because they are a delightful and bite-sized twist on a traditional favorite.
Hand pies are pies you can hold in your hand! The best kind, if you ask me. These Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Hand Pies infuse the essence of bourbon and chocolate into a hand-held, pastry-encased pecan pie. These will go fast.
These mini Apple Roses are a lovely option for Thanksgiving desserts. Apple slices are coiled in a muffin tin to make an elegant, rose-like presentation. Serve them with ice cream or whipped cream.
More ideas for you here, in case the previous ones aren't what you are looking for…
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Baked Apples
Baked Apples are a traditional Thanksgiving side, but they are a great dessert too. They offer a warm and comforting treat, stuffed with bacon streusel, providing a unique twist on traditional autumn flavors.
Instead of pie, serve Spiced Cranberry Ice Cream for Thanksgiving dessert. This recipe combines the tangy essence of cranberries with creamy, dreamy ice cream, delivering a refreshing non-pie option for the holiday.
These Rosé Poached Pears are an elegant, sophisticated holiday dessert. Infusing the sweet, wine flavor of rosé into soft, delicate poached pears creates a flavorful alternative to traditional pies.
This smooth and creamy Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream is a great non-pie dessert option for Thanksgiving. It captures the classic flavor of pumpkin pie in a cool and creamy ice cream form, an icy twist on the traditional holiday dessert.
Instead of or alongside dessert, set up a Hot Chocolate Board. This creative dessert station offers a customizable experience for every guest, making it a festive and interactive treat for the holiday gathering. Be sure to add lots of seasonal mix-ins, like cinnamon whiskey, pumpkin pie spice or Nutella.
Pie became a Thanksgiving tradition due to various historical factors, including the influence of British immigrants who loved pies, limited cake-making ingredients in the late 18th century, and the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday, along with her publication of beloved Thanksgiving recipes, including pumpkin pie.
What are some Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie?
For Thanksgiving, you can make a wide range of desserts that aren’t considered pie, including cakes, cookies, brownies, bars, tarts, crisps, cobblers, puddings, mousse and trifles. Choose desserts with traditional Thanksgiving flavors like pumpkin, pecan, cranberry, sweet potato, ginger, cinnamon, caramel or chocolate.
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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