12 Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie? Yep, you read that right—and before you go thinking I’ve lost my mind or my manners, hear me out. I love a good slice of pie as much as the next person—maybe even more. Apple, pumpkin, pecan… they’ve got a firm place at the Thanksgiving table, no doubt about it. But what happens when your guests are pied out, or maybe just not into crusts and fillings? What if you want to shake things up a bit and surprise your crowd with something unexpected, something memorable?
That’s exactly what sparked this list. It started with my youngest tugging on my apron, asking, “Mama, can we have something not pie this year?” I laughed at first, but then I got to thinking… maybe there’s room on that dessert table for a few curveballs—recipes that bring all the warm, cozy holiday flavors without the flaky crust.
So whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just looking to spice up your holiday menu with a few new ideas, I’ve rounded up 12 Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie—but still have all the wow, warmth, and wonder of the season. We’re talking creamy, crunchy, spiced, nutty, chocolatey, and downright dreamy.
Ready to break tradition in the sweetest way? Let’s dig in.
Table of contents
- 12 Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie: Essential Ingredients & Key Elements
- 12 Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie: Step-by-Step Sweet Inspirations
- 1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- 2. Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel
- 3. Pecan Praline Bread Pudding
- 4. Cranberry Orange Cake
- 5. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread
- 6. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Truffles
- 7. Sweet Potato Custard Cups
- 8. Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
- 9. Molasses Spice Cookies
- 10. Pumpkin Tiramisu
- 11. Butterscotch Pudding with Whipped Cream
- 12. No-Bake Pumpkin Cream Pie Cups
- 12 Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie: Frequently Asked Questions
- 12 Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie: Storage and Preservation Tips
- Final Thoughts
12 Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie: Essential Ingredients & Key Elements
When we talk about 12 Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie, we’re not just tossing out random recipes. We’re crafting treats that still bring all the flavors of fall—think cinnamon, maple, toasted nuts, warm spices, tart cranberries, and creamy pumpkin—but without the pressure of mastering a crust.
Before you get baking, here are the key elements and ingredients that show up again and again in these crowd-pleasing desserts.
Warm Spices That Say “Thanksgiving”
No matter the dessert, if it’s going on your Thanksgiving table, it needs to taste like the season. That’s where these flavor-makers shine:
- Cinnamon: The backbone of any fall dessert—add it generously to cookies, cakes, or puddings.
- Nutmeg & Allspice: Just a pinch adds complexity. These are the quiet heroes of spiced treats.
- Ginger: Use fresh or ground. It gives warmth and a little kick, perfect in custards and loaves.
- Cloves: A little goes a long way. It deepens flavors in molasses cookies and spice cakes.
Rich, Cozy Base Ingredients
The heart of any good Thanksgiving dessert is comfort. These ingredients help you build it:
- Pumpkin Purée: Still a classic, even outside of pie. Try it in Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze for a perfectly moist, spiced loaf.
- Sweet Potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes can transform into creamy custards or dense cakes.
- Apples & Pears: Baked, sautéed, or stewed—these fruits bring just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
- Cranberries: Tart and punchy, they’re amazing in cakes, crisps, and bars.
- Maple Syrup & Brown Sugar: Richer than white sugar, these sweeteners give desserts a deep, caramelized flavor.
Texture is Everything
Pie may have cornered the crust market, but don’t sleep on texture in other forms:
- Toasted Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds bring crunch and nuttiness—try them in toppings or crust substitutes.
- Crumbles and Crisps: Think baked fruit topped with oats, sugar, and butter—homey and endlessly adaptable.
- Cream Cheese & Whipped Cream: Essential for cheesecakes, frostings, and light-as-air mousse cups.
Tools of the Trade
While most of these desserts are easier than traditional pies, having the right tools still makes a difference.
- 9×13 Baking Dish: Great for bars, crumbles, and slab cakes.
- Springform Pan: A must if you’re making a cheesecake.
- Mixing Bowls & Electric Mixer: Most desserts here involve batters or whipped toppings—save your arms!
- Spice Grinder or Microplane: For fresh spices or zesting citrus to add brightness.
Pro Tip: Plan for Balance
Don’t overload your table with only creamy or heavy sweets. Aim for a mix—maybe one chocolate dessert, one fruit-based, and one light or airy option. That way, there’s something for every sweet tooth at your gathering.
So now that we’ve laid the foundation with all the essential flavors and textures, are you ready to explore the desserts that bring it all together—without needing a pie crust?
12 Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie: Step-by-Step Sweet Inspirations
When you’re building a dessert table that doesn’t rely on pie, you want each treat to shine with its own personality. Below, I’ll walk you through each of these 12 Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie—step by step—so you can decide which ones deserve a spot next to the turkey this year.
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
A creamy alternative to pumpkin pie, these bars pack all that spiced pumpkin flavor on a graham cracker crust.
How to Make It:
- Make a simple crust with crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese until fluffy, then add sugar, eggs, pumpkin purée, vanilla, and spices.
- Pour over the crust, bake until set, and chill overnight.
- Slice into bars and top with whipped cream.
Pro Tip: Add a maple glaze drizzle for that sweet, sticky finish.
2. Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel
Warm, buttery apples baked under a golden, crunchy topping—this one screams fall comfort.
How to Make It:
- Slice apples, toss with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of flour.
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for the crisp topping.
- Bake until bubbling and golden. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t slice apples too thin—they’ll turn mushy instead of tender.
3. Pecan Praline Bread Pudding
This is the dessert that hugs you back. Rich custard, soft bread, and a pecan topping that caramelizes in the oven.
How to Make It:
- Cube day-old brioche or challah bread.
- Make a custard with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla.
- Pour over bread, let it soak, top with chopped pecans and brown sugar.
- Bake until puffed and golden.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the middle is jiggly after baking, cover with foil and bake 10 more minutes.
4. Cranberry Orange Cake
Tart cranberries and bright citrus keep this loaf light and festive, with just enough sweetness.
How to Make It:
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, oil, orange zest, and juice.
- Fold in fresh cranberries and bake in a loaf pan.
- Finish with an orange glaze.
Expert Tip: Toss cranberries in a spoonful of flour before adding—they won’t all sink.
5. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread
A moist, spiced classic—get our full recipe for Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Bread and top it with a maple glaze for that perfect finish
How to Make It:
- Whisk pumpkin purée with brown sugar, eggs, and oil.
- Add flour, baking soda, salt, and all your favorite fall spices.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake.
- Drizzle with a glaze of maple syrup and powdered sugar once cooled.
Optional Add-In: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
6. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Truffles
These little bites are decadent and boozy with a Southern soul.
How to Make It:
- Pulse vanilla wafers, cocoa, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and a splash of bourbon.
- Roll into balls and coat with more chopped nuts or cocoa powder.
- Chill until firm.
Pro Tip: Make ahead and store in the fridge—they get better with time.
7. Sweet Potato Custard Cups
Like mini pies without the crust. Silky smooth, baked in ramekins, and topped with spiced whipped cream.
How to Make It:
- Blend mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, milk, brown sugar, and warm spices.
- Pour into buttered ramekins and bake in a water bath.
- Cool, then top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip the water bath—it ensures even baking and prevents cracking.
8. Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
Think pineapple upside-down cake but swap in apples and gooey caramel.
How to Make It:
- Cook sliced apples with butter and brown sugar in a skillet.
- Pour simple vanilla cake batter on top.
- Bake, then flip onto a plate while still warm.
Expert Trick: Line the pan bottom with parchment for an easy flip.
9. Molasses Spice Cookies
Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced—these cookies taste like Thanksgiving in every bite.
How to Make It:
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in molasses and eggs.
- Add flour, baking soda, and warm spices.
- Roll dough in sugar and bake until crackly.
Storage Tip: Keep in an airtight tin to stay chewy for days.
10. Pumpkin Tiramisu
A no-bake showstopper. Or if you’re craving an even creamier pumpkin experience, don’t miss this chilled indulgence: Baklava Ice Cream with rich Mediterranean flavor could make a unique twist on tradition.
How to Make It:
- Mix pumpkin purée with mascarpone, sugar, cinnamon, and whipped cream.
- Dip ladyfingers in coffee and layer with pumpkin cream.
- Chill overnight.
Twist to Try: Swap espresso for spiced chai for an extra fall flavor punch.
11. Butterscotch Pudding with Whipped Cream
Rich, creamy, and deeply nostalgic, this pudding is an old-school favorite made new again.
How to Make It:
- Cook butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, and milk until thick.
- Temper in egg yolks, then cook until smooth and silky.
- Chill and serve topped with whipped cream and crushed toffee.
Pro Tip: Strain your pudding for that ultra-smooth finish.
12. No-Bake Pumpkin Cream Pie Cups
All the pie vibes—zero baking. These are easy to assemble and perfect for making ahead.
How to Make It:
- Layer crushed gingersnaps with pumpkin mousse (pumpkin, cream cheese, whipped cream, spices).
- Alternate layers in cups or jars.
- Chill and top with whipped cream and cookie crumbles.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Let little ones build their own cups—they’ll love the assembly line!
12 Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie: Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of delicious alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving pies! Think pumpkin cheesecake bars, apple crisps, bread pudding, cranberry-orange loaf cake, sweet potato custards, or even spiced cookies. These desserts offer all the warm, seasonal flavors without requiring a crust, making them easier to prep—and just as impressive to serve.
Absolutely. In fact, many of these pie-free desserts are perfect for prepping in advance. Cheesecake bars, bread pudding, truffles, and no-bake parfaits can all be made a day or two early. Cookies and loaf cakes often taste even better the next day. Just store them properly, and you’ll thank yourself on the big day.
Try flourless chocolate cake, no-bake pumpkin mousse cups, or cranberry-orange parfaits layered with gluten-free granola. Apple crisps made with gluten-free oats and almond flour are another hit. Always double-check ingredient labels, especially for mix-ins and thickeners.
Balance is key. Serve a mix of textures and flavors: pair rich items like bread pudding with lighter options like citrusy cakes or fruit-based crisps. Individual portions (like mini trifles or pudding cups) also help guests enjoy a sweet finish without going overboard.
Definitely! No-bake pumpkin cream cups are fun for little hands to assemble, while soft molasses cookies and chocolate truffles are easy to eat and universally loved. You can also turn apple crisps or pudding cups into mini desserts in jars—perfect for small servings and tiny spoons.
12 Thanksgiving Desserts that Aren’t Pie: Storage and Preservation Tips
You’ve spent time prepping a gorgeous array of Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie, and the last thing you want is for them to go stale or soggy before your guests even get a bite. Luckily, many of these treats are not only easy to store, they often taste better the next day. Here’s how to keep them fresh, flavorful, and ready for that second (or third) helping.
Room Temperature Storage (Up to 2 Days)
Some desserts are best left out on the counter—just covered well to prevent drying out:
- Molasses Spice Cookies – Store in an airtight tin or cookie jar.
- Loaf Cakes (like Cranberry Orange or Pumpkin Bread) – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Slice as you go to keep them moist.
- Apple Crisp – Can be kept covered with foil at room temp for 1–2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Pro Tip: Avoid storing anything near the stove or sunny windows—heat can dry them out fast.
Refrigerator Storage (3–5 Days)
Chilled desserts like cheesecakes, custards, and creamy parfaits do best in the fridge:
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars & Sweet Potato Custards – Store in airtight containers or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
- Bread Pudding – Let cool fully, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven with a splash of milk to bring back moisture.
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cups & Tiramisu – These set better overnight and are even more flavorful the next day.
Tip for Best Texture: Bring desserts like cheesecake and custards to room temp for 15–20 minutes before serving. The flavors shine better that way.
Freezer-Friendly Options (Up to 3 Months)
Yes—you can make some of these ahead and freeze them!
- Pumpkin Bread & Cranberry Loaf – Wrap tightly in two layers (plastic wrap + foil). Slice before freezing for easy thaw-and-serve portions.
- Cookies & Truffles – Store in freezer-safe bags with parchment between layers. Thaw on the counter or serve frozen for a firmer texture.
Avoid Freezing: Creamy custards or desserts with whipped toppings already applied—they tend to separate or become grainy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt boxed in by the idea that Thanksgiving dessert has to mean pie, I hope this post gives you a fresh perspective—and maybe even a little inspiration to mix things up. These 12 Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie still bring all the nostalgia, spice, and sweetness we crave this time of year, just with a twist. They’re the kind of recipes that make people pause, take a second bite, and ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their plate.
And honestly, isn’t that what good holiday food is all about? Not perfection. Not tradition for tradition’s sake. But flavor, warmth, and moments shared around the table with people you love.
So whether you stick with your grandma’s pecan pie or try something totally new like a cranberry-orange loaf or pumpkin tiramisu, just remember—it’s not about skipping pie. It’s about adding something a little extra to your feast. Something unexpected. Something that just might become a new tradition.
Happy baking, and even happier Thanksgiving!
Explore even more delicious creations and seasonal inspiration on Pinterest.