24 Thanksgiving Desserts That Go Beyond Pumpkin Pie

Looking for some new and tasty dessert ideas to make your holiday meal extra special? These recipes are a fun take on traditional sweets, giving them a creative and delicious update. Each one is sure to impress your family and friends with its great flavor and look. They are simple to put together but feel really special for a big dinner. You will find a wonderful new favorite to add to your menu this year.

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Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting {From Scratch}

A slice of carrot cake with creamy icing and walnut pieces on top, served on a white plate. A fork rests nearby on a wooden table, with a small bowl of additional walnuts in the background. — Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting {From Scratch}. Photo credit: The Peasant’s Daughter.

A soft and spiced Pumpkin Cake is covered in a smooth cream cheese frosting. This from-scratch cake is a classic dessert that always feels special.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting {From Scratch}

Pumpkin Tamales

These sweet Pumpkin Tamales are filled with warm spices and a smooth pumpkin filling. They are a unique and special dessert that is steamed inside corn husks.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Tamales

Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse (with Cool Whip)

Glass bowls filled with creamy pumpkin mousse, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spices, displayed on a table. Cinnamon sticks are placed nearby, adding a decorative touch to the autumnal dessert setting. — Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse (with Cool Whip). Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

This Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse is light, fluffy, and very simple to make. It has a smooth pumpkin flavor that is perfect for a quick and tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse (with Cool Whip)

Pumpkin Empanadas

A sweet pumpkin filling is wrapped inside a flaky, golden crust for these Pumpkin Empanadas. They are a wonderful handheld dessert that is both warm and comforting.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Empanadas

Cranberry and Orange Cheesecake Cups

A glass dessert dish filled with a creamy white and pink swirled mousse-like dessert. A bowl of red cherries is partially visible in the background on a white surface. — Cranberry and Orange Cheesecake Cups. Photo credit: Life Around The Table.

These cheesecake cups mix tangy cranberry with a bright orange flavor for a refreshing treat. They are light, creamy, and look very pretty in individual servings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Orange Cheesecake Cups

Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake (with cake mix)

Pumpkin tres leches topped with whipped cream and served on a white plate. — Pumpkin Pastel de Tres Leches. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

A Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake is incredibly moist because it soaks up a sweet three-milk mixture. The pumpkin flavor makes it a rich and special dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pastel de Tres Leches

Pumpkin Lush

A rectangular dessert with creamy white frosting topped with pecan pieces and caramel drizzle in a glass dish. Nearby are a bowl of pecans and a small pitcher of syrup on a white surface. — Pumpkin Lush. Photo credit: Zen and Honey.

Pumpkin Lush is a layered dessert with a crumbly crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and fluffy topping. It is a no-bake treat that is both light and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Lush

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting

A close-up of several pumpkin spice cupcakes with swirled cajeta frosting and caramel drizzle, arranged on a dark surface. A pine cone, a large pumpkin, and a mason jar with sauce are in the background. The scene has a cozy autumnal atmosphere. — Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting. Photo by Mama Maggies Kitchen.

Soft Pumpkin Cupcakes are topped with a sweet and gooey caramel frosting called cajeta. They are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for sharing.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin cupcakes with cajeta frosting

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Pumpkin Chocolate Chipe Bread sliced and on a cooling rack. — Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is moist, sweet, and packed with melty chocolate chips. It is a simple and delicious treat that is great for dessert.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Mini Pecan Pie Bites

Mini phyllo pastry cups filled with a pecan mixture, some topped with whipped cream, arranged on a white platter. — Mini Pecan Pie Bites. Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

All the classic flavor of a pecan pie is packed into these Mini Pecan Pie Bites. They have a gooey, sweet filling and a crispy crust.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pecan Pie Bites

Pumpkin Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)

Pumpkin Arroz con Leche served in a glass cup topped with raisins and a cinnamon stick to the side. — Pumpkin Arroz con Leche. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This creamy Pumpkin Arroz con Leche is a cozy twist on a classic rice pudding. The warm pumpkin and spices make it a very comforting dessert.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Arroz con Leche

Crustless Apple Pie (Swedish Apple Pie)

A freshly baked dessert in a round dish with a golden brown crust, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. Cinnamon sticks are placed beside the dish, accompanied by a striped cloth. Two spoons are inserted into the dessert. — Crustless Apple Pie (Swedish Apple Pie). Photo credit: Elle & Pear.

A Crustless Apple Pie is filled with soft, warm apples and a sweet, cake-like topping. It is an easy dessert that lets the apple flavor shine.
Get the Recipe: Crustless Apple Pie (Swedish Apple Pie)

Pumpkin Coconut Pie

A pie with a woven lattice crust is topped with cream and garnished with pumpkin seeds around the edges. It rests on a table with autumn flowers and a knit cloth nearby. — Pumpkin Coconut Pie. Photo credit: Live to Sweet.

Shredded coconut mixed into the filling gives this Pumpkin Coconut Pie a delicious and tropical twist. It is a creamy and unexpected dessert that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Coconut Pie

Camotes Enmielados (Candied Sweet Potatoes)

A white bowl contains several chunks of cooked Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes. A spoon rests beside the sweet potatoes in the bowl. The bowl is placed on a patterned cloth napkin, and a few whole black peppercorns are visible on the wooden surface next to the napkin. — Camotes Enmielados. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

For Camotes Enmielados, sweet potatoes are cooked in a sweet syrup until they are tender and glazed. This creates a wonderfully sticky and flavorful side dish or dessert.
Get the recipe: Camotes enmielados

Easy Butternut Squash Baked Donut – Sweet Fix Baker

A black plate holds a stack of cinnamon sugar-coated baked donuts. The donuts have a golden-brown color and a hint of sugar sparkle on their surfaces. The plate is set on a dark, textured surface, and other baking items are partially visible in the background. — Easy Butternut Squash Baked Donut – Sweet Fix Baker. Photo credit: Sweet Fix Baker.

These baked donuts are soft, fluffy, and get their great flavor from butternut squash. They are a lighter treat that is full of warm spices.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Baked Donut – Sweet Fix Baker

Blueberry and Apple Crumble

Three servings of berry crumble are shown. Two bowls are filled with golden crumble mixed with dark berries, one topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A larger dish of crumble is partially visible, all set on a white surface. — Blueberry and Apple Crumble. Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

A sweet Blueberry and Apple Crumble has a crunchy, buttery topping over soft, baked fruit. It is a simple and comforting dessert that is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry and Apple Crumble

Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake

A close-up of a round cake topped with chopped nuts. A knife is partially inserted, cutting a slice from the cake, which is displayed on a wooden surface. The rich texture and warm tones suggest a caramel or chocolate drizzle. — Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake. Photo credit: The Peasant’s Daughter.

This Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake is moist and packed with pieces of sweet apple. It is a simple, rustic cake that is very comforting.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Close-up of cinnamon sugar sandwich cookies filled with cream, stacked on a cooling rack. The cookies are golden brown, dusted with sugar and cinnamon, with visible creamy white filling. — Apple Cider Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Zen and Honey.

Soft, cakey cookies with an apple cider taste are sandwiched around a creamy filling for these Whoopie Pies. They are a fun and festive handheld dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

No Bake Pecan Pie Dip

A round platter with cream cheese topped with caramel and pecans. Surrounding the platter are slices of red apples and golden crackers, neatly arranged on a wooden board. — No Bake Pecan Pie Dip. Photo credit: Modern Honey.

This No Bake Pecan Pie Dip has all the sweet, buttery flavor of the classic pie. You can scoop it up with graham crackers or apple slices for a easy treat.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pecan Pie Dip

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a slice of pumpkin cake with creamy white frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, surrounded by other slices on a parchment paper background. The cake appears moist and fluffy, with a rich, autumnal color. — Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

These Pumpkin Bars are moist and spiced, topped with a layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. They are an easy dessert to make for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pie is being lifted from a whole pie. The pie has a golden, flaky crust and is topped with a crumbly pecan streusel. In the background, there is a small bowl filled with pecans on a wooden table. — Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

The addition of apple butter makes this Pumpkin Pie especially smooth and rich. It is a delicious combination of two classic fall flavors in one dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Spice Affogato

A glass mug of creamy coffee sits on a wooden board. A spoon is dipped into the drink, and coffee beans are scattered around the board, creating a cozy and inviting scene. — Pumpkin Spice Affogato. Photo credit: Cooking with Wine Blog.

A Pumpkin Spice Affogato is made by pouring hot espresso over creamy vanilla ice cream and pumpkin spice. It is a warm and cool coffee dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Affogato

Apple Shortcake

A dessert consisting of layers of cream-filled pastry topped with caramel sauce is served on a white plate. A fork lies beside the plate. The background includes yellow flowers, dried grass, and apples, contributing to an autumnal theme. — Apple Shortcake. Photo credit: Live to Sweet.

Tender shortcake biscuits are split and filled with warm, sweet apple filling for this dessert. This Apple Shortcake is a fruity and delicious end to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Shortcake

Pumpkin Pie without Evaporated Milk

A top view of a pumpkin pie with creamy white topping and sprinkled nuts. One slice is cut and partially removed. The pie sits on a clear glass dish, surrounded by whipped cream and chopped nuts in small bowls on a marbled surface. — Pumpkin Pie without Evaporated Milk. Photo credit: Sunglow Kitchen.

This version of Pumpkin Pie is rich and smooth without using any evaporated milk. It has all the classic, comforting flavor that makes this dessert a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie without Evaporated Milk