10+ Unique Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes to Delight Your Guests

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for family and friends to come together and share in good food. While traditional desserts like pumpkin pie are always a hit, you might want to try something different this year. Unique Thanksgiving dessert recipes can elevate your holiday meal and impress your guests with flavors they may not expect.

From cakes to tarts, there are many creative options to explore. You can incorporate seasonal ingredients and delightful combinations that will make your dessert table stand out. Experimenting with new recipes can add an exciting twist to your Thanksgiving celebration.

1) Cranberry Raspberry Upside Down Cake

This Cranberry Raspberry Upside Down Cake is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. It features a beautiful layer of tart cranberries and sweet raspberries on top of a rich cake.

The combination of flavors is truly special. The fruit adds a nice balance to the buttery cake made with almond flour. It’s a treat everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter and mix with sugar in a bowl.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Stir in almond flour and baking powder.
5. Pour mixture into a greased cake pan.
6. Top with cranberries and raspberries.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

2) Pumpkin Tiramisu

Pumpkin tiramisu is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It combines layers of creamy pumpkin mixture with coffee-soaked ladyfingers. This no-bake treat is perfect for your Thanksgiving table.

You will enjoy the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices, making it cozy and festive. The mascarpone cheese adds a smooth touch, while the coffee gives it a warming kick. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 16 oz (450 g) mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) strong coffee, cooled
• 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp (5 g) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (5 g) pumpkin pie spice
• Ladyfingers

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in mascarpone cheese and pumpkin puree.
3. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture.
5. Dip ladyfingers in coffee briefly and layer them in a dish.
6. Spread the pumpkin mixture on top.
7. Repeat layers and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

3) Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Apple cider donut muffins are a delightful treat for Thanksgiving. They combine the flavors of fall with the comfort of muffins. The batter uses both oil and butter, giving it a rich taste and moist texture.

These muffins are often flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Adding a glaze made from apple cider and butter makes them even more enjoyable. You can enjoy them with coffee or as a sweet end to your Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup apple cider (reduced)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In another bowl, whisk together apple cider, sugars, oil, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Pour the batter into muffin tins, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

4) Chocolate Cranberry Rugelach

Chocolate cranberry rugelach is a delightful treat that combines sweet, tart flavors with a flaky pastry. This dessert offers a unique twist on traditional rugelach, perfect for Thanksgiving.

To make these cookies, you’ll start with a rich dough. Adding chocolate chips and cranberries creates a fun mix of flavors. You can also include nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Baking these treats yields delicious cookies that are beautiful and flavorful. They are perfect for sharing at your Thanksgiving table or as a gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, blend flour, butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle.
4. Sprinkle chocolate chips, cranberries, and nuts over the dough.
5. Cut the dough into triangles and roll each one starting from the wide end.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

5) Maple Buttercream Cupcakes

Maple Buttercream Cupcakes are a delightful choice for Thanksgiving. They combine the warm flavors of maple syrup with soft, fluffy cupcakes.

You can top these cupcakes with a rich and creamy maple buttercream frosting. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s perfect for the season.

To make these cupcakes even more special, consider adding crispy bacon sprinkles. This unique twist brings a savory note that pairs well with the sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk

For Maple Buttercream:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1-2 tbsp milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
3. Beat in eggs, then mix in maple syrup.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
6. Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling halfway.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
8. Let cool and frost with maple buttercream.

6) Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Trifle

Get ready for a cozy twist on dessert with a Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Trifle. This treat layers soft gingerbread, rich chocolate pudding, and whipped cream to create a delightful experience.

Start with a gingerbread cake base. You can make it from scratch or use a store-bought mix for convenience.

Next, prepare a smooth chocolate pudding. Layer it generously over the gingerbread for that decadent chocolate flavor.

Top off your trifle with fluffy whipped cream. Add a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies for an extra touch.

This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings. It brings warmth and sweetness to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• Gingerbread cake
• Dark chocolate pudding
• Whipped cream
• Crushed gingerbread cookies
• Optional: Cinnamon for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Bake the gingerbread cake according to the recipe or package instructions.
2. Prepare the chocolate pudding as directed.
3. In a trifle dish, layer pieces of gingerbread, followed by chocolate pudding.
4. Add a layer of whipped cream.
5. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
6. Top with crushed gingerbread cookies and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

7) Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Caramel apple pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. You’ll love the combination of sweet apples, rich caramel, and a buttery crust.

To make these bars, start with a crumbly shortbread base. Add a layer of spiced apples, which are both tender and flavorful. Then, top it off with a crunchy streusel.

Drizzling homemade caramel over the top adds extra sweetness and texture. These bars are perfect for sharing with family and friends during Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sliced apples (such as Granny Smith)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup caramel sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
3. Press the mixture into a baking dish.
4. Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar, then layer on the crust.
5. Pour caramel sauce over the apples.
6. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let it cool, slice, and enjoy!

8) Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits

Pumpkin mousse parfaits are a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts. They are easy to prepare and can be layered beautifully in small glasses or bowls. Your guests will love the creamy texture and warm spices.

To start, you’ll need pure pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and a mix of sugars. Whisk these together until smooth. Then, add in spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for that classic fall flavor.

Once your mousse is ready, layer it with crumbled gingersnap cookies for added crunch. This will create a nice balance of flavors and textures.

Feel free to top your parfaits with whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Gingersnap cookies, crushed
• Whipped cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth.
2. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix well.
3. Layer the mousse and crushed gingersnap cookies in serving glasses.
4. Top with whipped cream if desired.

9) Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a delicious blend of two favorite desserts. Its creamy texture and warm cinnamon flavor make it perfect for Thanksgiving.

You’ll love the layers of rich cheesecake swirled with a cinnamon filling. The hint of cream cheese icing on top adds a delightful sweetness.

Serve this dessert to impress your guests. They will appreciate the unique twist on both classics!

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cream cheese icing (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix well.
4. Swirl in ground cinnamon.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the crust.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
7. Let it cool, then refrigerate before serving.
8. Top with cream cheese icing, if desired.

10) Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Pecan pie cheesecake bars combine two delicious desserts into one. You get a creamy cheesecake layer and a sweet pecan topping. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.

To make these bars, start with a graham cracker crust for a nice crunch. Then, layer in a rich cheesecake filling.

Top it all with a sticky pecan pie mixture. Bake until everything is set, and you’ll have a dessert everyone will love.

These bars are easy to serve and can be made ahead of time. They add a unique twist to your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Then, press into a baking dish.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix until combined.
5. Pour the batter over the crust and bake for 25 minutes.
6. In a bowl, mix pecans, corn syrup, and brown sugar.
7. Pour the pecan mixture over the cheesecake.
8. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
9. Let the cheesecake cool, then cut it into bars.
10. Enjoy!