When you think about Thanksgiving, we bet all sorts of beautiful pies come to mind. While we're certainly not knocking your traditional apple, pumpkin, or pecan staples, why not up the ante this year? You can still incorporate those amazing flavors but in a new and tantalizing way.
May we present 16 Thanksgiving desserts that are better than pie. (Yes, really!)
Don't worry, you'll still get your fabulous seasonal spices and fruits, but the new format adds a fun twist that serves as the ending of your holiday feast. Enjoy!
Pomegranate & Dark Chocolate Bites
These pomegranate and dark chocolate bites are deliciously simple and come together in less than 10 minutes, but they taste like the most extravagant dessert ever. That's exactly what a busy Thanksgiving host wants to hear! Just be sure to make up plenty, because they're addictive and will go quickly.
Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Apple pie bread pudding is a fun and flavorful alternative to a traditional pie. It gives guests a similar taste that we've come to love from our classic apple pie, and you can still top it with ice cream, of course. No one wants to stop that custom, and this version is just as tasty.
Pecan Pie Cookies
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without pecan pie, but sometimes we want something a little more exciting! That's why we're in love with these pecan pie cookies. They taste just like our favorite pies, with a flaky crust and delish filling, and while they look complicated, they're delightfully simple to make.
Gingerbread Crumb Cake
Nothing says happy holidays quite like gingerbread. Not only does gingerbread coffee cake pair perfectly with coffee or tea, but it also incorporates the beloved spices of autumn: ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Yum! This "warm spiced coffee cake made super moist and tender with molasses and sour cream," and it might become the family favorite!
Pumpkin Pie Cream Puffs
These pumpkin pie cream puffs are almost too pretty to eat. They're made with maple-sweetened whipped cream. Doesn't that sound like heaven? They're bite-sized, which makes them perfect for anyone on our invite list, and who could resist maple and pumpkin together?
Apple Pie Egg Rolls
These apple pie egg rolls are reminiscent of that deep-fried fast food favorite, only these are better because you get to add all your own touches — like cinnamon and lemon juice — to really bring out the flavor of the apples. It's basically a handheld pie and that's never wrong, especially not for Thanksgiving.
Swedish Pear Almond Cake
This Swedish pear almond cake is almost too lovely to eat, but it's not something the guests will be able to resist either. This cake could be served with a nice dessert wine or Irish coffee. Vanilla beans give it such a rich flavor and a decorative design and honestly we don't see pears in dessert enough.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple pie cinnamon rolls are a gooey treat that lends just the right amount of sweetness to the end of a meal. This recipe adds the apple twist to it, making it more Thanksgiving themed, and it's incredible. Make some extra to enjoy for breakfast on Black Friday. Trust us, you'll want that extra boost before hitting the holiday sales.
Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Streusel Bars
Pumpkin caramel cheesecake streusel bars combine so many wonderful desserts in one bite-sized package, where do we begin? These are just the right size for guests who want a taste but not a whole slice of dessert. And it gets bonus points because we can bake it a few days ahead of time and it'll still be perfection for Thanksgiving.
Salted Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Just looking at this salted caramel apple upside down cake will make your mouth water. If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert this season, we've found it! "This Salted Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is covered with a top layer of homemade salted caramel and loaded with thinly sliced apples," the recipe reads. And doesn't that sound like a dream?
Pumpkin Spice Caramel Rice Krispies
We wouldn't want to forget the kids' table! pumpkin spice caramel Rice Krispies are so decadent and delicious you may just find adults wandering over for a taste. They're bite-sized which makes them perfect for dinners that are less formal. They're also easy to take home, if there are any leftovers.
Oreo Turkeys
Dessert doesn't have to take a long time to prep for it to be a big hit. This takes the easier road, but it will have a big payoff, especially for the kids. They can easily help turn this cookie into fun turkeys and have a blast doing so. These will quickly become a treat the family looks forward to every year.
S'mores Pumpkin Cupcakes
S'mores are a fun dessert treat that we often see when we're camping, but if we add a small twist to them, like turning them into cupcakes, they would fit perfectly into our Thanksgiving spread. The cupcake part is pumpkin and it happens to go deliciously with marshmallow and melted chocolate.
Pumpkin Pudding
There's a reason that pumpkin spiced beverages and food are so popular at this time of year. It's delicious, obviously, but it's also the perfect sweet treat for fall, and Thanksgiving. These can be prepped ahead of time so it won't take too much away from the hectic cooking schedule of Thanksgiving.
Acorn Treats
There's something extra special about having desserts that are bite sized and these fit right into that. Not only are they super delicious and easy to put together, but they also look incredible on a Thanksgiving table. The acorn treats recipe is easy to follow, with ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
Chocolate Apple Pops
Caramel apples are one of the season's favorites, but we all know how hard it is to bite into a caramel apple. Which is what makes the apple pops so much easier to eat. These are apple slices, covered in caramel and chocolate, then topped with sprinkles and candy. Can't go wrong with that!
