The Thanksgiving recipe collection below is dedicated to everyone who's a bit short on time -- because I know what it's like -- scrambling for dessert ideas in a hurry when there's a big dinner to plan, and when you'd rather spend those precious holiday moments with family.
Plus, autumn is one of the best times to get baking, and there are tons of blog recipes to help you celebrate the season without compromises.
So here's to lots of pumpkin, apples, pears, caramel, maple, plums, cheesecake, cranberries, persimmons, warm spices...oh man! I can "smell" the baked goods already just thinking of all these seasonal classics.
Hope you find something that inspires you to get baking! (click on recipe titles or photos to get to the actual recipes)
1. Baked Pumpkin Cheesecake
So iconic, how could I not get started with a good pumpkin cheesecake (or two... ?). This baked version is by far my absolute seasonal favorite.
2. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
For those that prefer to stick to "unbaked", this oldie pumpkin cheesecake is a blog favorite.
3. Raw Cranberry Rose Cheesecake
If you're more of a cranberry for Thanksgiving kind of a person, how about these cute little cheesecakes? You can make the recipe into one larger cake, or make individual servings if you prefer.
4. Raw Caramel Cheesecake
... or how about some raw caramel topped cheesecake instead? One with a chocolatey crust. Caramel and autumn are kind of synonymous in my books.
5. Raw Caramel Pudding
... and speaking of caramel, this is the caramel gracing the top of that cheesecake above, but simple and lovely enough to serve in little pots as a treat on its own.
6. Raw Dulce de Leche
Or if you prefer a whole new way to caramel, try this dulce de leche instead.
7. Alfajores
Ok, admittedly alfajores and cookies aren't exactly Thanksgiving... but they involve caramel and baking so in they go. Let's make new traditions ;)
8. Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread is always a nice to have of course. Classic.
9. Glazed Pumpkin Muffin Cake
Wasn't sure where I was going exactly with this recipe... bread? cake? muffins? Oh well, the recipe refuses to be confined to a name, but it's delish nonetheless and so most worthy of a mention :)
10. Pumpkin Molasses Muffins
... and speaking of muffins, these won't disappoint, I promise! They are one of my favorite recipes and are super easy to make.
11. Fresh Cranberry Cake
... because somehow once again pumpkin leads to cranberries! :)
12. Maple Pecan Pie
Of course, how could a classic like pecan pie be left out. A holiday must!
13. Nutty Pumpkin Pecan Cake with a "Cream Cheese" Topping
... and more pecans and pumpkin for good measure. Who can resist a "cream cheese" topped slice of autumn?!
14. Sweet Potato Rolls with a Toffee Sauce
And switching it up to something a little unusual, but equally cozy -- a rather unconventional sweet potato dessert.
15. Sweet Potato Cake with a Chocolate Pudding Frosting
... or cake. Sweet potato is good like that.
16. Persimmon Chai Bread
There's often a forgotten autumn hero -- persimmon. And it makes a killer dessert. This is another oldie blog favorite and packs a lot of flavor. Definitely a crowd pleaser.
17. Pear Cake with a Caramel Sauce
This simple pear cake can be a lovely treat, especially with the addition of caramel in there to seal the deal.
18. Rustic Pear Galette
A simple pear galette is always lovely too.
19. Balsamic Plum Oat Crumble
More of a plum person? This incredible simple and flavorful crumble won't disappoint.
20. Plum Clafoutis
A plum clafoutis is also a good way to go...
21. Pumpkin Scones
Anyone?
22. Carob Pumpkin Tart
An easy no bake pumpkin-pie like treat.
23. Chocolate Pumpkin Tart
... or a chocolate version of the above. Ignore the halloween-themed cobweb for a classy chocolate treat!
24. Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding
One of the most delicious treats on a holiday morning or a casual holiday table -- so easy to make and so flavorful.
25. Apple Butter Bread Pudding
More of an apple person? No problem. Got you covered.
26. Apple Crumble
For something quick and easy to throw together last minute.
27. Apple Nut Squares
For those not into formal dessert, these simple nutty caramelized apple nut bars bars pack a lot of seasonal flavor. Gosh, really digging up the oldies here btw!
28. Vanilla & Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
Need some ice cream to go with that?
29. Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
Want an ice cream to stand out on its own as a dessert instead? LOVE this caramel swirl beauty.
30. Maple Pie
You could never go wrong with a maple pie at the table...
31. Classic Easy Baked Cheesecake
... or a classic cheesecake. Can never go wrong with that either!
32. Nut-Free Baked Cheesecake
And for those looking for a nut-free version... This one's a treat.
33. Raw "Candy Corn" Cheesecake
For something fun and "fall".
34. Spiced Butternut Dessert Bites
Something totally unconventional!
35. Pumpkin Spice Iced Thai Latte
To impress your guests with your barista skills ;)
36. Pumpkin Seed Milk
Because there are so many ways to use those pepitas! Plus it's nice to sip on some along with all that pumpkin cake.
37. Pumpkin Spice Breakfast
If you've got any pumpkin left from all the baking, make breakfast. Or better yet, have your guests wake up to some warm pumpkin porridge and the lovely aroma of autumnal spices.
38. Coconut Cardamom Pops
Into autumn, but not feeling the autumnal chill yet? Cardamom pops are a nice fusion of warming spices in a chilled treat.
39. Autumn Acorn Cookies
Because they're too cute to resist...
40. Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea
Score some wholesome holiday points by serving your guests this tea -- iced or warm.
41. Strawberry Lime Parsnip Cheesecake
Not quite seasonal, but if you want to set everyone talking, make them this parsnip cheesecake and see what they say... Plus score some points for being a little different ;)
42. Candied Pecan Cheesecake
Because you can't go wrong with cheesecake and pecans ;)
MORE THANKSGIVING DESSERT IDEAS
If you have my digital book Unconventional Treats, here are a few more suggestions for gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, eggless, and grain-free holiday desserts:
Happy holidays & happy baking!
Audrey
Natalia says
OMg! This colletion sounds so good, but so difficult to pick only one recipe! Thank you, Audrey, for putting all these goodies together!
The Real Person!
No worries. It was fun to revisit some of the older recipes -- kind of reflective :)
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
How do you expect a person to be able to choose form SOOOO much goodness!?!? Although I am glad to see my favorite muffins made it on the list ☺️ Yep, still love those!
The Real Person!
Hehe. I keep wondering how people settle for just one or two holiday desserts, period, given how many beautiful recipes are out there. And yes, the muffins are still my fave too :)