Not everyone craves pie after Thanksgiving dinner, and that’s okay.
These 12 dessert ideas skip the crust but keep all the seasonal sweetness and are guaranteed to satisfy your guests and stand out on the dessert table.
Pumpkin cheesecake bars
Creamy, spiced, and baked on a buttery graham cracker crust, pumpkin cheesecake bars offer all the autumn flavor of pumpkin pie without the fuss.
They slice neatly for serving, travel well, and are a guaranteed hit at any Thanksgiving gathering.
Apple cider doughnut cake
Inspired by the classic fall treat, this moist bundt cake is infused with apple cider and cinnamon, then coated in a sugar-spice crust.
It’s rustic, rich, and perfect served warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pecan praline bread pudding
This decadent bread pudding combines buttery brioche with chopped pecans and a sweet praline sauce for a dessert that’s equal parts cozy and indulgent.
Serve it with whipped cream or bourbon sauce for an extra layer of holiday cheer.
Maple-glazed pumpkin loaf
If you’re skipping pie, this warmly spiced pumpkin loaf is the next best thing.
A drizzle of maple glaze brings a touch of sweetness and shine, and the dense, moist crumb makes it ideal for serving with coffee or after the meal.
Chocolate bourbon pecan bars
A twist on pecan pie, these bars are layered with chopped nuts, dark chocolate, and a touch of bourbon on a shortbread base.
They’re easy to slice and share and rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth at the table.
Cranberry curd tart
Tart, vibrant cranberry curd set in a crisp cookie crust makes a striking alternative to traditional pies.
The bright red color and zingy flavor bring a refreshing contrast to the rich dishes of Thanksgiving dinner.
Sweet potato cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
Turn a fall staple into individual treats by baking sweet potato cupcakes spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re moist, flavorful, and a great hand-held option for dessert spreads.
Spiced poached pears
For something lighter but still elegant, try pears gently poached in red wine or cider with cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel.
Serve them chilled or warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that’s both simple and sophisticated.
Pumpkin tiramisu
This layered, no-bake dessert puts an autumn twist on an Italian classic.
Mascarpone and pumpkin puree meet spiced cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a chilled treat that only gets better as it rests in the fridge.
Salted caramel apple crumble bars
Layers of tender apples and oat crumble are baked together and drizzled with salted caramel.
These bars offer all the nostalgia of apple pie in a handheld, no-plate-required form making it perfect for snacking or sending home with guests.
Brown butter blondies with cinnamon chips
Rich, chewy, and warmly spiced, these brown butter blondies get extra holiday flair from swirls of cinnamon chips.
Bake them in a big batch and slice into squares for a no-fuss dessert that guests of all ages will enjoy.
Pumpkin spice panna cotta
For a dessert that’s light yet luxurious, pumpkin spice panna cotta delivers smooth texture and subtle flavor.
Set in individual cups, it’s easy to prepare ahead and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or spiced nuts for crunch.