24 Desserts That Will Impress At Thanksgiving

When I’m hosting Thanksgiving, I love serving desserts that make people pause and smile before they take the first bite. These recipes look beautiful on the table but are simple enough to make without adding stress to the day. They’re the kind of desserts that turn a good meal into a lasting memory with family and friends.

A round caramel flan on a white plate, partially sliced, with caramel sauce spread around. A spoon holds a piece of the flan. A red and white checkered napkin is next to the plate. — Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

3-Ingredient Banana Pudding

Slice of banana pudding topped with whipped cream on a white plate. — 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This pudding comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. It’s smooth, creamy, and comforting—just right for ending a big meal. Since it can be prepared ahead, it helps free up time for other dishes. It’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing dessert that feels right at home on any Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding

Hot Chocolate Dip

A hand holds a cookie dipped in creamy chocolate spread topped with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and red and green sprinkles. Surrounded by cookies and graham crackers on a platter. — Hot Chocolate Dip. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This dip brings the cozy flavor of hot cocoa to your dessert spread and pairs well with fruit, cookies, or pretzels. It’s quick to prepare and easy to serve, especially when entertaining guests. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a comforting option during the colder months. This dessert is a warm and welcoming addition that fits right into the holiday atmosphere.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Dip

Strawberry Poke Cake

This colorful cake is light, fruity, and full of flavor that balances out heavier holiday dishes. It’s easy to make ahead and stays moist even after chilling. The bright strawberry topping gives it a festive look that stands out on the dessert table. It’s an ideal choice for bringing something sweet and refreshing to Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

White Chocolate Milkshake

A glass filled with a white milkshake topped with whipped cream and a white chocolate piece, with another milkshake and a bowl of chocolate pieces in the background. — White Chocolate Milkshake. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This drink-style dessert is smooth, creamy, and quick to whip up when you want something effortless. Its cool sweetness provides a nice contrast to warm holiday pies and cakes. You can serve it in small glasses for a fun twist on traditional desserts. It’s a simple but memorable treat that adds variety to any Thanksgiving celebration.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Milkshake

Peanut Butter Banana Rolls

Close-up of two tortilla wraps filled with melted peanut butter and chocolate, stacked on a plate, with a banana in the background. — Peanut Butter Banana Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These sweet rolls bring together peanut butter and banana for a nostalgic flavor combination. They’re easy to assemble and make a great handheld treat for guests. Their small size and simple ingredients make them perfect for casual family gatherings. This dessert offers a nice change of pace among more traditional Thanksgiving sweets.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Rolls

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

A close-up of a sliced loaf of banana bread with visible chocolate chips on a woven surface. — Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This soft, moist bread combines the comfort of banana flavor with rich chocolate chips. It’s easy to bake ahead and keeps well for serving the next day. The familiar flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults at the table. It’s a homey, reliable dessert that fits right into the warmth of a Thanksgiving celebration.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Strawberry Tanghulu

Several fresh strawberries with stems and wooden skewers are arranged on a white rectangular plate, placed on a white surface with a red and white striped cloth. — Strawberry Tanghulu. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These glossy, sugar-coated strawberries bring a touch of shine and crunch to any dessert spread. They’re quick to make and easy to serve, adding color and texture to the table. Their light sweetness balances heavier desserts nicely. They make a fun and eye-catching addition to a Thanksgiving lineup.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Tanghulu

Chocolate Dump Cake

This dessert takes minimal effort yet turns out rich and comforting every time. It bakes into a soft, gooey texture that pairs well with whipped cream or ice cream. Since it comes together with just a few ingredients, it’s perfect for busy hosts. It’s a dependable and crowd-friendly treat for any Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake

Nutella Mug Cake

Homemade chocolate mug cake topped with whipped cream, served with a spoon and a small nutella jar on the side. — Nutella Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This single-serving dessert is rich and ready in minutes, making it perfect for small groups or last-minute cravings. The smooth chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the cozy feel of the season. It’s simple enough for beginners but tastes like a special treat. It’s an easy way to add something warm and comforting to your Thanksgiving dessert lineup.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Mug Cake

Soufflé Cheesecake

A ramekin of creamy, smooth cheesecake with a spoon resting beside it, taking out a scoop on a white background. — Soufflé Cheesecake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This light and fluffy cheesecake has a soft texture that feels elegant without being too heavy. It can be baked ahead and served chilled, saving time on the holiday. Its subtle sweetness balances rich Thanksgiving meals nicely. It’s a great option when you want a dessert that feels special but not overly rich.
Get the Recipe: Soufflé Cheesecake

Mini Pavlova Nests

These crisp meringue nests filled with cream and fruit add a beautiful, airy touch to any dessert table. They’re easy to make ahead and assemble just before serving. The light texture offers a nice contrast to heavier holiday desserts. They bring a bit of freshness and color that brightens up Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pavlova Nests

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert

Piece of strawberry dessert on a white plate, closeup. — Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This dessert combines the best of fruit and chocolate in a simple, elegant way. It’s quick to prepare and makes any dessert spread look polished. The mix of textures adds balance after a rich meal. It’s a reliable pick for adding something light yet festive to Thanksgiving celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert

Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Three cups of chocolate pudding with whipped cream and raspberries. — Chocolate Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy dessert has a rich chocolate base topped with a caramelized sugar crust. It’s easy to prepare ahead and serve chilled for convenience. The mix of smooth and crunchy textures feels indulgent without being fussy. It’s an impressive addition to any Thanksgiving table that guests will remember.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Carrot Cake in a Mug

Carrot cake muffin topped with cream cheese frosting and chopped nuts, served on a white plate with grated carrot and walnuts nearby. — Carrot Cake in a Mug. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This quick mug cake captures the comforting flavor of classic carrot cake without the long baking time. It’s perfect when you want a small, personal dessert after a big meal. The warm spices and soft texture feel right at home during the holidays. It’s a cozy, easy choice for Thanksgiving nights when you just want something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake in a Mug

Easy Blueberry Cobbler

A spoon with blueberry cobbler with rest of cobbler in background. — Easy Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This cobbler bakes into a golden topping with juicy fruit underneath, making it both homey and crowd-pleasing. It’s simple to prepare and great for serving warm with ice cream. The mix of sweet berries and crisp topping fits right in with holiday favorites. It’s a comforting dessert that brings a bit of brightness to the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Blueberry Cobbler

Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse

This mousse combines smooth chocolate with a hint of Bailey’s for a grown-up twist. It’s easy to make ahead and serve in small cups for a polished presentation. The texture is light yet rich, making it a great finish to a big meal. It’s an elegant choice for adding a touch of sophistication to Thanksgiving desserts.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse

Air Fryer Churros

These churros come out crisp on the outside and soft inside, without much fuss or cleanup. They’re quick to prepare, especially when cooking for a crowd. The cinnamon-sugar coating ties in perfectly with warm holiday flavors. They bring a fun, festive touch to Thanksgiving gatherings that guests of all ages enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Apple Mug Cake

This cozy dessert brings the flavors of apple pie into a single-serving mug. It’s ready in minutes and makes a comforting finish to a big dinner. The warm spice and fruit aroma fit perfectly with the season. It’s an easy, homey treat that feels right for a Thanksgiving evening.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

A peanut butter mug cake topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate sauce, viewed from above. — Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This quick dessert combines two favorite flavors in a soft, rich cake that cooks in minutes. It’s great for when you want something easy without baking a full cake. The warm, comforting taste fits the cozy atmosphere of the holidays. It’s a simple, satisfying way to finish off a Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Coconut Panna Cotta

A slice of white, creamy panna cotta topped with a fresh strawberry slice on a white plate, with a textured napkin beside it. — Coconut Panna Cotta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy dessert has a smooth texture and light coconut flavor that feels refreshing after a big dinner. It’s easy to prepare ahead and serve chilled for convenience. Its delicate flavor balances the richer dishes often served during the holidays. It’s an elegant yet easy choice for Thanksgiving entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Panna Cotta

Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

A slice of chocolate chip pizza on a plate. — Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This dessert pizza combines a chewy cookie base with melted chocolate and sweet toppings. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it great for groups. The fun presentation adds something different to the dessert spread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a playful touch to Thanksgiving celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

Red Velvet Mug Cake

Red velvet cake with a layer of cream cheese frosting in a white ramekin, next to a spoon with a bite taken out, on a white background. — Red Velvet Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This cake cooks in minutes and brings the classic flavor and color of red velvet to individual servings. It’s simple to make and perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix. The soft texture and light sweetness pair well with holiday meals. It’s a lovely single-serve option that fits the cozy feel of Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Mug Cake

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These muffins bake up soft and fragrant, filled with the familiar flavor of cinnamon and sugar. They’re easy to prepare and make a great option for brunch or dessert. The warm spice makes them perfect for the season. They add a comforting, homemade touch to Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Filipino Leche Flan

Leche flan caramel creme brulee on a plate with a spoon. — Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This smooth custard dessert topped with caramel sauce brings a rich and creamy finish to any meal. It’s simple to make ahead and serve chilled for convenience. Its silky texture and sweetness complement traditional holiday dishes beautifully. It’s a classic, crowd-friendly dessert that adds a touch of tradition to Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

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