Top 10 Most Popular Desserts on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about tradition, and what better way to celebrate than with a table full of mouthwatering desserts? We will guide you create sweet, unforgettable treats that bring warmth and joy to your table, making every bite a celebration of togetherness.

1. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. Its creamy, spiced filling paired with a flaky crust is a comforting, traditional treat that evokes memories of cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients:

1 (9-inch) pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups pumpkin puree

1 cup heavy cream

3 large eggs

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

Variations:

Crust options: Traditional pie crust, graham cracker crust, or even a pecan crust.

Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice blend, adding more or less ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg based on your preference.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie:

Make sure your pie crust is pre-baked to avoid sogginess.

Blind bake the crust (bake it without filling) for about 10 minutes at 375°F.

Don't overmix the filling to avoid air bubbles that can cause cracking.

2. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a rich and sweet dessert with a satisfying crunch from the toasted pecans. This Southern favorite is a must-have at any Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

1 (9-inch) pie crust

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

4 large eggs

1 1/2 cups pecan halves

1 tsp vanilla extract

Serving Suggestions and Customization:

Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

For a twist, try adding a little chocolate to the filling or a splash of bourbon.

3. Apple Pie

Apple pie is as classic as it gets. The tender apples, sweetened with sugar and spices, make it a crowd-pleaser year after year.

Ingredients:

6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

1 tbsp lemon juice

3/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

2 tbsp butter

1 (9-inch) pie crust (top and bottom)

Different Apple Varieties:

Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, perfect for pie.

Honeycrisp apples offer a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why Apple Pie is Always a Crowd-Pleaser:

The combination of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery, flaky crust is irresistible.

4. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a Southern classic that offers a slightly different flavor profile than pumpkin pie, with a richer, creamier texture.

Ingredients:

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

How it’s made:

Bake the sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them before adding the other ingredients.

Pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Why It’s Popular in the South:

The rich, custard-like filling and subtly sweet flavor make it a regional favorite.

5. Cranberry Orange Relish

This tangy relish can serve as a refreshing counterpoint to all the rich, sweet desserts on your table.

Ingredients:

1 bag fresh cranberries

1 orange, peeled and segmented

1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

Simple Recipe:

1. Pulse cranberries and orange segments in a food processor until finely chopped.
2. Mix in sugar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

How It Pairs with Desserts:

Serve it alongside pies or as a topping for cheesecake or bread pudding for a refreshing contrast.

6. Cheesecake

Why cheesecake is becoming increasingly popular for Thanksgiving:

Cheesecake is rich and creamy, making it a perfect indulgence after a hearty Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust

Flavors:

Try adding pumpkin or caramel to the cheesecake filling for a Thanksgiving twist.

Tips for Making a Perfect Cheesecake:

Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother batter.

Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to prevent cracks.

7. Chocolate Cream Pie

A rich, indulgent option for chocolate lovers:

Chocolate cream pie is perfect for those who love decadent desserts, combining a silky chocolate filling with a crisp pie crust.

Ingredients:

1 pre-baked pie crust

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup sugar

4 oz semisweet chocolate

2 large egg yolks

Making the Filling:

1. Heat the cream and sugar in a saucepan until just boiling.
2. Temper the egg yolks with a bit of the hot cream, then whisk the egg mixture back into the pot.
3. Stir in the chocolate and cook until thickened. Let it cool before pouring into the crust.

Variations:

Top with whipped cream or shaved chocolate for a finishing touch.

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake

A hybrid of classic pumpkin pie and cheesecake:

For the best of both worlds, pumpkin cheesecake combines the smoothness of cheesecake with the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup heavy cream

Making the Cheesecake:

1. Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin together.
2. Add eggs one at a time, followed by spices and cream.
3. Bake in a pre-baked crust at 325°F for 45 minutes.

9. Bread Pudding

Comforting, warm dessert option:

Bread pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for serving a crowd.

Ingredients:

4 cups cubed day-old bread

2 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Making the Pudding:

1. Soak the bread cubes in a mixture of milk, sugar, and eggs.
2. Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, until golden and set.

Variations:

Add bourbon sauce or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

10. Apple Crisp

A lighter, more rustic alternative to apple pie:

Apple crisp is a comforting dessert that combines tender baked apples with a crunchy oat topping.

Ingredients:

6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

Making the Crisp:

1. Slice the apples and toss them with cinnamon and sugar.
2. Mix the topping ingredients, then sprinkle over the apples.
3. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.

Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Options:

Use gluten-free oats and dairy-free butter for dietary needs.

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, and dessert is no exception. From the classic pumpkin pie to the rich chocolate cream pie, these desserts bring warmth and sweetness to your holiday table. Happy baking and happy Thanksgiving!