Inside: 10+ delicious Thanksgiving desserts, featuring recipes like no-bake marshmallow cheesecakes, mousse desserts, variations of the tiramisu dessert, healthier dessert options like yogurt parfait cups, and more.
I don’t know about you, but dessert is always the part of Thanksgiving I look forward to the most. And I’m not just talking about classic desserts like pumpkin pie.
Every year, I try to make something new, whether it’s with pumpkin, apples, or something else entirely, and this is exactly what keeps me so excited for dessert each time!
In this article, I’ve gathered Thanksgiving desserts that have become favorites over the years. Many of these can be made ahead (at least parts of them), so you don’t have to stress and rush at the last minute.
You’ll find recipes like cranberry and pumpkin mousse desserts, poached pears with mascarpone cream, no-bake cheesecakes, a variety of tiramisus, and more.
Whether you’re hosting the big feast this year or bringing something sweet to share at a party, these easy recipes are perfect for finishing your Thanksgiving meal.
If you need more dessert ideas, check out these articles:
My current favorite is this Baked Apples With Mascarpone Cream recipe!
Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait Cups
These pumpkin yogurt parfait cups are a healthier, make-ahead option that still delivers on festive flavor. Layers of pumpkin Greek yogurt and crunchy gingersnap cookies make for a sweet-and-spicy combo, topped off with a swirl of whipped cream.
They’re perfect for a light bite after the big meal or even as a special Thanksgiving breakfast treat.
Pumpkin Marshmallow Cake
This no-bake pumpkin marshmallow cake is fluffy, fun, and totally unexpected on a Thanksgiving dessert spread. It starts with a buttery oat cookie crust, then gets layered with a pumpkin marshmallow cheesecake filling that’s light and sweet.
Top it with whole marshmallows for a festive finish that kids and adults will both adore.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing
These pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes bring all the cozy flavors of fall into one adorable handheld dessert. A moist pumpkin cake hides a creamy cheesecake center, and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top is simply irresistible.
They’re great for Thanksgiving because they’re easy to serve and even easier to love.
Carrot Cake With Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
This carrot cake is a total showstopper for Thanksgiving dessert!
I love the lime cream cheese frosting (I actually think it’s the best frosting I’ve ever tried!) and the delicious flavors of fall spices.
The two layers give it that extra bit of wow factor, with a generous swirl of frosting in between and all around. It’s rich, moist, and just different enough to stand out on a table full of pumpkin pies, but still feels perfectly seasonal and festive.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Cups
These pumpkin cheesecake mousse cups are the ultimate no-bake Thanksgiving dessert. A buttery cookie base holds a cloud-like mousse made from cream cheese, whipped cream, and spiced pumpkin puree.
Topped with a swirl of whipped cream, they’re as easy to serve as they are to eat -perfect for feeding a crowd without turning on the oven.
Poached Pears With Mascarpone Cream
These poached pears are a show-stopping yet simple dessert that feels fancy without any fuss. Oven-roasted with cinnamon and pumpkin spice, the pears are tender and sweet, especially when paired with this billowy mascarpone and Greek yogurt cream.
It’s the kind of dish that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better.
Pumpkin Tiramisu
This lightened-up pumpkin tiramisu is a fresh twist on a favorite, and it fits right in on the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Made with mascarpone cheese, Greek yogurt, and pumpkin puree, it’s a little lower in sugar but still packed with warm spices and creamy richness. The ladyfingers add just the right touch of texture to balance it all out.
Pumpkin Pie With Toasted Pumpkin Meringue Topping
This pumpkin pie is a total Thanksgiving showstopper! It’s a classic fall dessert that is full of delicious autumn flavors, but it comes with a unique twist.
It’s made with homemade pumpkin puree, heavy whipping cream, and all the warm spices you expect, but the real magic is that golden toasted meringue on top.
Light and fluffy with a hint of pumpkin spice, this pumpkin French meringue adds a modern touch to a beloved holiday favorite.
Cranberry Mousse Dessert
This cranberry mousse looks absolutely gorgeous, and it’s one of my favorite recent discoveries! It’s deliciously tart, creamy, and just the thing to balance out all the richness of Thanksgiving dinner.
Whipped egg whites and heavy cream give it a silky, airy texture, while the cranberry flavor brings that pop of brightness we all crave. Served in individual glasses, it’s an elegant finale to your holiday feast.
Pumpkin Mousse
This pumpkin mousse is like eating a spiced cloud – it’s that light and airy!
Whipped egg whites and cream make it soft and fluffy, while pumpkin puree and warm spices bring all those comforting Thanksgiving flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that feels decadent but won’t leave you too full for seconds.
Mixed Berry Tiramisu
While Thanksgiving is all about tradition, it’s fun to surprise your guests with something a little unexpected – like this stunning mixed berry tiramisu.
Layers of creamy mascarpone and Greek yogurt are stacked with delicate ladyfinger biscuits and cooked sweet-tart berries like strawberries and blueberries for a lighter take on the classic.
It’s colorful, fresh, and a welcome contrast to all the pumpkin and spice on the table.
Apple Tiramisu
If you love the idea of tiramisu but want to keep it seasonal, this apple tiramisu version is pure magic. The layers of creamy mascarpone and Greek yogurt pair perfectly with tender spiced apples, giving you that warm, comforting flavor in every bite.
It’s a rustic yet refined dessert that feels just right for Thanksgiving night.
Apple Mousse Dessert
This apple mousse is a dreamy little dessert that’s just the thing after a heavy Thanksgiving meal. Fluffy whipped egg whites give it a soft, airy texture, while the homemade apple sauce at the bottom brings cozy, spiced flavors.
It’s simple, elegant, and lets the flavor of fall apples shine through beautifully.
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