Easy Thanksgiving Desserts That Are Not Pumpkin Pie

Last updated November 7, 2026

Easy Thanksgiving desserts do not have to mean pumpkin pie. Apple crumble, chocolate cream pie, cranberry bars and maple cookies are simple crowd-pleasers that bring something new to the table.

Many guests love a change after years of the same pie. These treats use familiar fall flavors, like apple, maple, cranberry and pecan, in fresh ways.

Key Takeaways

• Apple crumble is easier than pie and needs no crust skills.
• Cranberry bars and maple cookies travel well to potlucks.
• A no-bake chocolate pie frees up oven space.
• Most of these desserts can be made one or two days ahead.
• Desserts with cream, custard or eggs need to stay in the fridge.

On This Page

• How to Pick Your Desserts
• Skillet Apple Crumble
• Chocolate Cream Pie
• Cranberry Orange Bars
• Maple Pecan Cookies
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
• Sweet Potato Brownies
• Pear and Ginger Crisp
• Make-Ahead Timeline
• Storing and Serving Safely

How to Pick Your Desserts

Two or three desserts are plenty for most Thanksgiving tables. Aim for a mix, like one fruity dessert, one chocolate dessert and one small bite.

Think about oven space, too. Choose at least one no-bake or make-ahead dessert so the oven is free for the turkey.

If you still want a classic pie, our easy pecan pie recipe is a great non-pumpkin option.

Use the calculator below to figure out how many desserts you need.

Skillet Apple Crumble

Apple crumble gives you all the cozy flavor of apple pie without rolling any dough. The buttery oat topping turns golden and crisp.

Ingredients

• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Steps

1. Toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice, then spread them in a 10-inch skillet.
2. Mix the oats, flour and brown sugar in a bowl.
3. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Chocolate Cream Pie

This rich pie is a hit with kids and chocolate lovers. Using a store-bought crust keeps it easy.

Ingredients

• 1 prebaked pie crust or cookie crumb crust
• 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix (large size)
• 2 3/4 cups cold milk
• 1 tub whipped topping or 2 cups whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings for topping

Steps

1. Whisk the pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thick.
2. Fold in half of the whipped topping.
3. Pour the filling into the crust.
4. Spread the rest of the whipped topping on top and add chocolate shavings.
5. Chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Because it needs no oven, this pie is perfect for busy holiday kitchens.

Cranberry Orange Bars

These bright bars balance sweet and tart flavors. They are easy to slice and carry to a party.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup sugar for the filling
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Steps

1. Press the flour, sugar and butter mixture into a lined 8-inch pan.
2. Bake the crust at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
3. Simmer the cranberries, orange juice, sugar and zest for 10 minutes until thick.
4. Spread the cranberry filling over the crust.
5. Bake for 15 more minutes, then cool completely before cutting.

Maple Pecan Cookies

Soft maple cookies with toasted pecans taste like fall in every bite. Kids can help scoop the dough.

Cream 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 3/4 cups flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

Stir in 3/4 cup chopped pecans. Bake spoonfuls at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn golden.

These cookies freeze well, so you can bake them a week or two ahead.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars mix two favorites into one easy dessert. A graham cracker crust holds a creamy layer topped with apples and caramel.

Steps

1. Press a graham cracker crust into a lined 9-inch pan.
2. Beat 16 ounces of cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
3. Pour it over the crust and top with sauteed cinnamon apples.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is just set.
5. Cool, chill overnight and drizzle with caramel before serving.

Egg-based desserts like cheesecake should be fully baked. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says to cook egg dishes to 160 degrees, according to its egg safety guide.

Sweet Potato Brownies

These fudgy brownies sneak in a fall vegetable. The sweet potato keeps them moist and adds a gentle sweetness.

Stir 1 cup of mashed, cooked sweet potato into your favorite brownie batter. Bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Dust them with powdered sugar or top with a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Pear and Ginger Crisp

Pears are often overlooked, but they shine in a warm crisp. Fresh ginger adds a gentle kick.

Toss 6 sliced pears with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and a squeeze of lemon. Top with the same oat crumble used for the apple crumble.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Two or three desserts chosen
• One no-bake dessert included
• Cookies baked and frozen
• Bars and pies made ahead
• Nut labels ready
• Fridge space saved for cream desserts

Homemade Toppings That Finish Any Dessert

A simple topping can turn a plain dessert into something special. These take only a few minutes.

Whipped Cream

Beat 1 cup of cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Stop when soft peaks form.

Quick Caramel Sauce

Melt 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 4 tablespoons of butter in a small pan. Stir in 1/4 cup of cream and a pinch of salt, then simmer for 2 minutes.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

Toss pecans with a little melted butter, sugar and cinnamon. Toast them in a dry pan until they smell nutty.

Spoon any of these over crumbles, brownies or plain ice cream. Store leftover whipped cream and caramel in the fridge.

Baking With Kids

Holiday baking is a great way to get kids involved. Many of these desserts have easy jobs for small hands.

Little ones can stir the crumble topping, press cookie dough into balls and sprinkle chocolate shavings. Older kids can measure ingredients and slice soft fruit with a kid-safe knife.

Leave hot ovens and stovetop caramel to adults. Give kids a small apron and a special job, and they will be proud to serve what they made.

Make-Ahead Timeline

Desserts are the easiest part of Thanksgiving to prepare early. Spread the work across the week.

One to Two Weeks Before

Bake the maple pecan cookies and freeze them in a sealed container.

Two Days Before

Make the cranberry orange bars and the cheesecake bars. Store them covered in the fridge.

One Day Before

Make the chocolate cream pie and the crumble topping. Chill the pie and keep the topping in a bag.

Thanksgiving Day

Bake the apple crumble or pear crisp during dinner, so it comes out warm for dessert.

Storing and Serving Safely

Some desserts can sit out, while others must stay cold. Knowing the difference keeps guests safe.

Cream pies, cheesecakes and anything with whipped cream belong in the fridge. Set them out just before serving.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says perishable food should not sit out more than 2 hours. That drops to 1 hour above 90 degrees, according to its food safety basics page.

Fruit crumbles, cookies and bars are more forgiving. Still, cover them and store leftovers properly.

How Long Leftover Desserts Last

The FDA says leftover egg dishes should be eaten within 3 to 4 days. That includes cheesecake bars and custard-style desserts.

Keep cream and egg-based desserts at 40 degrees or below. The FoodSafety.gov storage chart is a handy guide for other leftovers.

Cookies keep well in an airtight container for several days. Freeze extras to enjoy later in the season.

Desserts for Every Guest

Offer at least one option for guests with special diets. A little planning goes a long way.

The fruit crisps can be made gluten-free with certified gluten-free oats and an almond flour topping. Swap the butter for a plant-based spread to make them dairy-free.

Fresh fruit with a drizzle of honey or a bowl of berries is a light choice. Label every dessert that contains nuts, since pecans show up in many fall recipes.

Dessert Bar Ideas

A dessert bar lets guests sample a little of everything. Cut bars and brownies into small squares, so people can try more than one.

Set out toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, chopped nuts and cinnamon. Add a pot of coffee and a pitcher of warm cider.

Use cake stands and small plates to add height and color. Put labels next to each dessert, so guests know what they are choosing.

Tips for Traveling With Desserts

Bringing dessert to someone else’s house? Pack it carefully so it arrives in one piece.

Bars and cookies travel best. Cut them before you leave and pack them in a sturdy container with parchment between layers.

Keep cream pies and cheesecakes in a cooler with ice packs. Add whipped toppings after you arrive, if you can.

Warm crisps can be baked ahead and reheated at the host’s home. Ask about oven space first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I make instead of pumpkin pie?

Apple crumble, pecan pie, chocolate cream pie and cranberry bars are popular choices.

What is the easiest Thanksgiving dessert?

A no-bake chocolate cream pie or a skillet apple crumble are among the easiest.

Can I make Thanksgiving desserts ahead of time?

Yes. Cookies freeze well, and bars, cheesecakes and cream pies can be made a day or two ahead.

Do cream pies need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Keep cream pies and cheesecakes in the fridge and do not leave them out more than 2 hours.

How many desserts do I need for Thanksgiving?

Two or three desserts are enough for most groups.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving dessert can be more than pumpkin pie. Try a warm apple crumble, a cool chocolate pie or a tray of cranberry bars.

Make what you can ahead, keep creamy desserts cold and enjoy something new this year.

Editor’s Note

These recipes and food safety tips are accurate as of November 7, 2026, based on USDA, FDA and FoodSafety.gov guidance. Baking times vary by oven, so check desserts early.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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