The Best Thanksgiving Desserts Worth Saving Room For

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my full disclosure policy.  

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table for a feast, but no holiday meal is complete without an irresistible dessert spread.
Whether you love fruity treats, classic pumpkin flavors, or indulgent pecan and maple delights, this collection of Thanksgiving dessert recipes has something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. These recipes are simple enough for home bakers yet special enough to impress your holiday guests.

Cranberry Jello Salad

A close-up of a clear bowl filled with a red gelatin salad containing various pieces of fruit, including whole cranberries, orange pieces, and other red berries.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Save Recipe Final

This vibrant cranberry jello salad is a refreshing and tangy addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. With its mix of fruity flavors and a hint of sweetness, it balances out rich holiday dishes perfectly.

GET THIS RECIPE: Cranberry Jello Salad

Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

An overhead shot of several golden, square-shaped Rice Krispie treats. They are drizzled with a zigzag pattern of white chocolate and are scattered on a white surface with some white chocolate chips.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

A fun twist on a childhood favorite, these pumpkin-flavored Rice Krispies treats are both festive and delicious. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for adding a playful touch to your holiday dessert spread.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

WANT MORE EASY RECIPES? Get our 5 Best Super Fast Supper recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Sweet Potato Muffins

A close-up, overhead shot of a pumpkin streusel muffin in a white paper liner. The top is a golden-brown color and is covered in a crumble topping with large pieces of pecan.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Moist, spiced, and full of fall flavors, these sweet potato muffins are a lighter dessert option for Thanksgiving. They’re perfect for breakfast the next morning, too!

GET THIS RECIPE: Sweet Potato Muffins

Carrot Poke Cake

A close-up of a slice of pumpkin poke cake on a gray plate. It's topped with a thick layer of white frosting, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and chopped pecans.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

This quick and easy carrot poke cake is bursting with flavor and topped with a luscious frosting. It’s a simple make-ahead dessert that brings warm spices and a moist texture to your holiday table.

GET THIS RECIPE: Carrot Poke Cake

WANT MORE EASY RECIPES? Get our 5 Best Super Fast Supper recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Pumpkin Pie Cream Puffs

An overhead shot of several cream puffs on a gray marble surface. The top has been cut off and the puffs are filled with a thick white cream. One puff in the foreground is dusted with powdered sugar.
Image Credit: A Farmgirl’s Dabble

These elegant cream puffs are filled with a creamy pumpkin pie filling, making them a fun twist on the traditional pie. Light, airy, and irresistible, they’ll impress guests without requiring hours of work.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pumpkin Pie Cream Puffs

Maple Sweet Potato Walnut Butter Cake

A close-up of a pumpkin-colored bundt cake on a blue and white decorative plate. The cake is dusted with powdered sugar and a large slice has been cut out and placed in front of it, showing the cake's dense, moist texture.

Image Credit: The Delicious Crescent

Rich maple flavor, tender sweet potato, and crunchy walnuts make this butter cake a true holiday standout. It’s a comforting, rustic dessert that feels perfectly autumnal.

GET THIS RECIPE: Maple Sweet Potato Walnut Butter Cake

WANT MORE EASY RECIPES? Get our 5 Best Super Fast Supper recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Southern Hummingbird Mini Bundtlettes

A close-up of a small bundt cake on a white plate, topped with a swirl of white frosting. Other similar cakes are visible on a long white platter in the blurry background.
Image Credit: Pudge Factory

These charming mini bundtlettes are packed with flavors of pineapple, banana, and pecans, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re a bite-sized way to enjoy a classic Southern dessert.

GET THIS RECIPE: Southern Hummingbird Mini Bundtlettes

Pecan Pie Bars

A close-up of a stack of pecan pie bars. They have a light-colored crust on the bottom, a rich nutty filling, and are dusted with powdered sugar. Other bars are scattered around the main stack.
Image Credit: Jo Cooks

All the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie in an easy-to-serve bar form. These are perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead for stress-free holiday entertaining.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pecan Pie Bars

WANT MORE EASY RECIPES? Get our 5 Best Super Fast Supper recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Pumpkin Roll

A close-up, overhead shot of a pumpkin roll cut into three thick slices. The golden-brown cake is rolled with a creamy white filling, and the slices are dusted with powdered sugar on a white surface.
Image Credit: Jo Cooks

This stunning pumpkin roll combines spiced pumpkin cake with a silky cream cheese filling, rolled to perfection. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pumpkin Roll

Berry Cobbler

A close-up of a berry cobbler, showing a spoon scooping out a portion of the purple berry filling and a piece of golden-brown biscuit topping. The topping is sprinkled with coarse sugar.
Image Credit: Sally’s Baking Addiction

A juicy mix of berries topped with a golden, buttery crust makes this cobbler a deliciously fruity option for Thanksgiving. It’s a refreshing change of pace from traditional pies and pairs beautifully with a scoop of ice cream.

GET THIS RECIPE: Berry Cobbler

WANT MORE EASY RECIPES? Get our 5 Best Super Fast Supper recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Want More Easy Recipes Like This?  

  • VISIT MY WEBSITE: Visit www.itisakeeper.com for more easy recipes like this. Every recipe has been tested and approved as a “keeper”!  
  • FREE DINNER IDEAS CHEAT SHEET:  Get 200 dinner ideas and a free meal planning cheat sheet delivered to your inbox! 
  • COOK ALONG WITH ME: Check out my YouTube channel for all of our best cooking videos. 

Meet Christina

Woman in red blouse slicing lemons in a kitchen setting.

Hi there, it’s nice to meet you!  I’m a recipe developer, author, TV contributor and recipe hoarder that shares tried and true recipes anyone can make.  It Is a Keeper started in 2010 as a hobby that quickly grew.  Spending time in the kitchen has always made me happy – whether I’m making an old favorite that I know by heart or trying a new recipe. You can learn more about me here. 

Leave a Comment