While a slice of pie is the epitome of a Thanksgiving dessert, easily making a pie isn’t in every baker’s wheelhouse. And that’s OK! Thankfully, there are so many delicious desserts that evoke the flavors of Thanksgiving but are easier to make than pie. If you don’t like pie or you just feel like skipping the pie-making process this year, consider adding one of these desserts to your holiday menu.
Pumpkin Custard With Pumpkin Vanilla Creme
“This is my take on Cracker Barrel’s pumpkin custard with caramel mousse dessert. It is the perfect dessert for a chilly fall night.” – Pattie
Sweet Potato Cobbler
“I remember my mother and her friend making this when I was young. It’s so yummy and it’s a perfect dessert for autumn when fresh sweet potatoes are plentiful in Alabama. It’s also a good Thanksgiving dessert. I wish I had one ready to eat right now!” – Jewel
Grandma’s Secret Apple Brownies!
“My grandmother used to make these all the time for me when I was young. She finally gave me the recipe and I have been making them since! They are super moist and just incredible. Have one in the morning with your coffee or warm one up and place vanilla ice cream on top for dessert!” – Jessica
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream Frosting
“These flavorful pumpkin cupcakes have simple ingredients and easy to make. Topped with Maple Buttercream frosting they are perfect for fall.” – Debbie
Pumpkin Gorilla Bread With SoCo Toffee Sauce
“I was making Paula Deen’s Gorilla Bread with a friend: Me: Wouldn’t it be awesome if we put pumpkin inside with the cream cheese? My Friend: AND wouldn’t it be awesome if we served it with the sauce from toffee pudding…?? Me: Oh!! AND wouldn’t it be even MORE awesome if we put Southern Comfort in the sauce??? So here is our creation, born from Paula Deen’s Gorilla Bread Recipe, and the Food Network’s Toffee Sauce.” – Noelle
Layered Pumpkin Centerpiece Dessert
“I don’t even know what to call this. It is half cake, half flan; an amazing layered delight that will wow any and all pumpkin connoisseurs.” – Stacia
Fresh Apple Butter Cake
“I can honestly say this is one of the most delicious cakes I’ve ever eaten. The recipe was given to me by an aunt many years ago, and I’ve never changed one thing about it. Simply divine!” – Angela (Grammy)
Drunk Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
“I know there are pecan pie bread pudding recipes out there, but this one with the rum is just over the top ah-amazing! Rich buttery taste and warm rum flavor.” – Gina
Pumpkin Cobbler
“This is unbelievably easy, and everyone will ask for the recipe! I serve this instead of pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving!” – Dawn
Caramel Apple Snickerdoodles
“Soft, thick, and chewy apple snickerdoodles filled with melted caramel!” – Kevin
Pecan Pie Cookies
“If you like pecan pie, you will love these cookies. Quite tasty!!” – Stephanie
Cranberry Cake With Warm Butterscotch Sauce
“I remember my mom making this cake when I was a little girl in the 50s. There’s very little sugar in the batter, and the cranberries make it very, very tart. By itself, you probably wouldn’t care for it. But…. what gives this cake its deliciousness is the WARM butterscotch topping you ladle over the top.” – Deb
Nana’s Apple Crisp
“A simple recipe nana made that I always loved. Now my kids enjoy this too and it’s quick and easy! Cinnamon and apples…you can’t have a bad dessert with these two ingredients.” – Deneece
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze
“This is a really nice moist bread. Wonderful with a cup of tea, coffee, or a big glass of milk. It says autumn with every bite.” – Gail
Bite-Size New York Style Cheesecake
“My old man is from New York so I don’t have to tell you when he wanted cheesecake and I made a Jell-O Cheesecake from a premix he was a bit unenthusiastic. So it was imperative I learned to make New York-style cheesecake. These are wonderful little treats. The recipe can be made with graham crackers, wafers, or chocolate cookie crust. – Christine
Cider Basted Apple Dumplings
“This recipe is a version of my husband’s Mom-Mom Bessie’s recipe. She made the BEST apple dumplings. Of course, she had no measurements and just dumped the ingredients. I was lucky enough to have spent a few days with her in her kitchen to learn how she made some of her wonderful dishes. These apple dumplings are the closest I could get to hers.” – Susan
Pumpkin Maple Pull-Apart Bread With Whiskey Sauce
“Yummy bread with lots of warm, fall flavors. I took this to my office and it was devoured. You can omit the whiskey to make it a little more kid-friendly if you are concerned about the alcohol. Making the bread is time-consuming, but the final result is well worth it!” – Lindsey
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
“I came up with this last night and it was AWESOME.” – Lisa
Cranberry Walnut Bread Pudding A La Yum!
“I don’t think I have ever met a bread pudding I didn’t like, it is one of my all-time favorite desserts. I recently bought a loaf of Cranberry Walnut bread in the bakery department of a supermarket. After trying to make room in my freezer, I took out a loaf that was in there and decided to try it in bread pudding… did I say YUM!” – Kathy
Favorite Caramel Apple Blondies With Browned Butter Frosting
“Favorite Caramel Apple Blondies with Browned Butter Frosting are rich, decadent, and full of apple chunks, you’ll love these blondies.” – Paula