33 Delicious Thanksgiving Desserts Beyond Pie

Looking for Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie this year? Pie is a favorite, but there are plenty of delicious alternatives that make your holiday table memorable. These 33+ non-pie desserts span cakes, cheesecakes, bars, cookies, tarts, puddings, no‑bake treats and more — all perfect for Thanksgiving.

When you’re planning your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving menu, it’s easy to default to pie. But not everyone loves pie — even classic pumpkin or apple — and sometimes you want a dessert that’s easier to make, more decadent, or simply different.

Here you’ll find show-stopping alternatives to pie, plus a variety of simple crowd-pleasers for every skill level. If pie crust feels like a chore, or you want a dessert that travels or can be made ahead, these options have you covered.

Why do we eat pie on Thanksgiving?

Pie became a Thanksgiving staple for several historical reasons. British settlers brought a strong pie and tart tradition to New England, where many early American Thanksgiving celebrations took hold. In earlier centuries cakes were harder to make without reliable chemical leaveners, so pies and tarts were easier household desserts. Influential advocates for Thanksgiving as a national holiday also helped cement recipes like pumpkin pie into the holiday canon.

Types of non-pie desserts

If you want something other than pie, consider one of these dessert types that still capture fall flavors:

• Cakes and cupcakes — single- or multi-layer cakes let you highlight pumpkin, spice, maple, chocolate or apple in a festive presentation.
• Tarts — pastry or no-bake tarts offer concentrated flavor with a refined look.
• Cheesecakes — creamy, sliceable and often pairable with fruit or caramel toppings.
• Cookies — easy to make, share and serve on a dessert table for guests who prefer something small.
• Bars and brownies — portable and perfect for serving warm with ice cream or cold straight from a tray.
• Puddings, mousses & trifles — layered, creamy desserts that are easy to scale and visually impressive.
• Candy & confections — seasonal candies or chocolate truffles add variety to a dessert spread.
• Fresh fruit — simple and elegant when served with whipped cream or a lightly sweetened cream.

Pie‑inspired drinks

If you want pie flavors without baking, try pie‑themed cocktails and mocktails. Sweet, spiced drinks can double as dessert and pair beautifully with non‑pie sweets. Examples include apple pie cocktails, pumpkin spice mules, cranberry mules, pecan‑inspired old fashioneds and spiced bourbon drinks.

Erin’s easy entertaining tips

Offering more than one dessert lets guests sample multiple flavors. A few tips for hosting:

• Offer variety. Include a selection of pumpkin, apple, pecan and cranberry flavors so everyone finds something they like.
• Consider dietary needs. Label desserts containing dairy, gluten, nuts or alcohol so guests with allergies or preferences can choose safely.
• Have toppings on hand. Whipped cream, ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauces, and chopped nuts make many desserts feel special and can be added as needed.

The best Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie

Below are categories and popular ideas to inspire your holiday menu. Each option captures classic fall flavors while avoiding a traditional pie.

Frequently asked questions