Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes: 7 Sweet Treats for Your Holiday Table

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family, sharing favorite dishes, and enjoying something sweet after a delicious holiday meal. While pumpkin pie and apple pie are traditional favorites, there are plenty of other Thanksgiving dessert recipes worth adding to your holiday menu.

From warm apple crisp to rich chocolate brownies, the best Thanksgiving desserts combine comforting fall flavors with a little indulgence. Whether you're hosting a large family dinner or bringing dessert to a holiday gathering, these seven recipes offer something for everyone, including a few delicious ways to incorporate chocolate.

If you're ready to get baking, here are seven Thanksgiving dessert ideas to try this year.

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving dessert table feels complete without pumpkin pie. With its creamy filling, flaky crust, and warm spices, this holiday favorite is a reliable choice for finishing your Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

3. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 35–45 minutes, until the filling is mostly set.

5. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Serving tip

Serve each slice with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon. For chocolate lovers, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the whipped cream for a simple finishing touch.

2. Chocolate Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving classic, but adding chocolate takes this dessert to another level. The combination of crunchy pecans, sweet filling, and rich chocolate creates a decadent treat that is perfect for anyone who wants something a little different from traditional holiday pies.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 3/4 cup light corn syrup

• 3 large eggs

• 4 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 ounces melted chocolate

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.

3. Stir in the melted chocolate until combined.

4. Fold in the pecans and pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

5. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the filling is mostly set. If the crust begins browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.

6. Let the pie cool completely before cutting so the filling has time to set.

Make it with quality chocolate

Chocolate plays an important role in this recipe, so choose a chocolate that melts smoothly and delivers rich flavor. Le Chocolatier's 1-pound melting and baking chocolate collection is a convenient place to find chocolate for baking, melting, and preparing homemade holiday desserts.

3. Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Sometimes, the best Thanksgiving dessert is a simple classic. Chocolate brownies are easy to prepare, travel well, and make a great addition to a dessert table filled with pies and cakes.

For an extra seasonal touch, top them with chopped pecans or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter

• 6 ounces melting chocolate, chopped

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.

3. Whisk in both sugars, then add the eggs and vanilla.

4. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the pecans if desired.

5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool completely before slicing into squares.

Thanksgiving variation

Turn these brownies into a pecan pie-inspired dessert by topping them with a simple mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, butter, and a little corn syrup before baking. The result combines two popular holiday desserts in one bite.

For this recipe and other chocolate desserts, explore our melting and baking chocolate.

4. Caramel Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a wonderful alternative to traditional apple pie. It has all the familiar flavors of baked apples and cinnamon, but the buttery oat topping makes it easier to prepare without rolling out a pie crust.

Adding caramel gives this dessert an extra layer of sweetness, making it an excellent choice for a cool autumn evening.

Ingredients

For the apple filling:

• 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup caramel sauce

For the topping:

• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, flour, and caramel sauce.

3. Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

5. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Serving tip

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and an optional drizzle of melted chocolate. The combination of warm apples, caramel, and chocolate makes this familiar fall dessert feel a little more special.

5. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Not every Thanksgiving dessert needs to come out of the oven. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a simple, elegant option that adds fresh fruit and a touch of chocolate to your holiday spread.

They are especially useful when your oven is already occupied with turkey, side dishes, and pies.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh strawberries

• 8 ounces melting chocolate

• Chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or decorative sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the strawberries and dry them thoroughly. Any remaining water can interfere with the melted chocolate.

2. Melt the chocolate according to the package instructions, stirring until smooth.

3. Hold each strawberry by its leaves and dip it into the melted chocolate.

4. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the strawberry on a parchment-lined tray.

5. Add toppings while the chocolate is still wet, if desired.

6. Refrigerate until the chocolate has set.

Make-ahead tip

Prepare the strawberries as close to serving time as possible for the freshest presentation. Keep them refrigerated and serve them within about 24 hours.

Use chocolate from our melting and baking chocolate collection to prepare this recipe at home.

6. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin and chocolate make a delicious combination for fall baking. Pumpkin adds moisture and seasonal flavor, while chocolate chips bring sweetness to every bite.

These cookies are easy to share, making them ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, school celebrations, or a dessert platter alongside your favorite pies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup softened butter

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped melting chocolate

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cookies are set.

9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.

Baking tip

Pumpkin contains a lot of moisture, so these cookies will generally have a softer, more cake-like texture than traditional chocolate chip cookies. For a stronger chocolate flavor, use chopped dark chocolate instead of standard chocolate chips.

7. Chocolate Cheesecake

If you're looking for a dessert that feels a little more indulgent, chocolate cheesecake is an excellent choice. Its creamy filling and chocolate cookie crust make it a rich alternative to traditional Thanksgiving pies.

Although it takes a little longer to prepare and chill, you can make it a day ahead to simplify your holiday schedule.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

• 5 tablespoons melted butter

For the filling:

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 8 ounces melted chocolate, cooled slightly

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.

2. Mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.

3. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.

4. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

5. Add the melted chocolate and mix until evenly incorporated.

6. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and sour cream. Avoid overmixing.

7. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.

8. Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble.

9. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for about 30 minutes.

10. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Decorating tip

Top the cheesecake with chocolate shavings, a light drizzle of melted chocolate, or a few chocolate curls. For a Thanksgiving presentation, add pecans around the edge or serve each slice with whipped cream.

For the chocolate filling and decorative drizzle, shop our 1-pound melting and baking chocolate collection.

Thanksgiving Dessert Planning Tips

Preparing several desserts for Thanksgiving can feel like a project of its own. A little planning can make the process much easier.

Choose a mix of flavors. Pair traditional favorites like pumpkin pie with chocolate desserts, fruit-based treats, and cookies. This gives guests plenty of options without making every dessert feel the same.

Make desserts ahead of time. Brownies, cookies, and cheesecake can generally be prepared before Thanksgiving Day. Pumpkin pie and apple crisp can also be planned around your oven schedule.

Use chocolate in more than one way. Melted chocolate works well in brownies, cheesecake, pie fillings, and dipped fruit. Keeping baking chocolate on hand makes it easy to add a chocolate element to several recipes.

Think about serving and storage. Cookies and brownies are easy to transport, while cheesecake and chocolate-dipped strawberries require refrigeration. Plan your menu around the time and space you have available.

Prepare something for everyone. Some guests prefer traditional pies, while others look forward to chocolate desserts. Offering a few different styles ensures that everyone can find something they enjoy.

Don't Feel Like Making Your Own? Shop Thanksgiving Chocolate Gifts

Homemade desserts are a wonderful part of Thanksgiving, but preparing an entire holiday meal can leave little time for baking. If you'd rather spend more time with family and friends, professionally prepared chocolates make an easy and thoughtful addition to your celebration.

At Le Chocolatier, we offer Thanksgiving chocolate platters and gift baskets that bring a festive touch to your holiday table. They are a convenient option for family gatherings, Thanksgiving hosts, office celebrations, and holiday gifting.

Chocolate platters are ideal for sharing after dinner, while Thanksgiving gift baskets make a thoughtful way to thank a host or send something sweet to friends and family.

Whether you're looking for a centerpiece for your dessert table or a ready-to-give holiday gift, you can explore our selection of Thanksgiving chocolate platters and gift baskets.

Make This Thanksgiving a Little Sweeter

From classic pumpkin pie to rich chocolate cheesecake, Thanksgiving desserts are an opportunity to bring everyone together around something delicious. Adding chocolate to familiar fall recipes is an easy way to introduce new flavors while keeping the holiday menu comforting and familiar.

If you're planning to bake this year, shop Le Chocolatier's melting and baking chocolate collection for your homemade desserts. And if you prefer to leave the preparation to someone else, our Thanksgiving chocolate platters and gift baskets offer a convenient way to make your holiday celebration even sweeter.

However you celebrate, we wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and plenty of chocolate.