Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren't Pie

Looking for Thanksgiving desserts that you want to serve on the dessert table? Mix it up this holiday season with these incredible, show-stopping desserts that aren't pie!

Chocolate Treats

Salted Dulce de Leche Brownies

This mixture of cooked sweetened coconut flakes and evaporated milk simmered together until thick can be enjoyed straight from the jar. However, these brownie bars make a more presentation-ready option. The brownies are really fudgy and rich. The delicious twist? They're covered with a thick layer of sweetened condensed milk, which has been whipped into a fluffy mousse.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

The classic amazing chocolate chip cookie recipes require starting them at least one day ahead of when you want to bake them. If you don't have enough time to start them ahead of time, there are some quick and easy recipes. Choosing to use large pieces of cut-up dark chocolates instead of commercial chips makes for delicious melty pockets in the final cookie. The dust generated when cutting up the dark chocolates adds a nice touch of cocoa flavor to each bite. Nutmegs help add depth to the rich buttery taste of the custard.

Butterscotch Brownies

You've probably had chocolate brownies before, but have you ever tasted butterscotch brownies? Now you can enjoy a creamy cup of hot cocoa with the addition of a delicious, intricate frosting on the holiday table.

Rich and Creamy Tiramisu

Add a twist to the Italian classic by pairing ladyfingers with mascar­pone and a coffee syrup flavored with sweet crème ­de cacao and toasted cardamom. By using fewer eggs than usual, we're able to emphasize the mellowness of the mascarpone cheese. If you're going to impress, then go ahead and bake the ladyfingers yourself. It's okay to use store-bought ones if you don't feel like making them.

Toasted Sesame Tart with Chocolate Ganache

Toasted sesame with bittersweet chocolate ganache makes for a perfect, rich holiday treat. Sesame seeds are used here in three different ways: coarsely-grinded seeds and tahini are mixed into the custards, while whole seeds are scattered on top, adding texture and nutty flavors. It's the perfect side dish for any Thanksgiving dinner.

Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies

Adding dark chocolates to a dish of pureed butternut squash makes for an even tastier treat than eating just the squash by itself. Once you've made these delicious brownies, people will always be complimenting you on them.

Pumpkin Mousse

This smooth and creamy Pumpkin Mousse is the perfect way for you to end a Thanksgiving dinner. To really add flavor to this delicious treat, top it with some fresh whipped ­creme.

Fruit Desserts

Gluten-Free Apple Fritters

Apple fritter recipes aren't typically associated with the holidays, but they're certainly seasonal, and they're delicious too! Stuffed full of crispy bits of apple, these fritter balls are gluten-free because they're made from Chebe, which uses modified cassava (manioc) starches instead of wheat flour. Smaller fritters allow for a better balance between a crispy fried exterior and a fluffy interior.

Apple Oatmeal Cookies

If you're planning to be a guest at Thanksgiving dinner and have been asked to bring something sweet, consider making some homemade baked goods, which are easy to bake in large quantities and travel well. Applying both grated and sliced Granny Smiths to these chewy treats gives them twice the apple taste.

Pear, Riesling, and Ginger Sorbet

After a heavy Thanksgiving dinner, I secretly crave something light and refreshing, but not rich, in my desserts, and this juicy sorbet fits the bill. You can use pear slices combined with sweet-tart wine and spicy ginger for our recipe. You can also use a lot of fresh, chopped, raw, peeled, and grated garlic to add depth and complexity to our dishes, but feel free to use less if you prefer a mild garlic flavor.

Fruity No-Churn Ice Cream

Use this recipe as a template for all your future fruit-based frozen dessert needs. You can use frozen fruits instead of dried ones because they're easier to blend into smoothies. And because there’s no churning involved, you won't need to worry about making time for dessert.

Jammy Fruit Bars

They're not as heavy or decadent as pecan or pumpkin pies, but considering everything else they'll have on their plates, that might just be an okay option for dessert. They're filled with hearty, rich rolled oatmeal, and beneath their crumbs, they've got a generous helping of jam or fresh fruit — whatever juicy fruit you prefer.

Apple Cider Doughnuts

Donuts aren't the most traditional Thanksgiving desserts, but they're definitely worth adding to the menu. These ones are made from yeasted dough, spiced with cinnamon and cloves, and fried until crispy and chewy. The warm doughnut is finished with a mixture of powdered sugar and freeze-dried, powdered apples.

Cranberry Trifle

With layers of fluffy, light sponge cake, bitter amaretto, tart cranberry jelly, and heavy cream that is whipped with mascar­pone, this Christmas trifle is a celebration of contrasting tastes and textures.

Baked Apples With Oatmeal Filling

Desserts don't always need to be sweet and unhealthy. These delicious baked apple pies are perfect for dessert after dinner. They're made with fresh ingredients and they're easy to prepare.

Apple Cranberry Crumble

Apples and cranberry go well together to create a delicious dessert that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone at the Thanksgiving table. To really impress your friends, serve this dessert topped with heavy whipping crea­m, whipped crea­m, or vanilla bean frozen yogurt.

Sweet Potato Streusel Casserole With Coconut

Create a delicious streusel topping by combining sweet potato and coconut. It's sure to be the most popular dessert at your family's Thanksgiving dinner! When everyone has finished eating this delicious dessert, there won't be any left for you to take home.