25 Best Thanksgiving Desserts with a Unique Twist
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. While the classics like pumpkin and pecan pie will always have a special place on the table, why not add a little twist this year? Try surprising your family and friends with one or more of these unique Thanksgiving desserts. Which one are you going to try?
My husband and I enjoy hosting our family’s Thanksgiving dinner. He prepares a delicious roasted turkey, and I include all the traditional side dishes on our Thanksgiving menu. We look forward to making those traditional recipes once or twice a year.
One of the holiday classics that comes to mind is our cornbread recipe. Have you tried it yet? It’s a great addition to roasted turkey dinner, making it the perfect holiday recipe.
We usually have a traditional pumpkin pie recipe or other Thanksgiving pies for the last course. However, we like to switch it up and try a unique Thanksgiving dessert now and again. I have rounded up some of the best Thanksgiving desserts so you can try something new during your Thanksgiving feast. You are going to love this dessert inspiration!
Why Try Unique Desserts?
Baking allows for creativity. We all have our own unique creative abilities, so choosing a unique dessert this Thanksgiving will help us refocus our minds and create something beautiful to share with others. These unique recipes from talented creators are incredible; one could become your new favorite.
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Unique Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
These fun Thanksgiving desserts are easy to make at home.
As you scroll, you can almost smell the fall spices and baked goods from the amazing photography that takes these recipes to the next level. If you are putting on a Thanksgiving spread, you will want to include one or more delicious holiday flavors.
01
Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake
I’m curious about the apple blondie crust in this recipe. It also has a spiced caramel cheesecake filling topped with caramel sauce, cinnamon apples, and cinnamon whipped cream for a beautiful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. It sounds like the perfect unique Thanksgiving dessert to me!
02
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
To keep the traditional pumpkin flavor, why not try these delicious cupcakes instead of pumpkin pie? These individual servings would look cute displayed on a cake dish.
03
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Surprise your guests with this unique Thanksgiving pecan pie cheesecake dessert in bar or cake form. Sommer at A Spicy Perspective recommends creating a centerpiece cake in a round shape, which would look fantastic!
04
Patterned Pumpkin Roll Dessert
Get a step-by-step tutorial from Elizabeth at Sugar Hero to create this unique and impressive esquite dessert. If you want extra creativity this Thanksgiving, no question this will impress your guests!
05
Dlux Mini Dessert Cups Caramel Apple Trifles
This mini-layered dessert features a beautiful combination of apples, caramel, and homemade whipped cream. It is best served in clear glass cups to show off the delicious layers.
06
Caramel Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes
I recommend this recipe as a dessert that combines all the best flavors! It’s the perfect combination of apple crisp and cheesecake, with some extra sweetness thanks to the caramel sauce. You won’t be disappointed!
07
Apple Slab Pie
You’ll want to serve this delicious apple slab pie recipe if you expect many guests. It’s super easy to make. With a large crowd, all you have to do is cut it into squares and serve—you may decide to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an additional twist.
08
Apple Pie Enchiladas Dessert
Have you ever considered making an apple pie dessert using tortillas? This unique recipe will make a perfect and unexpected Thanksgiving treat for your guests!
09
Apple Dumplings
These dumplings feature cinnamon apples wrapped in a flaky butter pie crust and baked in a buttery brown sugar sauce. If you love apple pie and want a unique option, this one is the perfect fall dessert, especially for Thanksgiving.
10
Apple Turnovers
And if you love apple desserts, why not try homemade apple turnovers? All you’ll need is frozen puff pastry, apples, butter, an egg, and a few pantry staples for the apple pie filling. This delicious and easy recipe would look lovely displayed on your table setting.
11
Heavenly Lemon Oreo Dessert
Lemon Oreo dessert is a creamy and refreshing option for any occasion, including Thanksgiving.
12
Raspberry Lemon Cake
The buttercream for this classic layer cake is made with yogurt, fresh raspberries, and lemon juice. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving.
13
Apple Pie Layer Cake
Enjoy a unique apple pie cake with buttercream frosting this Thanksgiving. You can add a beautiful touch to this cake by decorating it with dried apples, which can serve as your centerpiece.
14
Bloomin’ Apples Dessert
The Bloomin’ Onion, a famous appetizer, has been transformed into a dessert using apples. This creative yet effortless dessert can be baked in an oven or an air fryer.
15
Apple Pie Cupcakes
How unique is this recipe? Converting a traditional apple pie into delicious cupcakes is an excellent idea that your guests will love!
16
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-ups
Did you know that this dessert recipe uses sliced bread? It requires only six simple ingredients; if you love cinnamon, this should be your choice!
17
Sweet Potatoe Cake
Instead of sweet potato pie, try sweet potato cake. Discover the fascinating tale behind a Thanksgiving side dish with a delicious marshmallow topping. Click below to uncover the story!
18
Maple Cake Dessert
Why not offer a yummy maple cake topped with maple cream cheese frosting at Thanksgiving, thanks to the availability of pure maple syrup year-round?
19
Rustic French Apple Tart
Indulge in the taste of a classic apple pie without needing a pan. Savor the perfect texture of the flaky pastry and admire the beautiful presentation of this dessert.
20
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies were an all-time favorite dessert in our household. This delectable new version of the classic recipe incorporates pumpkin, a blend of warm spices, and rich maple syrup, making it the ideal fall dessert.
21
Pumpkin Pie Crisp Dessert
If you love pumpkin pie, this dessert is for you! It still has the pumpkin pie filling with authentic fall flavors, but click the photo to watch the video and see what makes it unique.
22
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
This recipe is one of the best bundt cakes when you can turn a classic doughnut into a delectable cake. Add a generous layer of sweet cinnamon sugar on top and serve with a side of delicious apple cider dipping sauce. This combination will satisfy any sweet tooth and make a memorable Thanksgiving dessert.
23
Hershey’s Famous Black Magic Cake
For Thanksgiving dessert, your guests will love Hershey’s famous black magic cake recipe, which features delicious chocolate flavors. Look at that melted chocolate. It has a secret ingredient—click the recipe to find out what it is!
24
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
This cake looks like the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving—or any time, for that matter. Give me caramel anything, and I’m in!
25
Almond Cream Cake
This moist cake is topped with whipped frosting and decorated with sliced almonds, making it a unique Thanksgiving dessert and a great way to end my selections.
Tips for Serving & Presenting Unique Thanksgiving Desserts
1. Try seasonal garnishes, such as edible flowers, candied nuts, and fresh herbs, for a festive touch and a bit of color.
2. Display cakes or cupcakes in elegant serving dishes. Cake stands, tiered trays, vintage plates, and marble or wood boards are beautiful ways to present desserts on a Thanksgiving table.
​3. Add caramel and chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar or cocoa dusting to the dessert plates when serving to add a professional look.
4. Use a Dessert Board to give your guests variety. Cut small pieces of different desserts and display them on a large board with fruit, nuts, and dipping sauces.
5. Use Fall Elements and Decor, such as faux leaves, pumpkins, or dried orange peels, to help display the desserts. Choose elegant fall finds to bring a touch of sophistication.
6. Offer your guests sides like ice cream and whipped cream as a sweet extra.
7. Pair your dessert with hot cider, flavored coffee, herbal teas, or dessert wines.
Create a Memorable Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about tradition, but adding a few unique desserts to your holiday spread can bring a twist that guests will talk about long after the last bite.
Remember, presentation is key—don’t be afraid to get creative with garnishes, beautiful serving dishes, and thoughtful styling touches. These small details can make your Thanksgiving meal feel extra special and reflect the warmth and joy of the season.
So, step out of the pumpkin pie routine this year and try something new. By adding unique desserts to your Thanksgiving celebration, you’re not just serving up something delicious—you’re creating memories, sparking conversations, and sharing a little extra joy with those you love. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every sweet moment!
Leave a comment and let me know which dessert you want to try. Or have you tried one and recommend it?
If you are not hosting and want to bring a gift to Thanksgiving Dinner, pick up a bottle of wine or try one of my Thanksgiving Hostess Gift Ideas!
Hey there, I’m Cheryl
I’m a proud mom, wife, business professional, and Maritimer who loves decorating and organization. From daily essentials to interior design, join me as I share my next project, plan, or tutorial. Using simple planning and organization strategies, I love to help folks like you bring more beauty and harmony into your lives and living spaces.
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