29 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts That Taste Homemade Even If They Weren’t

ByJenn

Thanksgiving desserts do not need hours of whisking and stress to feel homemade. These 29 easy options bring that “someone put care into this” vibe without the effort. Guests will assume there was a secret method from a grandmother with opinions. Just smile, accept the compliments, and pretend you didn’t finish everything while wearing pajamas.

A slice of layered pumpkin dessert topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a white plate.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

A Puff Pastry Apple Tart topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with powdered sugar sits on a light green plate.
Puff Pastry Apple Tart. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for something that feels homemade. Puff Pastry Apple Tart has everything you want in a fall dessert without all the effort. Crispy layers and rich apple goodness make for a dessert that looks store-bought but tastes personal. It’s a quick way to impress guests and make Thanksgiving easier.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

A plate with several Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie cookies topped with a layer of peanut butter and a swirl of chocolate frosting.
Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Having dessert ready in no time is a game-changer, and this delivers. Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies combine fudgy chocolate and peanut butter in one bite. They look gourmet, taste decadent, and are perfect for gifting or sharing. These cookies are simple yet create an unforgettable addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

A slice of Pumpkin Crunch Cake on a white plate, topped with whipped cream, with a checkered cloth beside it and a baking dish in the background.
Pumpkin Crunch Cake. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Who doesn’t love an effortless way to serve up some fall vibes? Pumpkin Crunch Cake layers soft cake textures with a crispy topping that people can’t get enough of. It’s a dessert that looks right out of grandma’s kitchen but takes a fraction of the time. Everyone will want seconds, so you might want to make an extra!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Three pieces of Dutch Apple Pie Squares on a black slate plate.
Dutch Apple Pie Squares. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

These are made for easy slicing and sharing during busy holidays. Dutch Apple Pie Squares combine the classic pie taste in a simpler format. They’re buttery, apple-filled, and perfect for last-minute additions to your dessert spread. A crisp finish makes them great with coffee or as a standalone treat.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

A piece of Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake. sits on a plate with a fork. More cake is visible in the background on a wooden board.
Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Mixing brownies and pumpkin is a win, and Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake it out of the park. This recipe blends chewy chocolate with pumpkin in a way that feels festive and fun. It’s unique and looks extra special for the season. Plus, it’s great when you want dessert for everyone with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

A stack of Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark pieces sits on a wooden board.
Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

An easy snack-dessert hybrid you’ll love to have on your table. Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark is a good mix of nutty and sweet without feeling too heavy. It’s as simple as it gets, but guests will rave over how unique it feels. Serve it as a quick bite or pack it as a thoughtful treat for take-home bags.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel

Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel are arranged on two metal plates, with cinnamon sticks and a bowl of caramel nearby on a marble surface.
Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Bringing caramel and pumpkin together is always a smart idea. Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel are soft, sweet, and seriously crowd-pleasing. They require no complicated steps but look and taste bakery-level enough to impress. These are bound to be one of the first platters cleaned out at Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel

Dutch Apple Danishes

Golden brown Dutch Apple Danishes, topped with a fruit and nut filling, drizzled with white icing, displayed on a dark baking sheet.
Dutch Apple Danishes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Not everything has to be made from scratch to feel fancy. Dutch Apple Danishes give you all that pie-like apple goodness but in a flaky, handheld pastry. They look like something you’d find in a bakery but don’t need the effort. Perfect for brunch or dessert, they keep things simple while feeling special.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

Pumpkin whoopie pies with cream filling are arranged in rows on a wire cooling rack.
Old Fashioned Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Combining cake and cream filling is always a hit. Old Fashioned Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe is soft and packed with seasonal flavor, great for anyone who loves pumpkin. These are easier than you’d think to put together without cutting corners on taste. They also store well, so you can make them ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

An Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream, served in a rectangular dish, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle, accompanied by a portion on a plate beside it.
Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Warm, cozy desserts don’t need to take hours to deliver. Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is quick to whip up and tastes just as good as homemade. The pairing of baked apples with cool ice cream is an easy win for Thanksgiving. Everyone at the table will be happy with this blend of textures and temperatures.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

A white plate with five biscoff cookie butter streusel bars, each drizzled with melted cookie butter.
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Dessert bars are always a good option if you want fuss-free serving. Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars pair crumbly layers with that sweet spread everyone loves. They’re unique enough to stand out but simple enough not to feel overwhelming. Make them ahead and enjoy how easy they are to slice and share.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

Easy Pumpkin Turnovers

Three white plates with pumpkin turnovers topped with cinnamon sugar, on a rustic wooden table with utensils and autumn-themed decorations.
Easy Pumpkin Turnovers. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Nobody said pumpkin desserts have to be complicated. Easy Pumpkin Turnovers pack sweetness into every bite with a crisp, golden crust. They look fancy but come together easily, making them a hit for guests. People won’t guess they were store-bought or whipped up quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Turnovers

Apple Fritter Bread

Three slices of apple fritter bread on a white plate.
Apple Fritter Bread. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

You don’t need to spend hours baking for dessert to look homemade. With Apple Fritter Bread, you’ll have moist cake that has the same flavors you’d find in apple fritters. It’s perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving vibe with apples baked into every slice. Sprinkle on your favorite topping, and it’ll feel even more festive.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

Mini Biscoff Cheesecake

A white plate with strawberries and mini biscoff cheesecakes.
Mini Biscoff Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Cheesecake doesn’t have to take all day to make. Mini Biscoff Cheesecake is bite-sized desserts that pack big flavor without all the work. They’re great for entertaining because everyone gets their share and no slicing is needed. Pair them with coffee, and you’ll have a relaxing end to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Biscoff Cheesecake

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting on wooden serving board.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Not every roll needs to be bread-heavy. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are softer, sweeter treats with a seasonal twist. Perfect for people who love cinnamon with a touch of pumpkin sweetness. There’s plenty of room to add in your favorite toppings like drizzled icing or nuts.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Six Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls arranged on a black slate serving tray.
Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A little effort goes a long way for something special. Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls are bite-sized and filled with that recognizable cookie butter flavor. These are perfect for those who don’t like sharing because they’re already portioned out. Bring them out at the end of dinner, and you won’t have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

A slice of maple pecan pie bar topped with chopped pecans sits on a floral-patterned plate.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You don’t need to roll out pie dough to get the same comfort-filled dessert. Maple Pecan Pie Bars give you that classic pie flavor in a handheld option. They’ve got just the right mix of sweetness without being overly heavy. Slice them up and let people grab them as they go.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

A slice of no-bake pumpkin cheesecake delight on a white plate, partially eaten with a fork resting on the plate.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Not every dessert needs time in the oven. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake skips the hard work but gives the same creamy goodness people love. The pumpkin makes it perfect for Thanksgiving, whether served in slices or individual cups. Guests will leave the table asking how you made it so good.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

A dessert with chocolate doesn’t disappoint. Double Chocolate Brookies are the best mix of brownies and cookies in each bite. The rich chocolate makes them stand out, and they look like bakery treats. Just plate them up, and they’ll be gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Nanna’s Apple Cake

An apple cake on a white plate with cinnamon sticks.
Nanna’s Apple Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old-school recipes never go out of style. Nanna’s Apple Cake tastes sweet and has a nostalgic feel that reminds people of home. It’s simple but baked with love, making it ideal for Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone will ask for the recipe after they try it.
Get the Recipe: Nanna’s Apple Cake

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies with frosting, caramel drizzle, and chopped nuts on a white marble surface.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich and simple, these cookies make any dessert table stand out. Chocolate Caramel Cookies combine sweet and indulgent flavors in every bite. Perfect for quick holiday desserts, they feel homemade without extra effort. Everyone will love how easy they are to enjoy and share.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Buttermilk Banana Cake

Banana-Buttermilk Cake on a platter.
Buttermilk Banana Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A soft and moist cake that’s perfect for a Thanksgiving treat. Buttermilk Banana Cake has a subtle sweetness and is ideal for gatherings. It’s a crowd favorite that looks as good as it tastes. Easy to serve and even easier to enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles on a circle grey and blue plate.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm spices and a seasonal twist make these cookies memorable. Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats for any holiday table. They’re quick to prepare and always make a great impression. Guests will think you’ve been baking all day.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Layers of chocolate, caramel, and nuts create a dessert worth trying. Turtle Brownies are rich and perfect for special occasions. They look impressive but are surprisingly easy to put together. You’ll want to make extra because they disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

An apple cinnamon roll on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Everyone loves a dessert that mixes classic and fun flavors. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls take the best parts of pie and turn them into a sharable treat. Perfect for Thanksgiving spreads, they’re hard to resist. They look like they came straight out of the oven.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Fall Brownie Cupcake

Fall brownie cupcakes with whipped cream on a plate.
Fall Brownie Cupcake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Individual treats are often the easiest for holiday guests to enjoy. Fall Brownie Cupcake adds a festive touch to the dessert table without much work. Perfect for serving without extra slicing or cleanup effort. These are as fun to eat as they are to make.
Get the Recipe: Fall Brownie Cupcake

Sweet Potato Cookies

Sweet Potato Cookies on a baking sheet with icing and nuts.
Sweet Potato Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A unique twist on cookies that’s perfect for the holidays. Sweet Potato Cookies bring a soft texture and homemade vibe to your dessert lineup. Great for something different without the usual pie hassle. They’re effortlessly tasty and fun to share.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cookies

Pecan Pie Brownies

A close-up of two pecan brownies on a slate surface, showing the rich, chocolatey interior and a topping of chopped pecans.
Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Nothing beats a dessert that looks fancy but takes little work. Pecan Pie Brownies combine a gooey pie layer with rich, fudgy chocolate. Easy to make but hard to keep on the table, they’re always a hit. They’re guaranteed to grab everyone’s attention.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies

Pumpkin Dump Cake

A slice of layered pumpkin dessert topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a white plate.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

A simple and crowd-pleasing dessert that fits any holiday meal. Pumpkin Dump Cake is effortless and saves you extra kitchen time. Perfect to prepare ahead or throw together quickly when needed. It may not be homemade, but it tastes like it could be.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake