7 Thanksgiving Desserts That’ll Become Your Holiday Staples in 2025

Why Skip the Usual Pies This Year? (Image Credits: Pixabay)

As the scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafts through the kitchen on a crisp November evening, it’s time to rethink those dessert traditions that always leave everyone wanting more.

Why Skip the Usual Pies This Year?

Thanksgiving dinners often end with a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie, but let’s face it – those classics can feel predictable after a few years. In 2025, with so many fresh ideas floating around, why not surprise your guests with something that sparks real excitement? It’s all about blending comfort with a twist that keeps the conversation going long after the plates are cleared.

Chefs and home bakers alike are leaning into textures and flavors that play off the savory feast. Think creamy cheesecakes infused with fall spices or fruity cobblers that cut through the richness of turkey and gravy. These options not only taste amazing but also make prep easier for busy hosts.

Classic Buttermilk Pie with a Modern Edge

Picture this: a pie that’s tangy, custardy, and somehow lighter than your standard holiday fare. Buttermilk pie has Southern roots, but it’s gaining traction nationwide for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing vibe. No need for fancy equipment – just a basic crust and a few pantry staples.

Mix up the batter with buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and a dash of vanilla, then bake until golden. For 2025, add a sprinkle of nutmeg or even a caramel drizzle to elevate it. Sites like King Arthur Baking swear by this as a pie alternative that feels fresh yet familiar.

It’s forgiving too – if your oven runs hot, it still turns out velvety smooth. Serve it warm with whipped cream, and watch it disappear faster than the stuffing.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for Easy Sharing

Who doesn’t love a dessert you can grab and go? Pumpkin cheesecake bars top the list for 2025 because they feed a crowd without the fuss of slicing a whole cake. The creamy filling sits on a gingersnap crust that adds just the right crunch.

Blend pumpkin puree with cream cheese, spices like cinnamon and ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. Bake in a sheet pan, chill, and cut into squares. Food Network has recipes that highlight how this swaps out heavy pies for something portable and indulgent.

These bars hold up well at room temperature, perfect for passing around the table. Plus, they’re a hit with kids who might skip the traditional options.

Apple Cobbler That Rivals Grandma’s

Nothing says fall like the warm hug of baked apples, but cobblers take it up a notch with their biscuit-like topping. In 2025, this dessert is everywhere, from cozy family gatherings to potlucks, thanks to its rustic charm and endless variations.

Toss sliced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice, then top with a buttery dough. Bake until bubbly and golden – about an hour in a moderate oven. King Arthur’s take includes oats in the topping for extra texture that soaks up the juices beautifully.

It’s versatile too; swap in pears or add cranberries for a tart kick. This one always gets requests for seconds, making it a smart pick for leftovers.

Chocolate Pecan Delights for the Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate and pecans? That’s a match made in dessert heaven, especially when you skip the pie crust for something bite-sized. These treats are trending for 2025 holidays because they’re rich without overwhelming the palate.

Melt chocolate with pecans and a bit of bourbon for depth, then spoon into mini muffin tins. Bake briefly to set, and you’ve got clusters that melt in your mouth. Bon Appétit’s ideas show how to amp up the indulgence with sea salt on top.

They’re gluten-free friendly and super quick to whip up. Pair them with coffee after dinner for a sophisticated finish.

Cranberry-Filled Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread’s buttery simplicity pairs perfectly with tart cranberries, creating a cookie that’s light yet memorable. For this year’s Thanksgiving, these are ideal for anyone watching portions – they’re small but pack big flavor.

Press shortbread dough into a pan, spread with a cranberry jam made from fresh berries and sugar, then bake and cut into bars. The contrast of crumbly cookie and jammy fruit is addictive. Recipes from Sugar Spun Run emphasize using whole cranberries for that pop of color and taste.

Make them ahead and store in tins; they stay fresh for days. Guests love the pretty red hue that brightens the dessert spread.

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cupcakes bring fun to the table, letting everyone pick their favorite topping. Spiced pumpkin ones are a 2025 staple, moist and aromatic with cloves and allspice woven in.

Fold pumpkin into a vanilla batter, bake in liners, and frost generously. The cream cheese topping adds a tangy balance to the sweetness. Good Housekeeping shares tips for making them extra fluffy with buttermilk.

They’re portable for travel or kids’ hands, and you can decorate with fall leaves made of fondant for flair.

• Prep ahead: Most of these desserts can be made a day early.
• Make it dietary-friendly: Swap dairy for plant-based options in cheesecakes or pies.
• Portion control: Opt for bars and cookies to avoid overdoing it post-feast.
• Flavor boosts: Fresh spices from the market elevate everything.
• Pairing ideas: Match with hot cider or decaf for the win.
• Presentation: Use autumn leaves as garnishes for that Instagram moment.

Thanksgiving 2025 is your chance to create new traditions that your family will crave year after year. These desserts turn the end of the meal into the highlight, blending nostalgia with just enough surprise. What dessert are you most excited to try this holiday? Share in the comments below.