Sure, the turkey is great. And it’s hard not to go in for a second (or third) helping of stuffing. Some would argue, however, that the real star of a Thanksgiving meal is dessert. Nothing beats a full spread of sweet treats, from classic pumpkin pie and fragrant, nutty pecan pie to something maybe a little less traditional, like pumpkin whoopie pies – a festive spin on a New England favorite. Here are six Thanksgiving desserts we would be happy to see as part of that after-dinner spread.

6 Favorite Thanksgiving Desserts

Creamy Pumpkin Pie with Hazelnut Crust

In Yankee’s October 1995 issue, food writer Corby Kummer riffed on classic pumpkin pie with variations including pecan crunch, marble cheesecake, and this creamy pumpkin pie with hazelnut crust. It’s fully recognizable to traditionalists but adds a pleasing aroma of hazelnuts to keep things interesting.

Bourbon Walnut Pecan Pie

Fragrant and nutty, this bourbon walnut pecan pie is just as tasty as it is beautiful. Bourbon and walnut lend some welcome additional flavors to the classic pie.

Cranberry Crumble Bars

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are a great use for those cans of cranberry sauce in the back of your cupboard: Stir them into a fruit filling for these sweet-tart-buttery bars. We love their bright ruby color and ease of preparation.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll

This autumn-hued pumpkin roll with maple-flavored cream cheese filling can be served year-round but is particularly suited for the Thanksgiving table.

Blue-Ribbon Deep-Dish Apple Pie

When it comes to apple pie, the more fruit the merrier. This version of deep-dish apple pie is good enough for a bake-off: tall, beautifully domed, and filled to the top with juicy apples.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Savor the flavor of fall with these pumpkin whoopie pies, a spin on the traditional chocolate whoopie. You’ll love the maple cream cheese filling sandwiched between the pumpkin spice cakes.

Do you have Thanksgiving desserts that you serve every year? Let us know!

This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.

SEE MORE:
25 Thanksgiving Day Tips | Preparing for the Big Feast
Pumpkin Puree Recipes | 6 Sweet Ways to Use a Can of One-Pie
Favorite Holiday Pie Recipes

Cathryn McCann

While on staff as digital assistant editor, Cathryn wrote and promoted content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Prior to this role, she lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a newspaper reporter, covering everything from environmental issues and education to crime and politics.

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