# The Most Popular Thanksgiving Desserts - Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/cooking-the-most-popular-thanksgiving-desserts/ - Published: 2026-09-14T16:18:04-05:00 - Author: Bert Swope If you’re planning to make Thanksgiving desserts this year, you can start with the classics. [Pumpkin pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-slab-pie-with-mascarpone-and-white-chocolate-topping/) and sweet potato pie are the most popular. They’re easy to find and reasonably priced. While they’re not always the best tasting, they are a great choice for families who are looking to stay within a budget. Pecan pie, on the other hand, is pricier, but it delivers superior flavor. However, [pumpkin pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-slab-pie-with-mascarpone-and-white-chocolate-topping/) still holds the lead in the category, despite appealing to the health conscious consumer. ## 󠀁[Pumpkin pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-slab-pie-with-mascarpone-and-white-chocolate-topping/)󠁿 The most traditional Thanksgiving dessert is [pumpkin pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-slab-pie-with-mascarpone-and-white-chocolate-topping/), which can be made from fresh pumpkin or a canned pie. This pie is often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It is usually topped with a flaky pastry crust, which is baked until it is browned. Butternut squash may also be used in place of pumpkin for a similar flavor. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, consider making a few [pumpkin pies](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-slab-pie-with-mascarpone-and-white-chocolate-topping/) in advance. This way, you can save yourself a lot of trouble on the big day. A classic pumpkin pie recipe is [Pumpkin Pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-slab-pie-with-mascarpone-and-white-chocolate-topping/) with Streusel Topping, which is a creamy pumpkin pie with a crunchy crumb topping. This recipe makes two pumpkin pies, so you don’t have to worry about preparing them the day of the event. Another great pie to make in advance is Berry Pie, which pairs well with Thanksgiving fare. You can also grill a pumpkin and bake it with a crust. Another great Thanksgiving dessert is cranberry [cheesecake](https://lifeandwork.blog/2022/07/04/pumpkin-slab-pie-with-mascarpone-and-white-chocolate-topping/), which features a tart cranberry filling. Another classic holiday dessert is pecan pie, which uses maple syrup to add a special flavor to the nuts. ## 󠀁[Apple Pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/2022/07/14/recipe-no-bake-icebox-chocolate-cheesecake/)󠁿 While pumpkin pie is synonymous with Thanksgiving, [Apple Pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/2022/07/14/recipe-no-bake-icebox-chocolate-cheesecake/) and Pecan Pie have become one of the nation’s most popular desserts as well. While pumpkin pie reigns supreme in the western and central U.S., pecan pie is a Southern favorite. The mid-Atlantic states also share a love of the dessert. According to a recent study, the demand for [Apple Pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/2022/07/14/recipe-no-bake-icebox-chocolate-cheesecake/) increased more than 249 percent over the past five years. No wonder: this classic fall dessert is enjoyed by Americans from coast to coast. And it is easy to find at your local bakery or grocery store. It’s a great way to share the love of the holiday season with those you care about. While turkey is the undisputed star of Thanksgiving, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as the final bite of pie. [Apple Pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/2022/07/14/recipe-no-bake-icebox-chocolate-cheesecake/) is an all-American favorite, made with tart fruit and spices. The pie crust is often crisscrossed in layers and tops with crumbs. Other popular holiday desserts include pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, and a classic southern dessert, pineapple banana cake. The latter has a creamy cheesecake icing and is an excellent choice for a holiday dessert. The sweet-and-sour filling in Apple Pie is often topped with ice cream for a decadent treat. This sweet and satisfying dessert goes well with cheddar cheese or a nice vanilla ice cream. For a healthier option, try combining apples with a bit of honey. The flavorful caramel sauce can be used to enhance the apple flavor. If you’re looking for a richer dessert, consider a chocolate pudding pie. To make it extra decadent, top the pie with chocolate shavings. ## Mincemeat pie Mincemeat pie dates back to the Middle Ages. The medieval cooks discovered that sugar could preserve meat, so they used it to create pies filled with fruit and spices. In the 16th century, it became popular and associated with Christmas, especially with the three Magi. Crusaders brought home spices from the East and used them to make pies that resembled the Christ child and the Magi’s gifts. They also used spices to make the crust, which resembled a manger. In addition, the pastry was oblong to symbolize the manger. It is also traditionally filled with thirteen ingredients representing the apostles and Jesus. Mincemeat pie originated in England, and the first New England versions of the dish date back to the 1600s. Today, it’s a dessert made from dried fruits and spices, and is similar to the traditional British pie. It is traditionally served at Christmas, though in the United States it is often eaten at Thanksgiving. The pie has fallen behind [pumpkin pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-slab-pie-with-mascarpone-and-white-chocolate-topping/) in recent years, though it is still the most popular Thanksgiving dessert. It is easy to make mincemeat pie at home. You can buy canned mincemeat or prepare it yourself from scratch. The ingredients for the pie are usually available in supermarkets during the holidays. You’ll need a pie plate and a pie pan. You’ll also need to prepare the mincemeat pie crust. A pie crust should be rolled out into a 12-inch circle and fitted into a 9-inch glass pie plate. After the crust has been baked, you should sprinkle it with sugar. ## 󠀁[Pecan pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-pecan-pie/)󠁿 [Pecan pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-pecan-pie/) is a traditional Thanksgiving dessert that is always a crowd pleaser. Its nutty flavor is enhanced by the addition of molasses and bourbon. The pie is then baked for a few minutes and topped with fresh whipped cream. The nutty and creamy combination is a perfect finish for Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you choose to make the pie yourself or buy a store-bought crust, [pecan pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-pecan-pie/) is sure to please everyone at the table. Another popular Thanksgiving dessert is apple pie. While turkey is the undisputed focal point of the dinner, [pecan pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-pecan-pie/) brings a sweet note to the meal. You can use a lattice crust for this pie that has layers of dough crisscrossing across the top and bottom of the pie. Alternatively, you can try Dutch apple pie, which has an optional topping of crumbles. Another southern favorite is pineapple banana cake, which is topped with a cheesecake frosting. It offers a delicious combination of sweet fruit and moist cake. Pecans are native to North America and were a common food for Native Americans 10,000 years ago. The Native Americans used pecans as a source of energy and protein. Pecans were then introduced to the French when they settled in Louisiana. They were the first to use them for pie, and the recipe for [pecan pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-pecan-pie/) is believed to be from this time. ## 󠀁[Sweet potato pie](https://lifeandwork.blog/traditional-sweet-potato-pie-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert/)󠁿 A homemade sweet potato pie is a delicious Thanksgiving dessert. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and bake. To make it, first peel the sweet potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Add butter and mix well. Next, add milk, white and brown sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. After that, transfer the pie slices to a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 300deg F for 50 minutes. After baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Although pumpkin pie has long been a favorite holiday dessert, sweet potato pie has become one of the most popular Thanksgiving desserts. Its richer flavor makes it even better than pumpkin pie. In addition, it’s one of the best side dishes at Thanksgiving. The two most popular Thanksgiving sides are ham and turkey. Sweet potato pie is a traditional holiday dessert among Southern and Black Americans. Sweet potato pie was originally created among the African American community in the Southern United States. Nowadays, it’s a popular Thanksgiving dessert, often served in place of pumpkin pie. The pie’s filling is made from mashed sweet potatoes, evaporated milk, sugar, and eggs. Its texture can vary from light to dense, depending on the recipe. Sweet potato pie can also take on different flavors, such as Hawaiian sweet potato haupia pie. ## 󠀁[Cheesecake](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/)󠁿 Thanksgiving is all about family and gatherings. Turkey and all the fixings are a staple of the holiday. While this year’s Thanksgiving might look different than most in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic, the meal will still feature some of the same traditional dishes, including pumpkin pie and [cheesecake](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/). Among the many Thanksgiving desserts is [cheesecake](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/), and many people find it to be the perfect fall centerpiece. Thanksgiving [cheesecakes](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/) can be made in advance and frozen. This dessert is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday without taking up oven space. It can be made in advance and defrosted the night before serving. [Cheesecake](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/) is traditionally made with pumpkin pie filling. But you can make a seasonal version of this dessert by baking it with a toasted pecan crust. For a more artistic look, add some homemade whipped cream to the cracked top. Another favorite is carrot cake, which is the perfect way to end Thanksgiving dinner. Another popular Thanksgiving dessert is apple pie. This classic dessert is full of tart apples and spices and is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. There are various types of apple pie, including the Dutch apple pie, which uses crumble as the pie topping. You can also make a pineapple banana cake, which is topped with a [cheesecake](https://lifeandwork.blog/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/) frosting. You can serve it as a centerpiece or eat it as part of a dessert. ## 󠀁[Pumpkin roll](https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-pumpkin-roll-cake/)󠁿 If you’re looking for a delicious dessert to serve at Thanksgiving, you’ve come to the right place. A classic [pumpkin roll](https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-pumpkin-roll-cake/) recipe is the perfect choice for this holiday. Using a moist pumpkin sheet cake with a creamy filling, pumpkin roll desserts are a delicious way to end a meal. First, prepare the [pumpkin roll](https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-pumpkin-roll-cake/) batter by preparing all the ingredients. Pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, flour, and spices should be mixed together in a medium-sized bowl. Then, pour the batter into a greased or parchment paper-lined baking pan. After that, add chopped pecans to the batter. The cream cheese filling should be made by combining cream cheese with sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. After the cake has cooled, spread powdered sugar on the top and sides of the cake and roll it up. Refrigerate the roll for an hour before serving. Then, slice it for presentation purposes. Just before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar to finish the roll. Another favorite Thanksgiving dessert is pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie can be made from fresh pumpkins or from canned pumpkins. The filling is usually spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. The pumpkin pie crust is usually pre-baked. The filling is then added to the flaky crust and baked until golden brown. You can also use butternut squash in place of pumpkin. 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