15 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts for a Crowd

Sheet Pan Apple Crisp

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 12

“I served this at a family dinner for dessert and had rave reviews. There was nothing left,” says Nana. You’ll have glowing reviews about the easy 20-minute prep too, since you simply slice apples and toss them with flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar, then top that with a nicely spiced walnut-oat crisp topping. Roast and prepare for accolades — especially if you serve it warm and à la mode.

Pecan Pie Bars

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 36

“These pecan pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, crunchy topping. They’re a much easier way to enjoy pecan pie! Great for gifting or cookie platters during the holiday season.” —Marietta Strothmann

Lottie’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 24

So what if peanut butter and banana aren’t quite “traditional” Thanksgiving dessert flavors? Frost these cupcakes with Banana Butter Frosting and the kids and kids at heart will gobble these up nonetheless. And since these peanut butter goodies feature applesauce and are just 125 calories each, save a few unfrosted cupcakes to enjoy for breakfast and snacking throughout the holiday weekend.

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Mousse

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 10

Marshmallows, canned pumpkin, and cream transform into something magical in this uber-easy mousse recipe that Allrecipes home bakers swear is “perfect” and a “huge success” since it “can be thrown together quickly and still make a great impression on guests.” Serve it scooped or piped into bowls or martini glasses, or up the ante by spooning this Thanksgiving dessert for a crowd into ready-made chocolate shells.

Maple Pecan Shortbread Squares

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 16

Shortbread cookie meets maple-pecan pie in this seven-ingredient Thanksgiving dessert for a crowd. Begin by prebaking the shortbread crust, then top with a maple syrup and pecan custard for some luscious, fall-flavored bar cookies. After just one bite, you’ll understand why these squares have garnered more than 200 five-star ratings!

Cranberry Upside-Down Coffee Cake

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 12

When it’s topped with brown sugar, butter, pecans, and cranberries, coffee cake is not just for brunch! This low-fuss Thanksgiving dessert for a crowd can easily flex as a Black Friday brunch too, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers. A cup of sour cream in the cake batter offers a super tender crumb and moist texture.

Pecan Cranberry Butter Tarts

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 15

Can’t quite decide between pecan pie or a cranberry dessert? Don’t! These itty-bitty pies feature the essential elements of both desserts in one handheld package: brown sugar-coated pecans, dried and fresh cranberries, and a buttery pastry. Since this Thanksgiving dessert for a crowd starts with store-bought tart shells, the prep time is just 20 minutes.

Basic Truffles

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 35

If you’re a fan of chocolate desserts, this one’s for you. Use just three ingredients — high-quality chocolate, heavy cream, and your desired flavor of extract — and you’ll end up with nearly three dozen cocoa bites that are super rich, decadent, and delightful as a mini meal-ender.

Pumpkin Brownies

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 16

Speaking of chocolate, we’re giving that popular flavor a fall makeover with (you guessed it) canned pumpkin! Starting with a layer of chocolate batter, this brownie recipe stacks a vibrantly-hued pumpkin batter on top. Use a knife to swirl through both for an eye-catching marbled appearance that’s almost as impressive as the flavor of this easy Thanksgiving dessert. Almost.

Easy German Apple Sheet Cake

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 24

If you have a big apple haul from the orchard or supermarket, this Thanksgiving dessert for a crowd is a brilliant and beautiful solution. It calls for about three pounds of your favorite apple variety, which are sliced and served atop a thin citrus-scented cake. Add raisins for an extra hint of sweetness and texture.

Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 12

Sweet potato casserole morphs into cupcake form in these marshmallow-frosted cupcakes. A cup of mashed sweet potatoes lends color and a craveable, moist texture to the cakes, while seasonal spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger give each bite an autumnal punch. Allow to cool, pipe on the marshmallow cream-infused topping, then toast under the broiler for that gorgeous golden topping.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 12

“This tastes a bit like pumpkin cheesecake on a sugar cookie crust, but the ingredients may surprise you (they did me!),” admits Mimsy, who shared this Thanksgiving dessert for a crowd recipe. Some of the usual fall dessert cast members are here, like canned pumpkin and cinnamon. Those surprises? You’ll find them hiding inside the crust. Rather than cookie dough, it’s made from chopped nuts and a package of yellow cake mix with pudding.

Paleo Raw Carrot Cake

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 16

When you’re planning Thanksgiving desserts for a crowd, it’s a generous and inviting idea to cover all dietary preferences and allergies. These paleo-friendly, raw, vegan cake bars showcase cashews, a variety of coconut ingredients (flour, milk, oil, and flakes), maple syrup and dates for sweetness, and, of course, a cup of carrots. The icing for this no-bake cake is so delicious, you might want to eat it with a spoon!

Pumpkin Cannoli

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 12

This classic Italian dessert feels totally at home when you pipe the cannoli shells full of pumpkin cream filling. Mascarpone and ricotta cheeses, homemade whipped cream, and instant pudding mix team up to lighten up pumpkin purée into cloud-like texture territory. Once filled, you can make these cannoli your own by sprinkling the ends with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fall-themed sprinkles.

Banana Pudding

Thanksgiving dessert servings: 12

DazzlinDarlene says, “I have been making this recipe for over two years for family and large parties and have never had any leftovers. People get upset if I don’t bring this with me!” We can confirm you’ll have zero disappointed or upset guests if you add this vanilla pudding, whipped cream, banana, and vanilla wafer trifle to your Thanksgiving menu. Assemble it in layers in a glass bowl for a supersized parfait that looks as incredible as it tastes.

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