I Only Bake 23 Thanksgiving Desserts When Everyone’s Coming Over

It turns out baking 23 different Thanksgiving desserts sounds wild until you’ve seen how fast they vanish. This list was built for the kind of day when every seat’s taken and there’s a cousin on the stairs. Each one has been tested under pressure by people who always say “just a sliver” then take seconds. No extra fuss, just solid choices that show up and do the job.

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it.
Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Holidays are perfect for desserts that bring everyone together over rich flavors. Blueberry Cheesecake balances a creamy base with a fruity topping that gives each bite a bright note. The smoothness of the filling pairs amazingly with the balanced sweetness from the topping. It’s one of those desserts that feels special with a crowd around the table.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs.
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making dessert for a full table always calls for treats everyone recognizes with a fun twist. Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie delivers a soft center with a nutty and fruity duo that people can’t help but enjoy. It has that nostalgic element with a presentation that feels just right for a gathering. The blend of flavors hits both comforting and surprising notes for any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Close-up of a stack of gooey caramel-filled Biscoff Brownies, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, on parchment paper.
Decadent Biscoff Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s no better time to bake layered desserts than when everyone is there to share them. Rich, chocolatey tones stand out in Decadent Biscoff Brownies, but the cookie butter adds layers of complexity you don’t usually expect. You get a brownie that’s chewy, sweet, and balanced all at the same time. Everyone will ask for seconds before dessert is over.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Apple Dump Cake

Close-up of an apple crumble dessert with a golden crust, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a spoon placed inside the dish.
Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When it feels like family, desserts matter most, you can lean on classics with easy, crowd-pleasing components. The beauty of Apple Dump Cake lies in its mix of soft, baked fruit and a golden topping that finishes perfectly every time. It’s a dessert you’re happy to bring to the table because you know it’ll disappear fast. Even novice bakers can feel confident making it for loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Apple Dump Cake

Blueberry Pie

A slice of blueberry pie with a lattice crust is being lifted from a white ceramic pie dish.
Blueberry Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Baking for a house full of people always feels like a reason to keep it traditional. Blueberry Pie is exactly the kind of comfort dessert that’s fruity, sweet, and full of crowd-pleasing balance. It’s flaky, tender, and packs enough cozy flavor to fit any gathering, big or small. You know this one will be a hit before you even cut into it.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pie

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Close-up of three chocolate muffins in brown paper wrappers, topped with chocolate chips, with part of a bowl of chocolate chips visible in the background.
Chocolate Chip Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crowd-friendly desserts can sometimes be as simple as sharing something warm and comforting from the oven. That’s the charm of Chocolate Chip Muffins, where the chocolate melts into the soft crumb, giving it bite after bite of flavor. Whether they’re eaten after dinner or midday, they feel right in a packed kitchen. Plus, they’re easy to make in batches big enough for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combining flavors everyone enjoys can create a dessert worth making when the group gets together. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie blends the spice and sweetness of two classic baked treats into one irresistible dish. Each bite gives you spiced fruit and a uniquely twisted crust that stands out visually and flavorfully. It’s part warm pie, part irresistible cinnamon roll, and all comfort.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Chocolate Lasagna

A slice of layered dessert with a creamy white layer, chocolate filling, and crushed cookie topping.
Chocolate Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Balance between rich chocolate and lighter textures shines in desserts like this when serving lots of guests. Chocolate Lasagna offers layers of creamy and sweet flavors, each with its own texture and depth. A no-fuss dessert still able to impress everyone at the table makes it ideal for family gatherings. It’s simple enough to make but layered enough to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lasagna

Churro Cheesecake

A piece of creamy cheesecake with a dusting of cocoa powder on a white plate, accompanied by a silver spoon.
Churro Cheesecake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Desserts that feel as good as they look are always enjoyable to make when hosting. Churro Cheesecake layers a creamy filling with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar edge that balances perfectly. It has both the texture and flavor to stick in memory long after the plates are cleared. This dish is one of the easiest conversation pieces to add to dessert spreads.
Get the Recipe: Churro Cheesecake

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Two glass cups filled with layers of sliced strawberries, chocolate, granola, and chopped pistachios, with a blurred bowl of nuts in the background.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need a visually stunning dessert, things like presentation matter as much as flavor. Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup delivers with its rich layering of deep chocolate and a fruity counterbalance. It feels perfect for group events, giving everyone their personal dessert portion. You’ll find this one simple to serve and even easier to enjoy as everyone digs in.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Desserts that feel classic are welcome any time there’s a crowd to serve. Coffee Cake mixes crumbly textures on top with baked softness through every slice, creating something universally loved. It’s an easy dessert to set out and let everyone cut into as they please. The perfect balance of sweet and subtle flavors ensures it works for almost everyone.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese

Close-up of cake slices topped with white frosting and decorated with small, star-shaped sprinkles.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Big groups call for desserts that combine soft textures and indulgent layers. That’s where Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese make all the difference, blending rich topping with spiced baked goodness. Every forkful delivers a feeling of cozy, familiar flavor with a smooth finish from the frosting. It’s the dessert version of something you’d want seconds, no questions asked.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese

Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate.
Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Familiar desserts can warm the room when you bring them to the table for group meals. Homemade Bread Pudding brings soft textures and a rich flavor in every bite that’s as comforting as it is satisfying to share. Serving it warm straight out of the dish makes it even better for big gatherings. It’s one of those dishes that proves simple desserts can be standout hits.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Lemon Bars

Close-up of a lemon bar with a crumbly, light yellow top layer and a thicker, moist filling resting on a shortbread crust.
Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Desserts with a tart and sweet balance bring something unique to the mix of options for large gatherings. That’s what makes Lemon Bars a staple at dessert tables; they add a tangy brightness to any spread. Their buttery base is as enjoyable as the vibrant citrus topping on every bite. Guests will love picking up one or two pieces of these from the tray.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Apple Pie

A slice of apple pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No-fail desserts are the best kind to serve when everyone’s around for the holidays. Apple Pie gives you warm baked flavors, a flaky crust, and a fruity filling that’s lovely with or without ice cream. A good apple pie has the ability to bring people together over shared enjoyment. There’s a reason this one rarely has leftovers when dinner’s done.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background.
Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bright, tangy desserts bring something uplifting to big meals where sweeter flavors dominate. That’s why Key Lime Bars can feel like a refreshing change, offering their citrusy twist on classic dessert squares. A buttery crust supports every bite, balancing the tartness of the key lime layer. They’re perfect for serving after a heavy meal at any group gathering.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with cranberries.
Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For big dinners, dessert tables call for options that are both widely loved and easy to bake. That’s the strength of Pumpkin Pie, a spiced and creamy dessert that feels like it belongs in every gathering. Each bite feels familiar and cozy, with just the right sweetness to satisfy everyone. A group meal feels incomplete without this classic showing up.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta

A plate of baked pasta with a crispy, browned topping and dollops of white sauce.
Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A mix of novelty and tradition can create desserts people don’t expect at first but still enjoy. That’s exactly what Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta brings to the table, blending unique textures with its silky, sweet finish. It’s one of those unexpected hits at the table that feels special surrounded by a group. Even the skeptics may find themselves pleasantly surprised.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta

Tiramisu

A slice of tiramisu is being lifted from the dish, showcasing layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, topped with cocoa powder.
Tiramisu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Desserts with recognizable layers feel dynamic in big meals, which is why group settings are made for these treats. Tiramisu uses chocolate, espresso, and cream to deliver a dessert that’s balanced and loved. No one at the table will want to skip a chance to spoon into its rich texture and light sweetness. It’s a dessert that always gets talked about long after it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

A close-up of a baked pastry ring dusted with powdered sugar, featuring multiple layers of golden-brown, flaky dough and hints of cinnamon apple strudel slices peeking through.
Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For gatherings where variety matters, having something flaky and fruity adds balance to the lineup. Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices offer just that, with their spiced apple filling tucked inside a soft pastry crust. The portioned slices make for easy serving, especially with full tables. They’re ideal for anyone craving a handheld sweet during dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Lemon Cheesecake

A slice of lemon cheesecake with a graham cracker crust is being lifted from the whole cake, which is topped with whipped cream and lemon slices.
Lemon Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet desserts can sometimes benefit from a bright pop of flavor, and that’s what crowds love about these gatherings. Lemon Cheesecake brings a creamy, citrus-infused filling that keeps people coming back. Big enough to share and vibrant enough for everyone to notice, it’s an exciting addition to tables heavy on sweet and rich flavors
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake

Pecan Pie Cobbler

Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes
Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s always room in large group dinners for a dessert that feels extra rich and has both crunch and softness. That’s what defines Pecan Pie Cobbler, a dessert layering ooey-gooey filling with pecan topping. It’s as enjoyable to share as it is to eat, whether plated or served straight out of the dish. Guests will remember this one next time dinner comes around.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler

German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For events where you’re hosting a crowd, layered options often feel like the centerpiece of dessert. German Chocolate Cake provides the visual appeal with its tall, layered structure and that creamy coconut-pecan topping. This cake blends deep chocolate tones with the sweet counterbalance of its topping in every forkful. It’s guaranteed to make guests take a second slice, just for balance.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

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