Skip the Turkey and Just Eat Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to bring out all the stops on dessert. And if you want to keep things simple without sacrificing flavor, one-pan desserts are the way to go. They’re big on taste, short on cleanup, and perfect for sharing. When the meal is done, you just pop one of these into the oven, and soon the whole kitchen smells like dessert heaven.

Apple Cake with Cinnamon

A round apple tart in a cast iron skillet, with one triangular slice partially removed. A knife and an apple are seen on the side. — Apple Cinnamon Skillet Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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This easy Apple Cinnamon Cake is a cozy favorite, topped with fresh apple slices for extra flavor. Baked right in a skillet, it’s simple yet full of charm.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake with Cinnamon

Butterscotch Pie

A slice of pie with whipped cream on a plate, showcasing a golden crust and creamy filling, with a fork nearby and a blurred background. — Butterscotch Pie with Meringue. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This classic Butterscotch Meringue Pie is smooth and creamy, with a fluffy meringue topping that makes it and irresistible Thanksgiving dessert. Try this vintage recipe when you’re craving something extra special!
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Pie

Cinnamon Roll Crescent Rolls

A plate with two cinnamon rolls and blackberries on it. — Cinnamon Roll Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These tender Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls bake up golden brown and buttery with a sweet cinnamon filling that starts with refrigerated crescent rolls for a quick breakfast treat for Thanksgiving morning or a dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Crescent Rolls

Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Apple spice cupcakes in a muffin tin with frosting rosettes. — Apple Spice Cupcakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Enjoy these easy Apple Cupcakes, topped with smooth Maple Buttercream Frosting. Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves bring just the right touch of warm spice to these Thanksgiving cupcakes.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Pecan Tassies

A cup of tea with a selection of pecan tarts and spilled nuts on a table with a red patterned napkin. — Pecan Tassies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These homemade Pecan Tassies are mini versions of pecan pies, packed with the same sweet, nutty flavor in a bite-sized treat. They're perfect for when you want a little taste of pie. Consider making a double batch for Thanksgiving; they will disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies

Cinnamon Madeleines

A plate of powdered sugar-dusted pastries on a colorful plaid tablecloth, with cinnamon sticks and nutmeg nearby. — Cinnamon Madeleines. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Bring a taste of France to your kitchen with these Cinnamon Madeleine Cakes, infused with the warm fall flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for autumn and Thanksgiving!
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Madeleines

Browned Butter Blondies

Butter pecan blondies bars with icing and pecans on a cutting board. — Butter Pecan Blondies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Whip up a batch of these rich Browned Butter Blondies with Pecans for dessert. Soft and buttery, these bars are loaded with toasted pecans and topped with a cinnamon glaze, making them just the right amount of decadent and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Blondies

Caramel Apple Popcorn

A bowl of popcorn in a white bowl. — Caramel Apple Popcorn. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Let the family feast on bowls of this homemade Caramel Apple Popcorn. It's the perfect crispy snack to munch on while the turkey is roasting. This popcorn is seriously tasty – buttery and caramel-y, just as it should be. It's become a beloved snack for the family.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Popcorn

Gingerbread Muffins

These gingerbread muffins are a must to set out for Thanksgiving breakfast! You're going to love the moist texture and delightful gingerbread flavor. Bake a batch and enjoy for breakfast with your hot cuppa brew.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Muffins

Maple Snickerdoodles

A stack of six round cookies tied with a string next to a glass of milk on a wooden surface. — Maple Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Maple Snickerdoodles are a tasty cookie often tied to the holiday season, but they're perfect for enjoying all year round. The cinnamon swirls and maple flavor make them a classic for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Maple Snickerdoodles

Autumn Leaf Sugar Cookies

Fall colored sugar cookies on a wooden table. — Maple Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Fall vibes are all about these adorable Autumn Leaf Maple Cookies. Don't be fooled by their fancy appearance – all you gotta do is mix in some food coloring, roll, cut, and pop 'em in the oven. A big platter will look so pretty and tasty on your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Leaf Sugar Cookies

Maple Syrup Walnut Muffins

A muffin tray holding glazed muffins with one cut in half, placed on a table with more glazed muffins on plates, alongside a small glass of tea or syrup and a few walnuts. — Maple Walnut Muffins. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Indulge in these tender Walnut Muffins enhanced with Maple Syrup, featuring a crunchy streusel topping and a sweet icing drizzle for that perfect bakery-style touch. Packed with delightful flavors, these muffins are a fantastic option for a morning tea or coffee break, or as a tasty afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Maple Syrup Walnut Muffins

Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts

A slice of cinnamon bread with icing on a plate. — Cinnamon Bread Pull-Aparts. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This homemade bread is fun to make and fun to eat. Everyone loves the soft yeasty cinnamon-coated bread with a sweet icing drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts

Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies

A stack of oatmeal cookies with frosting. — Copycat Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Make a batch of these Oatmeal Copycat Crumbl Cookies that bake up soft and chewy with a sweet icing drizzled over the top that coats all the nooks and crannies. These are a favorite Thanksgiving cookie, reminiscent of grandma's cookies.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies

Apple Cream Scones

Bake this delicious buttery, tender Irish Apple Cream Scones for a quick and simple breakfast treat for Thanksgiving. You can pop them in the oven before the turkey for a sweet morning pastry.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cream Scones

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

A person is dipping a spoon into some thumbprint cookies with jam. — Pecan Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These little bite-sized jammy Pecan Thumbprint Cookies have a delicious buttery brown sugar flavor that everyone loves. These shortbreads are rolled in pecans and filled with your favorite jam.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Apple Cranberry Galette

A pie with apples and cranberries on a wooden board. — Apple Cranberry Galette. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Savor the flavors of fall with this rustic dessert. A buttery, flaky crust encases fresh apple slices and tart cranberries, creating a delightful free-form pie without the need for a pie dish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Galette