13 Thanksgiving Sweets That’ll Make Your In-Laws Ask for the Recipe (Really!)
When Thanksgiving dessert rolls around, it’s all about serving up sweets that family and friends can’t resist—and that’s exactly what this roundup is for. Each of these desserts brings a memorable twist to the classics, guaranteed to spark compliments and recipe requests alike. From bold fall flavors to rich textures, these treats are designed to keep everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to share your best-kept secrets, or better yet, keep them guessing!
Butterscotch Apple Crisp
With tart Granny Smith apples and a rich butterscotch sauce, this dessert is one that’ll keep guests reaching for more. Its simple preparation and standout flavor ensure it’ll be a hit, and it’s sure to have your in-laws asking for the recipe long after Thanksgiving. This crisp could quickly become a holiday staple.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp
Blackberry Crumble Pie
Juicy blackberries, a buttery crust, and a crumb topping come together in this pie, perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s a memorable dessert that will keep guests focused on dessert rather than small talk. Expect the scoop of ice cream on top to make this pie unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls deliver the flavors of fall in a sweet, shareable format that’ll keep your in-laws talking about them long after the meal. Fresh apples and a cream cheese frosting make these a standout addition to the Thanksgiving table. One bite, and they’ll be asking for your secret.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
With tart cranberries, orange zest, and poppy seeds, this bread brings a burst of flavor to any Thanksgiving table. Its ease of preparation makes it a go-to addition, while the bright flavors will have everyone asking for a slice—and the recipe. It’s bound to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Spiced Pear Cobbler
This cobbler’s spiced pears and buttery biscuit topping make it a perfect close to Thanksgiving dinner. Its cozy, fall-inspired flavors will keep guests lingering at the dessert table, and the memory of this dish is sure to last long after the holiday. Serve it warm, and watch it outshine the rest.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler
Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread with rich caramel and a hint of bourbon make these cookies a sophisticated treat perfect for Thanksgiving. Guests will find these irresistible, and you’ll likely be sending them home with the recipe. These cookies are sure to be a highlight of the gathering.
Get the Recipe: Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Smooth chocolate filling and tart raspberries make this tart hard to pass up on Thanksgiving. Its elegant look and rich flavors will keep everyone’s attention on the dessert table, making it the kind of recipe your in-laws will want for themselves. Don’t be surprised if it’s gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
This nostalgic apple pie, with a flaky lattice crust and tart cinnamon-spiced apples, is bound to make waves at Thanksgiving. Its classic charm and perfect balance of flavors ensure it’ll be a favorite, and it’s the kind of pie that will have your in-laws eagerly asking how to make it.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
With a mix of orange and cloves in a flaky crust, this Hubbard Squash Pie brings unexpected yet festive flavors to Thanksgiving. It’s proof that plant-based desserts can hold their own at the table, and its unique taste might just steal the spotlight from traditional pies. Your guests will leave wanting more—and the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
This creamy cheesecake, topped with a vibrant cranberry layer, is the perfect balance of richness and tang, making it a stunning Thanksgiving dessert. Its flavor profile will surprise and impress, turning it into a dish that’s hard to forget. This dessert is sure to be the talk of the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
Pumpkin Pecan Pie
A classic combination of creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy pecan topping makes this pie a go-to Thanksgiving dessert. The caramel drizzle adds a touch of fall flavor, making it one guests will come back for and want to make themselves. It’s a dessert that’ll stay in rotation long after Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Argentinian Flan (Bread Pudding) with Caramel Sauce
This smooth and creamy Argentinian flan, with its caramel topping, will add a special touch to Thanksgiving dessert. Its light texture and sweet finish make it unforgettable, and don’t be surprised if your in-laws ask how to make it. This flan just might steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Flan (Bread Pudding) with Caramel Sauce
Gluten-Free Apple Cake
Tender apples and cinnamon make this apple cake a comforting choice that will keep everyone gathered around the dessert table. Its familiar flavors with a hint of nostalgia ensure it’ll be a hit at Thanksgiving, and it’s the kind of cake they’ll be talking about well after the holiday. You might need to make a second one!
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Apple Cake