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26+ Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes (That Aren’t Pie)

November 7, 2025 · In: Cake, Fall, Recipes, Seasonal

Don’t get me wrong – I love a pumpkin pie on my Thanksgiving dessert table! But if you’re looking to add variety to your dessert spread, I’ve got you. These are my favorite Thanksgiving cakes, cupcakes, no-bake desserts, and more! Basically all of the classic Thanksgiving and holiday flavors translated into different kinds of desserts that are sure to impress.

26 thanksgiving dessert recipes that arent pie

As a reminder, all of my recipes include make-ahead and storage instructions that you can find at the bottom of each printable recipe.

I hope you find a new favorite dessert to add to your Thanksgiving table this year. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Easy No-Bake Desserts

easy no bake pumpkin cheesecake recipe

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

The dreamiest mousse-like pumpkin spice cheesecake with buttery Biscoff cookie crust, absolutely no baking necessary!

get the recipe

biscoff no bake cheesecake recipe

No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake

Dreamy mousse-like Biscoff cheesecake filling set on a Biscoff cookie crust and topped with melted Biscoff cookie butter! The spiced caramel flavor of this dessert is incredible.

get the recipe

no bake eggnog cheesecake recipe by sugar and sparrow

No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake

A deliciously festive eggnog cheesecake made without any baking! Rich and creamy no-bake cheesecake filling infused with spiced eggnog on a beautiful Biscoff cookie crust.

get the recipe

4th of july desserts no bake

No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake

The dreamiest cookies and cream cheesecake made without any baking! Rich and creamy french vanilla filling studded with Oreo cookies on a delicious Oreo crust.

get the recipe

no bake cheesecake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Customizable No-Bake Cheesecake

Set on a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich velvety texture and the perfect tangy flavor. Use your favorite festive toppings to customize it for Thanksgiving (like sugared cranberries or Salted Caramel!)

get the recipe

peppermint oreo truffles coated in chocolate

Peppermint Oreo Truffles

The perfect easy, bite-sized dessert made with just four ingredients: Mint Creme Oreos, cream cheese, melted chocolate, and crushed candy canes! You can also make these with traditional Oreos or any Oreo flavor.

get the recipe

Pumpkin Desserts

pumpkin sheet cake recipe with cream cheese frosting

Easy Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Extra moist, wonderfully spiced pumpkin cake baked in a 9×13 pan and frosted with tangy cream cheese buttercream. A classic Fall dessert!

get the recipe

pumpkin pie layer cake recipe inspired by milk bar

Pumpkin Pie Layer Cake

Pumpkin pie in cake form! Exposed layers of spiced pumpkin cake, pumpkin creme filling, brown sugar buttercream, and crushed pie pieces.

get the recipe

pumpkin chai cake recipe

Spiced Pumpkin Chai Cake

Layers of delicious chai tea-infused pumpkin cake and chai flavored buttercream, decorated with pretty piped pumpkins to look extra festive!

get the recipe

pumpkin cupcakes recipe with cream cheese frosting

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

Extra moist, perfectly spiced pumpkin cupcakes with irresistible spiced cream cheese frosting. The BEST pumpkin cupcakes I’ve ever had!

get the recipe

pumpkin layer cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Perfect Pumpkin Layer Cake

A Fall classic. Layers of moist, fluffy Pumpkin cake with just the right amount of spice, filled and frosted with tasty cream cheese buttercream.

get the recipe

pumpkin chocolate chip cookie bars

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

The BEST moist and chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookie bars made with brown butter and warm spices for the ideal fall treat! No dough chilling, quick to make, and perfect for serving a crowd.

get the recipe

Pumpkin Biscoff Cake Recipe

Spiced Pumpkin Biscoff Cake

Deliciously moist pumpkin cake layered with Biscoff cookie butter frosting and crumbled Biscoff cookies throughout.

get the recipe

pumpkin chocolate chip cake by sugar and sparrow

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake

Deliciously moist pumpkin cake with chocolate chips baked into each layer, paired with spiced cream cheese buttercream and decadent chocolate ganache.

get the recipe

Holiday Inspired Cake Flavors

cranberry orange cake by sugar and sparrow

Cranberry Orange Cake

Layers of light and zesty orange cake with fresh, whole cranberries folded in. Topped with orange flavored buttercream to give it extra zing.

get the recipe

chocolate caramel pecan pie cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Chocolate Pecan Pie Cake with Salted Caramel

Layers of decadent chocolate cake, pecan pie filling, and homemade salted caramel, all wrapped up in tasty brown sugar buttercream.

get the recipe

chocolate orange layer cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Chocolate Orange Cake

Layers of deliciously moist, citrus-infused chocolate cake and decadent chocolate-orange buttercream. The perfect cozy take on chocolate cake!

get the recipe

spiced vanilla chai cake

Spiced Vanilla Chai Cake

Layers of soft, moist vanilla chai cake that’s perfectly flavored with chai tea and a homemade chai spice mix, paired with vanilla chai buttercream.

get the recipe

chai cupcake recipe

Chai Cupcakes

Soft and moist chai cupcakes that are perfectly flavored with chai tea and a homemade chai spice mix, topped with chai buttercream.

get the recipe

chai bundt cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Spiced Chai Bundt Cake

My favorite moist, deliciously spiced chai cake recipe, baked bundt cake style and topped with chai spiced glaze.

get the recipe

gingerbread latte sheet cake for christmas

Gingerbread Latte Sheet Cake

Spiced gingerbread sheet cake that’s extra soft and moist, frosted with coffee buttercream to mimic a gingerbread latte in cake form.

get the recipe

rafaello cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Rafaello Cake

Inspired by Ferrero Rafaello truffles, this cake is layers of delicious almond cake, coconut cream filling, toasted almonds, and white chocolate coconut buttercream. It’s even rolled in shredded coconut like the real deal.

get the recipe

sugared cranberry cupcakes for the holidays

Sugared Cranberry Cupcakes

Delicious vanilla cupcakes with a cranberry swirl baked inside, topped with white chocolate buttercream and sugared cranberries. The perfect festive cupcakes for the holidays!

get the recipe

Apple & Spice Cakes

sugar and sparrow apple spice cake

Apple Spice Cake

Layers of deliciously moist apple cake with warm spices and cinnamon-vanilla buttercream to amplify all the flavors.

get the recipe

apple spice sheet cake thanksgiving dessert recipe

Apple Spice Sheet Cake

My favorite spiced apple cake topped with cinnamon-vanilla buttercream, baked in a 9×13-inch pan to feed a crowd.

get the recipe

apple crisp cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Apple Crisp Cake

Layers of extra moist spiced apple cake, apple pie filling, baked crumble topping, and cinnamon-vanilla buttercream. Apple crisp in cake form!

get the recipe

salted caramel apple cake

Salted Caramel Apple Cake

Moist apple spice cake paired with salted caramel buttercream, topped with a salted caramel, chopped almonds, and a caramel apple.

get the recipe

spice cake recipe with brown butter cream cheese frosting

Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Tender and moist spice cake made paired with brown butter cream cheese buttercream to take it beyond delicious!

get the recipe

carrot cake recipe with cream cheese buttercream

Classic Carrot Cake

My favorite carrot cake recipe for many reasons: it’s extra moist, has the most incredible spice flavor, is so easy to throw together, and irrestible with cream cheese frosting.

get the recipe

I hope you find the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving spread! If you make one of these, let me know how it went in the comments and feel free to tag @sugarandsparrowco on Instagram to show me a photo. I love to see what you create with my recipes. Happy holidays to you and yours!

By: Whitney · In: Cake, Fall, Recipes, Seasonal · Tagged: thanksgiving, thanksgiving cake recipes, thanksgiving desserts

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pumpkin pie layer cake recipeA Pumpkin Pie Layer Cake Recipe That’s Easy & Eye-Catching
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michael J Robinsmith says

    November 15, 2022 at 12:52 pm

    Followed all the way through everything looking for the Black Velvet cake. Looks amazing. Also that pumpkin spice cake sounds so good

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      November 16, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      Thanks so much, Michael! If you are having a hard time finding the Black Velvet Cake it’s right here: https://sugarandsparrow.com/black-velvet-cake-recipe/

      Reply
  2. Razwana amin says

    December 22, 2021 at 10:46 am

    Hi can I have ur receive for vanilla sponge cake please

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      December 22, 2021 at 11:27 am

      Hi there! My vanilla cake recipe is here: https://sugarandsparrow.com/vanilla-cake-recipe Enjoy!

      Reply

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STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM CAKE 🍓if Strawbe STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM CAKE 🍓if Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars make you nostalgic for your childhood ice cream truck days, you’re going to LOVE this easy ice cream cake version - no ice cream maker needed 🙌🏼 

Full recipe on my blog at https://sugarandsparrow.com/strawberry-shortcake-ice-cream-cake/

STRAWBERRY CRUNCH 
24 whole (280g) Golden Oreos, finely ground
3 Oz box strawberry jello
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

ICE CREAM LAYERS
1/2 Cup (15g) freeze-dried strawberries
2 Cups heavy whipping cream, cold
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract, divided
14 Oz sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 tsp strawberry jam or preserves

1. Combine the strawberry crunch ingredients and bake on a lined cookie sheet at 350ºF for 4 min.
2. For the crust, combine 1 Cup of the strawberry crunch with 2 Tbsp melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 6-inch springform pan and line with an acetate collar. Place in the freezer while you move on.
3. Using a food processor, grind the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Set aside.
4. Add the heavy whipping cream and 2 tsp of vanilla extract into a chilled bowl, then whip it with a hand mixer to stiff peaks. Place in the refrigerator.
5. Divide the condensed milk between two medium bowls. To one bowl, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla. To the second bowl, add the finely strawberry powder and the jam/preserves. Whisk the ingredients together within each individual bowl.
6. Divide the whipping cream evenly between each of the two bowls you created in the previous step. Fold each sweetened condensed milk mixture together with the divided whipped cream to create the vanilla ice cream and strawberry ice cream.
7. Layer half of each of the ice creams on top of the strawberry crunch crust, sprinkle a layer of strawberry crunch on top, then repeat. Freeze for 6 hours and serve. 
#icecreamcake #strawberryshortcake #nochurnicecream #icecreamlover #strawberry
LEMON CUPCAKES 🍋 after about a dozen recipe tes LEMON CUPCAKES 🍋 after about a dozen recipe tests, this one is everything I could want in a lemon cupcake! Fluffy-yet-moist, bursting with natural lemon flavor, and absolutely irresistible topped with lemon cream cheese buttercream. 

Full recipe (with frosting) linked in my bio + at https://sugarandsparrow.com/homemade-lemon-cupcakes/

INGREDIENTS:
1 Cup (132g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 Cup (60ml) whole milk, room temperature
3 Tbsp (45ml) lemon juice from 1 medium lemon
3/4 Cup (150g) granulated sugar
3 Tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 Tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºF) and line a standard cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer and large bowl), add the lemon zest to the sugar and mix on low speed until fragrant and well combined, about 1 minute. Meanwhile, combine the lemon juice with the milk and set aside. 
4. Add the butter to the lemon-sugar mixture and cream on medium speed until and combined, about 2 minutes. Add the vegetable oil and beat until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and paddle as needed.
5. Mix in the eggs one at a time on low speed, then add the vanilla and turn the mixer to medium speed for one minute.
6. Turn the mixer off and add the flour mixture all at once. Mix on low speed until just combined, then slowly pour in the lemon-milk mixture. Mix until just combined, about 30 seconds.
7. Divide the batter equally between the liners and bake for 14-18 min. Cool, then top with frosting of your choice (link in bio for lemon cream cheese frosting)�
#lemoncupcakes #creamcheesefrosting #lemon #cupcakes #cupcakedecorating
April in my kitchen 🌸 I published 5 NEW recipes April in my kitchen 🌸 I published 5 NEW recipes on my site, baked my Oreo cupcake recipe for a fundraiser and found it was just as delicious as I remember, and filmed/photographed 3 recipes that will be on my blog in May (Lemon Cupcakes, Lemon Cream Cheese Buttercream, and No-Bake Marbled Strawberry Cheesecake) 🥰 

Comment “APRIL” to get all the available recipes and stay tuned for more! 

#bakersofinstagram #springbaking #cakedecorating #cupcakes #bakinglove
SHEET PAN COOKIE CAKE 🍪 slice it warm for a fud SHEET PAN COOKIE CAKE 🍪 slice it warm for a fudgy chocolate chip cookie OR let it settle into a moist and chewy cookie cake that’s perfect for decorating! My fave vanilla buttercream + sprinkles turn this giant chocolate chip cookie into the perfect birthday cake alternative at the end 🥳
⁣
Full recipe + decorating ideas at https://sugarandsparrow.com/sheet-pan-chocolate-chip-cookie-cake/
⁣
INGREDIENTS⁣
1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted⁣
1 1/3 Cups (267g) packed light or dark brown sugar⁣
1/2 Cup (100g) granulated sugar⁣
3 large eggs⁣
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract⁣
1 tsp baking soda⁣
1 tsp cornstarch⁣
1/2 tsp salt⁣
3 Cups (398g) all purpose flour⁣
2 Cups (350g) semi-sweet chocolate chips⁣
⁣
INSTRUCTIONS⁣
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Grease and line a 13×18 inch sheet pan.⁣
2. In a large bowl, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Melt the butter in the microwave and pour it over the top of the sugars. Whisk together until uniform. Add the eggs and vanilla, then continue whisking until uniform. Whisk in the baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.⁣
3. Add the flour and use a silicone spatula to fold it in until smooth cookie dough forms. Reserve 1/2 Cup of the chocolate chips and set them aside, then fold the remaining 1 1/2 Cups of chocolate chips into the cookie dough.⁣
4. Place the chocolate chip cookie dough onto the prepared sheet pan and use an offset spatula to spread it all the way to the edges in an even layer.⁣
5. Bake the cookie cake for 14-16 minutes, until it looks golden brown on the edges and set. 
6. Enjoy warm or let it cool and decorate with vanilla buttercream and sprinkles! ⁣
⁣
#cookiecake #chocolatechipcookies #sheetcake #birthdaycake #cakedecorating
STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES 🍓based on my beloved strawb STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES 🍓based on my beloved strawberry layer cake recipe, this cupcake version is just as moist yet fluffy and bursting with natural strawberry flavor! Between the mix of fresh strawberries in the cupcakes + freeze-dried strawberries in the frosting, the flavor is out of this world 🚀

Full recipe link in my bio (with strawberry buttercream) + at https://sugarandsparrow.com/strawberry-cupcakes/

STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES
Yield: 14 cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:
5 oz (143g) fresh or frozen strawberries
1/3 Cup (80ml) whole milk, room temp
1 1/2 Cups (158g) sifted cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
6 Tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, room temp
1 Cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
3 Tbsp (45g) sour cream, room temp
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 drop pink food coloring (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: 
1. Puree the strawberries using a food processor (you’ll have about 1/2 cup of puree), then place into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 10-15 min, stirring occasionally, until you have 1/4 cup. Refrigerate until room temp.
2. Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line a standard cupcake pan with liners.
3. Whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
4. In a stand mixer w/ paddle attachment (or hand mixer + large bowl), whip the butter on high for 2 min. Add sugar and beat for 2 min, until light and fluffy. Turn the mixer to low and add the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and sour cream, turn the mixer to high and beat for 1 min. Meanwhile, whisk together the strawberry puree, whole milk, and food coloring (if using).
5. Turn the mixer off and add all of the dry ingredients at once. Mix on low until just combined, then add the strawberry milk mixture until just combined, about 30 seconds.
6. Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 14-18 minutes. Cool completely before topping with strawberry buttercream (full recipe linked above). 

#strawberrycupcakes #strawberrycake #pinkcupcakes #strawberry #cupcakes

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