There's something special about a Southern Thanksgiving, especially when it comes to those old-fashioned Southern Thanksgiving Desserts!
Sure, the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and all those delicious side dishes are important. But if you ask me, the dessert table is where some of the best Thanksgiving memories are made.
Growing up in the South, holiday gatherings always seemed to include a collection of homemade pies, cakes, and sweet treats. You could almost guarantee there would be something buttery, something chocolatey, and at least one dessert that had been passed down through the family for generations.
That's exactly what I love about these old-fashioned Southern Thanksgiving desserts. They aren't fancy or complicated. They're simply delicious, comforting recipes that bring everyone together around the table.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year or bringing something sweet to a family gathering, these 10 Southern dessert recipes deserve a spot on your holiday menu.
And the best part? Every recipe on this list is one I've already shared here on Jen Around the World!
Why You'll Love These Southern Thanksgiving Desserts
One of my favorite things about traditional Southern desserts is that they never seem to go out of style.
Here are a few reasons these recipes are perfect for Thanksgiving:
- They're full of nostalgia. These are the kinds of desserts that remind you of Grandma's kitchen, church potlucks, and family holiday dinners.
- There's something for everyone. From rich chocolate pies to fruity desserts and spiced pumpkin treats, everyone can find a favorite.
- Several can be prepared ahead of time. That means less work on Thanksgiving Day.
- They use familiar ingredients. Many of these recipes rely on simple baking staples.
- They're perfect for sharing. Whether you're feeding a small family or a house full of guests, these desserts make the holiday feel extra special.
1. Old-Fashioned Chess Pie
If you've never had a traditional Southern chess pie, you are missing out on one of the simplest and most delicious desserts around.
This classic pie features a buttery crust filled with a rich, sweet custard that bakes up beautifully. The filling has that wonderful old-fashioned flavor that reminds me of the desserts served at Sunday dinners and family gatherings.
Chess pie is proof that you don't need a long list of fancy ingredients to create something absolutely delicious.
It's especially wonderful for Thanksgiving because it offers something different from the usual pumpkin and pecan pies.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It's a timeless Southern classic with a sweet, buttery filling that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee after dinner.
2. Chocolate Chess Pie
If you love traditional chess pie but also happen to be a chocolate lover, this version is going to be right up your alley!
Chocolate chess pie takes everything wonderful about the original Southern dessert and adds rich chocolate flavor.
The result is a sweet, fudgy pie that's wonderfully satisfying without requiring an elaborate dessert recipe.
I love having a chocolate option on the Thanksgiving dessert table because not everyone wants pumpkin or fruit desserts.
And this one definitely delivers!
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It's a rich chocolate dessert that feels special enough for the holidays while still being wonderfully simple.
3. Chocolate Pecan Pie
You can't have a Southern Thanksgiving dessert roundup without including pecans!
Pecan pie has always been a favorite around the holidays, but adding chocolate takes this traditional dessert to another level.
My Chocolate Pecan Pie combines crunchy pecans, a sweet filling, and semisweet chocolate for a dessert that's rich, decadent, and full of Southern flavor.
It's one of those pies that looks beautiful sitting on the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It combines two holiday favorites—chocolate and pecans—in one delicious pie.
4. No-Bake Old-Fashioned Cherry Cheesecake
This is one of those desserts that brings back so many wonderful family memories.
My No-Bake Old-Fashioned Cherry Cheesecake is a recipe that has been in my family for generations, and it's still one of my favorites.
There's something about that creamy cheesecake filling and sweet cherry topping that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
And because it's a no-bake dessert, it's especially helpful during Thanksgiving when the oven is already working overtime.
If you're looking for an easy Thanksgiving dessert that you can prepare ahead of time, this one is a fantastic choice.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It's creamy, nostalgic, and doesn't require any oven space.
5. Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut cream pie is another old-fashioned Southern dessert that deserves more attention during the holidays.
There's just something wonderful about a creamy coconut filling tucked inside a pie crust and topped with fluffy whipped cream.
It's sweet, comforting, and a little different from the heavier fall desserts that typically show up at Thanksgiving.
If you have coconut lovers in your family, this is one dessert they're going to be excited to see.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It adds a cool, creamy option to a dessert table filled with rich pies and spiced cakes.
6. Black Bottom Pie
If you're looking for an old-fashioned dessert that feels a little extra special, Black Bottom Pie is a wonderful choice.
This Southern classic features layers of chocolate and vanilla custard in a pie crust, finished with a beautiful whipped cream topping.
It's the kind of dessert that looks impressive when you slice into it, but it still has that comforting, homemade flavor that makes Southern baking so special.
Black Bottom Pie is perfect for anyone who loves creamy desserts and chocolate.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It's an elegant vintage dessert that brings something different to the holiday table.
7. Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Sweet potatoes aren't just for casseroles at Thanksgiving!
This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake is one of those recipes that surprises people in the best possible way.
It combines the cozy flavor of sweet potatoes with the cinnamon-sugar goodness we all love in homemade cinnamon rolls.
This is also an award-winning recipe, which makes it even more fun to share with family and friends.
It's a wonderful alternative to traditional sweet potato pie and a great way to introduce something new to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It brings together classic Southern sweet potato flavor and the comforting sweetness of cinnamon cake.
8. Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pudding
Sometimes the simplest desserts are the ones that bring the most comfort.
This Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pudding is smooth, creamy, and filled with those warm pumpkin spices that make fall baking so wonderful.
If you love pumpkin pie filling, you'll appreciate the cozy flavors in this homemade pudding.
It's a lovely option when you want something a little lighter in texture than a traditional slice of pie.
Serve it in individual dessert dishes for a pretty Thanksgiving presentation.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It delivers all those familiar pumpkin-spice flavors in a creamy, old-fashioned dessert.
9. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Bread pudding has always felt like one of those desserts that belongs at a Southern family gathering.
It's warm, comforting, and wonderfully satisfying.
My Pumpkin Bread Pudding takes that traditional dessert and gives it a seasonal twist with pumpkin and warm spices.
The custardy texture makes it especially delicious, and it's a great choice for anyone who enjoys homemade comfort food.
I especially love the idea of serving this dessert warm after Thanksgiving dinner.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It combines traditional bread pudding with the flavors of fall for a cozy holiday dessert.
10. Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Maple Glaze
Sometimes you need a dessert that looks beautiful on the table without having to spend hours decorating it.
That's where this Pumpkin Bundt Cake comes in!
This moist, tender cake is full of pumpkin flavor and warm spices, making it perfect for fall gatherings.
But the real star is the cream cheese maple glaze.
It adds just the right amount of sweetness and gives the cake a beautiful finishing touch.
If you're looking for an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving pies, this cake is a wonderful choice.
Why it's perfect for Thanksgiving: It's a beautiful holiday centerpiece that's easy to slice and share with family and friends.
Tips for Planning Your Thanksgiving Dessert Table
When I'm planning a holiday meal, I like to have a variety of desserts instead of making several that are too similar.
Here are a few simple tips to make your Thanksgiving dessert table extra special.
Choose a Variety of Flavors
Try serving at least one chocolate dessert, one pumpkin dessert, and one traditional Southern pie.
That way, everyone has something they'll enjoy.
Make Desserts Ahead of Time
Thanksgiving Day can get pretty hectic, especially when you're trying to prepare turkey, dressing, casseroles, and all the sides.
Choose a few desserts that can be made the day before.
Chilled pies and cheesecakes are especially helpful when you want to get a head start.
Don't Forget the Coffee
There's nothing better than sitting around the table after Thanksgiving dinner with a slice of homemade pie and a hot cup of coffee. Serve your coffee in one of these gorgeous mugs.
It's one of my favorite parts of the holiday.
Keep the Dessert Table Simple
You don't need fancy decorations to create a beautiful Thanksgiving dessert display.
A few cake stands, pretty serving plates, and a little fall greenery can make everything feel festive.
And remember, homemade desserts are beautiful all on their own!
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Thanksgiving Desserts
What are traditional Southern Thanksgiving desserts?
Some of the most popular traditional Southern Thanksgiving desserts include pecan pie, chess pie, sweet potato pie, coconut cream pie, bread pudding, and homemade cakes. These recipes are loved for their comforting flavors and family traditions.
What Thanksgiving desserts can I make ahead of time?
No-bake cheesecake, chilled custard pies, and many cakes are excellent choices for preparing ahead. Always follow the individual recipe's cooling and refrigeration instructions to keep desserts fresh and safe to serve.
What can I serve instead of pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving?
Chocolate chess pie, coconut cream pie, Black Bottom Pie, cherry cheesecake, and sweet potato cinnamon roll cake are all wonderful alternatives to traditional pumpkin pie.
How many desserts should I make for Thanksgiving?
For a smaller gathering, two or three desserts usually provide a nice variety. For larger family celebrations, offering three to five different desserts gives guests plenty of choices. Consider the number of servings each recipe makes and whether your guests enjoy sampling several sweets.
What makes a dessert Southern?
Traditional Southern desserts often feature ingredients like pecans, sweet potatoes, buttermilk, cornmeal, coconut, and seasonal fruit. Many are recipes passed down through generations and are closely associated with family gatherings, holidays, and church suppers.
More Southern Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
Once you've decided which desserts to make, don't forget about the rest of your Thanksgiving menu! Click here to download your free 4 Week Thanksgiving Planner.
Here on Jen Around the World, you'll find plenty of delicious recipes to help you plan a holiday meal your family will love.
Be sure to check out my Southern Thanksgiving Recipes collection for everything from classic holiday sides to comforting family favorites.
And if pumpkin desserts are your favorite, take a look at my Best Pumpkin Recipes roundup for even more fall baking inspiration.
Make This Thanksgiving Extra Sweet
Thanksgiving is about so much more than the food on the table.
It's about spending time with the people we love, sharing stories, making memories, and carrying on those special family traditions.
And sometimes, those traditions begin with something as simple as a homemade pie.
Whether you choose a classic Southern chess pie, a creamy cherry cheesecake, or a beautiful pumpkin cake, I hope these old-fashioned Southern Thanksgiving desserts bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday.
Now tell me, what's the one Thanksgiving dessert your family absolutely has to have every year?
I'd love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions in the comments!
