by Ava Morizio

Thanksgiving is known for classic desserts like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple crisp, but if you’re looking for something new to make, here are 5 Thanksgiving treats to make your holiday more special!

How about some sweet potato cheesecake bars? If you love both cheesecake and sweet potato pie, this treat blends them perfectly. These bars start with a warm, nutty graham-pecan crust and are topped with a creamy sweet-potato cheesecake layer. With notes of cinnamon and vanilla, they taste familiar yet totally different from the usual desserts. Plus, bars are easier to serve than a full cheesecake.

For the fruit lovers, there are cranberry orange mini pavlovas. Pavlovas are light meringue shells that crackle on the outside and stay soft on the inside. Topped with whipped cream, orange zest, and a spoonful of tart cranberry sauce, these mini pavlovas feel bright and refreshing, a great contrast to heavy Thanksgiving dishes. They’re also beautiful on a dessert table.

For a salty switch up, there is maple bacon pecan brittle. Brittle is already a crowd-pleaser, but adding crispy bacon and real maple syrup gives it a sweet-salty depth that makes it unforgettable. This treat is easy to make ahead of time and breaks into rustic, crunchy pieces perfect for snacking or gifting.

To keep the festive feeling, you can make pumpkin spice tiramisu. This no-bake dessert is a fun twist on a classic. Ladyfingers are dipped in chai tea or coffee, then layered with a pumpkin-mascarpone mixture that’s smooth and spiced. It sets in the fridge and slices beautifully, making it a stress-free option that still feels impressive.

And lastly, we have apple cider donut bread pudding. Take the fall-favorite apple cider donut and turn it into a warm, comforting bread pudding. The donuts soak up a vanilla custard and bake until soft and golden. When served with a drizzle of warm caramel cider sauce, it becomes one of the most comforting Thanksgiving desserts you can make.