18 Healthier Thanksgiving Desserts: Pies, Crisps & Pumpkin Treats

Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple crisp and more: 18 healthier Thanksgiving desserts, including gluten-free, paleo and make-ahead options.

ByEmma Brooks Hours Hours
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Healthier Thanksgiving desserts: apple pie, pumpkin roll and pear pomegranate crumble

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No Thanksgiving is complete without dessert, but after a big holiday meal I like options that feel a little lighter, or at least make-ahead friendly so the kitchen is quiet on the day. These are my favorite Thanksgiving desserts: the classic pies, cozy fruit crisps and crumbles, pumpkin treats and a few gluten-free and paleo recipes so every guest gets a slice.

Building your full menu? See my complete healthy Thanksgiving menu and healthy Thanksgiving side dishes.

Classic Thanksgiving Pies

1
A slice of paleo pumpkin pie with a grain-free crust and creamy filling on a white plate.
Paleo Pumpkin Pie
A gluten-free, dairy-free pumpkin pie with all the classic spice.
Check out this recipe
2
A golden brown maple pecan pie in a flaky crust topped with toasted pecan halves.
Maple Pecan Pie
The maple pecan pie everyone asks for during the holidays.
Check out this recipe
3
A slice of Snickerdoodle Apple Pie showing layers of cream cheese, apples, and cinnamon crumble topping.
Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie
Apple pie meets snickerdoodle, with a creamy cream cheese layer.
Check out this recipe
4
A slice of creamy coconut pie topped with toasted coconut and whipped cream on a white plate.
Easy No Bake Coconut Cream Pie
A no-bake coconut cream pie that chills in the fridge and frees up your oven.
Check out this recipe

Fruit Crisps & Crumbles

5
Golden apple crisp in baking dish with crispy oat topping and cinnamon apples
Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe
Homemade apple crisp with a buttery oat topping, easier than pie.
Check out this recipe
6
A golden brown baked apple crumble in a ceramic dish with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Baked Apple Crumble
Baked apple crumble, warm, cozy and perfect with a scoop of ice cream.
Check out this recipe
7
A golden brown pear and pomegranate crumble in a white baking dish with a wooden spoon.
Pear, Pomegranate and Maple Crumble
A pear, pomegranate and maple crumble that tastes like fall.
Check out this recipe
8
A tray of sliced cranberry crumble bars with a bright red filling and golden oat topping.
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Cranberry crumble bars that are easy to slice and serve for a crowd.
Check out this recipe
9
Four golden baked apples stuffed with cinnamon oat filling in a white baking dish.
Baked Apples
Simple baked apples, a lighter dessert that still feels special.
Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Desserts

10
A golden, moist slice of gluten-free pumpkin cake on a modern ceramic plate with a sprig of fresh mint.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake
A moist gluten-free pumpkin cake for anyone who prefers cake to pie.
Check out this recipe
11
A sliced pumpkin roll with a white cream cheese swirl on a wooden board
Pumpkin Roll
A show-stopping pumpkin roll you can make the day before.
Check out this recipe
12
A layered raw pumpkin cheesecake with a white chocolate top and spiced pumpkin center.
Raw White Chocolate and Pumpkin Cheesecake
A raw white chocolate pumpkin cheesecake, no oven needed.
Check out this recipe
13
A smooth and creamy pumpkin chia mousse served in a glass bowl with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding Mousse
Pumpkin pie chia pudding mousse, a light make-ahead dessert in little cups.
Check out this recipe
14
Golden brown pumpkin spice coconut macaroons on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Pumpkin Spice Coconut Macaroons
Pumpkin spice coconut macaroons for a small sweet bite.
Check out this recipe

Chocolate & Something Different

15
Slice of rich flourless chocolate cake with powdered sugar and fresh berries on white plate
Flourless Chocolate Cake
A rich flourless chocolate cake, naturally gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
16
A tray of sliced fudgy sweet potato brownies topped with melted chocolate chips.
Sweet Potato Brownies
Fudgy sweet potato brownies with a fall twist.
Check out this recipe
17
Golden Spiced Pear Soufflé in white ramekin dusted with powdered sugar on rustic table
Spiced Pear Soufflé
An elegant spiced pear soufflé, ready in about 35 minutes.
Check out this recipe
18
A tray of golden brown pecan pie cookies with a caramelized nut center
The Best Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan pie cookies: all the flavor of pie in a bite-size treat.
Check out this recipe

Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dessert Table

  • Bake the day before: pies, crumble bars, pumpkin roll and cheesecake all hold up well overnight in the fridge.
  • Offer one gluten-free option: the paleo pumpkin pie or flourless chocolate cake keeps every guest happy.
  • Go small: cookies, macaroons and mousse cups are perfect when everyone is already full.

Thanksgiving Desserts FAQ

How far ahead can I make Thanksgiving pies?

Most pies, including pumpkin and pecan, can be baked one to two days ahead. Cool them completely, then cover and refrigerate.

What is the healthiest Thanksgiving dessert?

Fruit-based desserts like baked apples or a fruit crisp with an oat topping are usually the lightest choices, and the chia pudding mousse is a great make-ahead option.

Looking for more sweet ideas? Browse all of my healthy desserts and pumpkin recipes.

More Holiday Recipe Collections

Emma Brooks is the home cook behind The Gentle Bite. After years of juggling long workdays and family dinners, she started sharing the balanced, wholesome recipes she loves to make on busy weeknights, most ready in about 30 minutes with everyday ingredients. Her goal is simple: quick, nourishing meals that feel approachable, with easy swaps for gluten-free, dairy-free and high-protein diets.

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