6 Delicious Thanksgiving Desserts (That Aren’t Pumpkin Pie)

I wish I could say that I love pumpkin pie (or anything pumpkin spice, for that matter) but I really, really don’t. And it’s not for lack of trying! In fact, I steal a bite of pumpkin pie off my husband’s plate every year thinking that my palate will have changed enough to let me enjoy fall’s most popular flavour… and I’m always disappointed to discover that I still don’t. Sigh.

Luckily, there are plenty of pumpkin-free desserts that are worthy of a seat at the Thanksgiving table—from apple caramel cake to a modern take on coffee and doughnuts. Whether you’re in the same boat as me or just want to try something new this year, I’ve rounded up six recipes from the WL archives to inspire next weekend’s menu.

Apple Caramel Cake with Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

Not a fan of pumpkin or pie? This apple cake recipe from Vancouver baker Lyndsay Sung will save you this Thanksgiving! Topped with a caramel buttercream and oatmeal cookie crumble, it screams fall in both looks and taste.

Roasted Pear Belle-Hélène

Give your Thanksgiving menu a French twist by serving up poire belle-Hélène for dessert. Beaucoup Bakery founder Jackie Kai Ellis’s version is made with roasted pears instead of poached pears—to give the dessert a deeper, more caramelized flavour—and a homemade chocolate sauce.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pudding

Okay, yes… this dessert is pretty similar to pumpkin pie. But since it’s made with butternut squash (which is sweeter and nuttier than the go-to gourd of the season), it might be a lot more palatable. Top it with fresh pomegranate arils and a sprinkle of ginger snap crumbs to further set it apart from the classic.

Spiced Carrot and Walnut Cake

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg—this recipe from the BReD cookbook is loaded with warming spices. Use carrots from your local farmers’ market, if possible, and remember to toast the walnuts before mixing them into the batter to give this cake an even more robust flavour.

Vegan Deep’n Delicious Chocolate Cake

The Thanksgiving holidays are filled with nostalgia, and there’s no harm in adding a little more with this Deep’n Delicious-style cake from Julie Van Rosendaal. Her take on the classic frozen dessert is entirely plant based—and just as tasty as you remember.

Espresso Tahini Banana Bread Doughnuts with Whipped Coffee “Frosting”

Despite being such an iconic combo, no holiday has claimed coffee and doughnuts as its official dessert. Can you believe that?! Throw tradition out the window (or start a brand new one) with this tahini banana bread doughnut recipe from Lawren Moneta. We suggest making extras—no guest will be able to have just one.