10 Thanksgiving Desserts Every Collector Will Love Sharing
Thanksgiving is all about gathering what matters most — the people, the moments, and the traditions that become part of your story. And for collectors, those are the pieces that last. The holiday table is one of the best places to add to that collection.
So we put together a curated Top 10 dessert set — a mix of rookies worth trying, staples worth keeping, and all-time greats you simply can’t skip. Whether you’re hosting a full house or keeping it small, consider this your quick guide to choosing the perfect sweet finish.
Let’s dive into the set.
The 10 Desserts Worth Sharing This Season
10. Sugar Cookies
Starting our countdown at number ten, sugar cookies earn their place as the simple, sweet classic that never disappoints. In about an hour, you can go from mixing dough to pulling warm, golden cookies out of the oven — no complicated baking skills needed. Kids love decorating them, adults love the nostalgia, and everyone appreciates how fun and customizable they are. They’re light, easy to share, and perfect for adding a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table, whether you’re celebrating at home or creating new traditions far from it.
Feeling inspired to bake a batch? Watch this quick step-by-step guide and whip them up with ease.
9. Brownies
Coming in at number nine, we're giving the nod to a true dependable classic: the humble, yet mighty, brownie. This dessert quietly wins the room every single time. In about 90 minutes, you go from simple ingredients to a dessert that feels like a warm, fudgy hug for comfort. They are rich, absolutely irresistible, and a universal favorite—from teens to late-night snackers.
Brownies are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. They require no decorating or complicated steps, just a good mix and a steady bake. The real challenge is the hardest part: having enough patience to let them cool before cutting! They deliver that instant, recognizable taste of "home" and coziness, no matter where you're celebrating.
Ready to craft your own winning batch? Follow this super easy video tutorial and get started!
8. Banana Pudding
At number eight, banana pudding slides in as the creamy, nostalgic dessert that feels like a hug from someone you miss. It’s the kind of treat that brings generations together — grandmas love it, kids love it, and anyone who appreciates a soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth moment falls for it instantly. It usually takes about two hours from start to chill, and the best part? No heavy baking required. Just layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and cookies that soften into something magical. Banana pudding is especially loved by people who crave a dessert tied to memory — the kind that reminds you of family stories, long-gone kitchens, or a relative who made it “their way” every single year.
Want to bring that nostalgic magic to your own table? Follow this simple video guide and make a bowl worth sharing.
7. Carrot Cake
Coming in at number seven, carrot cake earns its place as the quietly sophisticated star of the dessert table — the one that feels both cozy and a little elevated. It’s a favorite among guests who enjoy warm spices, soft layers, and that signature cream-cheese frosting that somehow never lasts long on the plate. Preparing it usually takes two to three hours, between mixing, baking, cooling, and frosting, but every minute pays off when you cut into those tender, cinnamon-kissed layers. Carrot cake is loved by people who appreciate a dessert with personality — something that tastes homemade, heartfelt, and just different enough from the usual Thanksgiving lineup to surprise everyone in the best way.
Ready to make one that tastes as good as it looks? Check out this easy video tutorial and bring it to life.
6. Chocolate Pie
Landing at number six, chocolate pie steps in as the rich, decadent showstopper for anyone who believes dessert should feel a little luxurious. This is the kind of slice that makes people close their eyes on the first bite — smooth, silky, chocolatey, and indulgent in all the right ways. It usually takes around two to three hours, depending on whether you’re baking the crust or chilling the filling, but the payoff is huge. Chocolate pie tends to be a hit with guests who love bold, deep flavors, adults who want something a bit more “grown-up,” and anyone who can’t resist that glossy chocolate finish. And if you want to take it to the next level, try adding a whisper of orange zest or a thin swipe of marmalade under the filling — chefs love how citrus brightens the richness. Fresh berries are another simple upgrade; just a handful of raspberries or a drizzle of berry sauce adds a touch of acidity that balances every bite beautifully. It’s the perfect dessert when you want something elegant, unforgettable, and just dramatic enough to make the table stop and stare.
Craving that first rich slice already? Try this simple video recipe and make your own chocolate masterpiece.
5. Cheesecake
At number five, cheesecake steps in as the silky, luxurious dessert that feels like a celebration all on its own. It’s the kind of treat people choose when they want something rich but smooth, indulgent but comforting — a dessert that hits the perfect balance between elegance and pure pleasure. Preparing it usually takes around three hours plus chilling time, but every minute is worth it when you cut into that creamy center and hear the soft crack of the crust. Cheesecake is loved by guests who enjoy desserts with texture and versatility; you can dress it up with berries, chocolate, lemon curd, or keep it classic and let its simplicity shine. Chefs often suggest pairing richer dishes with something bright and acidic to balance them, which makes cheesecake a surprisingly perfect follow-up to Thanksgiving staples like turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing — a spoonful of creamy, cool cheesecake with a touch of berry or citrus acts like a palate refresher after all those savory flavors. It’s a dessert that adapts beautifully to the moment, letting you personalize it depending on the guests at your table and the feelings you want to evoke.
Feeling ready to master a cheesecake that brings the whole meal together? Follow this easy video tutorial and make one that steals the spotlight.
4. Sweet Potato Pie
At number four, sweet potato pie steps in with that deep, cozy flavor that feels like home the moment you taste it. It’s warm, lightly spiced, and incredibly comforting — the kind of dessert that reminds people of family tables and long-standing Thanksgiving traditions. It usually takes about two hours to prepare, and here’s a little tip many seasoned home cooks swear by: instead of boiling the sweet potatoes, roast them. The slow roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and gives the filling a richer, deeper flavor you don’t get any other way. Another old-school trick is to pass the cooked sweet potatoes through a sieve or give them a quick spin in the food processor to remove any fibrous strings — that’s how you get that perfectly smooth, silky texture everyone loves. Sweet potato pie tends to be a favorite among guests who enjoy classic, familiar flavors and a dessert that isn’t overly sweet, making it a gentle and satisfying finish after the main meal. It’s simple, comforting, and timeless — a true holiday staple.
Want to make your own smooth, cozy version? Watch this easy video tutorial and bring it to your table.
3. Pecan Pie
Landing solidly at number three is Pecan Pie, the rich, nutty classic that feels like a true Thanksgiving essential. Seriously, if this pie isn't on the table, did the holiday even happen? With its buttery crust and that gorgeous, glossy filling packed with perfectly toasted pecans, it delivers the ultimate mix of sweetness and crunch.
Despite looking like a master-level bake, it's surprisingly straightforward (two to three hours total). This pie is a huge hit with guests who appreciate depth and texture over something overly sweet.
Pro tip: To make yours truly legendary, lightly toast those pecans before adding them to the filling—it unlocks their deepest flavor. For extra cozy character, a tiny splash of bourbon or vanilla makes people wonder what your secret is. Pecan Pie is familiar, festive, and always disappears faster than you'd expect.
Want to bake this holiday legend? Follow this quick video tutorial and get started!
2. Apple Pie
Sliding confidently into second place is the Apple Pie, the true sweetheart of Thanksgiving and a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting every single time. If any dish can instantly make a table feel warmer, cozier, and more "holiday," it's this one. With that golden, flaky crust and the bubbling, cinnamon-kissed filling, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, soft, and crisp. Honestly, the smell alone could probably fix half the world’s problems.
Prep usually takes around two and a half hours (yeah, all that peeling and slicing), but it’s absolutely worth it. Apple Pie is a favorite among guests who crave classic, comforting desserts—the kind that instantly reminds them of home, old family recipes, and endless debate over whose version is "the real one."
Here’s the pro-level secret for a perfect filling: always mix two types of apples. Pair a tart powerhouse like Granny Smith with something sweeter like Honeycrisp or Fuji. This combo creates that ideal sweet/tart balance, ensuring your filling isn't mushy or too sugary. A small squeeze of lemon brightens everything up, and that tiny pinch of nutmeg goes a massive way.
Craving that warm, cinnamon-filled slice already? Check out this easy video tutorial and bring the ultimate Thanksgiving classic to life.
1. Pumpkin Pie
Taking the crown at number one is Pumpkin Pie — the undeniable champion of Thanksgiving desserts. Let’s be real: if apple pie is the sweetheart of fall, pumpkin pie is the president of the entire season. Smooth, spiced, creamy, and perfectly cozy, it’s the dessert people wait all year for. One slice in, and suddenly the whole room feels softer, warmer, and a little more magical — it’s just that kind of pie.
Despite its iconic status, pumpkin pie is incredibly approachable. It usually takes about two hours from start to finish, and most of that is just letting the oven and cooling time do their thing. Guests who love classic holiday flavors flock to this one — the blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves hits every nostalgic note without being overwhelming. And here’s a trick many longtime bakers swear by: warm your spices in the pan for a few seconds before mixing them in. It wakes them up and gives your filling a deeper, more aromatic flavor that tastes like you’ve been baking pies professionally for years. Another not-so-secret secret? Use evaporated milk instead of regular milk for a silkier, richer texture.
Pumpkin Pie isn’t just a dessert — it’s a moment, a tradition, and the true finale the Thanksgiving table deserves.
Ready to bake the star of the season? Follow this simple video tutorial and bring the classic to life.
A Final Note of Gratitude
As we wrap up this delicious countdown, we just want to say how grateful we are to share this season with you. Collectors like you bring meaning, passion, and storytelling into everything you do — and that spirit is exactly what makes Thanksgiving so special. Whether you choose a classic, a comfort dish, or a family favorite with your own twist, we hope one of these desserts finds a place at your table this year.
More than anything, we hope it helps create a moment worth remembering — one more piece added to your personal collection of holiday stories. From all of us at Vaulted, thank you for being here, for celebrating with us, and for continuing to make this community something we’re truly proud of. Here’s to a warm, joyful, unforgettable Thanksgiving.
