When you’re invited to Thanksgiving dinner, showing up with a sweet homemade dessert is always a hit.
Whether you’re bringing something classic like pie or something fun and easy to share, these 12 Thanksgiving desserts to bring are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or Friendsgiving feasts.
Each one travels well, serves a crowd, and adds that perfect touch of sweetness to the table.
1. Pumpkin Pie
The ultimate Thanksgiving dessert! Pumpkin pie’s creamy, spiced filling and buttery crust make it a timeless favorite.
It travels well and can be served cold or at room temperature—perfect for bringing to any gathering.
2. Apple Crisp
Warm, comforting, and easy to make, apple crisp is a wonderful dessert to share.
The combination of baked apples and crunchy oat topping is irresistible, especially when paired with whipped cream or ice cream.
3. Pecan Pie Bars
A portable twist on classic pecan pie! These bars have a shortbread crust and a sweet, nutty topping.
They’re easy to slice, pack, and share—perfect for potlucks or large family dinners.
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Creamy, rich, and spiced just right, these cheesecake bars combine the flavors of pumpkin pie and cheesecake.
Make them in advance, chill overnight, and bring them in the baking pan for easy transport.
5. Cranberry Bundt Cake
A festive dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
The tart cranberries add a pop of flavor, while the glaze gives it a beautiful finish. It’s sturdy enough to travel and stays moist for days.
6. Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This simple dessert uses apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and cake mix to create a warm, gooey treat.
Bake it in a disposable pan for an easy bring-along option that everyone will devour.
7. Sweet Potato Pie
Smooth, buttery, and perfectly spiced, sweet potato pie is a Southern classic that belongs on every Thanksgiving table.
Serve it chilled or slightly warmed with whipped cream.
8. Pumpkin Bread
Moist and flavorful, pumpkin bread is one of the easiest desserts to transport.
Bake it in loaf pans, wrap it in foil, and slice it at the party—it’s perfect for snacking or pairing with coffee.
9. Chocolate Pecan Pie
A rich twist on the traditional pecan pie!
The chocolate adds depth and a touch of indulgence, making it a guaranteed hit with both adults and kids.
10. Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
These sweet-tart bars combine creamy cheesecake with a cranberry swirl.
They’re easy to slice and serve—plus, they look festive on any Thanksgiving dessert table.
11. Pumpkin Roll Cake
This dessert is a showstopper! A soft pumpkin sponge cake rolled with cream cheese filling looks elegant and tastes amazing.
Wrap it tightly for easy travel, and slice it right before serving.
12. Mini Pumpkin Pies
Cute, bite-sized, and crowd-friendly! These mini pumpkin pies are baked in muffin tins and topped with whipped cream.
They’re easy to pack and perfect for sharing without messy slicing.
When deciding on which Thanksgiving dessert to bring, go for something that’s easy to carry, simple to serve, and guaranteed to please.
From classic pies to shareable bars and cakes, these 12 dessert dishes will make your contribution unforgettable—and ensure there’s no crumb left behind.
