When you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving gathering, dessert needs to please everyone—and feed plenty of people.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a potluck, these 14 Thanksgiving desserts for a crowd are easy to make, share, and enjoy.
From classic pies to crowd-sized bars and trifles, there’s something here for every sweet tooth.
1. Sheet Pan Pumpkin Pie
This large-format version of pumpkin pie is ideal for serving a big group.
The creamy pumpkin filling spreads evenly over a buttery crust baked on a sheet pan.
Once cooled, cut into squares for easy serving.
Top each piece with whipped cream for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert.
2. Apple Slab Pie
All the cozy flavor of apple pie, made in a sheet pan.
Thinly sliced apples are layered with cinnamon and sugar between two pie crusts, then baked until bubbly.
Slice into bars and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle.
3. Pecan Pie Bars
If you love pecan pie but need to feed a crowd, bars are the way to go.
A buttery shortbread crust holds the gooey pecan filling.
Cut into small squares for bite-sized indulgence—perfect for buffet-style dessert tables.
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Creamy pumpkin cheesecake on a graham cracker crust is easy to bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
Cut into neat bars and top with whipped cream or caramel drizzle.
These bars combine two favorites—cheesecake and pumpkin pie—in one creamy, shareable dessert.
5. Cranberry Trifle
A layered trifle looks stunning and feeds many.
Combine layers of cranberry sauce, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and cubes of pound cake in a large glass bowl.
The bright red cranberries give it a festive Thanksgiving look.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole Dessert
Turn this Southern classic into a sweet dessert dish.
Combine mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
Top with a crunchy pecan and marshmallow topping and bake until golden brown.
It’s sweet enough to serve alongside pie.
7. Pumpkin Sheet Cake
A soft, spiced pumpkin cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting is one of the easiest ways to feed a big crowd.
Bake it in a large rectangular pan and cut into squares.
Add festive sprinkles or crushed pecans for decoration.
8. Caramel Apple Crisp for a Crowd
Make a big batch of apple crisp in a casserole dish using oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking for extra sweetness.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s comforting and universally loved.
9. Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
This rich dessert is made with cubed bread soaked in custard, baked, and drizzled with warm bourbon or caramel sauce.
It’s perfect for a crowd because it’s easy to bake in large pans and serve by the scoop.
10. Pumpkin Bread Loaves
Bake a few loaves of moist pumpkin bread, slice them thick, and arrange them on a dessert platter.
You can even make variations—some with chocolate chips, others with pecans—for variety on your Thanksgiving table.
11. No-Bake Pumpkin Lush
A creamy layered dessert that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Layers of graham cracker crust, pumpkin pudding, whipped cream, and cream cheese filling come together in a large dish.
Chill overnight and slice into squares before serving.
12. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
A large bundt cake makes for a beautiful centerpiece.
This moist cake combines tangy cranberries with bright orange zest and a sweet glaze.
Slice thick pieces and serve with tea or coffee after dinner.
13. Chocolate Pecan Slab Pie
This indulgent dessert combines the richness of pecan pie with a layer of melted chocolate.
Bake it in a sheet pan for easy slicing and serving.
It’s gooey, nutty, and irresistible for chocolate lovers.
14. Pumpkin Trifle with Gingerbread
Layer crushed gingerbread cookies, pumpkin mousse, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle in a large trifle bowl.
The presentation is stunning and the flavors scream Thanksgiving.
It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for a full table of guests.
These 14 Thanksgiving desserts for a crowd make entertaining easy and delicious.
Whether you prefer baked pies, creamy trifles, or no-bake bars, these recipes will ensure everyone gets a sweet taste of the holiday.
Big on flavor and easy to serve, they’re the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving feast.
