Dessert always steals the show at Friendsgiving, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. From classic pies that feel nostalgic to fun little twists you can whip up in minutes, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Not sure what to serve? These Friendsgiving dessert ideas will help you wow the crowd without stressing in the kitchen!
1. Your New Go-To Dessert Bar for Friendsgiving
Pecan pie is one of the first things that comes to mind for Friendsgiving, but these bars make it easier (and a little healthier) to enjoy in handheld form. The base is a buttery almond flour shortbread crust that holds up the gooey pecan topping without getting soggy. To keep the bars neat, chill them in the fridge before cutting with a bench scraper.
2. A Pear-Fectly Elegant Dessert
It’s easy to get sweet pears around this time of year, so baking them into a tarte tatin is always a good idea. The pears caramelize perfectly over a puff pastry crust, giving you that glossy finish that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for one of the most elegant Friendsgiving dessert ideas you can bring to the table.
3. A Fun Finger Food Spin on Classic Pumpkin Pie
These twists taste like pumpkin pie but are easier to make and perfect for sharing! Store-bought puff pastry makes them quick to prep, while the pumpkin pie filling brings that creamy, spiced goodness we all love. I recommend adding a caramel drizzle while they’re still warm to give every bite that extra decadent touch.
4. The Easiest Shortcut to Homemade Apple Pie
Bring a little surprise to the table with these mini cinnamon roll apple pies. Instead of making a pie crust from scratch, you press cinnamon roll dough into muffin tins, then fill with spiced apples for a gooey, cozy bite. These come together quickly and are one of the easiest Friendsgiving dessert ideas for feeding a crowd.
Related: 22 Delicious Friendsgiving Food Ideas for Your Party This Year
5. Creamy Pumpkin Fudge You Can Make in Minutes
This fudge is a dream for anyone who wants a quick dessert that doesn’t require baking. Just mix pumpkin purée with almond butter, maple syrup, and a little coconut oil, then let it set in the refrigerator until firm. Using a silicone baking mold makes popping out perfect squares a breeze, and it also saves you from cutting sticky edges.
6. Spiced-Up Rice Krispie Squares for Friendsgiving
Chai-flavored Rice Krispies are the ultimate upgrade to a childhood favorite, giving you that warm spice blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger in every bite. Stirring the spices directly into the melted marshmallow mix ensures even flavor all the way through. These are perfect for Friendsgiving because they’re quick, nostalgic, and just a little fancy.
7. Beignets With a Pumpkin Spice Surprise
Beignets are already a treat on their own, but you can make them extra special for Friendsgiving by filling them with silky pumpkin spice cream. Each piece is light, pillowy, and dusted with powdered sugar that looks as good as it tastes. I recommend using a piping bag with a long filling tip to get the pumpkin filling right in the center.
8. Tart Meets Rich in These Chocolate Treats
If you have leftover jellied cranberry sauce from dinner, turn it into a whole new dessert by dipping slices in rich chocolate! You can use either dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on how sweet you want the final bite to be. Set them on a silicone baking mat while the chocolate hardens so they don’t stick. They taste tart, smooth, and decadent all at once!
9. A Silky Custard Dessert for Friendsgiving
Flan is one of those creamy, melt-in-your-mouth desserts that always feels special, but swapping in pumpkin spice takes it to another level. The mix of pumpkin purée and warm spices blends perfectly with the silky custard base, giving it a festive twist. This recipe uses a bundt pan, but you can also make them in individual ramekins for easy serving.
10. Soft, Spiced Cookies for a Cozy Gathering
Skip the regular cookies and wow your crew with these apple butter snickerdoodles! The dough is blended with rich, spiced apple butter, then rolled in cinnamon sugar to create that classic crinkle finish everyone loves. Each bite is soft, chewy, and layered with fall flavors that taste like a cross between apple pie and a snickerdoodle.
Related: 25+ Best Friendsgiving Side Ideas to Make for the Perfect Dinner
11. A Decadent Friendsgiving Dessert That Feels Fancy
Salted caramel and chocolate are a perfect match, and this tart shows off just how good they can be together. Start with a crisp tart shell, fill it with buttery caramel, then finish with a glossy layer of dark chocolate ganache. A sprinkle of flaky salt over the top not only looks pretty but also balances the sweetness.
12. The Cozy Sandwich Cookie You’ll Want at Friendsgiving
Add a little nostalgia to Friendsgiving with these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies! They’re the cozy, comforting treat you didn’t know your dessert table was missing. Bake pumpkin oatmeal cookies packed with warm fall spices (or use store-bought pumpkin-flavored cookies), then sandwich them with creamy maple cream cheese frosting. It’s one of those Friendsgiving dessert ideas guests will be talking about long after the night is over.
13. Gooey Bars Packed With Pumpkin Flavor
Blondies are like the lighter cousin of brownies, and this pumpkin version is anything but boring. They’re infused with pumpkin spice and real pumpkin purée, then dotted with white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy contrast. The fudgy texture comes out best when you underbake them slightly and let them cool in the pan before cutting.
14. Layers of Cozy Fall Flavor in One Cake
If you’re after a dessert centerpiece, this apple cider cake is as festive as it gets. The batter is flavored with apple cider reduction, making each bite taste like fall in cake form. Layer it up with cinnamon maple buttercream, then use a cake turntable to frost it smoothly for that professional look. It’s one of the most impressive Friendsgiving dessert ideas for anyone who loves apple desserts!
15. The Perfect Make-Ahead Pumpkin Dessert
Craving something lighter? This pumpkin cheesecake mousse has all the flavor of cheesecake without the heaviness. It’s layered with a gingersnap crumble crust on the bottom, then topped with silky pumpkin mousse for the perfect balance of crunch and cream. Serve them in little glass cups so each portion feels special.
16. A Festive Truffle That Feels Gourmet
Raspberries deserve a little love on the Friendsgiving table too, and these truffles are the sweetest way to show it. The creamy white chocolate shell balances out the tart raspberry flavor, making them feel both sweet and refreshing. Since they only call for a handful of ingredients, they’re an easy but festive dessert that will stand out on any Friendsgiving table.
Related: 15+ Friendsgiving Dinner Recipes That Are Not Turkey
17. Edible Cups Filled With Pumpkin Spice
A cozy dessert and drink rolled into one? Yes, please! Each cookie cup bakes up crisp and golden, turning into an edible mug that you actually fill with pumpkin spice latte. A swirl of whipped cream on top plus a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds that warm, café-style finish. It’s a playful twist on the classic PSL and one of my favorite Friendsgiving dessert ideas.
18. DIY Caramel Apple Station for Friendsgiving Fun
Hosting a big Friendsgiving crowd? Set up a caramel apple bar! This way, everyone can DIY their own dessert, dipping apples in warm caramel and rolling them in toppings like crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, or sprinkles. Keep the caramel warm in a slow cooker so it stays smooth all night.
19. No-Churn Ice Cream with Delicious Fall Flavors
Who says ice cream is only for summer? This pumpkin pecan version brings fall flavors into a frozen treat, mixing pumpkin, maple syrup, and pecan butter into a creamy base. Since it’s no-churn, you can whip it up with just a hand mixer and freeze it overnight in a loaf tin. Topping it with toasted pecans right before serving makes it look and taste extra special.
20. Pears With a Sweet Surprise Inside
If you want a dessert that feels elegant but is secretly easy, stuffed pears wrapped in puff pastry are a winner. Hollow the pears out from the bottom and fill them with something rich like spiced nuts, chocolate chips, or even marzipan. Wrapping them in strips of puff pastry creates a beautiful layered look once baked, and brushing them with egg wash ensures a golden finish.
21. Cake Pops With a Festive Fall Twist
Here’s a Friendsgiving dessert that kids and kids at heart will love: pumpkin pie cake pops! You can use a boxed cake mix to save time, mixing in pumpkin purée and warm spices for that fall flavor. Lastly, dip them in melted white chocolate and roll in gold sprinkles for a sparkly finish. Friendsgiving dessert ideas don’t get more party-friendly than this!
22. Bold Bread Pudding for Coffee Lovers
Espresso and bourbon bring bold flavor to this bread pudding, giving every bite a mix of deep coffee notes and subtle warmth. The bread soaks up the custard as it bakes, turning soft in the middle with a golden, slightly crisp top. I love making these in ramekins so everyone gets their own cozy portion. This Friendsgiving dessert idea feels familiar but still has a fun twist that your friends will love!
23. Elegant Cream Puffs for Friendsgiving
For a fancier Friendsgiving dessert, chocolate-hazelnut choux pastries are the way to go. Each airy puff is baked until golden, then filled with a luscious chocolate-hazelnut cream that feels both rich and light. Dip the tops in melted chocolate and add a swirl of whipped hazelnut frosting with a piping bag for a polished finish. They’re one of the best Friendsgiving dessert ideas for anyone who loves a little elegance.
24. Easy Cherry Pie Bites That Everyone Loves
Cherry pie gets a playful twist with these mini bites, each one packed with gooey cherry filling. Just wrap spoonfuls of filling in crescent roll dough, and they’ll puff up golden brown in the oven. Once baked, drizzle a glaze of powdered sugar and cream over the tops with a spoon for that glossy finish. They’re super easy to make in big batches, meaning less stress and more dessert for everyone!
25. Delicate Macarons With a Seasonal Spin
Macarons can feel intimidating, but this pumpkin spice version is simpler than it looks. The crisp shells are sandwiched with a pumpkin spice buttercream, giving you the same cozy flavor as pumpkin pie in a bite-sized treat. A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds extra warmth and makes them look festive. It’s a chic Friendsgiving dessert idea that’ll impress your whole crew!
Final Thoughts
As far as I’m concerned, dessert is the real reason everyone sticks around after dinner at Friendsgiving. With these ideas, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to fill the table with something sweet for every taste!
