15 Favorite Chocolate Thanksgiving Desserts

By Melanie Fincher
Updated September 23, 2020
Credit: Mackenzie Schieck

While Thanksgiving desserts are normally based around seasonal fruits like pumpkins, apples, or cranberries, a little chocolate never hurt anybody. Don't get me wrong, I love a good pumpkin pie as much as the next person. But sometimes getting away from the standard Thanksgiving dessert menu is the change you need to revitalize your dessert buffet. These festive Thanksgiving dessert recipes will satisfy both the chocolate-lover and the holiday dessert purist. Read on for our favorite chocolate Thanksgiving desserts.

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Chef John's Dark Chocolate Mousse

Credit: Cynthia Ross
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Make this chocolate mousse ahead of time and chill overnight in ramekins for a simple dessert with a festive appearance. Reviewer Doris Cheung says, "Made this for a potluck dinner — I quadrupled the recipe and served it in a large casserole dish. The dish was practically licked clean by the end of the evening. It was easy to make, and everyone loved it. Even the gluten-free folks could enjoy it."

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Pumpkin Chocolate Dessert Cake

Credit: Laine Barash
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Get the best of both worlds with this chocolate and pumpkin dessert. Reviewer MARIANNE JOSEPH says, "This recipe was a wonderful twist on the traditional pumpkin pie at our Thanksgiving dinner."

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French Silk Chocolate Pie I

Credit: Mackenzie Schieck
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"This is the most heavenly pie ever, I topped it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and slivered almonds and just a pinch of cocoa," says reviewer Mary Scott. This is another make-ahead dessert with a presentation worthy of your Thanksgiving table.

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Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

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Reviewer DELTAQUEEN50 says, "This was just a wonderful dessert. So easy, yet looked like I slaved for hours over it. The only problem was that it was so good, my family didn't leave me any leftovers!"

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Salted Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Truffles

Credit: Matt Wencl
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Between all the heavy pies and cakes, your guests will be thanking you for these quick chocolate bites! Recipe creator MariaTheSoaper says, "Dark chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel were just made to be eaten together. How can you resist the indulgent blend of sweet, nutty, with a dash of salt? It's perfect. They can be made up to a week before you want them, just cover and chill."

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Bev's Chocolate Pie

Credit: Tori Guy
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The chocoholics in your life will love this rich chocolate pie! Reviewer Stephanie Anderson says, "I love this pie and so does my family. It is a Thanksgiving staple going on four years now."

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Pumpkin Brownies

Credit: abapplez
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You won't be able to have just one. Reviewer GiGi says, "These were a wonderful addition to our Thanksgiving dessert table. They were very moist and fudgy and pumpkin-y at the same time...I received many compliments and had to hand over the recipe."

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Chocolate Pecan Pie II

Credit: Camis
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A classic Thanksgiving dessert that's made for the chocolate-lovers. Try adding bourbon on top of the pecans before baking. Reviewer jenrtaylor says, "I've made this pie for various Thanksgivings and holiday parties and it is always a huge hit...This pie, especially if you add bourbon, is best made a day ahead of time so the flavors have time to meld."

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Chocolate Cream Pudding

Credit: camrythegreat
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"This recipe is just about as awesome as cornstarch pudding can get," says reviewer Doc Simonson. "It was smooth and creamy, had an intense chocolate flavor and soul-satisfying richness." Serve this pudding in individual portions topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a decadent dessert that's holiday-friendly.

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Rich Chocolate Tart

Credit: APN Sarah
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"Don't let fears of pastry failure keep you from making a homemade holiday sweet," says recipe creator Pam Anderson. "This rich chocolate tart is a ridiculously easy and scrumptious dessert made with a puff pastry crust."

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Orange Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

Credit: Genequeen
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Mix orange with chocolate and cheesecake, and you have a heavenly holiday dessert that stands out on a Thanksgiving spread. Take it from reviewer Lesley who says, "This is a WONDERFUL tasting and looking cheesecake! I love the idea of orange/chocolate. And the orange doesn't overpower the cake as I thought it would have. It's a wonderful combo!"

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Flourless Chocolate Cake I

Credit: Dianne
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Your gluten-free guests will thank you when they're treated to a slice of this top-rated cake. To pretty up the presentation, you could sprinkle fresh raspberries on the plate and drizzle with raspberry sauce, as shown.

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White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Credit: Alberta Rose
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This 5-star recipe is a tried-and-true favorite. The recipe has a decorative swirl of raspberry on the top, or you could dress it up even more with fresh strawberries and a layer of cream cheese frosting. 

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Chocolate Coconut Trifle

Credit: Allrecipes
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Layers upon layers of homemade chocolate custard, coconut custard, ladyfingers, and whipped cream go into building this show-stopping dessert. And it takes only 30 minutes to make!

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Chocolate Chess Pie II

Credit: C.P.
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"I have been making this exact recipe for years. Here is a great tip my grandmother taught me: First mix the sugar and cocoa together very well first. Second, don't melt your butter completely. That is why some are coming up with runny pies. The butter needs to still have some 'chunkyness' to it. Hope this helps! Mine comes out great most of the time, although sometimes it cracks. I usually bake it between 40 and 45 minutes. And then like others suggested leave it in the oven with temperature off for 10-15 minutes with door cracked. Love this recipe!" —Erin Walker Rueff

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