25 Mini Thanksgiving Desserts for a Sweet Holiday
Mini Thanksgiving desserts are a perfect idea whether you are going to a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving potluck or are entertaining at home and just want an easier way to serve dessert. Each of these mini Thanksgiving dessert recipes are easy to eat, mess-free, and you can always save the remainders for enjoying throughout the rest of the week or provide containers to your guests so that they get to take home a treat for later.
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Pumpkin Cannoli
Ricotta and mascarpone cheese come together to fill these crispy, light and irresistibly flaky cannoli. They make a great finger-food dessert and are packed with pumpkin flavor.
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Mini Sweet Potato Pies
"OMG the kids loved it!" says reviewer Lani G. "They loved the idea of cute mini pies just for them. They rushed around me to help make them. And they couldn't wait for them to be ready."
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Mini Southern Pecan Pies
You know how everyone wants a slice of pecan pie but a lot gets left on the plate because it's just so sweet and rich? These minis are the perfect no-waste solution. One or two of these little bites might be just enough for some guests.
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Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes
Cheesecake can be super decadent, but these pecan pie mini cheesecakes come out an easy-to-eat size, even after you've indulged in Thanksgiving dinner.
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Pumpkin Brownies
Brownies can never be a bad choice for dessert, and these are Thanksgiving themed by adding in pumpkin, walnuts, and plenty of fall spices.Â
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Mini Apple Pies
Apple pie is a classic all-American dessert, especially when served with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. If you don't have mini pie dishes on hand, you can always bake these up in a muffin tin.Â
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Chocolate Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
Chocolate, pumpkin, and cheesecake create a triple threat for a mini Thanksgiving dessert recipe you'll want to make each year. The cake is rich and moist, while the filling is silky smooth and packed with pumpkin. Top with chocolate chips for extra richness and a pretty appearance.
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Mini Brownie Turkeys
Put turkey of a different variety on the dinner table this Thanksgiving. These brownie bites are decorated with candies and frosting, a great activity for keeping little ones entertained.Â
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Gluten-Free Cheesecake Cupcakes
"Coming from a family that has a lot of gluten intolerance, I decided to try and come up with a gluten-free cheesecake cupcake recipe that everyone can enjoy," says recipe creator Amenah. Reviewers all agree these gluten-free cheesecakes earn a solid five-star rating.
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Blueberry Upside-Down Mini Cakes
This recipe calls for frozen blueberries, but you could use any berries you like — even cranberries. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
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Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting
"These spiced fall cupcakes are a riff on the classic Thanksgiving casserole," says recipe creator Doughgirl8. "These days, I tend to like savory sweet potato dishes with the meal, but marshmallowy cupcakes make a terrific fall dessert! Store any leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator."
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Dulce de Leche Mousse
This two-ingredient mousse could not be easier to make and the extra bonus is that you can prepare it well in advance. The dulce de leche lends delicious caramel-like flavor, which you can complement with autumnal accoutrements like crushed gingersnaps, diced persimmon, or a swirl of apple butter. Serve as suggested in small dessert cups or shot glasses for a mini dessert to remember!
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes
"After deciding against buying a springform pan, but wanting cheesecake for Thanksgiving, I combined a few recipes to get this final product. It got great reviews from all the family!" says recipe creator Cassandra.
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Easy Air Fryer Apple Pies
Free up oven space with these delectable mini apple pies cooked to perfection in the air fryer. What's even better is that they're ready in less than 30 minutes!
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Mini Pumpkin Pies
It's not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, and these little beauties are 5-star winners. You can use an ordinary drinking glass to cut out the rounds if you don't have a cookie cutter that size, and bake them in muffin tins if you don't have mini pie dishes. That's what one reviewer did, who says they turned out great.
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No-Bake Baileys Cheesecake Balls
Make these irresistible grown-up cheesecake balls well in advance for an effortlessly impressive addition to your mini Thanksgiving dessert spread.Â
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Pumpkin Parfait
Another easy make-ahead mini dessert, these quick parfaits are perfect served in small 4-ounce glasses. This recipe is kept sugar free by using sugar-free pudding mix, but you can opt for regular pudding mix if desired.
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Mini Chess Pies
"My grandma used to make these and I didn't have a recipe so I used yours. OMG my family loved them and they were delicious," says reviewer Kimberly of these miniature versions of the classic chess pie.
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Bundt Cakes
"This family favorite dessert is the perfect conclusion to a holiday meal," says recipe creator Mrs T. of these mini Bundt cakes that are as delicious as they are adorable.
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French Chocolate Mousse with Orange
Chocolate fans will appreciate dainty cups of chocolate mousse as part of a Thanksgiving mini dessert spread. This elevated and authentic French recipe calls for a hint of orange. Try garnishing with candied spiced pecans for a mix of texture and some autumn flavor.
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Mexican Pumpkin Empanadas
These top-rated pumpkin empanadas feature a filling of pumpkin puree spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Take them up a notch with a drizzle of dulce de leche just before serving. "They came out awesome. My wife is Mexican and she said that they were excellent. I am an [amateur] at baking and they came out perfect," says one happy reviewer.
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Mini Cheesecakes III
Top these two-bite cheesecakes with a fall fruit compote, chocolate ganache, strawberry sauce, fresh berries, or anything else you like on your cheesecake. Reviewer jjonesjennifer says, "Family loved these! Great portion size for kids and made just enough so there weren't any leftovers!"
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Pumpkin Brulee
Try making this delicious pumpkin brûlée in small 4-ounce ramekins for a perfectly petite dessert. These feel like Thanksgiving but are just that bit different that they'll add interest to your mini dessert spread.
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Pumpkin Pie Triple Berry Tarties
Frozen mixed berries add an unexpected twist to pumpkin pie tartlets in this recipe. They're not only petite, but both pretty to look at and delicious to eat! A great miniature version of a Thanksgiving favorite.Â
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Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes
Warm and cozy ginger is the extra something that really makes these pumpkin cupcakes shine. The instant butterscotch pudding mix added to the cupcake batter is the secret ingredient that makes them impossibly moist!
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More Inspiration
Looking for even smaller Thanksgiving desserts to offer your guests? Browse our collection of Bite-Size Thanksgiving Desserts for ideas that you can devour in one or two bites, max! Also see:
- Our entire collection of Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
- Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts
- Easy Thanksgiving Desserts for a Crowd