Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering around the table, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious food. While the main courses often steal the spotlight, the dessert is what many guests eagerly await.

For those who prefer meatless options or want to offer something delightful for vegetarian friends and family, vegetarian Thanksgiving dessert recipes are the perfect choice. These treats celebrate the season’s best flavors—from warm spices to rich fruits—without compromising on taste or tradition.

Whether you’re craving a classic pumpkin pie or a decadent apple crisp, these vegetarian desserts will add a festive and satisfying finish to your holiday celebration.

In this post, I’ll share three fantastic vegetarian Thanksgiving dessert recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to impress. Each recipe highlights wholesome ingredients and seasonal flavors, making your Thanksgiving both tasty and inclusive.

Plus, I’ll offer tips, variations, and serving ideas to help you customize each dessert to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian Thanksgiving desserts are designed to be crowd-pleasers, combining familiar holiday flavors with accessible ingredients. They’re perfect for vegetarians, vegans (with simple substitutions), or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter, plant-based sweet treat.

The recipes are straightforward, requiring minimal fuss but delivering maximum flavor.

Plus, these desserts use natural sweeteners and seasonal produce, making them not only delicious but also a bit healthier than typical holiday sweets. Whether you’re hosting a large family or a small gathering, these recipes will help you create a memorable and inclusive Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or butter
• 2 cups cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan version)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

• 6 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (Granny Smith recommended)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup softened vegan butter or regular butter
• ½ tsp salt

Cranberry Pecan Tart

• 1 9-inch pre-made pie crust (vegetarian/vegan-friendly)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt

Equipment

• Baking dish or pie pan (9×13 inch for bars, 9-inch for tart)
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven
• Food processor (optional, for crust or topping)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted coconut oil (or butter) in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
3. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until slightly firm. Remove and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
5. Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then add flour and mix gently until combined.
6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
8. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare apples: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
3. Make the topping: In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and chopped nuts.
4. Cut in butter: Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend softened butter into the dry topping until crumbly and clumpy.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden and apples are bubbling.
7. Let cool slightly before serving, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Cranberry Pecan Tart

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust in a tart pan and prick the bottom with a fork.
2. Prepare filling: In a bowl, combine chopped cranberries, pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well.
3. Pour filling into the crust and spread evenly.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
5. Cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to firm up.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan twist on these desserts, substitute eggs with flax eggs, use vegan cream cheese, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as natural sweeteners.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars: You can add a swirl of caramel sauce on top before baking or sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for extra texture.

Apple Crisp: Feel free to mix different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter or tangier flavor. Adding a dash of nutmeg or ground ginger enhances the warmth of the spices.

Cranberry Pecan Tart: Try incorporating orange zest into the filling for a citrusy brightness. Alternatively, swap pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

For more vegetarian dessert ideas, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or explore the Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for festive inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These desserts are perfect served warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, pair the Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

The Apple Crisp shines alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt (for vegetarians). You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added aroma.

The Cranberry Pecan Tart pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to impress guests visually.

Looking for bread to accompany your dessert spread? Try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a delightful homemade touch.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Thanksgiving desserts don’t have to be complicated or less flavorful. These recipes showcase how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create memorable, festive sweets that everyone can enjoy.

From the creamy richness of pumpkin cheesecake bars to the comforting, homey flavors of apple crisp and the tart crunch of cranberry pecan tart, there’s something here for every palate.

These desserts highlight the best of the holiday season and reflect the warmth and sharing spirit of Thanksgiving. With easy preparation, adaptable ingredients, and plenty of room for creativity, you can make your Thanksgiving table both inclusive and delicious.

Don’t forget to explore other plant-based recipes for your holiday feast, like the tasty Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals, to complete your celebration.

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