Though it may feel mandatory, there’s no law that says every Thanksgiving dessert must be pumpkin. What are some non-pumpkin fall desserts that are festive and fun? Apple cider doughnut cake is filled with the beloved flavors of cider and seasonal apples. Try these easy Thanksgiving desserts without pumpkin and we promise it won’t be missed!
No Orange Required: Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Without Pumpkin
When it comes to fall flavors, pumpkin is usually the first to come to mind. But apple, cranberry, pecan and sweet potato are just as characteristic of the season and can make for show-stopping treats. With simple ingredients and some straightforward preparation, these easy Thanksgiving desserts without pumpkin just might become your new holiday traditions.
#1 – Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Looking for Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie? Make use of your fall apple-picking skills with this simple bundt cake reminiscent of the seasonal doughnuts we all love. Shredded apples added to the premade cake mix lend moistness and texture while cider boosts the fall flavor. Adding a cinnamon sugar topping while the cake is still warm is key to providing that fresh-from-the-orchard doughnut taste.
Main ingredients:
- Yellow cake mix
- Apples
- Apple cider
- Butter
- Cinnamon
#2 – Pecan Pie Bars
Between thawing a turkey the right way and prepping your other ingredients, an easy dessert is an essential time-saver. Instead of pie crust, these sweet and nutty bars have a simple shortbread base that’s easily pressed into a 9×13 pan and pre-baked. Meanwhile, the traditional topping of brown sugar, pecans is assembled on the stovetop before joining the shortbread in the oven. Cut into bars when cool for one of those easy Thanksgiving desserts without pumpkin that’s holiday-worthy in under an hour.
Main ingredients:
- Butter
- Flour
- Pecans
- Cream
- Brown sugar
#3 – Cranberry Upside Down Cake
Thanksgiving desserts that don’t have pumpkin can still combine a classic treat with fall flavor. This cranberry upside-down cake has the gooey topping of its traditional pineapple cousin with the seasonal tartness of cranberries. Best of all, the cake comes together easily with a premade pancake mix enhanced with sugar and vanilla. What’s the key to removing the cake with the topping intact? Prepping the pan with cooking spray and parchment paper before adding any ingredients should do the trick.
Main ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Pancake mix
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla
#4 – Mallow-Praline Sweet Potato Pie
If you’re searching for holiday pies without pumpkin that still provide a pop of orange, look no further than the sweet potato. This versatile vegetable transforms into a sweet filling when combined with maple syrup, cinnamon and crystallized ginger. But the topping is what truly makes this dessert stand out. When the pie is half-baked, top with marshmallows, melted butter, sugar, and pecans before returning to the oven. Using a prebaked pie crust saves time, and keeps the focus on that gorgeous topping.
Main ingredients:
- Roasted or canned sweet potatoes
- Maple syrup
- Crystallized ginger
- Marshmallows
- Pecans
These easy Thanksgiving desserts without pumpkin aren’t so easy when your oven isn’t heating like it should. To get your cooking appliances holiday-ready, call or schedule your service online with Dave Smith Appliance Services!
