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30+ Small Batch Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas


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As we plan Thanksgiving, I’ve rounded up 30+ small batch Thanksgiving desserts to give you ideas for your menu planning!  These fall-inspired recipes include traditional and gluten free desserts.  With everything from a traditional 6-inch pumpkin pie, to a the tastiest gluten free pumpkin bars.  The easy small batch recipes are perfect for smaller gatherings, or give you the option to make a few treats for your holiday table!

The perfect slice of gluten free apple pie a la mode on a pretty white plate for a small batch thanksgiving dessert idea.

The Best Small Batch Pies for Thanksgiving

It is Thanksgiving, so of course any list for Thanksgiving desserts must include pies!  These mini 6-inch pies are either baked and shaped in a mini pie dish, or made free-form as a galette.  And, if you want to make any of the traditional pies gluten free, try my buttery and flaky gluten free pie crust!

The perfect slice of gluten free apple pie a la mode on a pretty white plate.

1

Gluten Free Mini Apple Pie

Simply the best mini gluten free apple pie recipe with double crust!  We take my super flaky all-butter gluten free 6-inch crust, double it, and pile in slices of firm, seasoned apples.  The pie bakes to golden brown perfection with a sweetened flaky crust holding a juicy and syrupy apple pie filling.  A delicious pie you'd never know was gluten free and suitable for any occasion!
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Perfect slice of mini pumpkin pie on a festive holiday plate

2

6-Inch Pumpkin Pie

This 6-Inch Pumpkin Pie with Cranberry Whipped Cream features an all-butter flaky pie crust with a velvety and perfectly spiced pumpkin pie filling.  Finish the pumpkin pie with a sweet and tart Cranberry Whipped Cream.  A beautiful holiday dessert for Thanksgiving and Christmas!  
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Caramel corn apple galette a la mode on a trivet

3

Caramel Corn Apple Galette

This small batch recipe for Caramel Corn Apple Galette is combines two delicious Fall desserts into one!  Made with a creamy caramel and freeze dried sweet corn custard, and simple cinnamon sugar Honeycrisp apple filling.  Then baked in a light and flaky pie crust for a pretty, yet rustic, pie for two!  
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Gluten free pumpkin pie decorated with edible fall decor in a small glass pie dish.

4

Gluten Free Mini Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a must have for Thanksgiving and so is this gluten free mini pumpkin pie!  The flaky all-butter gluten free pie crust holds creamy pumpkin pie filling abundantly spiced with flavor.  Plus a special ingredient makes this mini pumpkin pie recipes one of the best!  
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Close up of a flavorful cranberry pear gluten free galette with scoops of ice cream.

5

Mini Gluten Free Cranberry Pear Galette

Sweetened cranberries, cardamom spice pears, and flaky gluten free 6-inch pie crust combine to make this gluten free cranberry pear galette.  The small batch galette is a wonderful dessert for the holidays!
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Fall-Inspired Mini Cakes and cupcakes

Sure, you can bake a classic chocolate cake or vanilla cake and decorate it with rich fudge frosting.  Or, you take advantage of the holiday and dust off some of those warm spices in your pantry and show them off in these delicious cakes.

The perfect slice of bright and cherry holiday cake on a a cake server.

6

Cranberry Mousse No-Bake Cheesecake

This cranberry mousse no-bake cheesecake is a must for the holidays! The mini cake features a creamy layer of no-bake cheesecake topped with beautiful and vibrant cranberry mousse – all set on Biscoff cookie crust.  The 6-inch cheesecake evokes the holidays with medley of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors!
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Single pumpkin cupcake topped with chocolate and cream cheese frosting.

7

Small Batch Pumpkin Cupcakes

These pumpkin cupcakes with whipped ganache frosting are brimming with plenty of pumpkin and cozy spices for fall!  The small batch recipe yields incredibly moist cupcakes that are finished with a tasty double-helping of whipped frosting.  A must-have dessert recipe for fall!
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Chocolate filling swirl inside a pumpkin roll cake.

8

Small Pumpkin Roll Cake with Chocolate Filling

Add this Small Pumpkin Roll Cake with Chocolate Filling to your holiday dessert menu!  This is an easy, small batch recipe for a tender pumpkin cake rolled with chocolate cream cheese filling and sprinkled with powdered sugar. 
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Spiced and frosted cupcake with a bite taken

9

Gluten Free Spice Cupcakes

A small batch of Gluten Free Spice Cupcakes made with an almond flour blend and full of cozy spices.  The cupcakes are tender and moist and finished with a Apple Spice Cream Cheese Frosting for a harmonious blend of holiday flavors.
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Slice of pumpkin swirl cheesecake topped with whipped cream

10

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

This Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake is made with a pumpkin pie swirl and classic cheesecake, and a must have Fall dessert.  This is a small batch cheesecake recipe made in a loaf pan – perfect for two!  Top the cheesecake with your favorite whipped topping and caramel drizzle. 
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A single gluten free pumpkin cupcake with chocolate frosting on a fall plate.

11

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcakes

This small batch recipe for pumpkin cupcakes is gluten free and bursting with fall flavors!  The cupcakes are moist, delicately sweet, and made with an almond flour blend, pumpkin pie spice, and pure pumpkin puree.  Frost the cupcakes with whipped chocolate ganache frosting for a deliciously festive fall cupcake.
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Top view of cream cheese frosted carrot cake gluten free cupcakes

12

Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes

A small batch recipe for Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting made with an almond flour blend, maple syrup (refined sugar-free!), and lots of sweet grated carrots.  This is an easy cupcake recipe perfect for Spring, Easter, or any occasion!
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13

Eggnog Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow

A small batch recipe for Eggnog Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting feature soft and moist cupcakes with holiday eggnog and spice.  The cupcakes are made with eggnog, nutmeg, and topped with a warm and cozy Toasted Marshmallow Meringue Frosting.  A delightful dessert for the holidays!
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Thanksgiving dessert Cookies and bars

Thanksgiving desserts don’t always have to be difficult to be showstoppers.  The humble cookies are bars are a delicious way to add variety to your Thanksgiving dessert table!  And, if you are getting a little too antsy for Christmas, you can surprise your guests with a fun decorated Christmas sugar cookie to get the festivities started!

A pretty fall plate full of frosted pumpkin spice cookies.

14

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing

Bake a small batch of delicious pumpkin spice sugar cookies with maple icing, perfect for welcoming fall! This easy recipe features classic cutout sugar cookies flavored with pumpkin pie spice and decorated with sweet maple syrup royal icing.
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Single slice of super moist gluten free pumpkin bar on a wood table and covered in sprinkles.

15

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

An easy small batch recipe for gluten free pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! The soft and chewy pumpkin bars are made with tasty oat flour, rich pumpkin, warm spices, and creamy cinnamon spiced frosting.
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Two gluten free pumpkin spice whoopie pies stacked on a plate.

16

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies are made with an oat and almond flour blend, and plenty of pumpkin and spice.  The whoopie pies are soft, perfectly sweet, filled with a velvety maple cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and are the ideal fall dessert!
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Close up of the gooey chewy center of a gluten free pumpkin cookie split in half.

17

Gluten Free Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Small Batch

A small batch of gluten free chewy pumpkin cookies is the perfect fall treat.  This is an easy cookie recipe with simple ingredients and no eggs! The cookies are rich in pumpkin flavor and have a perfectly chewy texture.
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A tasty bite shot of a moist pumpkin oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips on a table.

18

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Celebrate fall with the best small pumpkin oatmeal cookies recipe. These irresistibly soft pumpkin cookies are studded with chocolate chips and cranberries.  The cookies boast a delightful texture and are everything you crave in a comforting cookie!
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A beautiful bite shot of a soft caramel apple cookie stacked on another cookie.

19

Soft Apple Cookies with Caramel Icing

A delicious small batch of soft apple cookies with caramel icing perfect for fall! The small batch cookies are made with fresh apples, pumpkin pie spice, and topped with a rich and creamy caramel icing. 
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GF apple cider cheesecake bar resting on a cake cutter on a wood cutting board.

20

Small Batch Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

You're in for a treat with this small batch of caramel apple cheesecake bars! The creamiest no-bake cheesecake filling sits on top of spiced apples and a graham cracker crust (with gluten free option!). The bars are finished with an apple cider caramel swirl for that perfect touch of fall in every bite!
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Pumpkin spice whoopie pies in a short stack

21

Small Batch Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies

It wouldn't be fall without a pumpkin cookie, and this small batch of Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies is a delicious way to celebrate the season.  This is an easy recipe for whoopie pies that are soft, full of warm spices, and filled with cinnamon maple cream cheese filling. 
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And We Can’t Forget Breakfast On Thanksgiving

Before you rev up your ovens, don’t forget the most important meal of the day – breakfast!  A simple on-theme treat to enjoy with your coffee will give you some energy to take on the headline dishes for the day!  

Small batch cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread loaves on a wood cutting board.

22

Small Batch Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

This easy small batch cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread recipe makes incredibly moist bread packed with pumpkin flavor, cozy fall spices, and finished with a cinnamon sugar crunch top.  The versatile small batch recipe can be made in a variety of sizes and is a must for your fall baking!
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Bite shot of a gluten free pumpkin muffin with chocolate chips stacked on another muffin.

23

Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Fall in love with these tender and moist gluten free pumpkin muffins studded with chocolate chips.  The small batch recipe blends a flavorful oat flour blend, pumpkin puree, and all the best spices for fall.  Finish the lofty muffins with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for perfect breakfast muffins! 
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Pumpkin spice latte overnight oats in a glass

24

Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats

Everything you love about your favorite Fall morning latte is in these Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats! This is an easy recipe for creamy vegan and gluten free overnight oats made with pumpkin puree, Fall spices, and topped with a spiced Latte coffee whipped cream.  
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Single pumpkin apple muffin on a mini cupcake stand.

25

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

Enjoy fall's favorite flavors with this small batch of apple pumpkin streusel muffins! This simple pumpkin muffin recipe blends pumpkin, fresh apple chunks, and cozy spices inside a soft muffin that is finished with a buttery apple streusel.
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A tasty slice of applesauce coffee cake topped with sweet streusel.

26

Applesauce Coffee Cake

This Applesauce Coffee Cake is made with applesauce and sour cream to keep it super-moist, and a cinnamon streusel adds sugar and spice in the center and the top of the cake.  This is an easy recipe for the perfect cake to enjoy with your morning coffee or an anytime snack!
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Baked pumpkin donuts stacked

27

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts

These Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts are perfectly moist and full of Fall spices!  This is an easy small batch recipe for 6 baked donuts with a Nutella glaze, maple cream cheese glaze, or classic cinnamon sugar topping option.
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Caramel apple roll with apple slice on top

28

Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls

This is an easy, small batch recipe for homemade Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls!  It starts with a classic cinnamon roll recipe for 4 rolls.  Then you add sweet, crunchy apples and maple syrup caramel sauce to upgrade the perfect breakfast treat!  
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Thanksgiving Desserts Alternatives to pies and cakes

Dessert is often synonymous with cake and pie – especially Thanksgiving desserts.  However, you can create a drool-worthy treat to end the big meal that falls outside of the norm.  These desserts take the flavors we want with Thanksgiving, and transform them into something that is creative – and delicious!

A creamy swirl of pumpkin pudding topped with whipped cream in a small serving glass.

29

Creamy Pumpkin Pudding Dessert For Two

Creamy, homemade pumpkin pudding for two is an easy way to make a beautiful pumpkin dessert for the holidays.  The velvety smooth pudding is full of pumpkin and spice and can be dressed up with your favorite whipped cream.  This is a delicious small batch holiday dessert that can easily compete with the prettiest of pies!
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A single serving Hasselback apple on a plate with buttery streusel and topped with ice cream.

30

Hasselback Baked Apples

Impressive and easy Hasselback apples showcase crisp apples sliced to fan out and hold the buttery oat streusel topping, while the apples bake in a bubbly apple cider sauce. Top the warm baked apples with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for your new favorite fall dessert!
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Delicious Side View of Pumpkin Cream Napoleans

31

Pumpkin Pudding Napoleon Pastries

Think of these Pumpkin Pudding Napoleon Pastries like a deconstructed pumpkin pie, only fancier!  The pastry sheets are actually super flaky pie dough that bakes just like puff pastry.   And the pumpkin pudding is a smooth and creamy custard that is the perfect balance to the crispy cinnamon pastry sheets. 
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Chia seed pudding in a serving glass with whipped cream

32

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding is a healthier vegan alternative to traditional pumpkin pie!  Rich and creamy chia seed pudding is made with dairy-free milk and flavored with pure pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice.  Finish with Whipped Coconut Cream and Maple Syrup Caramel Sauce for a lovely fall dessert.
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The prettiest glass of holiday granita pudding parfait with a gold spoon and topped with sugared cranberries.

33

Cranberry Granita Pudding Parfait

This recipe for Cranberry Granita Pudding Parfaits is a light and refreshing dessert, perfect for the holiday season.  The parfaits pair a smooth and creamy vanilla pudding topped with a spiced cranberry granita.  Creating a delicious mix of sweet and tart.  A must have for your holiday dessert line-up!
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A picture collage full of delicious small batch Thanksgiving desserts.
Headshot photo of Erin Cernich

about the author ...

I'm Erin and I'm all about desserts - and a little bit of butter!

I've tested, written, and photographed hundreds of recipes on my website. Here you'll find the tastiest small batch desserts - all homemade, all simple, and all for you! Click here to learn more about me!

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