I love pumpkin pie! I hate pumpkin pie! You’ve heard it from both sides forever, and maybe this is the year you decide to steer clear of the classic – and classically divisive – Thanksgiving dessert. If you’re looking for a sweet alternative to pumpkin pie that isn’t debated with the ferocity of a political talking point, here are six delectably different desserts that will win unanimous support at your next holiday hangout. 

Apple Crisp

Ooey. Gooey. Sweet. Tart. Spiced with cinnamon and topped with cold, creamy ice cream. Apple crisp is exactly the kind of universally beloved, undeniably delicious item that can take your Thanksgiving table from pumpkin pie perdition to euphoric holiday heaven. 

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake With Salted Caramel Sauce

There’s no getting around the fact that pumpkins have an exalted place at Thanksgiving and at most fall celebrations. So the question is: How do we push pumpkin from the hotly debated dessert category right into broad acceptance? We turn it into a cake, and we add caramel! This pumpkin spice bundt cake delivers a different texture than pumpkin pie filling to please more palates, and even if your guests aren’t into the pumpkin flavor, they’ll have salted caramel drizzle to guzzle by itself.

Pecan Pie Bars

What about our guests who aren’t looking for those fancy flavors and would really just eat spoonfuls of sugar if that were socially acceptable? Pecan pie bars are the answer. This sweet-and-salty, soft-and-crunchy, exceptionally delicious dessert delivers an ambiguously sweet flavor no one could oppose.

Brown Butter Carrot Cake

Adding browned butter to your dessert recipe is like giving your guests sweet, syrupy gold on their plates. Try a brown butter carrot cake for an update to a classic recipe that’s sure to win you plenty of fans. Just try to stop their brown-nosing! 

Gingersnap Cookies

Everyone loves a decent cookie, and around the holidays, you can’t do better than a perfectly baked gingersnap. Balancing sweet, and a little festive spice, with a texture that invites another bite, gingersnaps will reward your culinary efforts with widespread approval. 

Baked Pears 

If you want to provide a healthy dessert alternative even the pumpkin pie haters are sure to love, try going simple with these date “caramel” and pecan baked pears. Natural ingredients with less added sugar and a pleasantly balanced flavor make this dish a perfect candidate for seconds and thirds all around.

Whatever you’re cooking up this holiday season, we hope you enjoy memorable meals with the people you love! For more fun articles on food and holiday entertainment, make sure to check out the Olympus Harbour Island blog.