Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, comfort, and, of course, dessert. For many, it’s hard to imagine the holiday table without slices of pie, warm crumbles, and rich chocolate treats. Fortunately, you don’t need eggs, butter, or cream to make incredible sweets. These vegan dessert recipes prove that plant-based baking can be every bit as indulgent, flavorful, and festive as traditional versions.
Whether you’re hosting a fully vegan Thanksgiving or simply want options that everyone at your table can enjoy, this list of 15 irresistible desserts has you covered. From classic pumpkin pie to decadent chocolate mousse, each recipe captures the essence of the holiday — rich, cozy, and made with love.
Why Choose Vegan Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving?
Before diving into the list, let’s talk about why plant-based desserts shine during the holidays.
1. Everyone can enjoy them. Vegan desserts are naturally dairy- and egg-free, making them perfect for guests with allergies or dietary preferences.
2. They’re lighter but still rich. Using ingredients like coconut milk, almond flour, and maple syrup keeps desserts satisfying without being overly heavy.
3. Sustainability matters. Choosing plant-based ingredients reduces your environmental impact — a small but meaningful way to express gratitude to the planet.
4. They’re just as delicious. Once you taste a creamy vegan cheesecake or a gooey chocolate brownie made without dairy, you’ll realize you’re not missing a thing.
Now let’s explore the best vegan dessert recipes to complete your Thanksgiving feast.
1. Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving dessert lineup is complete without pumpkin pie. Silky smooth, warmly spiced, and perfectly sweet, this vegan version uses coconut milk for creaminess and cornstarch for structure. The result? A custardy, golden-brown pie that tastes just like the classic. Serve it chilled with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for the perfect finale to your meal.
2. Apple Crumble with Oat Topping
Few desserts capture fall like baked apples covered in a crunchy oat topping. Toss sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup, then top with a mixture of oats, almond flour, and vegan butter. Bake until bubbling and golden. This crumble is easy, comforting, and even better served warm with vanilla vegan ice cream.
3. Pecan Pie Bars
A twist on the traditional pecan pie, these bars feature a shortbread crust layered with a gooey, caramel-like filling made from maple syrup, coconut sugar, and chopped pecans. They’re easy to cut and serve, making them perfect for parties or potlucks. You’ll get all the flavor of classic pecan pie with half the effort.
4. Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Rich, airy, and indulgent, this vegan chocolate mousse uses silken tofu or avocado for a creamy base — no dairy required. Blend it with melted dark chocolate and a splash of vanilla for a silky, decadent dessert. Chill before serving and top with coconut whipped cream or shaved chocolate for a restaurant-quality finish.
5. Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie often gets overshadowed by pumpkin, but its naturally sweet, earthy flavor makes it a standout. Combine roasted sweet potatoes with coconut milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a luscious filling. Bake in a vegan pie crust and cool completely before serving. It’s smooth, comforting, and filled with Southern charm.
6. Cranberry-Orange Loaf Cake
This festive loaf cake brings bright citrus and tart cranberry flavors together in a moist, tender crumb. It’s made with almond milk, fresh orange zest, and a touch of vanilla. The drizzle of orange glaze on top adds a sweet finish. Serve slices as dessert or even as a Thanksgiving morning treat.
7. Vegan Apple Galette
Rustic and elegant, a galette is like a pie without the stress. Arrange thinly sliced apples over a flaky vegan pastry crust, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and fold the edges inward. Bake until golden and serve warm. This dessert is proof that simple ingredients can create a show-stopping centerpiece.
8. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These bars combine two holiday favorites: pumpkin pie and cheesecake. A date and nut crust supports a creamy cashew-based filling infused with pumpkin purée and spices. They’re chilled instead of baked, so they’re easy to prep ahead. Serve with a sprinkle of crushed pecans for crunch and contrast.
9. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sometimes the simplest dessert steals the spotlight. These chocolate chip cookies are chewy on the inside, crisp on the edges, and packed with gooey chocolate chips. A blend of coconut oil and brown sugar creates a buttery flavor without actual butter. They pair perfectly with almond milk or coffee after dinner.
10. Maple Pecan Bread Pudding
Transform day-old bread into a rich, custardy treat. This vegan version combines almond milk, maple syrup, and flaxseed for an egg-free “custard” base. Layer with toasted pecans and bake until golden. Serve warm with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream for a cozy, nostalgic dessert.
11. Vegan Chocolate Tart
Elegant yet simple, this tart starts with a crisp cocoa crust and a smooth chocolate ganache filling made from coconut cream and dark chocolate. Chill until firm, then top with raspberries or crushed hazelnuts. It’s decadent enough for special occasions yet easy enough for a casual holiday gathering.
12. Pear and Almond Crisp
Juicy pears, crunchy almonds, and a golden oat topping come together in this comforting crisp. The subtle almond flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of ripe pears. Bake until bubbling and fragrant, and serve with a drizzle of vegan vanilla sauce or melted coconut cream.
13. Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, flavorful, and full of texture, carrot cake is a holiday favorite that’s easy to make vegan. Use flaxseed “eggs” and coconut oil in the batter, then top with a tangy dairy-free cream cheese frosting. Add chopped walnuts or shredded coconut for extra flair. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes even better the next day.
14. Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
Why choose between brownies and pumpkin pie when you can have both? These layered brownies combine fudgy chocolate with spiced pumpkin purée for a dessert that’s rich, moist, and perfectly seasonal. The contrasting flavors and colors make them as beautiful as they are delicious.
15. Vegan No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
When oven space is limited, this no-bake cheesecake is a lifesaver. The crust is made from crushed graham crackers and coconut oil, while the filling features blended cashews, coconut cream, and pumpkin purée. Chill overnight and top with whipped coconut cream for an effortlessly elegant dessert.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Desserts
Vegan baking can feel intimidating at first, but once you know the key substitutions, it becomes second nature. Here’s how to make your vegan dessert recipes turn out perfectly every time:
1. Master your egg replacers. Flaxseed, chia seeds, applesauce, or aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replace eggs in most recipes.
2. Choose the right fat. Coconut oil, vegan butter, or nut butters mimic the richness of dairy fats.
3. Use non-dairy milk wisely. Almond, soy, or oat milk each bring slightly different textures and flavors — experiment to find your favorite.
4. Add natural sweetness. Maple syrup, agave, and coconut sugar offer depth and complexity compared to refined sugar.
5. Don’t overbake. Vegan desserts often firm up as they cool, so pull them out slightly earlier for the perfect texture.
With these tips, you’ll bake like a pro — creating desserts that taste indulgent, not “alternative.”
How to Build a Stunning Vegan Dessert Table
Thanksgiving is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. A beautiful dessert table makes your meal feel special and abundant. Try these ideas:
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Vary textures: Mix creamy pies, crunchy crumbles, and chewy cookies.
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Use seasonal colors: Golden browns, deep oranges, and cranberry reds look festive.
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Add a centerpiece: A pie or tart displayed on a cake stand draws the eye.
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Include small bites: Mini desserts like bars or cookies give guests options.
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Label dishes: If you’re hosting a mixed crowd, label each dessert “vegan” so everyone knows they can enjoy them.
Make-Ahead Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
Most of these vegan dessert recipes can be prepared in advance, freeing up your oven and mind on Thanksgiving Day.
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Pies and cheesecakes: Bake or chill a day ahead and store covered in the fridge.
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Crumble toppings: Prepare and freeze the oat mixture; sprinkle and bake the day of.
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Cookies: Freeze the dough balls and bake straight from frozen.
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Loaf cakes: Bake up to two days ahead; wrap tightly once cooled.
Your future self will thank you when dessert time rolls around and all that’s left to do is pour the coffee.
The Sweet Side of Compassion
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, connection, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Choosing vegan desserts is more than a dietary choice — it’s an act of compassion that reflects care for animals, people, and the planet.
It’s also a way to spark curiosity and conversation. Imagine your guests’ surprise when they discover that the decadent pumpkin pie or rich chocolate tart they’re enjoying is completely plant-based.
That spirit of kindness extends beyond the kitchen, too. If you want to express your values year-round, check out The Dharma Store. They create vegan-themed T-shirts made from organic cotton — a stylish and sustainable way to share your compassion wherever you go.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving, let dessert be more than just a sweet ending — let it be a celebration of abundance, creativity, and compassion. With these 15 vegan dessert recipes, you can fill your table with everything from classic pies to modern no-bake treats, all made without animal products and full of flavor.
Whether you’re baking for lifelong vegans or introducing your family to plant-based desserts for the first time, these recipes prove that kindness tastes incredible.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and bake with gratitude — because dessert should always be as joyful and inclusive as the holiday itself.