Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance—a feast of flavors, family, and gratitude. While savory dishes often take center stage, the meal isn’t truly complete until dessert arrives. From creamy pies to decadent cakes and seasonal sweets, dessert is the grand finale that ties it all together. The best part? You don’t need butter, cream, or eggs to make indulgent, crowd-pleasing treats. These vegan Thanksgiving dessert recipes are dairy-free, egg-free, and 100% delicious—proof that compassion and flavor can happily coexist.
Whether you’re hosting a full vegan Thanksgiving or simply want to add an inclusive dessert option to your spread, these recipes are designed to please everyone at the table. Rich, comforting, and brimming with fall flavor, they’ll satisfy even the most skeptical guests.
1. Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving dessert table is complete without pumpkin pie. The silky filling, warm spices, and buttery crust make it an all-time favorite. This vegan version uses coconut milk and cornstarch to create a smooth, custard-like texture that rivals any traditional recipe.
Key Ingredients:
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Pumpkin purée
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Full-fat coconut milk
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Brown sugar and maple syrup
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Pumpkin pie spice
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Vegan pie crust
Tips for Success:
Blind-bake your crust before adding the filling to prevent sogginess. After baking, let the pie chill for at least four hours (or overnight) for perfect sliceability. Serve with vegan whipped cream for that classic finish.
Why It Works:
It’s familiar, simple, and delivers all the nostalgic flavors guests expect from a Thanksgiving dessert.
2. Vegan Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup
Rich, nutty, and irresistibly gooey, pecan pie is another holiday staple that easily adapts to a vegan lifestyle. Instead of corn syrup, use maple syrup or brown rice syrup to create a luscious caramel filling that holds together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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Chopped pecans
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Maple syrup or brown rice syrup
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Coconut oil or vegan butter
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Ground flaxseed “eggs” for binding
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Vanilla extract and sea salt
Make-Ahead Magic:
This pie stores well for up to three days, making it ideal for preparing ahead. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.
Flavor Boost:
Add a splash of bourbon or coffee for depth and sophistication.
3. Apple Crisp with Oat Crumble Topping
For a dessert that feels cozy and homey, apple crisp is unbeatable. Sweet baked apples meet a crunchy oat topping that’s naturally vegan-friendly. This dessert also doubles as a great option for gluten-free guests if you use certified gluten-free oats.
How to Make It Effortless:
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Slice and toss apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
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Combine oats, brown sugar, and coconut oil for the topping.
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Bake until golden and bubbling.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream. It’s comfort in a bowl—and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Bonus:
You can use pears or a mix of apples and cranberries for a tangy twist.
4. Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cups
For something elegant yet easy, chocolate mousse cups are a winner. This dessert delivers luxurious texture without dairy or eggs, thanks to the magic of silken tofu or aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas).
Ingredients to Blend:
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Silken tofu or whipped aquafaba
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Dark vegan chocolate
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Vanilla extract
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Maple syrup or agave for sweetness
How to Serve:
Spoon into individual ramekins or cups and chill for at least two hours. Garnish with shaved chocolate, berries, or a dollop of whipped coconut cream.
Why It’s Perfect for a Crowd:
You can prepare these in advance and portion them easily—ideal for parties or large family gatherings.
5. Spiced Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
Sweet potatoes make a surprising yet delightful base for vegan cheesecake. Their natural sweetness and creaminess combine with cashews and coconut cream for a dessert that’s rich but balanced.
Key Components:
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Roasted sweet potatoes
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Soaked cashews
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Coconut cream
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Maple syrup
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Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
Crust Tip:
Use crushed vegan graham crackers or blended oats mixed with coconut oil. Press into a baking pan, add filling, and bake until just set. Once cooled, cut into bars for easy serving.
Why It Works:
The texture is luscious, the flavor seasonal, and the bar format makes it convenient for guests.
6. Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf
If you’re seeking a lighter dessert or breakfast-style treat for Thanksgiving morning, this cranberry orange loaf fits the bill. Moist, citrusy, and dotted with tart cranberries, it’s festive yet not overly sweet.
Baking Tips:
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Combine orange juice and zest with plant-based milk for brightness.
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Use applesauce or mashed banana as a natural binder.
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Finish with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh juice.
Serving Suggestion:
Slice thick pieces and serve warm with tea or coffee. It’s perfect for guests who prefer something simple and not too heavy after dinner.
7. Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Combine the best of two worlds—pumpkin pie and cheesecake—in this show-stopping dessert. The creamy filling is made from cashews and coconut milk, while the crust features crushed vegan gingersnaps for a spicy kick.
Make It Special:
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Add a touch of lemon juice for tanginess.
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Chill overnight for the best texture.
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Top with whipped coconut cream and crushed gingersnaps before serving.
Crowd Appeal:
It looks impressive, slices beautifully, and satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth without feeling heavy.
8. Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
For those who crave chocolate, these fudgy pumpkin brownies strike the perfect balance between rich and seasonal. The pumpkin adds moisture and subtle spice while replacing eggs naturally.
How to Make:
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Mix pumpkin purée into your brownie batter.
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Add cocoa powder, melted dark chocolate, and a hint of cinnamon.
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Bake until just set in the center for gooey perfection.
Serving Idea:
Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vegan chocolate ganache. They’re great for sharing and easy to transport to a potluck.
9. Vegan Apple Cider Donuts
Donuts may not be traditional Thanksgiving fare, but they’re an excellent addition to any dessert spread or brunch the next morning. These baked vegan donuts capture the flavor of fall with apple cider reduction and warm spices.
Why You’ll Love Them:
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Easy to bake—no frying required.
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Naturally dairy-free and egg-free.
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Deliciously spiced and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Serve With:
A warm mug of cider or coffee. Your guests will appreciate the seasonal flavor and nostalgic feel.
10. No-Bake Vegan Pumpkin Truffles
If your oven is already working overtime, try these no-bake pumpkin truffles. They combine pumpkin purée, almond butter, oats, and spices into soft, flavorful bites coated in dark chocolate.
Assembly Steps:
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Mix ingredients, roll into balls, chill.
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Dip in melted vegan chocolate and let set.
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Sprinkle with sea salt or crushed nuts.
Pro Tip:
Store in the fridge until serving time—they hold their shape beautifully and are easy to grab between conversations.
11. Maple Pecan Blondies
These blondies deliver the flavor of pecan pie in an easy-to-eat form. Soft, chewy, and bursting with nutty maple goodness, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Baking Tip:
Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture. Fold in chopped pecans at the end and bake until golden brown.
Serving Suggestion:
Top with a drizzle of vegan caramel or a scoop of non-dairy vanilla ice cream.
Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving:
It’s easy to make ahead, slice, and serve—perfect for large gatherings.
12. Vegan Pear and Cranberry Galette
If you prefer rustic desserts, a galette is your best friend. It’s essentially a free-form pie that looks charmingly imperfect but tastes divine. The combination of juicy pears and tart cranberries creates a gorgeous, ruby-red filling.
Make It Easy:
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Use store-bought vegan pie crust.
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Arrange fruit in the center, fold the edges, and bake until bubbling.
Presentation Tip:
Brush the crust with plant milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful golden finish.
Tips for a Seamless Vegan Dessert Spread
A successful Thanksgiving dessert lineup isn’t just about recipes—it’s about balance, presentation, and timing. Here’s how to make it effortless:
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Mix Textures:
Offer a variety of creamy, crunchy, and fruity desserts to satisfy different preferences. -
Plan Ahead:
Many vegan desserts (like cheesecakes, pies, and mousse cups) taste better after chilling overnight. Make them a day early to save time. -
Serve in Portions:
Crowd-friendly desserts are easy to slice, scoop, or grab. Bars, truffles, and brownies are perfect examples. -
Add a Beverage Pairing:
Complement your desserts with vegan hot chocolate, spiced cider, or chai for a cozy, complete finish. -
Decorate with Nature:
Garnish with cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for simple but stunning presentation.
A Sweet Ending with Compassion
Vegan desserts prove that indulgence doesn’t require animal products—just creativity, care, and a touch of seasonal inspiration. Each recipe here showcases how plant-based ingredients can deliver rich flavor, luxurious texture, and visual appeal that rivals traditional favorites. Best of all, they’re crowd-friendly, easy to make, and designed to bring everyone together around the table.
This Thanksgiving, you can celebrate abundance and kindness with desserts that taste as good as they make you feel. From pumpkin pie to apple crisp to decadent truffles, your vegan Thanksgiving dessert spread will shine as brightly as your gratitude.
And if you want to wear your values proudly this season, check out The Dharma Store—they offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton that spread compassion with style. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving with warmth, flavor, and heart.
Conclusion:
A vegan Thanksgiving dessert menu doesn’t just satisfy cravings—it tells a story of kindness, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re baking a pie, rolling truffles, or serving a crowd, these desserts are sure to make your feast unforgettable. Because at the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about gratitude—and what better way to express it than through food that’s good for every being?