Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without dessert. After the savory courses and hearty sides, it’s time to end the evening on a sweet note. But if you’re hosting a crowd with mixed dietary preferences—vegans, omnivores, or dairy-free guests—traditional pies and creamy desserts may not fit everyone’s plate.
That’s where vegan Thanksgiving dessert recipes come in. They’re rich, crowd-pleasing, and filled with the cozy flavors of fall—without any animal products. Whether you’re serving ten guests or two dozen, these plant-based desserts will impress everyone, even the most skeptical pie lover.
In this guide, we’ll share a full selection of crowd-friendly vegan desserts that are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for holiday gatherings. From pumpkin classics to decadent chocolate creations, these recipes bring indulgence to the table—no compromise required.
Why Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts Work for Everyone
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s look at why vegan desserts are ideal for your Thanksgiving celebration:
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Inclusive and allergy-friendly: Most vegan recipes avoid dairy and eggs, making them suitable for guests with common allergies.
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Rich in flavor, not in heaviness: Plant-based desserts use ingredients like coconut milk, almond flour, and maple syrup, which deliver creaminess and depth without the after-dinner sluggishness.
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Simple swaps, spectacular results: You don’t need complex substitutions—just thoughtful choices like flaxseed “eggs,” plant-based butter, and non-dairy milk.
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Perfectly indulgent: Vegan baking has come a long way—these desserts are proof that “vegan” doesn’t mean “light” or “boring.”
Now, let’s explore crowd-friendly options that will make your dessert table shine.
1. Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving dessert spread is complete without pumpkin pie. This vegan pumpkin pie has a creamy, custard-like filling and a buttery, flaky crust—completely egg- and dairy-free.
Ingredients:
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Pumpkin purée
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Coconut milk (full-fat for richness)
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Maple syrup or coconut sugar
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Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening)
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Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg
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Vegan pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Whisk together all filling ingredients, pour into the prepared crust, and bake until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Pro tip: Serve with coconut whipped cream for that classic finishing touch.
Why it’s crowd-friendly: Familiar, nostalgic, and creamy enough to fool even non-vegans.
2. Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars pack all the gooey sweetness of the traditional dessert in convenient bite-sized portions—perfect for serving a crowd.
Ingredients:
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Almond flour crust
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Maple syrup and coconut sugar
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Chopped pecans
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Coconut oil or vegan butter
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A splash of vanilla extract
Instructions:
Press crust into a baking pan, bake until golden, then top with a caramel-like pecan mixture. Chill until set and slice into squares.
Hosting hack: Make them a day ahead—they taste even better after resting overnight.
3. Apple Crisp with Oat Crumble Topping
Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples under a golden oat topping make for a comforting dessert that pleases everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
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Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
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Rolled oats, almond flour, and brown sugar
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Coconut oil or vegan butter
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Cinnamon and nutmeg
Instructions:
Layer sliced apples in a baking dish, sprinkle with oat topping, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Serving suggestion: Pair with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for contrast between warm and cold.
Why it’s perfect for crowds: Easy to scale up and serve straight from the pan—no fussy slicing needed.
4. Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cups
These individual mousse cups look fancy but come together with just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients:
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Silken tofu or coconut cream
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Melted dark chocolate (dairy-free)
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Maple syrup or agave
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Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Blend until silky smooth, pour into small glasses, and chill until set. Top with crushed nuts or raspberries.
Why guests love it: It’s rich and indulgent but surprisingly light—and a perfect make-ahead dessert.
5. Mini Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Cheesecake might sound impossible without dairy, but this recipe proves otherwise. These mini treats are tangy, creamy, and ideal for parties.
Ingredients:
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Raw cashews (soaked)
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Coconut cream
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Pumpkin purée
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Maple syrup
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Lemon juice and vanilla
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A gluten-free nut-date crust
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients for the filling, pour into muffin tins lined with the crust, and freeze until firm.
Pro tip: Serve semi-frozen for a refreshing, ice cream-like texture.
6. Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
When two seasonal favorites meet, magic happens. These fudgy brownies are rich, moist, and loaded with pumpkin spice.
Ingredients:
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Cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate
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Pumpkin purée
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Gluten-free flour or oat flour
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Coconut sugar and flaxseed “eggs”
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Espresso powder (optional for depth)
Instructions:
Mix wet and dry ingredients, pour into a baking dish, and bake until set but gooey inside.
Why it works: It’s familiar and irresistible—perfect for chocolate lovers who want something festive.
7. Maple Sweet Potato Pie
Move over pumpkin—sweet potato pie is just as creamy, slightly caramelized, and naturally sweet.
Ingredients:
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Mashed roasted sweet potatoes
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Coconut cream
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Maple syrup and brown sugar
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Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
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Gluten-free or standard vegan crust
Instructions:
Blend filling, pour into crust, and bake until the top is golden and set.
Serving tip: Sprinkle with toasted pecans for crunch.
8. Vegan Cranberry-Orange Cake
A bright, citrusy dessert that cuts through the richness of heavier dishes.
Ingredients:
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All-purpose or gluten-free flour
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Orange zest, fresh cranberries, and coconut oil
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Maple syrup and non-dairy yogurt
Instructions:
Fold cranberries into the batter, bake until golden, and glaze with a simple orange icing.
Why it’s crowd-friendly: It’s light yet flavorful and offers a burst of color on your dessert table.
9. No-Bake Vegan Pumpkin Tiramisu
This creative twist on the Italian favorite uses pumpkin and spice for a Thanksgiving vibe—without coffee or dairy.
Ingredients:
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Coconut cream and pumpkin purée
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Maple syrup and pumpkin spice
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Gluten-free cookies or ladyfinger substitutes
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Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
Layer cookies and cream mixture in a dish, refrigerate overnight, and dust with cocoa before serving.
Bonus: It can be made a day or two in advance—perfect for a stress-free dessert course.
10. Vegan Apple Cider Donuts
Nothing says autumn like apple cider donuts. This baked vegan version delivers the same cozy flavor without frying.
Ingredients:
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Apple cider, flour, baking powder
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Coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg
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Non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Bake in a donut pan, brush with melted vegan butter, and toss in cinnamon sugar.
Why they’re great for parties: Handheld, shareable, and easy to serve on platters—guests will grab more than one.
11. Chocolate-Pecan Tart
This elegant tart combines rich chocolate ganache with toasted pecans in a crumbly almond crust.
Ingredients:
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Almond flour crust
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Dark chocolate, coconut cream, and maple syrup
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Toasted pecans for topping
Instructions:
Bake crust, pour in ganache, chill, and top with pecans. Slice thinly—it’s rich and decadent.
Pro tip: Serve with vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
12. Pumpkin Spice Truffles
Small, sweet, and easy to share, these truffles are ideal for dessert platters or edible gifts.
Ingredients:
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Pumpkin purée, almond butter, and oat flour
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Maple syrup, pumpkin spice, and dark chocolate coating
Instructions:
Roll dough into balls, freeze, then dip in melted chocolate. Chill until firm.
Why guests love them: Bite-sized treats that don’t require utensils—perfect for mingling or after-dinner coffee.
13. Vegan Pear and Almond Tart
Elegant and lightly spiced, this tart feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple.
Ingredients:
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Sliced pears, almond flour crust, and coconut sugar
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Almond extract and cinnamon
Instructions:
Layer pears over almond filling, bake until tender, and dust with powdered sugar.
Flavor profile: Nutty, fragrant, and beautifully balanced—an impressive centerpiece dessert.
Hosting Tips for a Crowd-Friendly Vegan Dessert Table
Pulling together a dessert table for Thanksgiving is about more than just recipes—it’s about presentation and balance. Here’s how to wow your guests:
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Mix textures: Include creamy, crunchy, and fruity desserts for variety.
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Offer mini portions: Bite-sized servings encourage guests to try more than one.
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Decorate with seasonal touches: Use pumpkins, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks for festive flair.
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Label everything: Clear vegan labeling helps guests with dietary needs feel comfortable.
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Make ahead: Choose recipes that hold well overnight, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday.
A thoughtfully arranged dessert table invites guests to linger, chat, and celebrate the sweet side of Thanksgiving.
The Secret to Perfect Vegan Baking
Many people fear vegan baking won’t measure up—but modern plant-based recipes use clever substitutions that create the same decadent textures as traditional desserts.
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For eggs: Use flaxseed or chia seed “eggs.”
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For butter: Choose coconut oil or vegan butter.
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For milk or cream: Almond, oat, or coconut milk delivers rich flavor.
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For structure: Nut flours and cornstarch add firmness without gluten.
These simple swaps ensure your vegan desserts bake up tender, moist, and golden—just as they should.
A Sweet, Compassionate Ending to Your Thanksgiving
The heart of Thanksgiving lies in gratitude, togetherness, and compassion. Serving vegan Thanksgiving dessert recipes lets you embody those values while sharing irresistible food. Each slice of pie, bar, or tart represents a kinder, more sustainable way to celebrate abundance.
This year, treat your guests to desserts that are not only crowd-friendly but also planet-friendly—and watch as even non-vegans go back for seconds.
Share Your Love for Vegan Living
If you’re proud to live compassionately and want to share that message beyond the dinner table, check out The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for expressing your values stylishly and sustainably.
Final Thoughts
From creamy pies to fruity crisps and decadent truffles, these vegan Thanksgiving dessert recipes prove that plant-based baking can be every bit as indulgent as its traditional counterpart. With these crowd-friendly creations, your holiday table will overflow with gratitude, sweetness, and compassion.
So preheat your oven, gather your loved ones, and celebrate a Thanksgiving that’s deliciously kind—to animals, the planet, and everyone you share it with.