Thanksgiving is a time to gather, share, and celebrate abundance — and what better way to do that than with a dessert table overflowing with plant-based treats? Whether you’re hosting or attending a potluck, creating a vegan Thanksgiving dessert table offers a fun, inclusive way to end the meal. Everyone gets to sample, share, and enjoy — no matter their dietary preferences.
From pies and cookies to truffles and bars, vegan desserts can be just as decadent and comforting as traditional ones. With the right mix of textures, colors, and flavors, you can craft a dessert spread that looks beautiful and satisfies every sweet tooth.
Here’s your ultimate guide to building a potluck-friendly vegan dessert table that’s simple, festive, and sure to impress.
Why a Vegan Dessert Table Works for Potluck-Style Gatherings
A potluck dessert table is all about variety and collaboration. Each guest brings a dish, which creates a buffet of flavors — and when they’re all vegan, everyone can indulge freely.
Here’s why it’s the perfect fit for Thanksgiving:
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Inclusive for all diets: Vegan desserts naturally exclude dairy and eggs, making them suitable for guests with allergies or ethical preferences.
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Easy to transport: Many vegan desserts — like cookies, bars, and mini tarts — travel well.
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Endless variety: Think creamy, crunchy, fruity, chocolatey — a little something for everyone.
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Visually stunning: A colorful dessert spread instantly elevates the table setting.
The key is balance — combining make-ahead favorites, shareable treats, and decorative elements to make your dessert table look and taste amazing.
Planning Your Vegan Dessert Table
A well-curated dessert table feels cohesive, not chaotic. Follow these simple planning steps before you start baking or assigning dishes:
1. Choose a Theme
You can create a unified look and flavor profile by sticking to a theme. Try:
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Autumn Harvest: Pies, spiced cookies, pumpkin treats, and warm tones.
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Chocolate Lovers: Brownies, mousse cups, chocolate bark, and truffles.
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Rustic Farmhouse: Simple bakes like crisps, cobblers, and loaf cakes.
2. Mix Textures and Flavors
Variety is everything. Include:
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Something creamy: Cheesecakes, puddings, or mousse.
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Something crunchy: Cookies, brittle, or bark.
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Something fruity: Apple crisps or cranberry tarts.
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Something rich: Chocolate or caramel-based desserts.
3. Consider Portion Size and Shareability
Opt for desserts that can be served in small portions or picked up easily:
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Mini pies
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Cookie bites
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Dessert bars
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Cupcakes
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Truffle balls
This keeps your table clean, easy to navigate, and potluck-appropriate.
10 Vegan Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas for Potluck Sharing
Here are ten crowd-pleasing, easy-to-share vegan Thanksgiving dessert ideas that work beautifully for potluck gatherings.
1. Mini Pumpkin Pies
A Thanksgiving classic turned bite-sized — these mini pumpkin pies deliver creamy spiced filling in crisp crusts perfect for individual servings.
Key ingredients: Pumpkin purée, coconut milk or oat cream, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vegan pie crust.
Pro tip: Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for presentation.
They travel easily, can be made ahead, and look charming on a rustic platter.
2. Apple Crisp Bars
Apple crisp, but make it handheld. These bars combine sweet spiced apples with a crumbly oat topping — no fork required.
Key ingredients: Oats, almond flour, apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
Why it works for potlucks: They’re sturdy, not messy, and taste just as good warm or cold.
3. Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cups
Add elegance to your dessert table with rich, airy mousse served in small cups or jars.
Key ingredients: Silken tofu or avocado, melted dark chocolate, vanilla, and a touch of espresso powder.
Make-ahead friendly: Chill overnight and garnish with berries or shaved chocolate before serving.
4. Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake
Bright, tangy, and moist, this loaf cake adds a pop of color to your dessert spread.
Key ingredients: Fresh cranberries, orange zest, almond milk, and olive oil.
Slice it into small squares for easy grabbing — or arrange slices in a fan pattern for presentation.
5. Sweet Potato Brownies
Fudgy, rich, and secretly packed with nutrients, sweet potato brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Key ingredients: Mashed sweet potato, almond butter, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
They’re soft yet dense, with a texture that rivals traditional brownies — and they’re naturally gluten-free.
6. No-Bake Pecan Pie Bites
Get all the caramelized flavor of pecan pie without turning on the oven.
Key ingredients: Medjool dates, pecans, almond flour, and vanilla extract.
Roll them into bite-sized balls and dust with crushed nuts. They’re easy to transport and look elegant on tiered trays.
7. Vegan Cheesecake Squares
Creamy and indulgent, vegan cheesecakes are easy to portion and customize.
Base: Crushed vegan cookies or nuts + dates.
Filling: Cashews, coconut cream, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
Add swirls of pumpkin puree or fruit jam for a festive touch.
Serving tip: Cut into small squares and arrange on a chilled platter.
8. Pumpkin Spice Truffles
Truffles are the easiest dessert to make in bulk — and these pumpkin spice ones capture the essence of fall.
Key ingredients: Pumpkin puree, almond butter, oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, and dark chocolate for coating.
How to serve: Display on mini cupcake liners or a decorative tiered stand.
9. Caramel Apple Nachos
Turn the classic fall fair treat into a shareable dessert platter.
How to make: Layer thin apple slices on a tray, drizzle with vegan caramel sauce, and top with crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or mini chocolate chips.
Bonus: It’s naturally gluten-free and easy to assemble on-site.
10. Vegan Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Warm, custardy, and aromatic — this dessert brings cozy comfort to your table.
Key ingredients: Cubed day-old bread, pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
Serve in individual ramekins or bake one large dish and scoop portions into small cups.
Make-ahead option: Assemble a day before, then bake fresh the morning of your event.
Bonus: Vegan Hot Chocolate Bar
If you’re hosting at home, elevate your dessert table with a DIY hot chocolate bar.
What to include:
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Vegan hot cocoa base (use oat or almond milk)
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Marshmallows (gelatin-free)
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Peppermint sticks
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Cinnamon and nutmeg
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Coconut whipped cream
Guests can customize their drinks while sampling desserts — it’s interactive, cozy, and festive.
Presentation Tips for a Beautiful Dessert Table
The presentation is what transforms a table of sweets into a visual centerpiece. Here’s how to design yours with intention:
1. Vary the Heights
Use cake stands, boxes, and platters of different levels to create visual interest.
2. Stick to a Color Palette
Warm fall tones — like burnt orange, gold, and cream — make your table cohesive and inviting.
3. Use Natural Elements
Incorporate mini pumpkins, pinecones, dried leaves, and candles for an autumnal vibe.
4. Label the Dishes
Include small name cards with dish titles and allergen info (like “contains nuts” or “gluten-free”) — a thoughtful touch for guests.
5. Add a Vegan Touch
Highlight your commitment to compassion and sustainability with small touches — such as reusable napkins, bamboo utensils, or even conversation-starting décor.
You can find mindful, cruelty-free inspiration at The Dharma Store, where vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton make great conversation starters and reflect the spirit of conscious living.
How to Coordinate a Potluck Dessert Table
If your event is a true potluck, a bit of coordination ensures a balanced spread.
Tips for success:
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Create a sign-up sheet so you don’t end up with 10 versions of pumpkin pie.
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Encourage variety: Ask guests to bring one dessert that fits a category — like cookies, cakes, or no-bake options.
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Designate setup time: Arrive early to arrange the table before dinner ends.
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Provide serving utensils: Bring extras, just in case.
Pro hosting tip: Offer small dessert plates and tasting forks so guests can sample several desserts without waste.
Make-Ahead Vegan Desserts for Easy Hosting
Most vegan desserts can be made 1–2 days before Thanksgiving. Here’s what you can prep in advance:
| Dessert | Make Ahead Time | Storage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mini pumpkin pies | Up to 2 days | Keep refrigerated |
| Apple crisp bars | 2–3 days | Store in airtight container |
| Vegan mousse | 1 day | Chill until serving |
| Cheesecake squares | 3 days | Refrigerate, covered |
| Truffles | 5 days | Store in fridge |
| Bread pudding | Assemble ahead | Bake day-of |
This ensures less stress and more time to enjoy with friends and family.
Decorating Your Potluck Dessert Table Sustainably
Veganism often goes hand in hand with mindful living — so why not make your dessert table eco-conscious too?
Simple sustainable touches:
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Use cloth napkins instead of paper.
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Choose reusable serving trays or wooden boards.
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Display desserts on thrifted vintage plates for charm.
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Compost food scraps and paper liners after the party.
Thanksgiving is about gratitude — and being grateful for the planet aligns beautifully with the vegan lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned vegan Thanksgiving dessert table for potluck sharing proves that you don’t need eggs, butter, or cream to celebrate in style. With a balance of textures, flavors, and thoughtful presentation, your dessert spread can delight every guest and spark conversations about compassionate, sustainable eating.
From pumpkin truffles to fruity crisps, every bite reflects the abundance of plant-based living — sweet, creative, and kind. Whether you’re hosting or contributing to the potluck, you’re sure to make a lasting impression with desserts that both taste good and do good.
Celebrate the joy of giving, gratitude, and good food — all in one unforgettable table of vegan treats.