20 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes to Try This Holiday

When it comes time to gather around the table for the Thanksgiving feast, what are you most excited about? Is it the turkey, the scrumptious sides or perhaps the delicious desserts that come after the meal?

If it’s Thanksgiving desserts that you crave, then you might be wondering how you can indulge on Nutrisystem without going completely off track from your healthy weight loss goals.

It’s no secret that we’ve made it our mission to transform your favorite meals, snacks and desserts into perfectly-portioned, healthier versions that you love. Thanksgiving is no exception! We’ve rounded up a list of 20 Thanksgiving dessert recipes that are much healthier than your traditional pies, rolls and cakes. Read on to choose the best dessert recipes for your Thanksgiving spread.

1. Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll >

Pumpkin roll is a Thanksgiving classic—perhaps just a step below pumpkin pie in fame. But this version is made lighter and healthier by using ingredients like coconut sugar, low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat pastry flour. Thanks to these healthy swaps, a slice of this delicious roll is just 101 calories—but will still satisfy your sweet tooth. Get the full recipe! >

2. Easy Apple Pie Bars >

Besides pumpkins, apples are another fall staple that makes for a delicious dessert base. This recipe has the flavors of apple pie infused with a blondie bar and will give that baked good indulgence you’ve been looking for. Made using both applesauce and sliced apples, it’s got all the apple goodness that you love. Plus, you can enjoy an entire bar for just 153 calories. Get the full recipe! >

3. Pumpkin Banana Bread >

For banana bread and pumpkin lovers, we’ve found your perfect fall treat. This fall-inspired version of classic banana bread features pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to make it the perfect fit for your Thanksgiving spread. It’s also a great breakfast to start the holiday on the right track! A serving of our Pumpkin Banana Bread is 143 calories. Get the full recipe! >

4. Instant Pot Maple Walnut Cheesecake >

The Instant Pot is a saving grace for the busy chef—and you can even use it for dessert! It works especially great for moist desserts like this Maple Walnut Cheesecake. The crust is made from healthful ingredients like walnuts and medjool dates. The filling comes from classic ingredients like Neufchatel cheese, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, maple syrup and maple extract. Brimming with maple flavor, it has all the fall feels and is 232 calories per slice. Get the full recipe! >

5. Healthy Apple Pie >

Pies are often a fixture on the Thanksgiving dessert table—and they’re often loaded with sugar! But this Thanksgiving dessert recipe is proof that you don’t need added sugar to make a delicious treat. Our Healthy Apple Pie lets the natural sweetness of the apples shine. As a result, it has a mere 147 calories per slice. Plus, it’s a bonus that this recipe is easy to make. It uses just eight simple ingredients. Get the full recipe! >

6. Homemade Carrot Cake >

While carrot cake might sound like more of a springtime dessert, the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and maple—including dreamy maple-flavored icing—makes this recipe right at home on the Thanksgiving table. Plus, carrots are a seasonal fall root veggie, so there’s no better time to enjoy them then now! While cakes like this one are usually loaded with sugar, ours finds sweetness from other ingredients like maple syrup and applesauce. You can help yourself to a 147-calorie slice with no guilt. Get the full recipe! >

7. Air Fryer Cranberry Pecan Pie >

Another handy appliance for the busy chef, your air fryer can also help you whip up some healthy and delicious Thanksgiving dessert recipes. This one starts with a five-ingredient homemade crust which is filled with a delicious cranberry and pecan filling. It’s then “baked” in the wonder-of-appliances: the air fryer! One slice is just 141 calories of yumminess. Get the full recipe! >

8. Crustless Pumpkin Pie >

Here’s an easy way to make pumpkin pie healthier while still being able to enjoy your favorite part—remove the crust! This recipe makes some healthy substitutions in the filling (such as swapping sugar for stevia and using nonfat milk instead of heavy cream)—and then ditches the crust entirely. You’ll be able to feel like you’re indulging when you’ve really made a healthy choice. Get the full recipe! >

9. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites >

These mini cheesecake bites are an adorable display for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Made using a mini muffin tin, they come together with easy ingredients like gingersnap cookies, low-fat cream cheese and canned pumpkin. Pop a bite for a mere 64 calories and satisfy your sweet tooth for all the pumpkin goodies. Get the full recipe! >

10. 3-Step Pumpkin Mousse >

Here’s a fun way to get your pumpkin fix—pumpkin mousse! Grab a blender and simply combine ingredients like cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and sugar. The result is a dreamy, whipped dessert that tastes heavenly but packs only 203 calories. You can also feel good about the fact that cottage cheese is high in many nutrients. Get the full recipe! >

11. 3-Step Cinnamon Pecan Cookies >

Nothing beats both easy and delicious—and this recipe is both. With the flavors of cinnamon, pecans and brown sugar, it’s sure to become one of your favorite fall cookies. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making for a wholesome treat that is just 114 calories. Get the full recipe! >

12. Maple Chocolate Pecan Pies >

Pecan pie is another Thanksgiving favorite—and this recipe takes it up a notch by also adding the flavors of maple and chocolate. While it’s lightened up from a traditional pecan pie, we swear you won’t be able to tell the difference. It’s just 90 calories per serving but still wholly delicious. Get the full recipe! >

13. Instant Pot Apple Cake >

Grab the Instant Pot to whip together this easy-to-make cake that features ripe and juicy Granny Smith apples as the star ingredient. Combined with favorite fall spices like ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, it’s a warm and cozy cake that won’t leave you feeling overstuffed—or spiking with sugar. A slice is just 128 calories. Get the full recipe! >

14. Pumpkin Spice Cookies >

Maple syrup, cinnamon and pumpkin puree come together in this diet-friendly cookie that boasts just 76 calories per serving. You’ll get your pumpkin fix and only use two Extras on your Nutrisystem plan. Get the full recipe! >

15. Maple Walnut Cookies >

This protein-packed cookie has the flavors of maple syrup, walnuts and cinnamon for a rich cookie that won’t wreck your weight loss goals. One cookie is 122 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan. Consider putting together a whole cookie spread for a fun Thanksgiving dessert table. Get the full recipe! >

16. Pear Ginger Squares >

The combination of pear and ginger is great pairing and truly makes this a Thanksgiving dessert standout. These dessert bars use healthful ingredients like whole wheat pastry flour, cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce and, of course, pears and ginger. This is one that will definitely have your dinner guests impressed. Each bar is a mere 112 calories. Get the full recipe! >

17. Pumpkin Icebox Cake >

Icebox cakes remain a dessert favorite of the busy chef because they don’t take up precious oven space. You know how coveted the oven is during Thanksgiving prep! This cake can be prepared a day ahead of time, so that dessert is simply ready-to-go. A delightful slice of this dreamy, whipped cake is just 127 calories. Get the full recipe! >

18. Mini Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pies >

Here’s another mini dessert option that’s fun to make, display and eat! Using a mini muffin pan, these little pies have a crust made from rolled oats and medjool dates that is topped with both a cream cheese and a pumpkin filling. The result is an adorable—and delicious—treat. Get the full recipe! >

19. Easy Air Fryer Baked Apple >

Baked apples are perfect for those warm and cozy fall nights. As a bonus, you’ll love the aromas which fill your home as this dish cooks in the air fryer. It uses whole ingredients like apples, walnuts and raisins, plus seasonings like cinnamon and nutmeg. This filling and delicious dessert clocks in at just 139 calories per serving. Get the full recipe! >

20. Gluten Free Cranberry Scones >

If you have gluten-free diners coming to your Thanksgiving table, you may not be sure what to feed them. This recipe simplifies the process with some easy-to-make but oh-so-delicious scones. One scone is around 102 calories and makes the perfect treat to enjoy after a filling Thanksgiving meal. Get the full recipe! >