Who says that pie is the only Thanksgiving dessert you can serve on the holiday table? This year, we're making the case for a big dessert spread with all sorts of fall treats—like Thanksgiving cookies, Thanksgiving cakes, seasonal crumbles, and, of course, these Thanksgiving cupcakes.
There are tons of seasonal fall cupcake flavors! Of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a few pumpkin desserts, so you’ll find pumpkin spice cupcakes, pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes, chocolate pumpkin cupcakes, and so much more. Or if you're looking to get adventurous, you can't go wrong with the maple-bacon cupcakes or the cornbread cupcakes with honey buttercream. But regardless of which flavor you go with, they all have one thing in common: they're easy to make! They don't require any special baking skills and you can even make them as a fun Thanksgiving activity with your family. (Kids will love to decorate the adorable turkey-inspired cupcakes!)
While baking Thanksgiving pie might be a holiday tradition, that doesn't mean you can't try something new—especially when it comes to your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Plus, they are much easier to serve since guests can just grab and go. It will be one less thing to worry about since you don't have to slice them. Lastly, have you ever heard anyone say, "There are too many treats on this holiday table?" We didn’t think so! They'll be gobbled up before you know it.
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Cookies ’n’ Creme Cupcakes
Narayan Mahon
Classically delicious flavors are a great idea any time of year, but especially when you have company over. These easy cupcakes with lots of crushed cookies will surely be a crowd pleaser.
Honestly, what doesn't get better with a drizzle of caramel sauce? These perfectly spiced cupcakes with apple cider frosting are topped with store-bought caramel for a sweet ending to a delicious meal.
Not your typical cupcake recipe, these mini pumpkin cheesecakes come in cupcake form. They're creamy, spiced, and delicious when topped with whipped cream.
Inspired by a coffeehouse favorite, this chocolate and coffee infused cupcake is even better with an espresso buttercream on top. Take it one step further with a drizzle of caramel—it’s the holidays after all!
If you like carrot cake, try this autumnal cupcake version. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves infuse the batter and after they are baked, they get a deliciously sweet maple frosting.
It's hard to make German chocolate cake better if you love it, but this recipe pulls it off. How? Along with the gooey coconut pecan frosting, it has a surprise creamy bourbon chocolate ganache center!
If you look forward to PSLs each year, go all out for the holidays with this cupcake recipe so everyone can enjoy. The cake batter has both pumpkin pie spice and espresso in it just like the drink, and the topping is simple whipped cream.
Take a classic retro dessert and kick it up a notch with fun toppers. They're much easier to make than they look. They're actually dried pineapple rings! Your guests will be super impressed by the look and the taste.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cupcakes Stuffed with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Dinner Then Dessert
A holiday that's all about the food deserves a cupcake recipe that goes all out. too. This is it! Decadent dark double chocolate cupcakes get an extra boost from sweet cookie dough in the center.
Thanksgiving can get overwhelming with the amount of food prep you have to do. If you're looking for a shortcut, try this option. It uses boxed cake mix as a base to speed up the process so you're done in less time, but it still yields delicious results.
Sweet potatoes are a classic flavor for Thanksgiving, so why not add a twist this year with more warm spices and dose of chocolate? And because they are so moist, you can absolutely make them ahead.
Quick: Name two American flavors that everyone loves. If you thought of s'mores and pumpkin, you've found the right recipe! Lots of chocolate, seasonal pumpkin, and toasted marshmallow―what's not to love?
If you have a hard time deciding whether to make a regular cake or a cheesecake, combine them! These moist little bites get double the cream cheese; you put it in the batter and in the frosting. Top with a sprinkle of graham crackers to finish them off.
Pecan pie lovers will go crazy for these delicious bite-sized treats. Each one is topped with a flavorful cinnamon frosting and filled with a surprise pecan pie filling that's sure to delight.
Fall colored M&M's make these pretty flowers perfect for any seasonal party. You can make your own mini chocolate cupcakes or buy store-bought cupcakes if you're in a pinch.
Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Meringue Frosting
Broken Oven Baking
These cupcakes are made with sweet potato puree, brown sugar, and plenty of warm spices. But the best part is the toasted meringue frosting on top. It's so elegant!
If you like your desserts a little bit sweet and a little bit salty, these cupcakes are just the thing. The brown sugar cupcakes are stuffed with caramel cream, then finished with a salted caramel frosting that's over-the-top good.