While pumpkin pie and pecan pie may be Thanksgiving staples, not everyone craves pie at the end of a holiday meal. If you’re looking for delicious, healthier alternatives, you’re in luck! We’ve gathered some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie but still bring those cozy fall flavors to the table. Each recipe focuses on natural ingredients and is lighter than your typical holiday treats.
1. Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Calories: ~180 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine oats, almond flour, and pumpkin spice.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then spread the mixture evenly into the pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until firm. Let cool, then cut into squares.
Why It’s Healthy: These bars are sweetened naturally with maple syrup and packed with fiber from the oats and pumpkin, making them a lighter alternative to pie.
More on Minimalist Baker.
2. Apple Cinnamon Baked Apples
Calories: ~160 per apple
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Core the apples and place them in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix chopped walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and maple syrup.
- Stuff the apples with the filling and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
Why It’s Healthy: These baked apples are naturally sweetened and packed with fiber and healthy fats from walnuts, making them a nutrient-dense dessert option.
Find more on EatingWell.
3. Cranberry Orange Chia Pudding
Calories: ~140 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a jar, combine almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Stir well, then let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir again to prevent clumping.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- In a small saucepan, heat cranberries and orange juice over low heat until they soften and become a sauce-like consistency.
- Layer the chia pudding and cranberry sauce in cups and serve.
Why It’s Healthy: Chia seeds are packed with omega-3s and fiber, while cranberries provide a punch of antioxidants to help keep your body and skin healthy.
More recipes at Cookie and Kate.
4. Sweet Potato Brownies
Calories: ~150 per brownie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
- Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 minutes or until firm.
- Let cool, then cut into squares.
Why It’s Healthy: Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and are loaded with beta-carotene, while almond flour keeps these brownies gluten-free and rich in healthy fats.
Find similar recipes on The Spruce Eats.
5. Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
Calories: ~100 per bite
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter, flaxseeds, honey, and pumpkin spice.
- Stir until the mixture is well combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Why It’s Healthy: These energy bites are loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants from the pumpkin and flaxseeds, making them the perfect no-bake dessert.
More on Well Plated.
6. Coconut Panna Cotta with Berry Compote
Calories: ~190 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp agar-agar (vegan gelatin)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mixed berries
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Heat coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the agar-agar and sweetener.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Pour into molds and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Meanwhile, simmer mixed berries and lemon juice in a small pan until a sauce forms.
- Serve the panna cotta with the berry compote on top.
Why It’s Healthy: This dairy-free panna cotta is light and loaded with antioxidants from the berries and healthy fats from coconut milk.
Find similar recipes on The Kitchn.
7. Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Calories: ~210 per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, toss the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Spread the apples in a baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine almond flour, oats, coconut oil, and maple syrup to form a crumbly topping.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Why It’s Healthy: With fiber-rich apples and a gluten-free oat topping, this dessert is a healthy twist on the classic Thanksgiving favorite.
Get more on Delish.
8. Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Calories: ~170 per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Blend avocados, cocoa powder, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or fresh berries.
Why It’s Healthy: Avocados are packed with healthy fats, while dark chocolate provides antioxidants, making this mousse a guilt-free indulgence.
More on The Simple Veganista.
Final Thoughts
These healthier Thanksgiving desserts are perfect for anyone looking to avoid the typical heavy pies while still enjoying the flavors of fall. Each recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, offering a nutritious twist on holiday treats.
For more holiday recipes and wellness tips, visit Pump It Up Magazine, where we keep your health and lifestyle in focus!
