These Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts Put Grandma's Pie To Shame
Need I say more than 'Bourbon Chocolate Pumpkin Pie'?
Turkey might technically take center stage on Thanksgiving, let’s be honest: Desserts are the real star of the festive holiday spread. No matter how many helpings of stuffing you’ve demolished, you always seem to find room for pies galore.
If you’re trying to keep it healthy—or honor any dietary restrictions without missing out on the sweet stuff—though, Thanksgiving dessert can feel like mission impossible.
After all, a single slice of store-bought pecan pie can pack up to an alarming (brace yourselves) 500 calories and more than 50 grams of sugar, which is about 12.5 teaspoons of the sweet stuff. A single slice. At about 290 calories and 30 grams of sugar, a slice of classic pumpkin pie won’t send you on quite as extreme a blood sugar rollercoaster, but still pretty much guarantees an eventual food coma.
The way to have your pie and eat it, too: DIY your Thanksgiving desserts. With the right recipes, you can keep your feast healthy (or at least healthier) and avoid super-processed ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup.
Get started with one of the following healthy Thanksgiving dessert recipes. From vegan options (like paleo pumpkin brownies), to gluten-free eats (like pumpkin mousse shooters), to better-for-you versions of your favorite treats (check out the almond flour apple pie), there’s something here for everyone at your table.
Put on a flannel and get your appetite ready, because you’re going to want seconds of every better-for-you treat on this list.
Wholesome Apple Crisp
If you’re looking for a comforting dish for your Thanksgiving dessert spread, this classic apple crisp hits the spot. It’s sweet, crunchy, and ready under an hour.
Per serving: 287 calories, 4 g fat, 35 g sugar, 7 g fiber, 5 g protein
Spicy Pumpkin and Apple Bundt Cake
Bundt cakes have a reputation for being rather dry—until now. Chunks of pumpkin and apple keep the cake moist, while enhancing flavor and texture. With loads of protein and fiber per serving, it’s a nourishing pick.
Per serving: 261 calories, 3.9 g fat (2.5 g sat), 42.4 g carbs, 15 g sugar, 478 mg sodium, 6.5 g fiber, 18 g protein
Bourbon Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Hold up—bourbon plus chocolate plus pumpkin? This pie might sound ridiculously decadent, but it’s actually a healthy dessert in disguise. Made with simple ingredients (like pumpkin puree, dark chocolate, and maple syrup), this crustless creation is gluten- and dairy-free and paleo-friendly.
Per one-slice serving: 252 calories, 11 g fat (3.8 g sat), 31.9 g carbs, 20 g sugar, 145.7 mg sodium, 2.7 g fiber, 4.9 g protein
Almond Flour Apple Pie
The apples’ natural sweetness and spicy cinnamon gives this pie tons of flavor—not to mention a pretty look. Made with an almond flour crust, this pie is grain- and gluten-free, too.
Per one-slice serving: 317 calories, 21 g fat (12 g sat), 31 g carbs, 15 g sugar, 159 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein
Cranberry Sour Cream Almond Cake
If a tart cranberry, cinnamon roll, and coffee cake had a healthy baby, it’d be this grain-free cake. Save the leftovers for Black Friday brunch.
Per one-slice serving: 290 calories, 15 g fat (3.5 g sat), 30 g carbs, 19 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 8.5 g protein
Better-For-You Pecan Pie
With a few simple ingredient swaps, healthy pecan pie is totally possible. This recipe swaps refined white sugar for coconut sugar and honey, for a more wholesome-tasting treat.
Per one-slice serving: 414 calories, 29 g fat (7 g saturated), 35 g carbs, 18 g sugar, 165 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 6 g protein
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars
Make these easy, six-step pumpkin pie bars and your guests will think you spent the whole day baking. Their crust is made with almond flour, spices, and maple syrup, making these bars a dairy-free and gluten-free treat.
Per serving: 144 calories, 7 g fat, 17 g carbs, 15 g sugar, 58 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Pecan Crust
Impress you holiday guests with these individual pumpkin cheesecakes. They’re buttery, spicy, and nutty, and require zero baking. (Oh, and that crunchy gingersnap crust? It’s a 10.)
Per serving: 377 calories, 21g fat, 37g carbs, 14g sugar, 3g fiber, 5g protein
Impossibly Easy Paleo Pear Apple Pie
This fun twist on good ol’ apple pie features a custard-like apple-pear filling with hints of cinnamon and ginger. The best part? You don’t have to worry about making crust.
Per one-slice serving: 285 calories, 13 g fat (6.5 g sat), 34 g carbs, 21 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 6 g protein
Paleo Pumpkin Brownies
Would you believe me if I told you these ooey-gooey beauties are vegan, gluten-free, low-sugar, and made from just six ingredients? Drizzle ‘em with a little pumpkin glaze and you’ve got the perfect fudgy-pumpkin holiday dessert.
Per serving: 187 calories, 15.8 g fat, 13.2 g carbs, 1.6 g sugar, 7.3 g fiber, 5.9 g protein
Pumpkin Mousse Shooters
Okay, how cute are these little pumpkin mousse shooters? Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, they taste like light and airy pumpkin pie filling.
Per serving: 247 calories, 16.4 g fat, 24.8 g carbs, 15.2 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 4.7 g protein
Raw Pumpkin Pie
This re-imagined pumpkin pie is the perfect way to indulge your pumpkin obsession without even turning on the oven. This paleo treat combines cashew pumpkin custard with a nut-date base.
Per serving: 230 calories, 15.1 g fat (2.7 g sat), 21.6 g carbs, 14.1 g sugar, 4.7 mg sodium, 5.7 g fiber, 4.6 g protein
Spiced Butternut Squash Pecan Pie
Though pumpkin pie usually gets all the attention, this butternut squash pie is a sleeper hit. The nut-coconut-date crumb crust adds a ton of flavor and nutrients to this dairy-, gluten-, and refined sugar-free dessert.
Per serving: 278 calories, 20 g fat (8g sat), 21 g carbs, 13 g sugar, 228 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein
Cranberry-Pear Lattice Pie
The tart burst of cranberries and sweet pears in this jewel-colored creation will make your taste buds smile. Plus, the lattice crust makes it a fancy-looking addition to your holiday table.
Per one-slice serving: 330 calories, 16 g fat (10 g sat), 46 g carbs, 165 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein
Christine Yu is an award-winning journalist and author of the book Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes. Her work focuses on the intersection of sports science and women athletes. She's a lifelong athlete who loves running, yoga, surfing, and skiing.
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