25 Best Chocolate Thanksgiving Desserts for a Decadent Finish
Sweet, rich, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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What's your family's favorite Thanksgiving dessert? If you go by tradition, everyone seated at the table is likely to say pumpkin recipes or apple desserts. Here's the thing, though: That shouldn't stop you from making a chocolate dessert for your holiday spread. It might sound like a non-traditional Thanksgiving idea, but whipping up one of these chocolate Thanksgiving desserts is a nice change of pace from all the other classic dishes.
If you ask Ree Drummond, there's no such thing as too much chocolate. "The chocolate has to be inside and out," she says. "That's what makes them so darn good!" So here's why we're making the case for a chocolate Thanksgiving dessert: You can still stick to holiday favorites, like Thanksgiving pie, but this time with a chocolaty twist! For instance, instead of the same old pecan pie you make year after year, try our chocolate pecan pie instead.
You can go with fall-inspired recipes, like chocolate pumpkin truffles, or go with an over-the-top chocolate trifle for your Thanksgiving potluck. And speaking of feeding the masses, Ree Drummond's chocolate sheet cake is rich, decadent, and fit for a crowd. It's no wonder she makes it for every occasion! Holidays are made for a little indulgence, so why not entice your guests with some chocolate decadence? They'll be so grateful you decided to switch things up this year!
Chocolate Bundt Cake
Get a double dose of chocolate by making a rich chocolate cake and pouring a decadent chocolate ganache glaze over the top. Sprinkles optional, but like, why not?
Get the Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe.
Chocolate Eclairs
Your guests will be so impressed that you made these tasty classic French pastries from scratch! They'll never know that you used a filling hack to make them easier.
Get the Chocolate Eclairs recipe.
Chocolate Meringue Pie
A swirly mound of toasted meringue makes this simple chocolate pie feel even more festive. And there's no better time to be festive than on a special occasion like Thanksgiving.
Get the Chocolate Meringue Pie recipe.
Brownie Pie
Can't decide between pie and brownies? Make both at the same time! The fudgy brownie filling and flaky pie crust are a match made in heaven.
Get the Brownie Pie recipe.
Mocha Cupcakes
Cocoa powder is the key to making these cupcakes chocolaty. Then, instant espresso powder and coffee extract are used for the fluffy frosting to give it a nice jolt of added flavor.
Get Ree's Mocha Cupcakes recipe.
Chocolate Chess Pie
A classic Southern chess pie has a custard base, but we decided to take it one step further by adding chocolate to the recipe. It gets rich and fudgy just like brownies.
Get the Chocolate Chess Pie recipe.
German Chocolate Cake
This classic chocolate cake has a creamy, dreamy coconut pecan filling that screams comfort food. Save some whole pecans to decorate the top of the cake and let your guests know what's coming.
Get the German Chocolate Cake recipe.
Chocolate Trifle
This big trifle layered with crushed Oreos, silky chocolate pudding, crumbled brownies, and whipped cream cheese is just as impressive as the Thanksgiving turkey. It can sit front and center on your holiday dessert spread.
Get the Chocolate Trifle recipe.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic for a reason, but add some pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice and you'll have a treat that's perfect for Thanksgiving.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Give your pecan pie a chocolate upgrade by adding both cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips. It's fudgy without being cloyingly sweet.
Get the Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe.
Chocolate Sheet Cake
This simple chocolate cake is a Drummond family favorite for just about any occasion. It's moist, rich, chocolaty, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get Ree's Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe.
Cheesecake Brownies
We're mashing up two sweet favorites: cheesecake and brownies! The pretty swirled treats are great for making ahead.
Get the Cheesecake Brownies recipe.
Mississippi Mud Pie
This mile-high pie will knock all your other pies right out of the park! It has layers of chocolate cookie crust, brownie, pudding, and whipped cream.
Get the Mississippi Mud Pie recipe.
Chocolate Pie
This is one of Ladd Drummond's favorite desserts on Thanksgiving or otherwise! As Ree says, he could "eat a slice every day of his life and never get bored."
Get Ree's Chocolate Pie recipe.
Pumpkin Truffles
Pumpkin lovers will appreciate these chocolate covered pumpkin treats. The homemade candy is easier than you might think.
Get the Pumpkin Truffles recipe.
German Chocolate Pie
Here's another spin on Thanksgiving pie. This time, it's taking all the flavors of a German chocolate cake and making it into pie form.
Get Ree's German Chocolate Pie recipe.
Oreo Truffles
Oven space is a precious thing when it comes to Thanksgiving. Luckily, this no-bake treat won't take up any space! You can even make them ahead.
Get Ree's Oreo Truffles recipe.
Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake
There's no doubt that this rolled cake will look impressive on your holiday table. Don't worry about any cracks in the cake, it's covered with a layer of chocolate ganache.
Get the Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake recipe.
Oreo Pie
Here's a pie that doesn't require any baking! Plus, it's made with chocolate sandwich cookies so even your kids will love it.
Get the Oreo Pie recipe.
Skillet Mocha Brownie Sundae
This brownie can be served on its own or with a scoop of coffee ice cream. It's sure to wake you up after all that turkey tryptophan.
Get Ree's Skillet Mocha Brownie Sundae recipe.
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