12 Cranberry Desserts for Thanksgiving So You Can Skip the Sauce

2016-02-19
12 Cranberry Desserts for Thanksgiving So You Can Skip the Sauce

We've got delicious cranberry dessert recipes perfect for any occasion. Whether making your first pie or you're a baking pro, try these cranberry sweets for a fall holiday get-together or special weeknight dinner.

01 of 12

Cranberry Pie with Honey Meringue

One reviewer shared, "Made this pie for Thanksgiving and loved it." Your guests will rave about the tart cranberry orange filling and the fluffy honey meringue. Just before serving, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue.

02 of 12

Cranberry-Chocolate Cheesecake

Classic cheesecake gets a decadent makeover with some help from rich chocolate swirls and a sprinkling of beautiful ruby-red cranberries.

Test Kitchen Tip

Take this Thanksgiving dessert over the top with a sprinkle of sugared cranberries. To make, roll frozen cranberries in granulated sugar and serve.

03 of 12

Bourbon Cranberry Cookies

Bourbon and cranberries? Definitely a winning cranberry dessert. A bourbon chocolate ganache adds even more luxury to the spiked cranberry cookies.

04 of 12

Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Panna Cotta

Layers of sweet cream and cranberry-ginger sauce star in this showstopping Thanksgiving cranberry dessert. Pour the prepared fillings into 5-ounce glasses and chill up to 24 hours before serving. Finish each glass with sugared cranberries and fresh mint.

05 of 12

Crustless Cheesecake with Cranberry Sauce

Skip the crust! This Thanksgiving cranberry dessert with cream cheese is enough to get your guests talking. Top off the creamy five-ingredient cheesecake with our luscious homemade cranberry sauce.

06 of 12

Cranberry-Orange Tea Ring

Store-bought dough makes this a surprisingly easy-to-bake cranberry dessert recipe. Dried cranberries, orange peel, pecans, and lots of spice combine into this delicious tea ring that's perfect for any fall party.

07 of 12

Cranberry-Pear-Walnut Cake

This party-worthy cranberry dessert is chock-full of classic fall ingredients. Homemade caramel sauce adds a special touch.

08 of 12

Cranberry Tarts

These mini fresh cranberry desserts are great for brunch or dessert. If you like to plan ahead, you can place the tarts in freezer bags and freeze for up to 4 months.

09 of 12

Pear-Cranberry Deep-Dish Pie

The warm flavors of ripe pears and tart cranberries come together with ginger and nutmeg in this delicious homemade pie. The best part? An extra-deep baking dish means there's more of this cranberry dessert to love.

10 of 12

Apple-Cranberry Pie

Apple and cranberry desserts are central to fall, so the combo is a guaranteed holiday knockout. Orange peel and lemon juice add a hint of citrus to the pie.

11 of 12

Cranberry Blondies

Turn regular blondies into a festive dried-cranberry dessert recipe. Two-ingredient cinnamon whipped cream (1/2 cup whipping cream, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon) adds a little spice to the sweet treat.

12 of 12

Cranberry Twist Bread

A homemade orange icing takes this cranberry bread recipe from brunch to dessert! Fill a simple yeast dough with pecans, cranberries, and orange zest for a sweet Thanksgiving dessert idea that goes great with a cup of coffee.

Holiday Menus to Make Planning Easy

You may be a holiday dinner pro looking for new ideas, or it may be your first time hosting family and friends for a special meal. Either way, we have menu ideas to take the decision-making off your plate and make your celebration a little easier to host—and enjoy!

Related Article

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

This easy chocolate pudding pie recipe starts with a purchased crust and is filled with luscious chocolate filling. Garnish the pie with piles of whipped cream and chocolate curls.
Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle cake is a shortcut dessert that's made with purchased phyllo dough and custard. Here's how to make this easy dessert at home.
Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

We'll walk you through how to make banoffee pie. You'll fall in love with the layers of rich caramel, sliced bananas, and whipped cream. Don't forget the shaved chocolate on top!
Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

This delicious oatmeal cookie recipe is a great use for sourdough discard. Use your choice of dried fruit to add flavor and texture to the sourdough discard recipe.
15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

No matter which of these recipes you reach for, these easy party dips dazzle on every occasion. Perfect for big potlucks or small gatherings.
Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

A soothing glass of lemon balm tea is our favorite way to enjoy the plentiful herb.
The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

A mixture of an Aperol Spritz and negroni, the Bicicletta is satisfyingly bitter and refreshing. Plus, the low-proof cocktail brings the Mediterranean to you.
4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

Impress your guests with this party-ready margarita bar—complete with a variety of garnishes, rimmers, and boozy stir-ins for customized cocktails.
Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Need a quick drink for a party, but don't want to spend all night playing bartender? These delicious make-ahead margaritas are the answer! Freeze them in jars overnight and they're all set for the next day.
34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

Hosting a party for Halloween? Or maybe you're bringing a dish to a bash. We've got you covered with Halloween potluck ideas for happy gobblin'!
19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

There's something for everyone on this list of Fourth of July picnic ideas, from star-spangled-salads to patriotic desserts.
Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

The sustainable superfood algae called spirulina will give you a nutritional boost. Learn about the benefits of spirulina, plus why it's a sustainable option and how to eat more spirulina.
8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

Add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to feel healthier and reduce the risk and impact of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic health issues.
The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

Study up on the risks of eating raw cookie dough. You’re probably familiar with the danger of raw eggs, but did you know that raw flour can pose a health risk, too? Dietitians and a food safety specialist share more about raw cookie dough risks and how to stay safe as you enjoy cookie recipes and other baked goods.
Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should you wash bananas after bringing them home? It might seem unnecessary since you peel the fruit before eating, but there are two very valid reasons why you should wash bananas before storing them. Learn more about the benefits of washing bananas and snag pro tips to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

Here's how to dry tomatoes in the oven or dehydrator, including our Test Kitchen's secret for storing the dried tomatoes for up to 9 months.
Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Think outside the box with our best canned food recipes. Featuring beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, coconut milk, crab, and so much more, these globe-trotting canned food recipes prove that budget-friendly pantry staples can transform into a restaurant-quality meal.
8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

Get that made-from-scratch taste with these easy hacks for how to make pancake mix better-tasting than homemade.
Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Planning a picnic? Make sure you include these tasty turkey wraps in your basket! They have a few classic ingredients, like avocado, tomato, and lettuce, and one or two to spice things up, like roasted corn and jalapeno cream cheese.
Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

It's not summer without a homemade burger on the grill and all the extras that go with it. Follow our Test Kitchen tips for the perfect burger.