I’m so OVER traditional thanksgiving desserts—I want a little something different when it comes to this all important part of the day! This year, I’m all-in on BARS that take the classics and give them a little twist! So, I’ve got the must have Thanksgiving Dessert List featuring all the holiday flavors in convenient bars! (Okay, and one sheet pan / slab pie….but it’s kind of a bar, right?)

Thanksgiving dessert classics get a fresh look with these easy to make bars (and slab pies) just busting with holiday flavors!

Festive Holiday Desserts: BARS

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars by Life Straight Up (SoberJulie.com)

What I love about this recipe is the amazing crust! It’s like an apple pie crumble on top of a shortbread cookie! All the flavors of fall in a sweet little apple shortbread bar package. This is a keeper for sure!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese by OMG Chocolate Desserts

What I love about this recipe is that you get the same taste flavors of a pumpkin roll cake with WAY LESS EFFORT! Other than being an easy recipe, this is a great alternative to standard pumpkin pie (which isn’t a huge hit with the MANY kids that are looking forward to dessert). This will please big and little kids alike!

Sweet Potato Bars with Maple Frosting by Playdates to Parties

What I love about this recipe is the use of walnuts! I have never (truthfully) been a fan of sweet potato pie, but this is a dessert I can sink my teeth into! Plus, I love her uses maple flavoring to tie a nice big bow around these fall harvest flavors. The kids are gonna dive right into this frosted dream of a dessert!

Pretzel-Chocolate-Pecan Slab Pie by Country Living

What I love about this recipe is the fabulous use of pretzels for an extra bit of crunchy saltiness AND the use of just a hint of bourbon! Wowza. This is gonna go down as the best turkey day recipe in years! If this doesn’t shake you out of your standard pecan pie rut, then there’s just no hope for youJ

Crème Brulee Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars by Handle the Heat with Tessa Arias

What I love about this recipe is the combo of amazing textures! But, she had me at brulee—seriously, and chocolate! Wow. The amazing pumpkin cheesecake in this one is just beautiful! Add all the layers together, and you’ve got the dessert that was just MADE for thanksgiving gluttony!

Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars by I Am Baker

What I love about this recipe is the lovely combination of caramel and pumpkin! This is something you typically see with apples, not pumpkin, so I’m super into this unique holiday dessert mash-up! Added bonus: you need to make this one ahead of time, so you’ll be able to knock desserts off your to-do list first!

Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars by The First Year

What I love about this recipe is the use of box cake mix for the crust! Genius! Plus, it doesn’t have that thick heavy-duty pumpkin pie filling. If you love the “flavors” of pumpkin pie, but you’re just not a fan of the real deal—try this! It’s a no fuss recipe that is totally worth the effort!

Frosted Pumpkin Brownies by Will Cook for Smiles

What I love about this recipe is that it will satisfy the need for chocolate but still give you a fall festive vibe because of the flavor of pumpkin throughout. The kids will LOVE this one (and they’ll never know there’s pumpkin in the brownie!). So, at least you can feel like they’re getting their veggies even if they only eat dessert!

Turkey Day Dessert Change-Up

I just love holiday recipes that are easy to transport, easy to make, and still give you all the feels of the original! These bars will definitely have you coming back for more….even when you probably shouldn’t….

There’s a little something for big kids, little kids and the oldies that may be a little set in their ways. These Thanksgiving dessert bars may turn into a new holiday fav for your crowd!

Check out my Make Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers and my Festive Thanksgiving Prosecco Cocktails for even more Turkey Day inspiration!

Happy Eating!

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