Today, I’m sharing my favorite Ina Garten Thanksgiving Day desserts! If you have room after you’ve stuffed your face with turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the sides, you have to sneak in a little something sweet!
I have one rule for Thanksgiving dessert: if it can’t be made ahead of time, it’s not getting served on my table! Thanksgiving is a difficult enough meal without having to make a dessert day of and fortunately, Ina has plenty of make-ahead options to choose from!!
Easy Cranberry & Apple Cake
How Easy Is That, page 205 (Recipe)
RATING: 4/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.5
This is such a simple dessert that’s packed with flavors that scream autumn!
French Apple Tart
Back to Basics, page 191 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.8
A classic recipe that can be made ahead and served at room temp – Ina has an even simpler version using store-bought puff pastry.
Fresh Fig & Ricotta Cake
Cook Like A Pro, page 201 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: NA
One of my all-time favorite cakes!
Pecan Squares
Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, page 188 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.3
I’ve made these for multiple Thanksgivings and they are always a hit!
Pear & Cranberry Crostata
Food Network (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.6
This recipe makes two crostatas and is just as delicious at room temp as warm.
Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart
Family Style, page 151 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.6
I’ve burnt out on pumpkin pie, and the next two options are great alternatives! This has more complex flavors than your traditional pie.
Pumpkin Flan with Maple Caramel
Cooking for Jeffrey, page 201 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.2
And this one’s a completely different take on a pumpkin dessert.
Pumpkin Roulade with Ginger Buttercream
Back to Basics, page 212 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.8
I recently revisited this one – it was one of my first Ina recipes and I still just as good as I remember.
Rum Raisin Apple Strudel
Cook Like A Pro, page 197 (Recipe not online)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: NA
I was surprised by how much I loved these. Phyllo is a pain to work with but when the results are this good, it’s worth the effort.
Sticky Toffee Date Cake with Bourbon Glaze
Foolproof, page 220 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: NA
I adore a toffee date cake and Ina doesn’t disappoint!
Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Go-To Dinners, page 230 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: NA
Pecan pie with the volume turned up!
Apple Pie Bars
Cooking for Jeffrey, page 214 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.6
An easier, dare I say, more delicious version of the fall favorite.
More “Best of Ina” lists here.
do you have the link for the bourbon chocolate pecan pie? the link goes to the previous recipe
It’s updated! Thanks for catching! https://www.williams-sonoma.com/m/recipe/bourbon-chocolate-pecan-pie.amp.html
Thank you! You are awesome! ❤️