These small batch desserts are perfect for keeping things small for Thanksgiving without sacrificing flavor or having too many leftovers.
Thanksgiving doesn’t always mean a house full of guests. Sometimes, it’s a cozy celebration with just your closest loved ones. On those occasions, there’s no need to whip up desserts that could feed an army. That’s when small batch recipes shine—just the right amount to make your holiday sweet without the leftovers.
Here, you’ll find some of my favorite small batch Thanksgiving desserts, perfect for those more intimate gatherings. From cheesecakes to cakes to cookies, and from laid-back to a little fancy, there’s something here to inspire your holiday baking. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tips for Small Batch Baking
Every recipe is different, but here are some general tips for making scaled-down desserts.
- Measure accurately. This is always important in baking, but it’s especially important in small-batch baking. With small amounts of ingredients, any inaccuracies can have more of an effect.
- Use quality ingredients. Honestly, I will always tell you this. Good ingredients make good desserts.
- Pay attention to pan sizes. Use the correct size pan if at all possible. If you need to change the pan, keep the volume of the pan as close to the same as possible. Keep in mind that changing pans will likely alter the baking time, too.
- Prep your tools and ingredients. Like measuring, this is always a good idea for baking. Having your ingredients measured and your tools prepped will save you time and stress.
- Take your time. Just because the recipe makes fewer servings, that doesn’t mean it’s any quicker to make.
Small Batch Desserts for Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s just the right size for a smaller Thanksgiving celebration, these small batch recipes are the perfect fit! Packed with seasonal flavors and year-round cravings, they’re sure to bring a sweet and satisfying end to your holiday meal without the worry of too many leftovers.
When it comes to quick and easy desserts with big results, you can't do much better than these decadent and delicious bread puddings. You'll have these assembled and chilling in mere minutes. They're a great make-ahead dessert, too, as you can prep them the day before and then pop them in the oven when it's time for dessert. SERVES 2
Hasselback apples are a fun twist on classic baked apples. They're sliced accordian-style and topped with a streusel loaded with autumn spices. SERVES 4
Cheesecake is always a good choice for a special occasion, and this vanilla cheesecake is no exception. For Thanksgiving, you can keep the fruity topping you see here or go with something more seasonally appropriate. How about substituting some currant preserves for the swirl? Or how about a drizzle of chocolate or caramel? GENEROUSLY SERVES 2
Pudding cakes, those magical two-in-one desserts, are always a good idea in my book. And these fall-flavored pudding cakes are an excellent choice for Thanksgiving. The combination of ginger, pears, nuts, and butterscotch is amazingly delicious. SERVES 4
This scaled-down cake is filled with warm, cozy spices and topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It's great for dessert, but it also makes a great treat for casual holiday drop-in guests. GENEROUSLY SERVES 4
For a touch of elegance, try this tiramisu for two. With its layers of creamy mascarpone filling, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa, it’s the perfect small batch dessert to add a bit of indulgence to your Thanksgiving celebration. Simple to make yet undeniably impressive!
Granted, brownies are maybe not the fanciest dessert you could make this Thanksgiving, but there's no denying their wonderful chocolate flavor. Add ice cream and other toppings to take them over the top! GENEROUSLY SERVES 2
The lovely layers of these apple cheesecakes look so pretty! And, believe it or not, it's really easy to make each layer and get it all assembled. No-bake desserts tend to get more love in warmer weather, but these are just so perfect for Thanksgiving! SERVES 4
These sweet, nutty Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies are a fun baking project with fall flavor. Enjoy a batch of these during dinner prep and throughout the holiday weekend. MAKES 12
When it comes to special desserts, chocolate is always a winner. And flourless chocolate cakes are all about the chocolate. Add some sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a nice finishing touch. SERVES 2
I'll admit that I used to be less than excited about the prospect of pudding for a special dessert. But then I had homemade butterscotch pudding, and I was completely sold. Pudding is actually a really great make-ahead dessert that you can easily dress up if you like. And if butterscotch isn't your thing, there's always chocolate, vanilla, or peanut butter! SERVES 4
These flavorful fruit crisps are made with just FIVE ingredients. Seriously. It's really amazing how it embodies the flavors of the season with such little effort. Simplicity is the key here. And Biscoff cookies, of course! GENEROUSLY SERVES 2
Yellow cake with chocolate frosting is a classic dessert choice for good reason. Its deliciousness is welcomed all year long! This 6-inch version is a perfect way to get your taste of that classic without making enough for a crowd. Try adding somefall-inspired sprinkles to make it even more festive! GENEROUSLY SERVES 4
These elegant desserts are creamy, dreamy, and delicious. They take a little more attention than a lot of desserts, but it's so worth it. If you love all things salted caramel, you'll definitely be on board for these. SERVES 4
It's just not Thanksgiving with cranberries, right? These fruit crumbles combine those with fresh pears and a sweet crumb topping for an easy dessert that's sure to garner lots of praise. Serve these little crumbles warm with a scoop of sweetened whipped cream or ice cream. SERVES 4
I do hope you’ve found some inspiration for small batch desserts to share this Thanksgiving. Whether you’re celebrating with two, a few, or a crowd, have a happy Thanksgiving!
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3 Comments on “Small Batch Desserts for Thanksgiving”
Hi – Do you have any recipes for small batch banana cream pie/pudding type desserts? Â Thank you – love your site and recipes. Â Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi, Diane! I don’t have any designed for just a few servings, but this Dulce de Leche Banana Pudding will serve up to 9 and would likely scale down well.
Thank you – looks delicious!!! Â Happy Thanksgiving