Hi Reader,

In a world where pie has ruled Thanksgiving dessert since the beginning of time...
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One brave soul dares to suggest something different.
(That's you, by the way.)

Thanksgiving Desserts that AREN'T Pie

Traditionalists might clutch their rolling pins in horror, but this list of proven recipes are worth every "side-eye" glance.

​Cranberry Apple Crostata​

Cranberry apple crostata is so easy to make and so unexpectedly lovely to experience it may end up displacing the more familiar dessert offerings at your Thanksgiving table.

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​Cranberry-Orange Cheesecake​

This cranberry-orange cheesecake from Bon Appetit is scented with vanilla and orange and topped with sweetened fresh cranberries. A perfect holiday dessert.

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​Pumpkin Meringue Pie Ice Cream​

Pumpkin meringue pie ice cream is the ultimate mashup of pumpkin ice cream−spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and mace−creamy-dreamy meringue, and crunchy bits of Oreo-cookie crust. Think frozen pumpkin-spice latte.

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​Pumpkin Swirl Brownies​

These pumpkin swirl brownies are made with cream cheese and taste as if pumpkin spice cheesecake swirl collided with chocolate fudge brownies.

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​Pure Pumpkin Cheesecake​

Pure pumpkin cheesecake is exactly what you'd expect. The creaminess of cheesecake melded with all the spice of pumpkin pie spice and a gentle lilt of, natch, pumpkin. Perhaps your Thanksgiving tradition just got upturned.

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​Cinnamon Pear Tarts with Puff Pastry​

Sweet cinnamon-sugar pears are baked atop puff pastry to make these adorable pear tarts. It's an easy, impressive fall dessert.

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​Spiced Cider Doughnuts​

You may wonder if making your own doughnuts is worth the effort. Just one bite of these sugar-glazed, spiced-cider doughnut treats will prove it is. The spicy flavor is sure to bring back memories of crisp autumn mornings and relaxing breakfasts in flannel pajamas. These are also delicious tossed with cinnamon sugar instead of glazed.

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​Pear and Cardamom Caramel Upside-Down Cake​

I love the flavor balance in this cake: tangy pears, floral cardamom, rich caramel, and, underneath, a moist sponge of orange and almonds. Do try it—your friends and family will think it a triumph.

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​Pumpkin Pots de Crème​

These fancy-sounding pumpkin pots de crème are essentially creamy custards made from half-and-half, brown sugar, pumpkin, eggs, and warm spices, topped with maple whipped cream and crushed amaretti cookies. Perfect for entertaining.

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​Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting​

This stunning dessert is made with two layers of rich chocolate cake that's filled with salty-sweet caramel buttercream frosting.

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