It's OK if the one thing you're most excited about for Thanksgiving is the dessert [1]. We can't blame you! It can be hard to save calories during the holidays, especially when your dining room table is full of goodies [2]. Make your indulgences work for you with delicious, healthy versions of highly caloric desserts. Read on for some of our favorite healthier Thanksgiving desserts, from vegan pies to lower-cal cookies!
Gooey Apple Pecan Bars
These amazing gooey apple pecan bars bring together two classic Thanksgiving treats into one ooey-gooey dessert.
Get the recipe: apple pecan bars [4]
Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
You can still enjoy this Thanksgiving staple even if you're on a gluten-free or Paleo plan. Just bake these decadent-tasting pecan pie bars.
Get the recipe: pecan pie bars [5]
Apple Pie Muffins
Craving apple pie, but don't want to indulge in an over 400-calorie buttery piece? Here's a dairy-free option with much less fat.
Get the recipe: apple-pie muffins [6]
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
Say it ain't so: a delicious cheeseless cheesecake? This video recipe for soy-free vegan pumpkin cheesecake will make you a believer.
Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin cheesecake [7]
Pumpkin-Carrot Bars
Low in calories while remaining full of flavor, these pumpkin bars make a great Thanksgiving dessert. You cannot even taste the shredded carrot added for extra vitamin A.
Get the recipe: pumpkin-carrot bars [8]
Apple Crumble Pie
Marry your two favorite apple desserts — apple pie and apple crisp — by making this amazing vegan apple crumble pie.
Get the recipe: vegan apple crumble pie [9]
Raw Pumpkin Pie
This raw, vegan, and gluten-free pumpkin pie is the real deal. One bite of the almond, cashew, date, and coconut crust, and you'll never go back to the regular recipe.
Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin pie [10]
Mini Caramel Apples
These adorable mini caramel apples are the perfect small treat after an indulgent meal.
Get the recipe: vegan mini caramel apples [11]
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Sometimes, there's nothing like a warm apple crisp to signal the end of a great Fall meal. This vegan apple cranberry crisp is a cozy way to celebrate the holiday.
Get the recipe: vegan apple cranberry crisp [12]
Pumpkin Protein Bars
These chocolate chip pumpkin protein bars are not too sweet, and would make a great post-Thanksgiving breakfast bar.
Get the recipe: chocolate chip pumpkin protein bars [13]
Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
No butter, eggs, milk, or cream here. This sweet potato pie with whipped coconut cream tastes so creamy, no one at the table will believe it's vegan.
Get the recipe: vegan sweet potato pie [14]
Ginger Molasses Quinoa Cookies
These dairy-free chewy ginger molasses cookies will make a sweet and healthy end to your Thanksgiving feast.
Get the recipe: ginger molasses quinoa cookies [15]
Vegan Cider Doughnuts
Soft and full of warming spices, each cider doughnut is only 86 calories.
Get the recipe: vegan cider doughnut [16]
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy, and under 100 calories, these gluten-free pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are bursting with that spiced pumpkin pie flavor you crave.
Get the recipe: pumpkin chocolate chip cookies [17]
Gluten-Free Bread Pudding
Say it ain't so: a delicious dairy- and gluten-free bread pudding?
Get the recipe: apple and banana bread pudding [18]
Vegan Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Bread pudding makes for an easy throw-together dessert, and substituting almond milk for regular cuts a few calories as well. This easy recipe for vegan pumpkin bread pudding is the perfect option.
Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin bread pudding [19]
Vegan Thumbprint Cookies
Who needs high-calorie pecan pie when you can make these vegan pecan thumbprint cookies? They're a cinch to make and can be baked ahead of time if your oven is prime real estate on Thanksgiving.
Get the recipe: vegan pecan thumbprint cookies [20]
Pumpkin Coconut Bars
If you want to end your Thanksgiving feast on a not-too-sweet note, these pumpkin coconut bars may be just what you need. They'd also make a great post-Thanksgiving breakfast bar if you need something to grab before your Black Friday shopping spree.
Get the recipe: pumpkin coconut bars [21]
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Pudding
This subtly sweet vegan pumpkin pie pudding is full of fiber and protein for a healthy sweet treat any time during Thanksgiving weekend.
Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin pie pudding [22]
Oatmeal Pumpkin Spice Bread
For a sweet after-dinner treat, bite into a slice of oatmeal pumpkin spice bread that's completely dairy-free.
Get the recipe: oatmeal pumpkin spice bread [23]
Apple Pear Oatmeal Crisp
Since this apple pear crisp is vegan, it's lower in fat and cholesterol than the traditional dessert, and the pear adds a subtle, sweet twist (plus it ups the fiber).
Get the recipe: apple pear crisp [24]
Chocolate Chip Protein-Packed Pumpkin Bread
When you want your house to feel as cozy as slipping on a sweater in the Fall, turn on your oven, and bake this pumpkin bread.
Get the recipe: chocolate chip pumpkin bread [25]