Every Thanksgiving, as we sit around the table with our family and friends, enjoying the wonderful food, and feeling so blessed to have such incredible people surrounding us, I know that you are all thinking about dessert too.

Of course the turkey is juicy and golden, the mashed potatoes keep making it to your plate, that stuffing and roasted cauliflower are asking for a third helping, but these are all just the warm up. What everyone really looks forward to at Thanksgiving (minus the fabulous parade) is that dessert table.

Right when you think that you’re way too full for any more food, you smell those apples, see that gorgeous pumpkin pie topped with fresh whipped cream, and it’s a whole other game. Think I’m being extreme? Absolutely not! No one can help themselves when it comes to taking a bite of flaky piecrust, oh so buttery, oh so sinful—dare I say that zerts are better than the main course? Why yes, yes I would!

Because at this point we can all agree that dessert is the main event of Thanksgiving, I am here to switch up your pie time a bit. Surprise! Your pies can now become cakes, frozen desserts and bars. While I am all about an incredibly sweet pecan pie, why not have a new twist, wow your guests, and become Mister/Miss popular at the party this year? A little bit of uniqueness never hurt anyone—especially when it comes to dessert!

1. Pumpkin Chocolate Fudge Cake

This rich and decadent cake proves what part of the meal really is boss.