7 Thanksgiving Desserts in Toronto

You've got enough on your plate this Thanksgiving. Make a little more time for your family and cross all that baking off your list by calling one of these fabulous local bakeries and leave it to the pros instead. Go ahead. You've earned it.

When it comes to baked-goods, gluten-free and vegan options aren't always a guaranteed hit with the whole family. But this Junction-based bakery is proving you can make delicious, moist and creamy goods without the gluten. For anyone with food sensitivities, Bunners' organic pumpkin pie—made open faced in their signature flaky pastry—is sure to please. Enjoy!

Leasiders' love hitting up Hollywood Gelato all year long for a fix of their fresh, rich gelato flavours, but come holiday season, their pumpkin gelato pie (yup, that's pumpkin flavoured ice-cream pie) proves to be the most popular thing in the house. Be sure to call and order 48 hours in advance. It's worth the drive to Leaside if you're not in the ‘hood.

Known for her visually stunning and spectacular-tasting wedding cakes, Rosanne Pezzelli's tiny Bloor and Ossington bake shop serves up some of the best sweets in the city, including her mouth-watering carrot cake with cream cheese topping. Make a note to come back during the holidays for some sweet seasonal Christmas cookies. Just like Grandma used to make—only better.

The first thing to know about Sweet Escape's flourless chocolate cake is that it needs to be ordered by October 10th (that's today!) to have it on time for Thanksgiving. Everything else you need to know, like the taste and texture, is that it's perfect. Trust us. You'll agree the moment you put a bite into your mouth. Try a side of their pumpkin ice-cream or brown butter cupcakes for a sweet treat of epic proportions.

This small storefront in East Chinatown (Gerard and Broadview) definitely stands out. Once you're inside Andrea's bakery and you bite into one of her treats, you'll know how she got her huge following: her butter tarts—we love the spiced ginger and chocolate chip ones. Heading there at lunchtime to pick up your order? Grab a Streetcar Sandwich to go. We warn you, they are insanely addictive.

Pumpkin pie may be a Thanksgiving tradition, but for fans of something a little more tart, Tim at the Beaches' Pie Shack is our go-to guy with his Killer Lemon Meringue Pie, which requires 48 hours advance ordering. Not in love with lemon? Apple cinnamon is another guaranteed hit. We also love visiting with the kids and playing board games from the shop's bookshelf, while we enjoy a slice of their perfect pies.

Has the cupcake craze come and gone? It'll be easily revived in your home this Thanksgiving holiday with Dlish's pumpkin spiced confection that comes delectably topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Dlish's website allows you to see what days certain flavours are available, but to avoid disappointment, place your pumpkin cupcake order in advance at either their Queen West or Yorkville location.