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13 Genius 5 Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts To Wow Everyone
Feeling the Thanksgiving dinner pressure mounting? You’re not alone. The turkey, the sides, the timing—it’s a lot to handle. Adding a complex dessert to the mix can feel like the final straw.
This guide is your secret weapon against holiday cooking stress. We’re focusing on 5 ingredient Thanksgiving desserts, a category of simple recipes designed for maximum deliciousness with minimal effort. They prove you don’t need a long shopping list to create a showstopper.
The best 5-ingredient Thanksgiving desserts are simple, stress-free recipes that use pantry staples to create impressive treats. This list includes everything from classic one-bowl pumpkin pie and no-bake chocolate wonders to easy fruit cobblers, ensuring you can wow your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Get ready to discover your new go-to holiday recipe.
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Feeling Overwhelmed by Thanksgiving Dinner? Your Dessert Solution is Here
The whirlwind of Thanksgiving preparations can be intense. Juggling oven space, managing a dozen different cooking times, and aiming for that perfect holiday meal can leave even the most seasoned home cook feeling time-crunched and overwhelmed. The thought of tackling a complicated, multi-step dessert recipe on top of everything else is often enough to cause holiday stress.
This is where the magic of 5 ingredient thanksgiving desserts comes in. This approach isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about smart, efficient holiday baking. By focusing on a few high-impact ingredients, you can create simple dessert ideas for thanksgiving that are just as impressive and delicious as their more complex counterparts. It’s the ultimate solution for a stress free thanksgiving dessert that delivers on flavor without demanding your precious time and energy.
13 Genius 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts To Wow Everyone
Ready to find the perfect simple sweet for your crowd? We’ve curated a list of 13 tested and foolproof five ingredient thanksgiving recipes designed for every taste and skill level. From classic flavors like pumpkin and pecan to no-bake wonders that save precious oven space, each dessert is engineered to provide the biggest “wow” factor with the least amount of effort. Whether you need an easy thanksgiving dessert for a crowd or a last-minute miracle, your perfect recipe is right here.
1. The Easiest One-Bowl Pumpkin Pie
Pin this classic Thanksgiving recipe for later!
This one bowl dessert recipe delivers a creamy, classic pumpkin pie without the fuss. Using pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk as a shortcut creates a foolproof filling, while a pre-made crust saves you valuable time.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust, store-bought for ultimate ease
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue to bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let cool on a wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Pro-Tip: For a crack-free surface, let the pie cool slowly on the counter for at least two hours before moving it to the refrigerator. Drastic temperature changes can cause cracks.
2. Dreamy No-Bake Chocolate Silk Pie
Save this easy no-bake dessert to free up your oven!
This no bake chocolate pie is pure decadence and requires zero oven time. The velvety filling, made from melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and whipped topping, sets up perfectly in a pre-made cookie crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, fully softened to room temperature
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, high-quality
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 (9-inch) store-bought chocolate cookie crust (e.g., Oreo crust)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional 5th ingredient)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool for about 5-10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the cooled, melted chocolate into the cream cheese and beat until well combined and silky.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a spatula until no white streaks remain.
- Spoon the filling into the pre-made chocolate crust and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.
Lesson Learned: Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. If it’s even slightly cool, you’ll end up with small lumps in your pie filling.
3. The Ultimate Apple Dump Cake
Pin this unbelievably easy dessert tips!
This apple dump cake is the definition of a simple dessert for a crowd. You simply layer canned apple pie filling, cinnamon, and dry yellow cake mix in a dish, top with sliced butter, and bake. It creates a warm, cobbler-like dessert that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and thinly sliced
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional 5th ingredient)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the apples.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the apple filling. Do not stir.
- Arrange the thin slices of cold butter evenly over the surface of the cake mix, covering as much area as possible. If using, sprinkle pecans on top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving warm, preferably with vanilla ice cream.
Pro-Tip: For an extra rich, buttery topping, melt the butter first and drizzle it as evenly as you can over the dry cake mix. This ensures more of the mix gets saturated.
4. Gooey Pecan Pie Bars
The easiest way to make pecan pie! Pin this recipe now.
Get all the gooey flavor of pecan pie with none of the fuss. These simple holiday bars use refrigerated crescent roll dough for a quick crust, topped with a rich filling of chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and melted butter.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Unroll the crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, sealing the perforations to form a solid crust.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and beaten egg until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Pro-Tip: Toast the pecans for 5-7 minutes in the oven before chopping them. This simple step deeply enhances their nutty flavor and makes the bars taste even more incredible.
5. 5-Minute Cranberry Fluff Salad
Need a last-minute dessert? Pin this 5-minute miracle!
This no-bake cranberry dessert is a lifesaver for last minute thanksgiving desserts. Simply combine whole berry cranberry sauce, drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping for a festive and refreshing fruit salad that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional 5th ingredient)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce and the well-drained crushed pineapple.
- Gently stir in the mini marshmallows and thawed whipped topping until everything is evenly coated and turns a light pink color.
- If using, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Lesson Learned: Draining the crushed pineapple thoroughly is the most important step. Any excess juice will make your fluff salad watery. Press it against a fine-mesh sieve with a spoon to get as much liquid out as possible.
6. No-Bake Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Jars
Save this idea for an elegant, easy make-ahead dessert!
For an elegant, modern twist, these no-bake pumpkin cheesecake jars are a perfect choice. The layered dessert features a simple graham cracker crumb crust, a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling made with softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree, and a whipped cream topping. They are great individual thanksgiving desserts that can be made a day ahead.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pure pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (plus whipped cream for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth.
- Add the pumpkin purée, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat again until light and fluffy.
- Assemble your jars (4-6 small glass jars or cups). Start by spooning a layer of graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of each jar, pressing down lightly.
- Spoon or pipe the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the crumb layer.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or cinnamon.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. These can be made a day in advance.
Pro-Tip: For extra flavor in your crust, mix the graham cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before pressing them into the jars.
7. Foolproof 5-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
The perfect make-ahead treat! Pin this easy fudge recipe.
This easy chocolate fudge recipe is truly foolproof. By melting semi-sweet chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and butter, you get a rich, creamy fudge without a candy thermometer. It’s one of the best simple holiday treats to make ahead.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles later.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butter, and salt.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chips and butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer with a spatula.
- Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Lift the fudge out using the parchment handles and cut into small squares.
Pro-Tip: For different flavors, you can stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or crushed peppermint candies along with the vanilla extract.
Pin this magical cookie recipe for a quick treat!
These are the easiest peanut butter cookies you’ll ever make. With just creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, an egg, and vanilla, you get chewy, delicious cookies that are also naturally gluten-free. It’s a perfect lazy dessert recipe for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (standard commercial brand like Jif or Skippy works best)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Kisses or extra sugar for topping (optional 5th ingredient)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The dough will be thick.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each cookie, flattening them slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will look soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lesson Learned: Do not overbake these cookies! They will look underdone in the center when you pull them out, but they will firm up perfectly as they cool. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
9. Cinnamon-Baked Apple Slices
A simple, healthy-ish dessert idea! Pin it now.
This 5 ingredient apple dessert is warm, comforting, and naturally gluten-free. Thinly sliced apples are tossed with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then baked until tender and caramelized. It’s a simple, healthy-ish option that feels special.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional 5th ingredient)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sliced apples in an 8×8 inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (and nutmeg, if using).
- Pour the butter mixture over the apples and toss gently to coat all the slices evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro-Tip: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) to get a more complex and balanced flavor in the final dish.
10. Salty & Sweet Pretzel Bites
The easiest holiday treat ever! Pin this recipe.
This sweet and salty dessert couldn’t be simpler. Square pretzels are topped with caramel candies, warmed in the oven until soft, and then pressed with a pecan half. A drizzle of melted chocolate chips finishes these addictive, bite-sized treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (about 40-50) square pretzels (like Snaps)
- 1 bag (11 ounces) of caramel-filled chocolate candies (like Rolo)
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet. Place one unwrapped Rolo candy in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake for 3-5 minutes, just until the candies are soft and glossy, but not completely melted into a puddle.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press one pecan half gently onto the top of each softened candy.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pretzel bites.
- Let them cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate is set.
Lesson Learned: Watch the candies in the oven closely! They go from soft to a melted mess in less than a minute. As soon as they look shiny, they’re ready.
11. 5-Ingredient Cherry Cobbler
Save this comforting and easy fruit dessert recipe!
This magical cherry cobbler creates its own crust. You pour a simple batter made from self-rising flour, granulated sugar, and milk over melted butter, then top it with canned cherry pie filling. As it bakes, the batter rises up through the fruit to create a warm, cake-like topping.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the stick of butter in an 8×8 inch baking dish and put it in the preheating oven just until the butter is melted.
- While the butter melts, whisk together the self-rising flour and sugar in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth, thin batter.
- Remove the hot dish from the oven. Pour the batter directly over the melted butter. Do not stir.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the batter. Again, do not stir.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cakey part comes out clean.
Pro-Tip: If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own! For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, just whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
12. Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
The perfect easy dessert for a crowd! Pin it!
This creamy, no-bake fruit dip is a perfect simple dessert for a potluck. Softened cream cheese is beaten with marshmallow creme (fluff), powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and airy. It’s a versatile dip that’s delicious with a platter of fresh fruits and cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme (fluff)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted fruits, cookies, and crackers for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and lump-free.
- Add the marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl.
- Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are fully combined and the dip is light and fluffy.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve surrounded by dippers like apple slices, strawberries, grapes, pretzels, and vanilla wafers.
Pro-Tip: To prevent apple slices from browning on your platter, toss them in a little bit of pineapple or lemon juice before arranging them.
13. Easiest Oreo Truffles
An impressive, no-bake treat everyone will love! Save this recipe.
These no-bake Oreo truffles look incredibly impressive but are shockingly easy. Crushed Oreo cookies are mixed with softened cream cheese to form a decadent center, which is then dipped in melted chocolate chips. They’re a perfect bite-sized, make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14.3 ounces) regular Oreo cookies
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (to thin the chocolate)
- Sprinkles or crushed Oreos for topping (optional 5th ingredient)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place the entire package of Oreo cookies (filling and all) into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Reserve 2 tablespoons of crumbs for garnish.
- In a large bowl, mix the remaining cookie crumbs with the softened cream cheese until a thick, uniform dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each frozen Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely. Lift out with a fork, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Return the coated truffles to the parchment-lined sheet. Immediately sprinkle with the reserved crumbs or other toppings before the chocolate sets. Refrigerate until firm.
Lesson Learned: Freezing the truffle balls before dipping is not optional! If they are soft, they will fall apart in the warm chocolate. A firm, cold truffle is key to easy dipping.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dessert
- Embrace No-Bake: Free up precious oven space by choosing a no-bake option like the Dreamy Chocolate Silk Pie or the Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Jars. They can be made a day ahead to reduce holiday stress.
- Let Your Pantry Help: Strategic shortcuts are your friend. A box of cake mix creates the Ultimate Apple Dump Cake, and a can of crescent dough makes incredible Pecan Pie Bars.
- Don’t Underestimate Simplicity: The easiest recipes are often the biggest crowd-pleasers. A batch of Easiest Ever Peanut Butter Cookies or Foolproof Chocolate Fudge will disappear from the dessert table.
- Presentation is Everything: A simple garnish can make any dessert look fancy. A dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts takes seconds but adds a huge “wow” factor.
People Also Ask About 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts
Can I make these desserts ahead of time?
Yes, many of these desserts are perfect for making ahead. No-bake recipes like the Chocolate Silk Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake Jars, and Cranberry Fluff should be made at least 4 hours ahead, but are even better when prepared the day before. Fudge and Oreo Truffles can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Are there any good gluten-free or dairy-free options?
Absolutely. The Easiest Ever Peanut Butter Cookies are naturally gluten-free as they contain no flour. The Cinnamon-Baked Apple Slices are also gluten-free. For dairy-free options, you can often substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips and cream cheese, though results may vary slightly.
What is a “dump cake” and is it really that easy?
A dump cake is a wonderfully simple type of cobbler, and yes, it’s that easy. You literally “dump” the ingredients—typically a canned fruit filling followed by a dry cake mix and topped with butter—into a pan without mixing. As it bakes, the butter melts and combines with the cake mix to create a delicious, crumbly topping over the warm fruit.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving, give yourself the gift of simplicity. Choose one of these genius recipes, enjoy the process, and spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time making memories with the people you love. You’ve got this!
Which of these easy desserts are you most excited to try for your Thanksgiving feast? Let me know in the comments below.
Last update on 2025-12-04 at 06:11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
