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11 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts To Make Ahead For Less Stress
Staring down the Thanksgiving menu, does one question fill you with dread? What on earth will you make for dessert?
Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes are simple, low-stress sweets perfect for the holiday. You’re juggling a turkey, side dishes, and family, and the pressure to produce a perfect dessert feels overwhelming. It’s a common holiday anxiety, and it’s completely valid.
The best easy Thanksgiving desserts are ones you can make ahead of time with simple ingredients. This guide gives you 11 foolproof recipes that save oven space, reduce day-of stress, and guarantee a delicious finale to your feast. You’ll find everything from no-bake wonders to simple, crowd-pleasing bars.
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Why Do Thanksgiving Desserts Feel So Stressful (and How Can We Fix It)?
That feeling of panic is real. I once tried to make a complicated, multi-layered cake on Thanksgiving morning. Between the turkey needing basting and the potatoes boiling over, the cake ended up a lopsided, slightly burnt mess. The problem wasn’t my ability to bake; it was my strategy. The pressure of Thanksgiving dinner preparation demands simplicity.
The solution isn’t to buy a store-bought pie (though there’s no shame in that!). It’s to embrace the power of make-ahead desserts. By choosing simple Thanksgiving desserts that can be prepared one or two days in advance, you reclaim your time and your sanity. These stress-free Thanksgiving recipes allow you to focus on the main event while having a homemade treat ready to go. The key is to find recipes designed for success, using common ingredients and straightforward steps.
11 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts You Can Actually Make Ahead
Each of these 11 recipes has been chosen for its simplicity, delicious results, and excellent make-ahead potential, ensuring a stress-free holiday for you. Forget complicated pie crusts and last-minute baking. Here are the simple pies, cakes, and no-bake treats that will save your holiday.
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- 5-Ingredient Pecan Pie Bars
- Classic Apple Crumble
- Chocolate Lasagna
- Easiest-Ever Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Cranberry Bliss Bars
- 3-Ingredient Oreo Truffles
- Gooey Butter Cake from Mix
- No-Roll Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Crustless Pumpkin Pie Custards
- Slow Cooker Baked Apples
1. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pin this easy no-bake dessert for a stress-free Thanksgiving!
This creamy, no-bake pumpkin cheesecake is the ultimate make-ahead dessert. It delivers all the classic flavor of pumpkin pie but with a luscious, light texture that requires zero oven time. The press-in graham cracker crust is foolproof, and the filling, made with pumpkin puree and cream cheese, comes together in minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
- Serve: Garnish with extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip: This dessert is better when made ahead! Prepare it completely up to 2 days before Thanksgiving. Keep it covered in the refrigerator.
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2. 5-Ingredient Pecan Pie Bars
Save this foolproof recipe for the easiest pecan pie ever!
Get all the gooey, rich flavor of pecan pie without the fuss of making a crust. These 5-ingredient pecan pie bars use a yellow cake mix for a buttery, press-in shortbread crust that is absolutely foolproof. Topped with chopped pecans and corn syrup, they bake into a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to slice and serve.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 (8 oz) package chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the crust. Drizzle the light corn syrup all over the pecans.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This step is crucial for clean cuts.
Pro-Tip: For a richer flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant before sprinkling them over the crust.
3. Classic Apple Crumble with Oat Topping
Pin this cozy and simple apple dessert recipe!
An apple crumble is the rustic, comforting cousin of apple pie, and it’s infinitely easier to make. This recipe features tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples baked under a crunchy, buttery oat topping. It’s a warm and inviting baked fruit dessert that feels special without any complicated steps.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the Filling:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter an 8×8 inch or similar-sized baking dish.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apples. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the crumble rest for 15 minutes before serving warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the entire crumble (without baking) a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
4. No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna
Save this crowd-pleasing chocolate dessert idea!
This impressive no-bake layered dessert is a potluck legend for a reason. With a crunchy Oreo crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, a creamy chocolate pudding layer, and a fluffy whipped topping, it’s a guaranteed hit. Assembling the chocolate lasagna is simple, and it’s the perfect dessert to make ahead for any gathering.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 (14.3 oz) package Oreo cookies
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided
- 2 (3.9 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Make the Crust: Crush the entire package of Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or a sealed bag and rolling pin. Mix with the melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
- Create the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping. Spread this layer evenly over the Oreo crust.
- Make the Pudding Layer: In another bowl, whisk together the two packages of instant chocolate pudding mix and 3 cups of cold milk for about 2 minutes, until it starts to thicken. Spread the pudding carefully over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Final Layer: Let the pudding set for about 5 minutes, then top with the remaining whipped topping.
- Chill and Garnish: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely set. Before serving, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings.
Lesson Learned: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the white layer.
5. Easiest-Ever Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pin the ultimate easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe!
If you’re looking for the most foolproof Thanksgiving dessert on the planet, this is it. A pumpkin dump cake is a one-pan wonder. You simply mix a pumpkin pie-like filling in the bottom of the pan, sprinkle dry yellow cake mix over the top, and drizzle with melted butter. The oven does the magic, creating a gooey pumpkin base and a crunchy, buttery topping.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix the Pumpkin Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan.
- “Dump” the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin mixture. Do not stir it in.
- Add Toppings: If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cake mix. Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the entire surface.
- Bake and Serve: Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Pro-Tip: For extra flavor, use a spiced cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
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6. Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
Save this festive recipe for your holiday dessert table!
Bring the beloved coffee shop treat to your Thanksgiving table. These Cranberry Bliss Bars feature a chewy blondie base packed with white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries. They’re topped with a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting, making for a festive and popular dessert that’s easy to transport.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp orange extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder, pinch of salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out later.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, and orange extract. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and cranberries.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
- Frost: Beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled bars.
- Chill and Cut: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the frosting. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into triangles or squares. You can add an extra drizzle of melted white chocolate on top if desired.
Make-Ahead Tip: These bars are perfect for making ahead. Bake and frost them, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
7. 3-Ingredient Oreo Truffles
Pin this super easy, no-bake treat!
It doesn’t get easier than this. These decadent Oreo truffles require only three simple ingredients: Oreo cookies, cream cheese, and chocolate for coating. They are a fantastic no-bake dessert that looks elegant and impressive, making them perfect for a last-minute contribution or a fun recipe to make with kids.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 (14.3 oz) package regular Oreo cookies
- 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate or chocolate melting wafers
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Crush Oreos: Crush the entire package of cookies (filling included) into very fine crumbs using a food processor or a sealed bag and rolling pin.
- Mix and Form Balls: In a bowl, mix the cookie crumbs and softened cream cheese until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Freeze the truffle balls for at least 15-20 minutes until firm. This helps them hold their shape when dipping.
- Melt and Dip: Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Dip each chilled truffle ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Lift out with a fork, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Set: Place the dipped truffles back on the parchment paper and let them set completely in the refrigerator.
Pro-Tip: For a festive touch, sprinkle the truffles with holiday-colored sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate before the coating sets.
8. Gooey Butter Cake from a Cake Mix
Save this unbelievably easy and delicious cake recipe!
This St. Louis classic is unbelievably rich, decadent, and surprisingly simple to make thanks to a yellow cake mix shortcut. It has two distinct layers: a firm, buttery cake base and a sweet, gooey cream cheese topping that gets a crackly top after baking. It’s a unique and beloved dessert that will disappear from the table.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix until combined (it will be thick). Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Make the Filling: In the same bowl (no need to wash), beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Beat in the 2 eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling over the crust and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes. The center should still be a little gooey, and the edges should be golden brown. Let it cool completely before dusting with more powdered sugar and slicing.
Lesson Learned: Do not overbake! The magic of this cake is the gooey center. It’s done when it’s set around the edges but still has a slight wobble in the middle.
Pin this easy alternative to traditional sugar cookies!
Enjoy the classic taste of soft, frosted sugar cookies without the hassle of chilling, rolling, and cutting dough. These sugar cookie bars are baked in a single pan, cooled, and then topped with a creamy buttercream frosting. They’re perfect for decorating with festive Thanksgiving sprinkles and easy to serve to a crowd.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Fall-themed sprinkles
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake for a soft texture. Let cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat in the vanilla.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Top immediately with sprinkles. Let the frosting set before cutting into squares.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can bake the bars a day ahead, let them cool, and store them covered at room temperature. Frost them on Thanksgiving day for the freshest look.
10. Crustless Pumpkin Pie Custards
Save this easy, gluten-free dessert idea!
For those who love the filling of pumpkin pie more than the crust, this is the perfect dessert. These individual pumpkin custards are creamy, perfectly spiced, and naturally gluten-free. Baked in single-serving ramekins, they look elegant and are incredibly easy to make and portion out for guests.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- Whipped cream, for serving
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease six 6-ounce ramekins and place them in a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until fully combined.
- Fill Ramekins: Divide the custard mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins.
- Create Water Bath: Carefully pour hot water into the 9×13 pan until it comes about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This is called a bain-marie and ensures gentle, even cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just barely jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cool, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Serve cold with whipped cream.
Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the water bath! It’s the secret to a silky smooth, crack-free custard texture.
11. Slow Cooker Baked Apples
Pin this hands-off dessert to free up your oven on Thanksgiving!
Need a delicious dessert that doesn’t use the oven at all? These slow cooker baked apples are the answer. Whole baking apples are cored, stuffed with a buttery mixture of oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cooked low and slow until perfectly tender. Your house will smell amazing, and your oven stays free for the turkey.
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Braeburn)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 cup apple cider or water
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the Apples: Wash and dry the apples. Use an apple corer or a small knife to remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a cup shape.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nuts.
- Stuff the Apples: Pack the oat mixture tightly into the core of each apple. Top each apple with one piece (1 tbsp) of butter.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the stuffed apples upright in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the apple cider or water around the base of the apples.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, until the apples are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Carefully remove the apples and serve warm, spooning some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the top. Great with vanilla ice cream.
Pro-Tip: Use a melon baller to easily scoop out the core and seeds after slicing the top off the apple.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dessert
- For the Easiest Dessert Overall: Make the Pumpkin Dump Cake. It takes 5 minutes to assemble and is impossible to mess up.
- To Save the Most Oven Space: Choose a no-bake option like the No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake or Chocolate Lasagna. They can be made entirely in the fridge.
- For the Fastest Recipe: The 3-Ingredient Oreo Truffles are your best bet for a true last-minute contribution.
- To Please a Crowd: You can’t go wrong with Pecan Pie Bars or Gooey Butter Cake. They are rich, beloved classics in an easier format.
- For a Gluten-Free Option: The Crustless Pumpkin Pie Custards are elegant, delicious, and naturally gluten-free.
People Also Ask About Easy Thanksgiving Desserts
What is the absolute easiest Thanksgiving dessert for a beginner?
The easiest Thanksgiving dessert is a Pumpkin Dump Cake. You simply mix the pumpkin filling ingredients in a bowl, pour into a pan, and sprinkle a dry cake mix and melted butter on top before baking. There is no complex mixing or technique required, making it virtually foolproof for any skill level.
What desserts can I make a full two days before Thanksgiving?
Cheesecakes, both baked and no-bake, are perfect for making two days ahead. In fact, their flavor and texture often improve after a day or two in the refrigerator. Layered no-bake desserts like Chocolate Lasagna and Oreo Truffles are also excellent choices to prepare completely in advance.
How can I make a Thanksgiving dessert without using my oven?
Utilize your refrigerator and slow cooker to make a dessert without an oven. No-bake options like a No-Bake Cheesecake or Oreo Truffles set in the fridge. Alternatively, a recipe like Slow Cooker Baked Apples cooks entirely in your crockpot, freeing up valuable oven space for the main course.
What is a good Thanksgiving dessert besides pie?
Dessert bars, crumbles, and cakes are wonderful alternatives to pie. Pecan pie bars or frosted sugar cookie bars are easy to serve to a crowd. An apple crumble provides all the flavor of pie with half the effort. For something truly decadent, a gooey butter cake is always a huge hit.
Final Thoughts
A delicious, impressive homemade Thanksgiving dessert is completely achievable without the usual stress and panic. The goal of the holiday is to enjoy precious time with the people you love, not to be chained to the oven. These simple, make-ahead recipes are your secret weapon to do just that. They prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for simplicity.
Which of these easy desserts will you be trying this Thanksgiving? Let us know your favorite in the comments below
Last update on 2025-11-12 at 13:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
