15 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love

After cooking a full Thanksgiving feast, the last thing you need is complicated desserts. These 15 easy Thanksgiving desserts deliver impressive results with simple techniques, minimal ingredients, and make-ahead convenience.

From classic pies with shortcuts to no-bake treats and crowd-pleasing favorites, you'll find delicious desserts that won't add stress to your holiday cooking marathon.

Why Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Make Sense

Time Management:

• Already cooking all day
• Oven space is limited
• Need energy for main courses
• Want to enjoy the day too

Make-Ahead Friendly:

• Most desserts improve overnight
• Can prep days in advance
• Free up Thanksgiving Day
• One less thing to worry about

Crowd-Pleasing:

• Simple desserts often most popular
• Classic flavors people expect
• Less risk of failure
• Everyone has room for dessert

Budget-Conscious:

• Use affordable ingredients
• No specialty items needed
• Make from pantry staples
• Feed a crowd cheaply

Classic Pies Made Easy

1. No-Fail Pumpkin Pie

The Thanksgiving essential, simplified.

Ingredients:

• 1 store-bought pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk all filling ingredients together
2. Pour into pie crust
3. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes
4. Reduce to 350°F, bake 35-40 minutes more
5. Cool completely

Why it's easy: One bowl, no complicated steps Make-ahead: Bake 2 days ahead Serves: 8

2. Easy Apple Crisp

Easier than pie, just as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup oats
• ⅓ cup butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place apples in greased baking dish
2. Mix remaining ingredients until crumbly
3. Sprinkle over apples
4. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes
5. Serve warm with ice cream

No crust needed: Simpler than pie Forgiving: Hard to mess up Serves: 8-10

3. Pecan Pie Bars

All the flavor, easier to serve.

Crust:

• 2 cups flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup butter

Filling:

• 4 eggs
• 1½ cups corn syrup
• 1½ cups sugar
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1½ tsp vanilla
• 2½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Mix crust ingredients, press into 9x13 pan
2. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes
3. Whisk filling ingredients, pour over crust
4. Bake 25-30 minutes more
5. Cool, cut into bars

Easier than pie: No individual crusts Portable: Great for potlucks Serves: 24 bars

4. Store-Bought Pie Upgraded

Make store-bought taste homemade.

Start with:

• Frozen or bakery pie

Upgrades:

• Brush crust with egg wash and sugar before baking
• Add fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip
• Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg before serving
• Warm slightly before serving
• Garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest

Why it works: Minimal effort, maximum impact Time saved: Hours No one will know: Presentation is everything

No-Bake Desserts

5. Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Dessert that doubles as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Whipped cream for topping

Serve with:

• Gingersnap cookies
• Graham crackers
• Apple slices
• Vanilla wafers

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth
2. Mix in pumpkin, sugar, spice, vanilla
3. Chill 2 hours
4. Top with whipped cream
5. Serve with dippers

No baking: Perfect for full ovens Make-ahead: Up to 3 days Serves: 10-12

6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Rich, indulgent, and easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 Oreo cookie crust
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• Chocolate syrup for drizzle

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese and peanut butter
2. Mix in powdered sugar
3. Fold in Cool Whip
4. Pour into crust
5. Freeze 4 hours
6. Drizzle with chocolate

No oven needed: Freezer does the work Kid-approved: Always popular Serves: 8-10

7. Pumpkin Fluff Dessert

Light, airy, and takes 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• Gingersnaps for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin, pudding mix, spice
2. Fold in Cool Whip
3. Chill 1 hour
4. Serve with gingersnaps

Quickest dessert: 5 minutes active time Light: After heavy meal Serves: 8

Simple Cakes and Bars

8. Pumpkin Dump Cake

Called "dump" because you just dump and bake.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 3 eggs
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, spice
2. Pour into greased 9x13 pan
3. Sprinkle dry cake mix over top
4. Drizzle with melted butter
5. Sprinkle with pecans
6. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes

Foolproof: Almost impossible to mess up Make-ahead: Day before Serves: 15-18

9. Chocolate Sheet Cake

Classic, simple, feeds a crowd.

Cake:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• ¼ cup cocoa
• 1 cup water
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk

Frosting:

• ½ cup butter
• ¼ cup cocoa
• 6 tbsp milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients
2. Boil butter, cocoa, water; pour over dry ingredients
3. Add eggs and buttermilk
4. Pour into greased sheet pan
5. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes
6. Make frosting while cake bakes
7. Pour hot frosting over hot cake

One pan: Easy cleanup Not pumpkin: Good variety Serves: 20-24

10. Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist, flavorful, crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced apples
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup oil
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Mix apples and sugar, let sit 10 minutes
2. Add eggs and oil
3. Mix in dry ingredients
4. Pour into greased 9x13 pan
5. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes
6. Make frosting, spread on cooled cake

Apple variation: Nice change from pumpkin Moist: Stays fresh for days Serves: 15-18

For more easy dessert ideas, see our quick breakfast ideas for sweet morning treats.

Individual Desserts

11. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Perfect portions, impressive presentation.

Ingredients:

• 12 vanilla wafer cookies
• 16 oz cream cheese
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Topping:

• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners
2. Place vanilla wafer in each
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar
4. Mix in pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, spice
5. Fill liners ¾ full
6. Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes
7. Cool, top with whipped cream

Portion control: No slicing needed Elegant: Pretty presentation Serves: 12

12. Chocolate Mousse Cups

Rich, decadent, surprisingly easy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Whip cream to soft peaks
2. Add sugar, cocoa, vanilla
3. Whip to stiff peaks
4. Spoon into small cups or glasses
5. Chill 2 hours
6. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings

No baking: Quick and easy Elegant: Looks fancy Serves: 8

Fruit-Based Desserts

13. Caramel Apple Nachos

Fun, interactive dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples, thinly sliced
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate sauce
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped peanuts
• Toffee bits

Assembly:

1. Arrange apple slices on platter
2. Drizzle with caramel
3. Drizzle with chocolate
4. Sprinkle with toppings
5. Serve immediately

Interactive: Fun for kids Healthier: Fruit-based Quick: 10 minutes

14. Cranberry Crisp

Tart, sweet, and festive.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup butter

Instructions:

1. Toss cranberries with sugar in baking dish
2. Mix remaining ingredients until crumbly
3. Sprinkle over cranberries
4. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes
5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

Uses fresh cranberries: Seasonal Simple: Like apple crisp but different Serves: 8

Classic Crowd-Pleasers

15. Rice Krispie Treat Turkeys

Fun, kid-friendly, adorable.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Candy corn
• Candy eyes
• Small candies for decoration

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and marshmallows
2. Stir in Rice Krispies
3. Form into balls (bodies)
4. Attach candy corn as feathers
5. Add candy eyes
6. Decorate as turkeys

Kid activity: Let kids help No bake: Easy and fun Makes: 12-15

Make-Ahead Strategy

Timeline:

1 Month Before:

• Make and freeze:
  • Cookie dough
  • Pie crusts
  • Some baked pies

1 Week Before:

• Bake:
  • Pies (most)
  • Bars and brownies
  • Cakes (unfrosted)

2-3 Days Before:

• Make:
  • No-bake desserts
  • Frostings (store separately)
  • Whipped cream

1 Day Before:

• Assemble:
  • Layer desserts
  • Frost cakes
  • Final decorations

Thanksgiving Day:

• Finishing touches only
• Warm pies if desired
• Add fresh whipped cream

Storage Tips

Refrigerator:

• Cream-based desserts: cover tightly
• Pies: loosely covered after cooling
• Cakes: airtight container
• Bars: covered with foil

Freezer:

• Pies: wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months
• Bars: individually wrap, freeze 2-3 months
• Cakes: unfrosted freeze better
• Cookie dough: freeze in portions

Room Temperature:

• Most pies: 2-3 days covered
• Bars: airtight container, 3-4 days
• Cakes: covered, 2-3 days

Serving Tips

Portions:

• Assume 1.5 desserts per person
• Always have variety
• Include non-pumpkin options
• Have whipped cream available

Presentation:

• Use cake stands for height
• Garnish with fresh herbs
• Dust with powdered sugar
• Add fresh berries

Timing:

• Serve 1-2 hours after dinner
• Offer coffee and tea
• Put out desserts buffet-style
• Let people serve themselves

Budget-Friendly Desserts

Save Money:

• Make your own whipped cream
• Buy generic ingredients
• Use store-bought pie crusts
• Skip fancy decorations

Cost Comparison:

Homemade Pumpkin Pie:

• Crust: £1.50
• Filling: £2.50
• Total: £4 (serves 8 = £0.50 per serving)

Bakery Pumpkin Pie:

• Average: £12-15 (serves 8 = £1.50-2 per serving)
• Savings: £8-11 per pie

For more budget cooking, see our budget meal prep guide.

Common Dessert Questions

Can I make pie crust ahead? Yes! Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before filling.

Why did my pie crack?

• Overbaked
• Cooled too quickly
• Too much egg in filling

How do I prevent soggy pie crust?

• Blind bake crust first
• Brush with egg white before filling
• Bake on lower oven rack

Can I freeze leftover desserts? Most yes:

• Pies: yes
• Cakes: yes (unfrosted best)
• Bars: yes
• Cream desserts: usually no

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free:

• Use GF flour blends
• GF cookie crumbs for crusts
• Check all labels
• Many naturally GF options

Dairy-Free:

• Use coconut cream
• Dairy-free butter substitutes
• Coconut whipped cream
• Check chocolate labels

Vegan:

• Egg replacements in baking
• Coconut cream for whipped cream
• Vegan butter
• Many fruit crisps naturally vegan

Lower Sugar:

• Reduce sugar by ¼ in most recipes
• Use sugar substitutes designed for baking
• Choose fruit-based desserts
• Serve smaller portions

The Bottom Line

Easy Thanksgiving desserts prove you don't need complicated recipes to create delicious, memorable sweets. With smart shortcuts, make-ahead preparation, and simple techniques, you can serve impressive desserts without adding stress to an already busy cooking day.

Choose 2-3 desserts from this list to provide variety, prep what you can ahead of time, and don't be afraid to use quality store-bought items where they make sense. Your guests will be happy with classic flavors and generous portions—perfection not required.

The best Thanksgiving dessert is one that allows you to enjoy the holiday along with your family, not one that keeps you in the kitchen all day.

For more holiday cooking tips, explore our thanksgiving side dishes easy and holiday meal prep tips.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy baking!