Top 10 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts to Try This Year
A Sweet Memory: Why Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Matter
Thanksgiving isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory. You probably remember the warm glow of the kitchen, the scent of cinnamon, or the way a single bite of pie brought the family together. But let’s be honest—not all of us are seasoned bakers or have hours to spend crafting a three-tiered pumpkin mousse cake. That’s where easy Thanksgiving desserts come in. These sweet, fuss-free treats are your secret weapon for delivering delicious memories without the stress.
Whether you’re hosting, attending, or contributing to a potluck, there’s always room on the table for a simple dessert that tastes like love. In this guide, you’ll find 10 foolproof options that require minimal effort and zero baking degrees.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Easy Thanksgiving Desserts (Ranked by Simplicity & Taste)
1. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
Pumpkin pie meets creamy cheesecake—without the oven. These layered cups are rich, spiced, and incredibly easy.
Why You’ll Love It:
- No baking required
- Individually portioned
- Great for prepping ahead
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Canned pumpkin | 1 cup |
| Whipped topping | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 tsp |
| Crushed graham crackers | 1 cup |
Instructions:
- Blend cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and spice.
- Layer graham crumbs and pumpkin mix in cups.
- Top with whipped cream. Chill & serve.
2. Apple Pie Crescent Rolls
Warm, flaky, and filled with cinnamon apples, these are the quick version of your grandma’s pie.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Uses canned crescent dough
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Kid-approved
Tips:
- Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon before baking.
- Add a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
3. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Simple, chewy, and rich—these cookies are as easy as it gets.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Gluten-free naturally
- Just three pantry staples
- Ready in under 15 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Form into balls, press with fork.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 mins.
4. Pecan Pie Bars
Everything you love about pecan pie, baked into portable, chewy bars.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Great for slicing and sharing
- Rich and nutty with a buttery base
Pro Tip:
- Chill before cutting for cleaner edges.
5. Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake
A lazy-day hero. Just layer, bake, and dive in.
Why You’ll Love It:
- No mixing needed
- Crowd-pleasing flavor
- Uses boxed cake mix
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Canned pumpkin | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Evaporated milk | 1 can (12 oz) |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Pumpkin spice | 2 tsp |
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box |
| Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
- Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and spice.
- Pour into dish, top with dry cake mix.
- Drizzle butter. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 mins.
6. Chocolate Turkey Pretzels (No Bake)
Fun, festive, and ridiculously cute—perfect for kids or the young at heart.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fun holiday activity
- No oven required
What You Need:
- Pretzel rods
- Candy eyes
- Melted chocolate
- Candy corn for feathers
Instructions:
- Dip pretzels in chocolate.
- Add candy eyes and corn feathers before it sets.
7. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you focus on the rest of your meal.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Set-and-forget convenience
- Soft apples with crisp topping
Serve With:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
8. Mini Pecan Tassies
Elegant and bite-sized, these mini tarts are pecan pie’s sophisticated cousin.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Great for platters
- Easy to make in batches
Tip:
- Use a mini muffin tin and pre-made pie crust.
9. Sweet Potato Pie with Store-Bought Crust
This Southern classic is made simpler with a store-bought crust.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Creamy and spiced
- A comforting alternative to pumpkin pie
Tip:
- Mash sweet potatoes until silky for the best texture.
10. Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
Sweet meets tart in this festive and beautiful dessert.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Gorgeous presentation
- Balanced holiday flavors
Make-Ahead Tip:
- Bake the night before and store in an airtight container.
Comparison Table: Ingredients at a Glance
| Dessert Name | Time Needed | Bake/No Bake | Key Ingredients |
| No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake | 20 mins | No Bake | Pumpkin, cream cheese, graham crumbs |
| Apple Pie Crescent Rolls | 30 mins | Bake | Apples, crescent dough |
| 3-Ingredient PB Cookies | 15 mins | Bake | Peanut butter, sugar, egg |
| Pecan Pie Bars | 45 mins | Bake | Pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar |
| Pumpkin Dump Cake | 50 mins | Bake | Pumpkin, cake mix, butter |
| Chocolate Turkey Pretzels | 20 mins | No Bake | Pretzels, chocolate, candy corn |
| Slow Cooker Apple Crisp | 3 hours | Slow Cook | Apples, oats, brown sugar |
| Mini Pecan Tassies | 35 mins | Bake | Pie crust, pecans, brown sugar |
| Sweet Potato Pie | 1 hour | Bake | Sweet potatoes, pie crust |
| Cranberry White Choc Blondies | 40 mins | Bake | Cranberries, white chocolate |
Tips for Making Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Stress-Free
Plan Ahead for Success
- Choose 1–2 no-bake options to save oven space.
- Pre-measure dry ingredients a day early.
- Make desserts that taste better the next day (like dump cake or pecan bars).
Use Store-Bought Smartly
- Pie crusts, whipped topping, and crescent dough are time-savers.
- Dress up store-bought items with homemade toppings.
Serve with Style (Even If It’s Simple)
- Use mini cups, glass jars, or cake stands.
- Add edible flowers, cinnamon sticks, or dusting sugar for that Pinterest look.
FAQs About Easy Thanksgiving Desserts
What are some truly no-bake Thanksgiving desserts?
Try the No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups or Chocolate Pretzel Turkeys. Both require zero oven time and are perfect for busy days.
Can I make these desserts ahead of time?
Absolutely. Most of these recipes store well in the fridge and can be made 1–2 days in advance.
How do I make easy Thanksgiving desserts for a crowd?
Choose desserts like bars, dump cakes, or cookies. They scale well and are easy to portion.
What’s the easiest Thanksgiving dessert for kids to make?
Chocolate Turkey Pretzels are ideal. No heat involved, just assembling.
Conclusion: Sweet Endings Made Simple
You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a lasting impression at Thanksgiving. With these 10 easy Thanksgiving desserts, you can create comfort, flavor, and festive joy without the stress. Whether you’re prepping for a big family dinner or a casual gathering, these treats promise sweetness with simplicity.
Ready to get baking (or not baking)? Pick a dessert from the list, prep your ingredients, and bring joy to the table this holiday season. Don’t forget to share this article with your favorite holiday host or pin it for your Thanksgiving board!