easy thanksgiving desserts

15 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts to Delight Your Guests

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As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and the kitchen fills with pumpkin spice. My heart beats fast with excitement for Thanksgiving desserts. Sharing stories and sweet treats around the table makes this holiday special.

In this article, I’m excited to share 15 easy Thanksgiving dessert recipes. These desserts will delight your guests and fill your home with cozy flavors. From classic pumpkin pie to decadent chocolate-pecan bars, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’ll find desserts that impress.

The Best Traditional Thanksgiving Dessert Classics

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without the classic, crowd-pleasing desserts. These treats, from the rich pumpkin pie recipes to the gooey pecan pie, are the perfect ending to your meal.

Classic Pumpkin Pie with Fresh Whipped Cream

The quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie, has a creamy, spiced filling in a flaky crust. Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch that complements the fall flavors.

Southern-Style Pecan Pie with Bourbon

Try a Southern-style pecan pie with bourbon for a twist. This holiday baking staple has a buttery, nutty filling in a tender crust. It’s sure to delight your guests.

Homemade Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Homemade apple crisp combines tart apples with a crunchy oat topping. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

These classic Thanksgiving desserts are beloved for their flavors and tradition. Whether it’s the rich pumpkin pie, the decadent pecan pie, or the cozy apple crisp, they’re sure to delight your guests.

No-Bake Desserts for a Stress-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving is coming, and ovens are already full. No-bake desserts are the perfect answer. They’re easy and festive, needing no baking. This saves oven space and time for the main dish. You can make creamy icebox cakes or decadent cheesecake bars without baking.

The Cinnamon-Scented Icebox Cake is a hit. It layers graham crackers with pumpkin-spiced pudding. Just assemble, chill, and serve. The Cranberry Cheesecake Bars also impress, with a buttery crust and a tart topping.

Many no-bake desserts use store-bought items like vanilla wafers or sweetened condensed milk. This makes them quicker to make. Plus, you can prepare some up to four days ahead. This means a stress-free Thanksgiving for you.

No-Bake DessertApproximate Price
Lotus Biscoff Cookies Family Pack$11.98
Wilton Orange Candy Melts$9.89

Looking for pumpkin and spice or something new like Chocolate Icebox Cake or Peanut Butter Mousse? These no-bake desserts will impress your guests. They make hosting Thanksgiving easy and fun.

“Hosting Thanksgiving can be stressful, but these no-bake desserts make it so much easier. I can prepare them in advance and spend more time with my family on the day.”

Delicious Pumpkin-Based Treats

As the weather gets cooler and leaves change color, pumpkin desserts become the stars of fall. You might want the classic pumpkin pie or something new. These pumpkin treats will make your Thanksgiving dinner special.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin cheesecake bars mix creamy cheesecake with pumpkin pie’s warm spices. They have a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth pumpkin filling, and cinnamon sugar on top. These bars are a perfect mix of indulgence and fall flavors.

Spiced Pumpkin Roll

The spiced pumpkin roll is a stunning dessert. It has a soft pumpkin cake filled with cream cheese frosting. The cinnamon and nutmeg add to the pumpkin’s taste, making it a standout Thanksgiving dessert.

Mini Pumpkin Trifles

Mini pumpkin trifles are a fun way to enjoy fall flavors. They have layers of pumpkin cake, butterscotch pudding, and whipped cream in cute jars. They’re a tasty and pretty dessert for any holiday party.

These pumpkin treats show how versatile this fall ingredient is. They’re great for any Thanksgiving gathering, big or small. Your guests will love these delicious pumpkin desserts.

Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

As the holiday season gets closer, the urge to try delicious Thanksgiving desserts grows. Luckily, there are many quick and easy options that can satisfy your sweet tooth without taking too much time. You can make baked applesauce donuts or s’mores brownies in under an hour. These treats are great for adding to your holiday table at the last minute.

For those who want to save time, many easy Thanksgiving desserts use shortcuts like boxed mixes or store-bought crusts. This lets you focus on the presentation and flavors. For example, ricotta-orange cupcakes with buttercream frosting are a hit. They mix zesty citrus with creamy frosting in a convenient cupcake.

Whether you’re hosting a big event or need a quick dessert for a potluck, these quick desserts are a tasty solution. They won’t stress you out. So, enjoy the flavors of the season and wow your guests with these festive treats that are easy to make and impressive.

RecipeTotal Time
Cranberry Tart55 minutes + cooling
Apple Crisp1 hour, 10 minutes
Pumpkin Cake-like Bars45 minutes + cooling
Pecan Pie Bars45 minutes + chilling
Apple Cake1 hour, 10 minutes + cooling
quick thanksgiving desserts

With these easy Thanksgiving desserts, you can enjoy the holiday flavors without stress. Choose from classic pumpkin treats or creative no-bake options. These quick desserts will impress your guests and leave them wanting more of these festive treats.

Chocolate Lovers’ Holiday Favorites

Chocolate desserts are a must-have for any holiday spread, especially at Thanksgiving. From gooey brownies to creamy truffle tarts, these treats will make your guests happy. They’re perfect for anyone who loves chocolate.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Imagine a Southern pecan pie with a chocolate twist. These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars mix pecans’ nutty taste with chocolate’s deep flavor. They’re great for holiday baking and can be stored for up to a week.

Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart

The Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart is a luxurious dessert. It has a flaky crust filled with dark chocolate ganache. Add sea salt or caramel for an extra special touch.

Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies

The Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies mix chocolate with pumpkin’s autumn flavors. Pumpkin makes them moist, while chocolate makes them rich. They’re a perfect holiday treat.

These chocolate desserts are sure to impress your guests. Choose from Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars, Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart, or Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies. They’re all delicious and festive.

Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert Options

As the holiday season gets closer, you don’t want to spend hours baking on Thanksgiving. Luckily, there are many tasty make-ahead desserts to help. You can make creamy pumpkin tiramisu or decadent banana pudding tarts ahead of time. These easy Thanksgiving desserts can chill in the fridge until it’s time to serve.

The pumpkin tiramisu is a standout with its creamy filling and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. The banana pudding tart is also a hit, with its vanilla wafer crust and banana custard. And for a tart full of flavor, try the cranberry curd tart with sugared cranberries and pecans.

These make-ahead desserts save you time and often taste better after a few days. Icebox cakes, for instance, get better with time. So, start your holiday baking early with these delicious options.

DessertPreparation TimeStorage
Pumpkin Tiramisu30 minutesRefrigerate for up to 4 days
Banana Pudding Tart45 minutesRefrigerate for up to 3 days
Cranberry Curd Tart1 hourRefrigerate for up to 5 days
make-ahead desserts

“Preparing desserts in advance is a game-changer for Thanksgiving. It allows you to enjoy the holiday without the stress of last-minute baking.”

Fruit-Based Thanksgiving Treats

As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, the season for delightful fruit-based desserts arrives. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to showcase the vibrant flavors of fall with cranberries and apples. These fruit-forward treats not only delight the senses but also provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier, richer desserts often associated with the holiday.

Cranberry Curd Tart

Indulge in the tangy, jewel-toned goodness of a cranberry curd tart. This tart features a buttery, flaky crust that perfectly complements the creamy, tartly sweet cranberry filling. Top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an elegant and sophisticated Thanksgiving dessert.

Apple-Cranberry Pie

Combining the sweetness of apples with the vibrant tartness of cranberries, this apple-cranberry pie is a seasonal showstopper. The lattice-topped crust allows the ruby-red filling to peek through, making it a centerpiece on any Thanksgiving table. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

Roasted Spiced Apples

For a simple yet satisfying dessert, try roasted spiced apples. Toss apple wedges with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then roast them until caramelized and tender. Serve these fragrant apples with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting and easy Thanksgiving finale.

These fruit-based Thanksgiving treats showcase the best of the season’s bountiful produce. From the tart cranberry curd to the classic apple-cranberry pie and the aromatic roasted spiced apples, these desserts are sure to delight your guests and leave them craving more of the flavors of fall.

Creative Mini Desserts for Gatherings

As Thanksgiving draws near, think about adding mini desserts to your celebrations. These small treats are great for easy Thanksgiving desserts. They impress with their tasty flavors and festive looks.

Mini desserts are not just pretty; they’re also the right size. They let guests enjoy different tastes all night. Try mini chocolate pecan pies, cranberry hand pies, or apple galettes. They’re perfect for serving at buffets.

Many mini desserts can be made ahead of time. This makes Thanksgiving baking easy. Use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry for a quick fix. These easy Thanksgiving desserts also make great gifts for your guests. They can enjoy the festive tastes long after the party.

Mini DessertTotal Time
Dutch Apple Pie Tartlets35 mins
Pumpkin-Chocolate Truffles30 mins
Pecan Tarts60 mins
Caramel Apple Tartlets35 mins

This Thanksgiving, get creative with mini desserts. Impress your guests with a variety of easy Thanksgiving desserts and festive treats.

Time-Saving Tips for Holiday Baking

The holiday season is coming, and baking desserts for Thanksgiving might seem overwhelming. But, with a few easy tips, you can enjoy holiday baking and make easy Thanksgiving desserts that everyone will love. Let’s look at some ways to make your holiday baking faster and easier.

  • Leverage store-bought shortcuts: Use pre-made pie crusts, cake mixes, and pudding mixes to save time without losing quality.
  • Prepare components in advance: Make fillings, doughs, and batters early and store them until baking day. This lets you focus on putting together and baking on the big day.
  • Utilize kitchen tools: Use food processors, stand mixers, and other appliances to speed up tasks like chopping nuts, whipping cream, and mixing batters.
  • Freeze for later: Many holiday baking recipes can be made ahead and frozen until needed. This includes pie dough, cookie dough, and baked desserts.

By using these tips, you can make your holiday baking quicker and enjoy more time with your family this Thanksgiving. Create delicious, easy Thanksgiving desserts that are quick and simple to make.

Simple Decorating Ideas for Thanksgiving Desserts

When you’re making your Thanksgiving desserts, don’t forget to add some decorations. These small touches can make your look even more special. They’ll make your holiday guests feel welcome.

Seasonal Garnishes

Use seasonal ingredients like sugared cranberries, candied pecans, and pie crust leaves for a natural look. These garnishes are not only beautiful but also match the flavors of Thanksgiving.

Presentation Tips

Display your desserts on cake stands, decorative plates, or individual dishes. This makes your look even better. Try using different heights to make your display stand out.

Creative Toppings

Top your with creative toppings like cinnamon whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or chocolate shavings. These add flavor and make your desserts look amazing.

Many decorations, like candied nuts or pie crust cutouts, can be made ahead of time. This saves you time on Thanksgiving. With a bit of creativity, your desserts will be the stars of the show, impressing your guests.

Conclusion

This article has shown you a variety of easy Thanksgiving desserts. You can find everything from pumpkin pie to chocolate pecan bars. These treats are perfect for any guest at your holiday party.

Seasonal flavors like apple, cranberry, and pumpkin add to the festive feel. They make your Thanksgiving spread truly special.

If you want to avoid the stress of baking, try no-bake or make-ahead desserts. They’re easy and let you spend time with your family. Plus, the mini desserts and decorating ideas make your treats look amazing.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, these recipes and tips will help. They’ll make your holiday spread unforgettable. So, explore easy Thanksgiving desserts, try holiday baking, and enjoy making festive treats that everyone will love.

FAQ

What are some traditional Thanksgiving dessert classics?

Classic Thanksgiving desserts include pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and apple crisp. Pecan pie has toasted pecans, maple syrup, and bourbon. Pumpkin pie uses canned pumpkin and spices.

Apple crisp has tart apples and a crunchy oat topping.

What are some no-bake dessert options for Thanksgiving?

No-bake desserts for Thanksgiving are great. Try cinnamon-scented icebox cake, tiramisu dip, and cranberry cheesecake bars. They’re easy to make ahead of time, saving oven space.

What are some popular pumpkin-based Thanksgiving desserts?

Pumpkin desserts are a hit at Thanksgiving. Pumpkin cheesecake bars, spiced pumpkin rolls, and mini pumpkin trifles are favorites. They use canned pumpkin and spices for flavor.

What are some quick and easy Thanksgiving dessert ideas?

Quick desserts for Thanksgiving include baked applesauce donuts, s’mores brownies, and ricotta-orange cupcakes. They use shortcuts like boxed mixes to save time.

What are some make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert options?

Desserts that make Thanksgiving easier include pumpkin tiramisu, banana pudding tart, and cranberry curd tart. They can be made days in advance and stored in the fridge.

What are some simple decorating ideas for Thanksgiving desserts?

Use seasonal garnishes like sugared cranberries and candied pecans to decorate desserts. Presentation matters, so use cake stands and decorative plates. Creative toppings like cinnamon whipped cream add to the look.