Easy No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts: Prep Under an Hour!
Thanksgiving is wonderful time but let’s be honest, it’s also hectic. If you’re hosting, the day is filled with endless prep, oven juggling, and timing every dish just right.
That’s why it makes so much sense to keep at least one part of your menu simple. And what better candidate than dessert?
These easy no-bake Thanksgiving desserts are just as scrumptious and satisfying as their baked counterparts.
Plus, they don’t take up the precious oven space.
They’re also perfect if you’re heading to someone else’s home for Thanksgiving and want to bring a sweet treat that travels well.
The best part about these recipes is that these can be made ahead of time, which means you can check “dessert” off your Thanksgiving to-do list.
I also must mention here, this post has some free printables, (if you are a regular subscriber, you know how much I love creating freebies) plus you also get access to my free resource library with more printables.
Easy No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts
Please click the image or the link below to get your free printables and access to the free resource library.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
This easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe uses dates and nut butter to create a sticky, caramel-like filling without any baking.
image: www.mynameissnickerdoodle.com
| Ingredients: |
| For the Crust: | For the Toppings: |
| – 1 1/2 cups pecans – 1 cup rolled oats – 3/4 cup pitted and soft Medjool dates – 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter – 2 tablespoons maple syrup | – 1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips – 1 tablespoon coconut oil -1/2 cup pecan halves for garnish |
Instructions:
1. Make the crust:
- In a food processor, combine the pecans and rolled oats until finely ground,
- Add the pitted dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup to the processor and see that the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Spread the mixture firmly and evenly into a 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Place the pan in the freezer to chill for 10-15 minutes.
2. Make the topping by combining chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and glossy.
3. Assemble and Chill:
- Take the crust out of the freezer and pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top and sprinkle the pecan halves.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until the chocolate has completely set, before you cut and serve.
Cranberry Orange Trifles
A show-stopping holiday dessert that couldn’t be more easier to make. The sweet-tart cranberry paired with bright, zesty orange creates a fresh and decadent flavor that is so irresistible.
image: spendwithpennies.com
| Ingredients: |
| 1 pound cake (about 12 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes | 2 tablespoons orange juice |
| 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce | 2 cups whipped topping, thawed |
| 1 -2 tablespoon orange zest | Fresh cranberries or orange slices for garnish |
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, stir together cranberry sauce, orange zest, and orange juice until well mixed.
- In serving glasses or a large trifle dish, start with a layer of pound cake cubes.
- Spoon cranberry mixture over the cake, then add a layer of whipped topping.
- Repeat layers until your glasses or trifle dish are full, ending with whipped topping.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange zest.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
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No-Bake Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cheesecake
Thanksgiving is incomplete without a scrumptious pumpkin dessert and this no bake pumpkin cheesecake is the perfect addition, and it only takes about 15 minutes of hands-on work.
image: thebusybaker.ca
| Ingredients: |
| For the Crust: | Fillings: |
| – 2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies (or graham crackers – ½ cup unsalted butter, melted- | – 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – ½ cup powdered sugar – 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) – 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – ½ teaspoon cinnamon – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed (plus extra for garnish) Optional topping: Caramel sauce and crushed cookies |
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine crushed gingersnaps and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
- Refrigerate the crust for at least 15 minutes to help it firm up before adding the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in whipped topping until the filling is light and fluffy.
- Spoon the filling into the crust and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Before serving, top with extra whipped topping, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed cookies if desired.
Fall Apple Pie Dip
This has to be the easiest Thanksgiving dessert recipe that can be prepped in minutes and is great for serving with graham crackers, cookies, or wafers.
image: www.meatloafandmelodrama.com
| Ingredients: |
| 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened | 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling, or if you wish you could use your own apple pie filling recipe. |
| ¼ cup brown sugar | graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or cinnamon pita chips for dipping |
| 1 teaspoon cinnamon |
Instructions:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into a shallow serving dish.
- Spoon apple pie filling over the top and spread gently to cover.
- Serve immediately with your choice of dippers.
Pumpkin Spice Mousse
With its light, fluffy texture and warm fall flavors, this is one of the quickest no-bake thanksgiving recipes you can serve .
image: livingwellmom.com
| Ingredients: |
| 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix | 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice |
| 1 ½ cups cold milk | 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed |
| 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) | Optional Toppings: Crushed gingersnaps or crushed nuts, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings |
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped topping until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Spoon mousse into serving glasses or bowls.
- Chill for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Garnish with extra whipped cream, crushed nuts or cookies and a sprinkle of cinnamon just before you serve.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle
This simple recipe layers classic fall flavors for an impressive, no-fuss dessert.
| Ingredient |
| Apple Filling | Cheesecake Filling | For Assembly |
| – 6 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped – 6 Tbsp butter – 3/4 cup brown sugar – 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice | – 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened – 3/4 cup sugar – 2 tsp vanilla extract – 2 cups heavy cream, cold | – 1 (12 oz) box pound cake, cut into cubes – 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce – Topping: Crushed cookies or chopped pecans. |
Instructions:
- Apple Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Cook until apples are tender and coated in a glaze. Let cool completely.
- Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble: In a trifle dish, create layers in this order: pound cake cubes, half of the apple filling, half of the cheesecake filling, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Repeat: Repeat the layers once more, ending with the cheesecake filling.
Thanksgiving Hot Chocolate Tiramisu
A beginner-friendly no-bake hot chocolate tiramisu recipe that works beautifully for Thanksgiving and winter gatherings.
image: prettysimplesweet.com
| Ingredient: |
| Hot Chocolate | Mascarpone Filling |
| – 2 cups milk – 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix – 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg -1 (7-ounce) package ladyfingers | – 1 (8-ounce) package mascarpone cheese, softened – 1 (8-ounce) container heavy whipping cream, chilled – 1/2 cup powdered sugar – 1 tsp vanilla extract – Pinch of salt Garnish: Whipped cream, Mini marshmallows and, or cocoa powder |
Instructions:
- Heat milk in a saucepan until warm. Whisk in cocoa mix, cinnamon, and nutmeg until dissolved. Pour into a shallow dish.
- In a bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- In a separate, chilled bowl (chill the bowl in freezer for 10-15 minutes or refrigerator for 30 mins), whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the hot chocolate mixture (about 1–2 seconds per side). Arrange a single layer on the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
- Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and top it with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Bark
A beginner-friendly, no-bake cranberry pistachio white chocolate bark recipe that fits perfectly the easy Thanksgiving desserts theme.
image: sweetspicykitchen.com
| Ingredient: |
| – 16 oz white chocolate (good-quality bars or chips) – ½ cup dried cranberries – ½ cup shelled pistachios |
Instructions:
- Place the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set over a pot of simmering water) or in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each until completely smooth.
- Stir in most of the cranberries and pistachios, reserving a small handful for topping.
- Pour the chocolate mixture onto a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread it into an even layer, about ¼-inch thick.
- Sprinkle the reserved cranberries and pistachios on top and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes, or until completely set.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cups
This recipe uses a simple crushed cookie crust, a creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, and a decadent salted caramel topping.
image: everylastbite.com
| Ingredient: |
| 1 1/2 cups crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers | 1/2 cup caramel sauce, divided |
| 6 tablespoons melted butter | 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
| 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened | 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold |
| 1/2 cup powdered sugar | Flaky sea salt, for topping |
Instructions:
- Crust: Combine crushed cookies and melted butter. Press into the bottoms of 12 serving cups lined with paper liners. Freeze for 15 minutes.
- Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of the caramel sauce, and vanilla; mix well. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble: Spoon the filling evenly over the chilled crusts. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Toppings: Just before serving, top each cup with the remaining caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Caramel Apple Nachos
This is a fun, no-bake dessert that turns a classic fall treat into a sharable platter. It’s fully customizable, quick, and easy.
image: www.lilluna.com
| Ingredient: |
| 3-4 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great) | 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted |
| 1/2 lemon, juiced (optional, to prevent browning) | Your choice of toppings (e.g., chopped peanuts, crushed pretzels, toffee bits, mini M&M’s, whipped cream) |
| 1 cup caramel sauce |
Instructions:
- Wash, core, and slice the apples. To prevent browning, toss the slices with a little lemon juice, then pat dry.
- Lay the apple slices in a single, overlapping layer on a large platter.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce and melted chocolate over the apples and sprinkle your chosen toppings over the sauces.
Wrapping Up Easy Thanksgiving Treats
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, good company, and let’s be honest, great food. These easy no-bake Thanksgiving desserts prove that you can deliver flavors without the stress of baking. If you liked this recipes here are some more food recipes you’ll enjoy.
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Suktara
Hi! I’m Suktara, the creator of this website with a background in communication and passion for personal development, relationships, and mental health. I created this space to share honest insights and practical advice on dating, love, relationships, and self-improvement.
