Quick and easy Thanksgiving desserts that are perfect for a laid-back holiday, with sweet treats that need almost no effort!
Thanksgiving is almost here, and you know what that means—family, friends, tons of food, and let’s be honest, a bit of holiday chaos.
Between setting the table, cooking all the main dishes, and dealing with that one relative (or friend) who always arrives early, who has time for complicated desserts? Not you, right?
That’s where easy desserts come in. They’re your secret weapon for a stress-free holiday!
Think yummy treats that look impressive but take almost no time or effort. Because, really, Thanksgiving is about enjoying great food and good times, not spending all day in the kitchen.
Ready to be the dessert queen of your Thanksgiving gathering?
Keep reading for super simple and seriously tasty ideas that’ll make you look like a baking pro!
What Are the Must-Have Thanksgiving Table Decor Essentials?
Okay, real talk: Your desserts may be super easy, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look fancy! A few key table decor pieces can make even a store-bought pie feel like a work of art.
- Fall-Themed Table Runner: Think leaves, pumpkins, or anything that screams “autumn.” It’s like a cozy blanket for your dessert table.
- Cute Dessert Plates: Mini plates with a bit of color or a fun design? Yes, please!
- Rustic Serving Boards: Wooden boards make everything look Pinterest-worthy. And if you want to be extra, add some fairy lights around them. Insta goals, anyone?
What Are the Best Easy Thanksgiving Desserts?
Alright, now let’s get to the good stuff—the desserts! Here’s the scoop on super easy treats that’ll have everyone asking for your non-existent secret recipe.
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
A dip that tastes like dessert? Yes, please! This creamy, dreamy pumpkin dip is perfect for dunking graham crackers or apple slices. It’s like eating pumpkin cheesecake without the hassle of baking—and it’s ready in minutes!
Recipe from: noblepig
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
If you’re a chocolate and peanut butter fan (who isn’t?!), these bars are your new best friend. They’re rich, gooey, and only require mixing and chilling. Minimal effort, maximum yum.
Recipe from: livewellbakeoften
3. Cranberry Bliss Balls
Energy bites get a Thanksgiving makeover! These little cranberry-packed bites are sweet, tart, and totally satisfying. Plus, they’re healthy enough to snack on all day long (if you don’t finish them in one go).
Recipe from: forkintheroad
4. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups
Why deal with a whole cheesecake when you can have it in adorable little cups? These no-bake cheesecake cups are a breeze to make, and you can customize each one with your favorite toppings—fruit, chocolate, or even caramel drizzle!
Recipe from: rosebakes
5. Mini Apple Pie Tarts
All the goodness of apple pie, but in cute mini tarts! Use store-bought puff pastry and a simple apple filling to create these bite-sized treats. They’re like little pockets of fall flavor, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Recipe from: thejoyfilledkitchen
6. Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
Pumpkin spice and everything nice, all in a mug! This cozy mug cake is the perfect solo treat when you’re craving something warm and sweet but don’t feel like sharing. Just a few ingredients, pop it in the microwave, and you’re all set for fall vibes.
Recipe from: justsotasty
7. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Sweet, salty, crunchy, and SO easy. Just dip pretzels in melted chocolate, sprinkle with festive toppings, and you’re done. The hardest part? Trying not to eat them all before serving!
Recipe from: crazyforcrust
8. Maple Pecan Popcorn
Regular popcorn? Nah, we’re going maple pecan style! This sweet and nutty upgrade makes snack time feel like a fancy dessert. Plus, it’s perfect for munching during your post-dinner movie marathon.
Recipe from: savorymomentsblog
9. Brownie in a Mug
Brownie cravings, meet your match! This single-serving brownie is fudgy, warm, and ready in under two minutes. Top it with a scoop of ice cream, and you’re basically living your best life.
Recipe from: insanelygoodrecipes
10. Microwave Cinnamon Apples
Want apple pie flavors without the work? Try these cinnamon apples! Just slice, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and microwave for a few minutes. It’s like having pie filling, but faster—and you can eat it by the spoonful!
Recipe from: foodlovinfamily
11. Quick Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate on the outside, ooey-gooey goodness on the inside. This lava cake is pure magic! With just a few ingredients and a microwave, you’ll have a rich, melty dessert that looks (and tastes) way fancier than it actually is.
Recipe from: krystelscooking
12. Easy Pumpkin Pudding
All the flavors of pumpkin pie without the baking! This creamy pumpkin pudding is sweet, spiced, and ridiculously simple. Just mix it up, chill, and enjoy that perfect pumpkin flavor—no oven required.
Recipe from: pumpkinnspice
13. S’mores Dip
If you love s’mores but don’t have a campfire handy, this dip is your new obsession. Layer chocolate and marshmallows in a dish, pop it in the microwave, and grab some graham crackers for dipping. Instant s’mores, no fire necessary!
Recipe from: iambaker
14. Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwiches
Snickerdoodle cookies and pumpkin ice cream? Yes, please! This dessert sandwich is the perfect mix of chewy and creamy, with a cozy fall twist. It’s like a bite of autumn with every delicious chomp.
Recipe from: stylesweet
15. Candy Corn Peanut Bark
This candy corn and peanut combo takes bark to the next level. It’s crunchy, sweet, and salty all at once—plus, it’s almost too easy to make. Melt chocolate, toss in your goodies, and let it set. Break it up and get snacking!
Recipe from: livewellbakeoften
16. Pumpkin Praline Pie
Why settle for plain pumpkin pie when you can have a praline twist? This dessert adds a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping to the classic pumpkin pie filling. It’s the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy, and trust me—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Recipe from: portlandiapielady
17. Funfetti Sandwich Cookies
Add some fun to your Thanksgiving dessert lineup with these colorful Funfetti sandwich cookies! Soft, chewy cookies filled with sweet frosting and sprinkles make these treats almost too cute to eat. Almost.
Recipe from: thelittlevintagebakingcompany
18. Mini Donut Tower
Who doesn’t love donuts? Stack up store-bought mini donuts for a super easy and adorable dessert display. Bonus points if you drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for extra sweetness!
19. Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Warm, spiced apples with a crumbly, buttery topping—this apple crisp is comfort food at its best. It’s simple to throw together, and when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a big hug.
Recipe from: thechunkychef
20. Mini Pecan Pies
Why make one big pecan pie when you can have cute little individual ones? These mini pies are packed with sweet, nutty goodness in every bite, and the best part? They bake up way faster than a full-size pie!
Recipe from: bakerbynature
21. Easy Chocolate Truffles
These truffles may sound fancy, but they’re actually super easy to make. Just mix, roll, and chill! With their rich, chocolatey goodness, they’re perfect for a little bite of indulgence—no baking required.
Recipe from: chocolatecoveredkatie
22. Banana Bread
A classic that never goes out of style! This banana bread is moist, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to whip up. It’s great for breakfast, dessert, or even a sneaky mid-day snack. Plus, it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
Recipe from: lovemischka
23. Quick Pumpkin Roll
This pumpkin roll looks like you spent hours making it, but it’s surprisingly quick! Soft pumpkin cake rolled up with a creamy filling makes every slice look gorgeous—and it tastes even better. You’ll impress without the stress!
Recipe from: life-in-the-lofthouse
24. Peanut Better Pudge
Rich, creamy, and super addictive, this peanut butter fudge is a dream come true for peanut butter lovers. Just mix, pour, and let it set. You’ll have a decadent dessert with barely any effort at all!
Recipe from: eatingonadime
25. Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Think caramel apples, but way less messy! These dessert cups layer caramel, apple slices, and a crumbly topping for all the flavor of caramel apples without the sticky fingers. Cute and delicious!
Recipe from: cakemehometonight
26. No Bake Pumpkin Balls
These little pumpkin bites are the perfect poppable treat! Made with just a handful of ingredients, they’re spiced, sweet, and rolled in a coating of your choice—crushed graham crackers or cinnamon sugar. No oven, no fuss, just yum!
Recipe from: playpartyplan
27. Pumpkin Lush
Layers of creamy pumpkin, fluffy whipped topping, and a buttery crust? Yes, please! Pumpkin Lush is one of those desserts that looks impressive but is ridiculously simple to throw together. It’s light, luscious, and totally crave-worthy.
Recipe from: balancingmotherhood
28. No Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu
Pumpkin meets tiramisu in this easy, no-bake dessert mashup. With layers of spiced pumpkin filling and coffee-soaked cookies, it’s a new twist on two classic desserts. Perfect for when you want to wow your guests with something a little different.
Recipe from: thebusybaker
29. Cranberry Apple Mini Pies
These adorable mini pies combine tart cranberries with sweet apples in a flaky crust. They’re the perfect little handheld desserts and ideal for adding a festive touch to your Thanksgiving dessert spread!
Recipe from: feelgoodfoodie
30. Pecan Pie Brownies
Can’t decide between brownies and pecan pie? Now you don’t have to! These pecan pie brownies give you the best of both worlds—a fudgy chocolate base topped with gooey pecan pie filling. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Recipe from: smartschoolhouse
Thanksgiving Desserts: FAQs
Wondering how to make your Thanksgiving desserts even easier? I’ve got you covered! Here are the answers to some of the most common dessert dilemmas:
Q: Can You Make These Thanksgiving Desserts Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Most of these desserts are perfect for making a day or two in advance.
For no-bake treats and microwave marvels, prep them the night before, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge. For baked items, consider wrapping them in plastic or storing them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
Q: How Can You Make These Thanksgiving Desserts Look More Festive?
A little decoration can go a long way!
Think of garnishes like whipped cream swirls, caramel drizzles, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Fresh fruits like cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or slices of citrus can add color and freshness.
Use themed plates, napkins, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to make your desserts look straight out of a magazine!
Q: What Are Some Tips for Keeping These Desserts Fresh?
The key to freshness is proper storage.
For no-bake desserts, keep them chilled until serving to maintain texture and flavor. For baked goods, store them in airtight containers at room temperature, or freeze them if you’re prepping more than two days in advance.
Wrap Up
There you have it! Super easy desserts that’ll make your Thanksgiving both delicious and drama-free. Why stress when you can impress with minimal effort? Grab your favorite, give it a go, and bask in the glory of being the dessert queen this holiday! 🎃🥧✨
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