Thanksgiving is the perfect time to whip up some easy and delicious desserts that everyone will love. Whether you’re short on time or just want to keep it simple, there are plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic pumpkin pie to no-bake treats, these desserts will make your holiday meals even sweeter without all the fuss.
No-Bake Chocolate Mousse Cups
No-bake chocolate mousse cups are a delightful treat for any Thanksgiving gathering. They are rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect dessert for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. These little cups are not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
The mousse is light and airy, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without the stress of last-minute baking.
Gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up these tasty treats. They are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
- Small cups or glasses for serving
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into small cups or glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving. Enjoy!
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat for Thanksgiving. These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of oranges, creating a perfect balance. They are simple to make and add a festive touch to your dessert table.
These cookies are not just tasty; they also look beautiful. The dusting of powdered sugar gives them a snowy appearance, making them an inviting addition to any holiday spread. Pair them with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a stunning presentation.
Making these cookies is straightforward. You’ll enjoy the process of mixing the ingredients and shaping the dough. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping
Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any Thanksgiving table. The rich, creamy filling made from sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the fluffy marshmallow topping. This pie not only looks stunning but also tastes incredible, making it a must-have for your holiday feast.
The combination of sweet potatoes and marshmallows creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The sweet potato filling is smooth and slightly spiced, while the toasted marshmallows add a fun, gooey element. This dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
Making sweet potato pie is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a homemade dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pre-made pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Remove the pie from the oven and carefully top it with mini marshmallows, spreading them evenly over the surface.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
- Let the pie cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your sweet potato pie with marshmallow topping!
Pecan Pie Brownies
Pecan pie brownies are a delightful twist on two classic desserts. They combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie. Perfect for Thanksgiving, these treats are sure to impress your guests.
The brownies are topped with a layer of gooey pecan pie filling, making each bite a delicious mix of chocolate and caramelized pecans. They look stunning on any dessert table, especially when garnished with whole pecans and a drizzle of chocolate.
Making these brownies is simple and fun. You’ll want to gather your ingredients and get ready to bake something special. They’re a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread, bringing a unique flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter. Stir in granulated sugar, then add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture over the brownie batter.
- Sprinkle whole pecans on top of the filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy your pecan pie brownies!
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin spice cheesecake bars are a delightful treat for Thanksgiving. They combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
The base is a simple graham cracker crust that adds a nice crunch. The pumpkin filling is rich and smooth, topped with a light whipped cream layer. These bars not only taste great but also look beautiful on any dessert table.
To make these bars, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. The combination of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and spices creates a delicious flavor that everyone will love. They are a fantastic way to celebrate the season!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture over the crust evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Let it cool completely.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled cheesecake layer.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Apple crisp with oat topping is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any Thanksgiving table. The combination of sweet, tender apples and a crunchy oat topping creates a delightful contrast that everyone loves. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy holiday gatherings.
To make this apple crisp, you’ll start by slicing fresh apples and tossing them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds a warm spice flavor. Next, you’ll prepare the oat topping, which is made from oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. This mixture is sprinkled over the apples, creating a golden, crispy layer when baked.
Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The melting ice cream adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced apples. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more!
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream!
Maple Walnut Tart
The Maple Walnut Tart is a delightful dessert perfect for Thanksgiving. Its rich, sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with the crunchy walnuts, making it a crowd favorite. The golden crust holds a creamy filling that is both smooth and satisfying. This tart is not only tasty but also adds a beautiful touch to your holiday table.
Making this tart is simple and requires just a few ingredients. It’s a great way to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pie crust in a tart pan and press it into the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.
- In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
Chocolate pumpkin muffins are a delightful way to celebrate Thanksgiving. They blend the rich flavors of chocolate with the warm, comforting taste of pumpkin. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and perfect for any gathering. They make a great addition to your dessert table or a sweet treat for breakfast.
To make these muffins, you’ll need simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of chocolate and pumpkin creates a unique flavor that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for busy holiday preparations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These chocolate pumpkin muffins are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and watch them disappear!
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.