19 Simple and Fast Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
These quick Thanksgiving desserts help busy cooks create memorable holiday treats without spending all day in the kitchen. Each recipe focuses on simple ingredients and easy techniques.
From no-bake options to dump cakes, these desserts let you enjoy more time with family while still serving impressive sweets everyone will love.
01. Rich Chocolate Mousse Made with Cocoa
This no-cook dessert uses cocoa powder, heavy cream, and sugar to create silky chocolate mousse. The rich texture satisfies without being too heavy after dinner.
Serving in small shooter glasses creates an elegant presentation that impresses guests. The individual portions help control serving sizes perfectly.
Perfect for busy hosts since it requires no baking time. You can make this ahead and chill until ready to serve.
02. Spiced Pumpkin Cobbler
This version uses pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a hint of orange extract for bright flavor. The filling firms up enough to cut into neat squares.
A soft buttery crumble tops the creamy pumpkin layer instead of traditional pie crust. This creates interesting texture contrast in every bite.
Great for serving crowds since you can cut precise portions. Add chopped pecans on top before baking for extra crunch.
03. Individual Mini Pecan Pies
These single-serving pies use mini tart shells filled with classic pecan pie filling. Individual portions eliminate the need for slicing and serving.
The smaller size means faster baking time and perfect texture every time. Each guest gets their own complete pie experience.
This method works great for potlucks and gatherings with multiple dessert options. Everyone can try different treats without waste.
04. Simple Baked Pumpkin Pudding
This easy dessert combines pumpkin puree with basic pudding ingredients and a crispy topping. The result tastes like pumpkin pie with cinnamon toast crumbs.
The top layer gets golden and crunchy while the bottom stays creamy. This texture combination makes it unique from regular puddings.
Takes minimal prep time and uses common pantry ingredients. Perfect for beginners who want guaranteed delicious results.
05. Pumpkin Pie Squares with Nutty Crust
These squares use a nutty crust base instead of traditional pie pastry, then top with classic pumpkin pie filling. Cut into squares or decorative rounds.
The nutty crust provides better flavor and texture than regular pie crust. Each piece holds together perfectly for easy serving.
This method works great when serving multiple desserts since portions are controlled. Add whipped cream dollops for elegant presentation.
06. Pumpkin Crumb Dump Cake
This dump cake layers pumpkin pie filling in the middle with cake mix and butter on top. Everything bakes together into delicious crumb cake.
The dump method means minimal mixing and measuring required. Just layer ingredients and let the oven do the work.
Perfect for busy cooks who want impressive results with little effort. Family-friendly dessert that pleases all ages at holiday gatherings.
07. Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Roll Base
This creative dessert combines apple crisp filling with cinnamon roll dough as the base layer. Two favorite fall desserts merge into one treat.
The cinnamon roll base stays soft and flavorful while apples become tender and juicy. Your kitchen will smell amazing during baking.
Takes more time but creates restaurant-quality results that wow guests. The unique combination makes it memorable holiday dessert.
08. Pecan Pie Brownies
These show-stopping brownies start with boxed brownie mix, then add pecan pie topping layer. Nobody will guess you used a mix.
The brownie base provides rich chocolate foundation while pecan layer adds classic holiday flavors. Two desserts in one impressive treat.
This method saves time while creating bakery-quality results. Perfect for impressing guests without spending all day baking.
09. Layered Pumpkin Cream Trifle
This elegant trifle layers pumpkin cream with cake and whipped topping in clear glass bowl. The presentation looks professionally made.
Make-ahead friendly since it needs chilling time to set properly. The flavors actually improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.
Great for busy Thanksgiving cooks since it’s completely done before guests arrive. Saves precious oven space on cooking day.
10. Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake
This dump cake combines pumpkin pie filling with cake mix and butter for effortless dessert. Simply dump ingredients into pan and bake.
The crunchy topping contrasts nicely with creamy pumpkin layer underneath. Much easier than making traditional pumpkin pie with crust.
Perfect time-saver when you want pumpkin pie flavors without the fuss. Takes less than an hour from start to finish.
11. Caramelized Apple Pie with Ready-Made Crust
This version caramelizes apples first, then holds them together with glossy apple syrup. Store-bought crust makes assembly quick and easy.
The caramelization process creates deeper apple flavor than traditional methods. The syrup coating gives beautiful shine and rich taste.
Takes less time than traditional apple pie but delivers superior flavor. Great for cooks who want homemade taste with convenience.
12. Grated Apple Crisp
This innovative method uses grated apples instead of sliced, eliminating tedious peeling and cutting. Grape-Nuts cereal adds unexpected crunch to topping.
Grating apples cooks them faster and creates different texture than traditional apple crisp. The cereal topping provides unique crunchiness.
Much quicker prep time than regular apple desserts. Perfect for busy cooks who want homemade results without extra work.
13. Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These cake-like cookies use pumpkin puree and warm spices for fluffy, tender texture. They stay soft and moist for days.
The soft texture makes them perfect for sandwich cookies with cream cheese frosting. Kids and adults love the mild pumpkin flavor.
Great for cookie exchanges and parties since they transport well. Make ahead and store covered for convenient holiday treats.
14. Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake
This fall Bundt cake combines chocolate and pumpkin flavors in moist, rich cake. Takes only 45 minutes from start to finish.
The chocolate masks any strong pumpkin taste for picky eaters. Bundt pan creates impressive presentation with minimal decorating needed.
Perfect for office parties and potlucks since it travels well. The combination appeals to both chocolate and pumpkin lovers.
15. Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
This incredibly simple cake uses only spice cake mix and canned pumpkin puree. Many bakers add three eggs for better spreading.
The minimal ingredients create surprisingly moist and flavorful cake. Works in 9×13 pan, Bundt pan, or as individual cupcakes.
Perfect for emergency desserts or beginning bakers. Tastes best after chilling and pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting.
16. Light Pumpkin Mousse
This refreshing mousse provides lighter option among heavy holiday desserts. Guests appreciate the airy texture after big meals.
Make-ahead friendly and stores well in refrigerator until serving time. Serve in chocolate shells or with graham crackers for dipping.
Great for hosts who want elegant presentation without much work. The light texture balances richer desserts on holiday tables.
17. Classic Pumpkin Pie
This traditional pumpkin pie recipe delivers classic holiday flavors in about one hour total time. Uses standard pumpkin pie spices and techniques.
The straightforward method works reliably even for beginning bakers. No complicated techniques or unusual ingredients required for success.
Perfect when you want traditional Thanksgiving dessert without any surprises. Guests expect and appreciate this classic holiday favorite.
18. Simple Apple Crisp
This easy apple crisp uses basic ingredients with optional cinnamon brown sugar oatmeal packets for extra flavor. Sliced apples bake under crumb topping.
The oatmeal packet addition creates more complex flavor without measuring multiple spices. Teenagers can make this successfully without help.
Best served warm with vanilla ice cream for complete dessert experience. Takes less than an hour and uses common ingredients.
19. Festive Thanksgiving Cookies
These quick cookies use orange cake mix and dried cranberries for festive fall flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
The cake mix base ensures tender texture while cranberries add tartness and color. Simple ingredients create impressive-looking holiday cookies.
Perfect for last-minute cookie needs or bake sales. The orange and cranberry combination screams autumn without being too seasonal.
Final Thoughts
These quick Thanksgiving desserts prove you don’t need complicated recipes to create memorable holiday treats. Simple ingredients and smart shortcuts deliver impressive results.
Choose recipes that match your skill level and available time, then enjoy more moments with family instead of stressing in the kitchen.