Thanksgiving is a time for connecting with family and friends over a festive feast. However, after devoting so much attention to the turkey and carefully crafting a variety of festive accompaniments, desserts can be overlooked during the marathon that is Thanksgiving cooking. Nevertheless, everyone is still anticipating the arrival of the pumpkin pie. Fortunately, there are desserts that are both quick and effortless to prepare, but that does not mean you have to compromise on flavor. These simple Thanksgiving sweet courses span classic pumpkin pies to refined pecan tarts—all of which are delightful. Find out our top effortless and rapid Thanksgiving desserts.
Petite Pecan Pies
Why bother with slicing a pie when you can create pies that are individually portioned! Reviewer Lindie Vandiver shares, “I prepared these for a corporate Thanksgiving gathering, and they were a hit! They were the most flavorful (and best textured) pecan pies I’ve ever baked, and they were the ideal serving size for a get-together with an abundance of desserts to sample.”
Straightforward Pumpkin Cream Trifle
“This was a first-time make for me this Blessing and everyone was a fan,” says reviewer 2232. “Among all the sugary treats we had, this was the first to be over.” This dessert can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, which can help to minimize the time spent in the kitchen on Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Dump Cake
If you’re in search of something effortless and rapid, dump cakes are perfect. As implied by the name, you just mix all your ingredients and “dump” them into a baking dish. Reviewer MRSO shares, “This is a timesaver for those who want pumpkin pie but don’t have the time to roll out a crust. The crispy topping is a pleasant variation.”
Basic Pumpkin Pie
It’s hard to go wrong with a staple, especially one that can be prepared in just 60 minutes. Reviewer agirl60614 states, “I’ve baked this pie on two occasions — once for a social gathering and again for my flatmates upon their request. It is incredibly simple and unquestionably the tastiest. I’m a poor baker, and if I can make it without a hitch, it’s undeniably simple!”
Pumpkin Cobbler
Reviewer lutzflcat shares, “It carries all the flavor of a traditional pumpkin pie with its spices and a touch of citrus from the orange essence. After slightly cooling, the filling solidifies enough to be sliced into blocks for serving. The filling is creamy, while the cobbler top is a soft and buttery crumb, just exquisite…I served it warm with a dollop of whipped cream dusted with pumpkin pie spice.” If looked-for, you can scatter some sliced pecans on top before baking.
Speedy and Effortless Pumpkin Mousse
Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes are easy like amid all the heavy pies and cakes, your guests will appreciate a light and refreshing mousse on the dessert table. This recipe can also be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Recipe creator Kristin_California suggests, “This is a quick and easy indulgence during the holiday season. Pour into chocolate shells bought from any kitchen store for an upscale touch or serve with graham crackers for dipping. If you’re pressed for time, you can also heat the ingredients in the microwave on high, in 30-second intervals.”
Pumpkin Chocolate Bundt Cake
Those who can’t resist chocolate will love this autumn-inspired Bundt cake, which can be whipped up in just 45 minutes. Melanie, one of the reviewers, found this recipe to be incredibly simple and straightforward, with just the right amount of ingredients. She shared the cake at her office, and it was an instant success. This recipe will definitely be a mainstay in her repertoire.
Quick Thanksgiving Cookies
Kristie Ramsey, the creator of this recipe, describes these cookies as remarkably easy to make, yet astonishingly tasty. With the surprising combination of orange cake mix and dried cranberries, you can prepare these festive cookies in about a quarter of an hour.
Simple Pumpkin Pie Squares
Reviewer TRISH has made these squares for Thanksgiving dinner on multiple occasions. The petite size of these squares makes them perfect when there are several desserts to choose from. They have all the flavors of a traditional pumpkin pie, with an added ‘nutty’ crust that is more enjoyable than a pie crust. You can either cut them into squares or use a fluted biscuit cutter to create rounds. Top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.
Pumpkin Crumb Cake
Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes are easy like this effortless dump cake with a layer of pumpkin pie mix in the center. Reviewer BARBIE0492’s family loved this cake, making it their favorite among the pumpkin desserts they tried leading up to Thanksgiving.
Super Easy Pumpkin Cookies
These cookies have a soft, cake-like consistency rather than a firm, crisp texture. Reviewer AmandaPGH transformed these into pumpkin ‘gobs’ by adding cream cheese frosting between two cookies. The result was a smash hit at the party she attended.
Simplified Pumpkin Cake
Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes are easy like, this crowd-pleaser dessert only requires a spice cake mix and canned pumpkin – a two-ingredient culinary wonder. The recipe developer, Chickentarian states, “The simplicity of this recipe is astounding! A duo of ingredients magically transforms into a moist and delectable cake. It pairs wonderfully with your preferred cream cheese frosting. A top tip; let it chill to enhance the flavor.” Some cooking enthusiasts recommend the addition of three eggs to ease the spreading of the batter. This versatile recipe can be baked in a 9×13 pan, a Bundt pan, or even as muffins.
Uncomplicated Apple Crisp
CandysGlassesRock, a reviewer, shares, “My adolescent daughter whipped up this dessert for our Thanksgiving feast, and it was a hit! We added a twist by sprinkling two sachets of cinnamon brown sugar instant oatmeal on top before baking – a phenomenal addition! It’s incredibly straightforward to make and tastes divine!” This straightforward sweet treat is preferably served warm, complemented with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this delightful journey through Thanksgiving dessert recipes, I hope you’ve discovered inspiration and joy in the world of sweet creations. The essence of Thanksgiving lies not only in gratitude for the blessings we have but also in the shared moments around the table. May these dessert ideas add a touch of warmth and sweetness to your holiday gatherings. From classic pies to innovative treats, let the spirit of thankfulness linger in every bite. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and an abundance of delicious desserts. Happy baking!
