I think we can all agree that one of the best things about Thanksgiving is the dessert. Fall flavors like apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, and pecan pop up in pies, cookies, and more, and there are so many other tasty Thanksgiving treats that go beyond traditional offerings. But because we don’t always have the time (or energy) to whip up elaborate desserts, sometimes it’s best to go with an easy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Yep, there’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen making traditional pie crust or whipping egg whites, because we rounded up 16 easy Thanksgiving dessert recipes that require minimal preparation. And when you spend less time in the kitchen, that means you get to spend more time with family, so it’s a win-win.
Related: A Simple Veggie Dish That Will Steal the Show This Thanksgiving
POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Pecan Pie Cookies
These cookies are perfect for pecan-pie-lovers who don’t want to bother with crust. They don’t require any chilling, so you can bake them on a whim, and the pecan pie filling is easy and impressive!
Get the recipe: pecan pie cookies
POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Pumpkin Pie With Graham Cracker Crust
Graham cracker crust takes your standard pumpkin pie to a whole new level. You can make the crust with your hands, and the filling comes together in one bowl in minutes.
Get the recipe: pumpkin pie with graham cracker crust
POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Iizuka
Pumpkin Pie Truffles
These pumpkin pie truffles look as decadent as they taste. Made with just five ingredients, these are super easy and sure to impress. If you really want to keep things simple, you can skip dipping them in white chocolate.
Get the recipe: pumpkin pie truffles
POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Iizuka
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
No-bake pumpkin cheesecake means you don’t have to worry about the cheesecake cracking in the oven. We love that this recipe is made in individual serving sizes, too – if you don’t have enough glasses on hand, look for clear disposable ones so that your guests can see your gorgeous work!
Get the recipe: no-bake pumpkin cheesecake
A Cozy Kitchen
Easy Apple Cobbler
If you’ve ever wanted to try making apple cobbler but felt too intimidated, this recipe is for you. Simply toss apple slices with sugar and spices and top with batter. Easier than pie!
Get the recipe: easy apple cobbler
A Cozy Kitchen
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
How cute is this fall twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies? These do require an hour of chill time, which means you can make them ahead of Thanksgiving Day, then pop them in the oven just in time to have warm, melty chocolate cookies for dessert. Now that’s something to be grateful for.
Get the recipe: pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
A Beautiful Mess
Buttermilk Honey Pie
Want to bring a new pie to the table this Thanksgiving? Look no further than this yummy, custardy buttermilk honey pie. It’s made with just six ingredients plus a store-bought pie crust. Yes, please!
Get the recipe: buttermilk honey pie
Averie Cooks
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
You’ve heard of pumpkin pie and you’ve heard of ice cream pie, but why not combine them for one delicious dessert? The best part is that it keeps in the freezer for up to a month, so if your gathering is a little smaller than usual, no worries about storing the leftovers.
Get the recipe: pumpkin ice cream pie
Cookies and Cups
Pumpkin Dump Cake
You know you’ve got an easy recipe on your hands when one of the ingredients is cake mix. For this pumpkin dump cake, you mix up all of your dry ingredients, then pour melted butter over the top – hence the name. It’s super simple and super delicious!
Get the recipe: pumpkin dump cake
Cookies and Cups
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Few desserts are easier (or better crowd-pleasers) than Rice Krispie treats. The addition of pumpkin spice makes these a seasonal delight!
Get the recipe: pumpkin spice Rice Krispie treats
Love from the Oven
Gingerbread Cookies
These gingerbread cookies are simple and oh so soft. They don’t require any time to chill, so you can make them on a whim!
Get the recipe: gingerbread cookies
Love from the Oven
Apple Crisp
As long as you’re willing to peel a few apples, this apple crisp recipe is as easy as they come, and unlike pie, you don’t have to worry about presentation. We absolutely recommend serving with vanilla ice cream.
Get the recipe: apple crisp
Show Me the Yummy
Slow-Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake
A dump cake and a slow-cooker recipe? Doesn’t get much easier than that! Made with cake mix and apple pie filling, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a simpler dessert than this one.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker caramel apple dump cake
Spiced
Slow-Cooker Hot Chocolate
With this slow-cooker hot chocolate, you’re always ready for dessert. It’s made with real chocolate chips, whole milk, and heavy whipping cream for an extrathick, extradecadent postmeal holiday drink.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker hot chocolate
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Cake
This slow-cooker pumpkin cake is made with just four ingredients and cooks in three hours. You can fix it and forget about it until you’re ready to serve.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker pumpkin cake
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Crockpot Pecan Pie
Want pecan pie without worrying about the crust or dripping edges? This recipe is for you. It’s made with real pie crust in the base of a slow cooker, so it works best with round slow cookers, but an oval base will work too.
Get the recipe: crockpot pecan pie
