40 Easy No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts That Save Oven Space
You can make most of them a day or two before.
Thanksgiving dinner requires a lot of dishes taking up space in the oven, especially that roast turkey. It could take hours to cook, leaving you with a limited amount of time and space to make your baked sweet potato casserole or other Thanksgiving side dishes. So, what about your Thanksgiving desserts? Don't stress! Try these no-bake Thanksgiving desserts instead. They require no oven time at all, leaving it free for everything else you have to make.
If you're worried about missing out on your favorite Thanksgiving traditions (like making pumpkin pie), don't worry! This list includes plenty of no-bake pie recipes, pumpkin desserts, and fall treats. You can make Ree Drummond's version of pumpkin cream pie using a store-bought cookie crust and a spiced-up box of vanilla pudding or pop an apple mug cake in the microwave and have it ready in less than 15 minutes.
Whether you're after a cute turkey-shaped Rice Krispies treat or a cozy baked apple dish that's made in an Instant Pot, there's something on this list for the whole family. Looking for a non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe? You'll love the salted caramel cheesecake bars or the no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies. Not only are these no-bake desserts easy, but most of them even can be made ahead. That way, you'll have less to do on the big day. Now that's what we call a stress-free holiday!
Pumpkin Cream Pie
Look for store-bought graham cracker crust in the supermarket to make this pumpkin cream pie oven-free! It's what Ree calls a "creamy, dreamy, more mild take on classic pumpkin pie."
Get Ree's Pumpkin Cream Pie recipe.
Panna Cotta
Who knew such an elegant dessert didn't require an oven? But panna cotta doesn't, thanks to the magic of gelatin. It only takes minutes of prep time and should be made in advance anyway. That's a win-win!
Get the Panna Cotta recipe.
Chocolate Pie
Say hello to Ladd Drummond's favorite pie. It's basically just chocolate pudding in pie form, but it's guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face.
Get Ree's Chocolate Pie recipe.
Affogato
Serving coffee with dessert? How 'bout serving coffee over dessert to make it even better? That's what affogato is all about. Don't be afraid to play around with the ice cream flavors!
Get the Affogato recipe.
Jell-O Mold
Retro desserts for the win! Seeing and tasting a Jell-O mold will put a smile on everyone's face during the Thanksgiving feast. And it's so simple to make!
Get the Jell-O Mold recipe.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
One easy switch makes one of Ree's most decadent pies completely no-bake. Just buy a ready-made chocolate cookie crust. Then the rest comes together in just minutes.
Get Ree's Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie recipe.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Cake
Turn store-bought chocolate chip cookies into a towering masterpiece. All you need to do is make some whipped cream and layer away! It can be made up to two days in advance.
No-Bake Key Lime Pie
Citrus on Thanksgiving makes sense if you think about it! Cold weather is the peak of citrus season. Plus, the bright flavor of key lime will help balance out the heavier meal.
Get the No-Bake Key Lime Pie recipe.
Mini Lemon Meringue Pies
Speaking of citrus, classic lemon meringue pie is always a crowdpleaser. When you make them mini, they're much easier to assemble and are a lovely dessert for a sit-down dinner.
Get Ree's Mini Lemon Meringue Pies recipe.
Scotcheroos
Think of these as a major flavor upgrade on Rice Krispies treats. They're made with chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch for a decadent bite that's just right for a holiday.
Get the Scotcheroos recipe.
Bourbon Balls
This one is for the adults! Make these boozy truffles in a flash by whizzing up vanilla wafers, walnuts, sweeteners, and bourbon in a food processor. Dip them in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or sprinkles and serve.
Get the Bourbon Balls recipe.
Cherry Delight
Get the flavors of cherry pie and cheesecake all in one pan. Don't go crazy looking for fresh cherries either! This is made with canned pie filling for easy peasy assembly. A delight, indeed!
Get Ree's Cherry Delight recipe.
Oreo Icebox Cake
Raspberries are always tasty, even off season. Combined with layers of Oreos and a whipped cream cheese mixture, they create an impressive no-bake cake.
Get the Oreo Icebox Cake recipe.
Apple Fritters
Here's an easy to make desserts without an oven: use your stovetop! You can fry these crispy apple dough bites in just 30 minutes.
Get Ree's Apple Fritters recipe.
Pumpkin Truffles
Inspired by a slice of pumpkin pie, these beautiful truffles are a fun twist on a classic dessert. They would make pretty take-home gifts for your guests, too!
Get the Pumpkin Truffles recipe.
Chocolate Mousse
You can serve up fluffy homemade chocolate mousse in bowls or cups, but we love the way they look in these elegant champagne coupes. It's perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
Get the Chocolate Mousse recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Whether you have leftover store-bought pie or just some extra pumpkin puree, you can make these pumpkin-inspired milkshakes. Top it off with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and pumpkin pie spice for good measure.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake recipe.
Chocolate-Almond Pretzel Clusters
These irresistible little bites only take about 20 minutes to make. Mini pretzels and slivered almonds get coated in two types of chocolate and a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberries on top give them extra flavor.
Get Ree's Chocolate-Almond Pretzel Clusters recipe.
Gingerbread Truffles
Transform the warm flavors of gingersnap cookies into delectable bites to serve your guests. You can use the store-bought kind and crush them up with cream cheese and vanilla. Then coat them in sweet white chocolate.
Get the Gingerbread Truffles recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Cereal Treats
Get your kiddos to help make these fall-inspired cereal treats. They're just like the classic, but with pumpkin spice flavor.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Cereal Treats recipe.
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