31 No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts That Save Time and Oven Space
You can make most of them the day beforehand.
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A big 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? It might feel stressful to think about yet another thing that requires an oven, so instead we've rounded up the best no-bake Thanksgiving desserts.
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. 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.
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!
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.
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-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.
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.
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.
Spiced Apple Mug Cake
If you've got 15 minutes and a microwave, you can whip up this easy peasy seasonal dessert. It's great for when you have extra company unexpectedly come over because you can make as many as you need individually.
Get the Spiced Apple Mug Cake recipe.
Oreo Truffles
Ree has the right idea: Take an already delicious cookie and turn it into an irresistible candy! You can make them up to four days in advance and change up the sprinkles on top to be more seasonal.
Get Ree's Oreo Truffles recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
Your guests will simply swoon over a spoonful of this nostalgic treat. Bonus: it tastes better when it sits overnight, so make it beforehand and just take it out of the fridge when you're ready to serve.
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
Looking for something refreshing after all that savory stuff? Try this puckeringly perfect no-bake cheesecake. It's creamy and adds just the right of fresh flavor to end the meal.
Get the No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake recipe.
Oreo Pie
This cookies n' cream pie is simple yet crowd-pleasing. And it's a fun way to serve pie without having to take up space the oven. Just be sure to serve it up with whipped cream on top!
Get the Oreo Pie 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.
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Comforting oatmeal cookies are a no-brainer come fall, but these no-bake oatmeal cookies are even easier! They're chocolate-y, coconut-y, and great for making ahead.
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 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.
Eclair Cake
With layers of creamy vanilla pudding, graham crackers, and a chocolate ganache, this no-bake cake feels like a special treat. The best part is, it only takes 15 minutes to make.
Get the Eclair Cake recipe.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in heaven! To let guests know what to expect, finish these bars with crushed chopped peanuts on top.
Get Ree's No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars 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 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 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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