13 No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts That’ll Save Your Sanity
Let me tell you something—after years of juggling multiple ovens on Thanksgiving Day, I’ve learned that no-bake desserts are absolute lifesavers! There’s nothing worse than trying to bake a pie while your turkey’s taking up prime oven real estate. That’s why I’ve put together this collection of my favorite no-bake Thanksgiving treats that taste just as incredible as their baked counterparts.
These recipes have saved me more times than I can count, especially that year when my oven decided to quit mid-turkey roast (true story!). The best part? You can make most of these a day or two ahead, which means less stress and more time with your family. Trust me on this one—your future self will thank you!
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1. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
This creamy, spiced cheesecake is always the first dessert to disappear from my Thanksgiving table!
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chill Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 12 slices |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~320 per slice (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons sugar
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until it looks like wet sand
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan and refrigerate
- Beat cream cheese until fluffy, then add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form
- Gently fold whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture—don’t overmix!
- Pour filling over the crust and smooth the top
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm
2. Pecan Pie Bars (No-Bake)
All the flavor of traditional pecan pie without the fuss—I swear by this recipe during the holidays!
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Chill Time | 3 hours |
| Total Time | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 16 bars |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~280 per bar (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- 9×13 inch pan
- Food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Line your pan with parchment paper—this makes cleanup so much easier!
- Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar, then press into the pan
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium heat
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then remove from the heat
- Add pecans, vanilla, and salt, stirring until everything’s coated
- Pour pecan mixture over the crust and spread evenly
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set—I usually make these the night before!
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
This crowd-pleaser combines two of my favorite flavors—it’s rich, creamy, and dangerously addictive!
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Chill Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 10 slices |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~410 per slice (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- 9-inch pie pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos)
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- Chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter, then press into your pie pan
- Beat cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form
- Fold half the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture
- Spread filling into the crust and top with the remaining whipped cream
- Garnish with chocolate chips and chill for 4 hours
4. Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Cups
These individual servings are perfect for parties—no slicing required!
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 25 minutes |
| Servings | 12 cups |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Calories | ~240 per cup (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- Muffin tin with paper liners
- Electric mixer
- Small saucepan
- Piping bag (optional)
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping:
- 2 cups diced apples
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Mix crust ingredients and press about 1 tablespoon into each muffin liner
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until fluffy
- Whip heavy cream separately until stiff, then fold into the cream cheese mixture
- Pipe or spoon filling over each crust
- For the topping, sauté apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until softened
- Let the apples cool, then spoon them onto each cheesecake cup
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving
5. Pumpkin Spice Pudding Parfaits
Layers of creamy pumpkin pudding and whipped cream—these look fancy, but they’re so simple!
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Chill Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 8 parfaits |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~210 per parfait (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- Clear glasses or cups
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Piping bag (optional)
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed gingersnap cookies
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes)
- Stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until smooth
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form
- In your glasses, layer crushed gingersnaps, pumpkin pudding, and whipped cream
- Repeat layers once more
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookies
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving
6. Cranberry Orange Trifle
This beautiful layered dessert is always a showstopper on my Thanksgiving table!
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Chill Time | 3 hours |
| Total Time | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Servings | 12 servings |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Calories | ~290 per serving (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- Large trifle bowl or glass bowl
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cake or angel food cake (store-bought works perfectly!)
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 2 cups whole cranberry sauce
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
- Cut cake into 1-inch cubes—I like to use store-bought to save time
- Beat mascarpone and powdered sugar until smooth
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form
- Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture along with the orange zest
- In your trifle bowl, layer cake cubes, mascarpone cream, and cranberry sauce
- Repeat layers until you reach the top
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange zest, then chill for 3 hours
7. Chocolate Mousse with Caramel
Rich, silky, and absolutely divine—this elegant dessert never fails to impress!
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Calories | ~340 per serving (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- Electric mixer
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Mixing bowls
- Serving cups
Ingredients:
- 12 oz dark chocolate chips
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream (divided)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup prepared caramel sauce
- Sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate with ½ cup cream using a double boiler or microwave—stir until smooth
- Let the chocolate mixture cool to room temperature
- Whip the remaining 2½ cups of cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form
- Gently fold whipped cream into cooled chocolate in three additions
- Spoon mousse into serving cups
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set
8. Maple Pecan Icebox Cake
Layers of cookies and maple cream create this amazing make-ahead dessert!
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chill Time | 6 hours |
| Total Time | 6 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 10 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~310 per serving (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- 9×9-inch pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Offset spatula
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 box graham crackers
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions:
- Whip heavy cream with maple syrup until stiff peaks form
- Beat in mascarpone until smooth and creamy
- Spread a thin layer of cream mixture on the bottom of your pan
- Arrange a layer of graham crackers over the cream
- Spread more cream mixture over crackers and sprinkle with pecans
- Repeat layers, ending with cream on top
- Cover and refrigerate overnight—the crackers soften into cake-like layers!
9. Lemon Berry Cheesecake Bars
Bright, refreshing, and the perfect balance to heavier Thanksgiving dishes!
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Chill Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 25 minutes |
| Servings | 16 bars |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~250 per bar (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- 9×13 inch pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries
Instructions:
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal
- Mix vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter and press into the pan
- Beat cream cheese until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, lemon zest, juice, and vanilla
- Whip heavy cream separately until stiff peaks form
- Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture
- Spread over crust and gently press the berries into the top
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars
10. Sweet Potato Pie Mousse
All the flavors of traditional sweet potato pie in an airy, creamy mousse form!
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~220 per serving (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Serving glasses
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups cooked sweet potato puree
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Crushed pecans for topping
Instructions:
- Beat sweet potato puree, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices until smooth
- Whip heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form
- Gently fold whipped cream into the sweet potato mixture in two additions
- Spoon mousse into serving glasses
- Top with crushed pecans
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving
11. Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
Sweet and salty perfection—this crowd-pleaser disappears fast!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Chill Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings | 20 pieces |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~180 per piece (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients:
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- ½ cup prepared caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Melt milk chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth
- Spread melted chocolate evenly on the prepared sheet
- Quickly press pretzels into the chocolate while it’s still soft
- Melt white chocolate and drizzle over pretzels
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt
- Refrigerate for 1 hour until set, then break into pieces
12. Pumpkin Pie Dip
This creamy dip tastes exactly like pumpkin pie—serve it with graham crackers or apple slices!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Chill Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings | 12 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~160 per serving (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Serving bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Graham crackers and apple slices for serving
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy
- Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla
- Mix until completely smooth—you’ll see it turn a beautiful orange color!
- Whip heavy cream separately until stiff peaks form
- Fold whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture
- Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour
- Serve with graham crackers, apple slices, or ginger cookies
13. Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
These bite-sized treats are addictive—I always make a double batch because they go so quickly!
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 36 balls |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~110 per ball (est.) |
Essential Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop (optional)
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 12 oz chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Ingredients:
- Mix peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until combined
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Freeze for 30 minutes—this makes dipping so much easier!
- Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth
- Dip each ball in chocolate using a fork, letting excess drip off
- Return to parchment paper and let the chocolate set
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving
Tips for No-Bake Thanksgiving Success
Make-Ahead Magic
- Most of these desserts taste even better the next day—prep them 1-2 days ahead!
- Store in airtight containers to keep them fresh
- Label each container so you don’t forget what’s what
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chilling long enough? Your desserts might be too soft to serve—patience pays off here!
- Warm ingredients? Make sure cream cheese is softened but not warm, or your textures will be off
- Skipping the crust chilling? A cold crust holds together much better when you add the filling
Storage Tips
- Keep desserts covered in the fridge until ready to serve
- Most no-bake desserts last 3-4 days refrigerated
- Don’t freeze cream-based desserts—they don’t thaw well
Serving Suggestions
- Bring desserts to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor
- Garnish right before serving to keep everything looking fresh
- Set up a dessert buffet table so guests can help themselves
More No-bake Dessert Recipes
- Hot Chocolate Lasagna
- Chocolate Mascarpone Mousse
- Special Oreo Tiramisu
- Chocolate Panna Cotta with Raspberry
Conclusion
There you have it—13 amazing no-bake Thanksgiving desserts that’ll save you oven space and sanity! I’ve relied on these recipes year after year, and they never disappoint. The best part? You can make them ahead and actually enjoy Thanksgiving Day instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Try one or try them all—your guests will never know you didn’t turn on the oven!
