MomSkoop
Thanksgiving Day means juggling a turkey, casseroles, rolls, and side dishes all fighting for precious oven space. When you’re staring at a packed oven schedule and still need to serve something sweet, no-bake desserts become your best friend.
These easy treats skip the baking step entirely while delivering all the festive flavors your guests expect, from pumpkin and apple to caramel and chocolate.
1. No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
Classic pumpkin pie gets a hassle-free makeover that saves your oven for the turkey. This version combines pumpkin puree with cream cheese, whipped cream, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled in a simple graham cracker crust.
The filling sets up beautifully in the refrigerator, creating that smooth, creamy texture everyone loves. You can make it a full day ahead, which means one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving morning.
Top with fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving for that picture-perfect presentation your guests will adore.
2. Maple Mousse
Pure maple syrup transforms ordinary mousse into something extraordinary and perfectly seasonal. Whipped cream folded with maple syrup and a touch of gelatin creates clouds of sweet, airy goodness that taste like fall in a spoonful.
Serve this luxurious treat in small glasses or ramekins to show off those beautiful layers. The natural sweetness of real maple syrup shines through without being overwhelming, making it a sophisticated choice for your holiday table.
Garnish with candied pecans or a maple leaf cookie for an extra special touch that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
3. Pumpkin Mousse
Light as air yet packed with pumpkin flavor, this mousse brings autumn vibes without weighing anyone down after a big meal. Pumpkin puree meets sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice in a dreamy combination that takes just minutes to whip together.
The texture is incredibly silky and melts on your tongue, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier pies. Kids and adults alike appreciate how it captures all those cozy fall flavors in a fun, spoonable format.
Layer it with crushed gingersnaps or vanilla wafers for added crunch and visual appeal that makes each serving feel fancy.
4. No-Bake Apple Pie
Apple pie without the oven? Absolutely possible and absolutely delicious! Cooked apples get tossed with cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of cornstarch, then piled into a no-bake crust made from crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
The apples cook on the stovetop in just minutes, developing that tender texture and caramelized sweetness we all crave. Once cooled and set in the fridge, the pie slices beautifully and tastes just as comforting as the traditional version.
Drizzle with caramel sauce or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take it over the top and satisfy every apple pie lover at your table.
5. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cheesecake lovers, rejoice! This no-bake version delivers all that rich, tangy creaminess with zero risk of cracks or water baths. Cream cheese blends with pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices to create a filling that sets perfectly firm in your refrigerator.
The graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness to balance the smooth filling. Make it two days ahead and let it chill thoroughly for the best texture and easiest slicing.
Decorate the top with swirls of whipped cream, candied pecans, or caramel drizzle to make it look as impressive as it tastes on your dessert table.
6. No-Bake Cappuccino Dessert
Coffee lovers will flip for this elegant dessert that tastes like your favorite coffeehouse drink in dessert form. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfinger cookies alternate with a fluffy mascarpone cream mixture, creating a treat similar to tiramisu but even easier to assemble.
The coffee flavor provides a nice contrast to all the sweet pies and cakes typically found on Thanksgiving tables. Plus, that little caffeine kick might be exactly what everyone needs after a big turkey dinner!
Dust the top generously with cocoa powder and maybe add some chocolate shavings for a sophisticated presentation that looks professionally made.
7. Cookie Butter Pie
Cookie butter fans, this pie was made for you! That addictive spread becomes the star ingredient in a no-bake filling that tastes like concentrated cookie magic. Mixed with cream cheese and whipped cream, it creates a mousse-like texture that practically melts in your mouth.
The crust made from crushed speculoos cookies doubles down on that warm, spiced flavor profile. Everything comes together in under twenty minutes of actual work, though you’ll need a few hours for it to chill and set properly.
A dollop of whipped cream and some crushed cookies on top make each slice irresistible and photo-worthy for your holiday Instagram posts.
8. Lazy Cake
Don’t let the name fool you—this European-inspired treat is anything but boring! Cookies get layered with a rich chocolate mixture made from butter, cocoa, and sweetened condensed milk, then chilled until everything melds together into fudgy perfection.
The recipe requires no cooking beyond melting butter, making it genuinely foolproof even for kitchen beginners. Each slice reveals beautiful layers that look impressive despite the minimal effort involved.
Add chopped walnuts or crushed graham crackers to the chocolate mixture for extra texture and crunch that makes every bite interesting and satisfying for chocolate lovers everywhere.
9. No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprints
These adorable little treats taste like fancy truffles but come together with the simplicity of a no-bake cookie. Ground hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and sweetened condensed milk form the base, while a dollop of chocolate-hazelnut spread fills the signature thumbprint indent.
Rolling them into balls and pressing that little dimple in the center is actually kind of fun and therapeutic after all the holiday stress. They’re perfectly bite-sized, which means guests can enjoy one or two without feeling too full.
Dust with powdered sugar or roll the edges in chopped hazelnuts for a bakery-quality finish that makes them look professionally crafted and absolutely irresistible.
10. No-Bake Oreo Pie
Oreo cookies are already delicious, but turning them into a no-bake pie takes them to legendary status. Crushed Oreos form both the crust and get mixed into a creamy filling made with cream cheese, whipped topping, and more of those iconic chocolate sandwich cookies.
Kids go absolutely wild for this dessert, but honestly, adults love it just as much. The cookies and cream combination is universally beloved and requires zero sophisticated palate to appreciate.
Pile extra Oreo halves on top for decoration and to signal exactly what flavor explosion awaits. It’s guaranteed to disappear quickly, so consider making two!
11. Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Classic Rice Krispie treats get a seasonal makeover with pumpkin puree and warm autumn spices stirred right into the marshmallow mixture. The result is a chewy, crispy treat with subtle pumpkin flavor and a gorgeous orange color that screams Thanksgiving.
Making these takes about fifteen minutes from start to finish, and kids can absolutely help with the stirring and pressing into the pan. They’re fun, festive, and offer a lighter option compared to rich pies and cakes.
Cut them into squares or use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters for extra cuteness. Add candy pumpkins or chocolate chips on top for decoration that makes them even more festive and fun.
12. Pecan Pie Ice Cream
All the flavors of traditional pecan pie come together in creamy, no-churn ice cream form. Sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream whip up into a luscious base, while toasted pecans, caramel swirls, and a hint of vanilla create that classic pie taste.
No ice cream maker required—just a mixer, a loaf pan, and your freezer doing all the work overnight. The texture comes out surprisingly smooth and scoopable, rivaling anything from the grocery store.
Serve it alongside warm desserts or enjoy it on its own for a cool, refreshing contrast to all the warm, heavy dishes on your Thanksgiving spread.
13. No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu
Traditional tiramisu meets autumn in this creative fusion dessert that combines the best of both worlds. Ladyfinger cookies get dipped in spiced coffee, then layered with a pumpkin-mascarpone cream mixture that’s rich, smooth, and perfectly spiced.
The coffee element keeps it from being too sweet while adding complexity that adults especially appreciate. Each layer builds on the last, creating a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes when you scoop into it.
Dust the top with a mixture of cocoa powder and cinnamon for that classic tiramisu look with a seasonal twist everyone will remember long after the holiday ends.
14. Cinnamon Apple Icebox Cake
Icebox cakes are magical—cookies or crackers soften overnight in the fridge, transforming into cake-like layers surrounded by creamy filling. This version features cinnamon-spiced whipped cream layered with graham crackers and cooked apple pieces for quintessential fall flavor.
The beauty of icebox cakes is how they get better with time, making them perfect for advance preparation. The crackers absorb moisture from the cream and apples, creating tender layers that slice beautifully.
Fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top make it look rustic and homemade in the best possible way, perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving celebration.
15. Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Individual servings make portion control easy and presentation absolutely adorable. These cups layer graham cracker crumbs with sweetened cream cheese, cinnamon-coated apple chunks, and generous drizzles of caramel sauce for maximum indulgence.
Building them in clear cups or jars lets everyone see those pretty layers before digging in. They’re also super portable if you’re bringing dessert to someone else’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.
Top each cup with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle right before serving. The combination of textures and flavors hits every note—creamy, crunchy, fruity, and sweet all at once.
16. No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
Sweet meets salty in these addictive bars that combine crushed pretzels, gooey caramel, and chocolate into one irresistible treat. The pretzel crust provides crunch and that salty contrast that makes the caramel layer taste even more amazing.
A layer of melted chocolate on top holds everything together and adds richness that balances the sweetness below. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets takes these bars from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
Cut them into small squares since they’re pretty rich—a little goes a long way. They’re perfect for guests who love that sweet-salty combination that’s become so popular in modern desserts.
17. Apple Cheesecake Parfaits
Parfaits turn simple ingredients into something that looks fancy enough for company. These layer a no-bake cheesecake mixture with cinnamon-cooked apples and crunchy graham cracker crumbs for textural contrast in every spoonful.
Using clear glasses shows off those beautiful layers and makes each serving feel special and intentional. The cheesecake layer is tangy and rich, while the apples add natural sweetness and that essential fall flavor profile.
Assemble them a few hours before guests arrive so the flavors can meld together. Top with a cinnamon stick or apple chip for garnish that signals the deliciousness waiting inside each glass.
18. No-Bake Pumpkin Mini Cheesecakes
Miniature desserts are always a hit because they feel less guilt-inducing than cutting a huge slice of regular cheesecake. These individual pumpkin cheesecakes feature graham cracker crusts pressed into muffin tins, topped with creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling.
They set up perfectly in the refrigerator and can be made a day or two in advance, freeing up your time on Thanksgiving Day. The individual portions also mean no messy slicing or serving—guests just grab one and go.
Pipe whipped cream on top in decorative swirls and add a dusting of cinnamon or a small piece of candied ginger for presentation that looks bakery-professional.
19. No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake
These charming mini tarts bring tart cranberries into the dessert realm where they absolutely shine. Each one starts with a buttery graham cracker crust that forms the perfect base for a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling. A spoonful of cranberry sauce or cranberry pie filling adds that signature tangy-sweet flavor, giving every bite a bright and festive pop.
A swirl of whipped topping finishes each tart, adding lightness that balances the richer layers below. Their petite size makes them feel special and share-worthy, while the vibrant red cranberry topping makes them especially fitting for Thanksgiving. A few fresh cranberries scattered on top add visual appeal and hint at the bold flavor waiting inside each little dessert.
20. No-Bake White Chocolate Cheesecake
Sometimes the best desserts are the simplest ones that let quality ingredients shine. Velvety melted white chocolate blends into the cream cheese filling, giving this cheesecake its signature smooth sweetness and a touch of elegance without any baking required. Poured over a buttery graham cracker crust, the mixture sets beautifully in the refrigerator, creating clean slices and a luxuriously creamy texture.
You can finish it with whatever toppings you love—fresh berries, cranberry sauce, shaved white chocolate, or even a drizzle of caramel for a fall-inspired touch. Since it firms up on its own, this dessert is wonderfully low-stress yet still presentation-worthy.
It’s perfect for serving alongside the Thanksgiving spread or preparing in advance when you want a no-fuss showstopper. The combination of silky filling, delicate white chocolate flavor, and crunchy crust makes each bite a little indulgence guests won’t forget.