40 Thanksgiving Desserts You Can Make in 30 Minutes (or Less!) (2024)

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Updated: Feb. 28, 2024

No time to bake a Turkey-day pie? You can still whip up yummy easy Thanksgiving desserts in just half an hour.

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Freezer Pumpkin Pie

This freezer pumpkin pie is a cool twist on tradition. Gingersnaps and pecans form the delicious baked crust for the pumpkin and ice cream filling. —Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming

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Butterscotch Pumpkin Mousse

Guests savor every creamy, spoonful of this spiced autumn dessert. It tastes so good, no one guesses that it’s actually low in fat. —Patricia Sidloskas, Anniston, Alabama

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No-Bake Apple Pie

We always have an abundance of apples in the fall, so I like to make this easy pie. My husband has diabetes, and this recipe fits into his diet…but everyone enjoys it. —Shirley Vredenburg, Ossineke, Michigan

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Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge

Each one of these creamy, heartwarming treats is like a bite-sized pumpkin pie. —Kathleen Henne, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

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Pumpkin Mousse

If you’ve had your fill of pumpkin pie, this cool and creamy pumpkin mousse is perfect for you. Its light and fluffy texture won’t make you feel “stuffed” after your favorite turkey dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Cinnamon Apple Pan Betty

I found this recipe soon after I was married decades ago. You'll need just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand. It's super quick to put together and a favorite of ours during fall and winter, when apples are at their best. —Shirley Leister, West Chester, Pennsylvania

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Air-Fryer Bread Pudding

This air-fryer bread pudding is a fun dish because the chocolate makes it different from traditional recipes. It’s a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

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Frozen Pumpkin Dessert

This ice cream dessert can be prepared and frozen weeks in advance. I’ve found it has more mass appeal than traditional pumpkin pie.
—Susan Bennett, Edmond, Oklahoma

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Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

For a tasty treat during the fall, try this pumpkin chiffon pie. The vanilla pudding makes is extra creamy.—Karen Grimes, Stephens City, Virginia

Also, if you’re looking for a simple fall dessert, check out theseno-bake pumpkin cheesecakesfor an effortless mini treat.

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Crunchy Peanut Butter Tarts

For a fun, fuss-free dessert, try these darling tarts. They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite. —Mary Kelley, Wilmington, North Carolina

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Pumpkin Toffee Trifle

I wanted to use pumpkin for a quick party dessert. This twist on a cream cheese pie tastes divine when made ahead. It keeps well, too. —Jodie Jensen, Draper, Utah

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Pumpkin Pecan Sundaes

My family enjoys anything with pumpkin so I knew this recipe would be well-received. Butter pecan ice cream is a perfect partner for the spiced pumpkin sauce.—Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana

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Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie

This creamy pumpkin pie is a little bit traditional and a little bit modern. But everyone will agree that it’s delicious. —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

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Easy Mexican Brownies

I was hosting a fun Mexican-themed co*cktail party and needed a quick dessert. Dressing up an ordinary boxed brownie mix made life easy and delicious! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York

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Snappy Pumpkin Dessert

Our town has a pumpkin-canning factory, so we’re known as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” New pumpkin recipes are always welcomed by our family, and this has become a favorite. The gingersnap crust is the perfect flavor pairing to the pumpkin. —Nilah Fischer, Morton, Illinois

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Chocolate Caramel Turkey Legs

Mention turkey legs made of pretzels and chocolate, and the kids come running. Let them help by unwrapping caramels for this easy, no-bake treat. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Go to Recipe

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Puffed Apple Pastries

For a little extra indulgence, serve these oven-fresh pastries with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Cherry pie filling can be substituted for the apple. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Cookie Butter Pie

After trying Biscoff for the first time, I decided to create this no-bake cookie butter pie. You can substitute peanut butter or a different spread if you’d like. —Katrina Adams, Mount Olive, Alabama
This recipe is a finalist in our 2020 Recipe of the Year contest! See all 10 finalists and vote for your favorite.

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Toffee Turtle Squares

Here's an easy way to make turtle candies for a big group. These bars are very rich, so a little square will do ya. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho

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Creamy Rice Pudding

I was fortunate to grow up around fabulous cooks. My mother and grandmother taught me to experiment with recipes, and we tried a lot of variations on this one. No matter how we chose to embellish it, it was always tasty. When I make this, it brings fond memories to mind. —Laura German, North Brookfield, Massachusetts

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Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. “This make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year,” reports Suzanne McKinley of Lyons, Georgia.

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Caramel-Pecan Apple Slices

Here's a warm, decadent side dish for fall or winter brunches. Ready to eat in only 15 minutes, the apples are also good alongside a pork entree or spooned over vanilla ice cream. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

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Baklava

Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made with flaky phyllo dough, chopped nuts and sweet honey. This dessert is very rich, so one pan goes a long way. —Judy Losecco, Buffalo, New York

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Ribbon Pudding Pie

Cool, smooth and creamy, this pretty pie is a slice of heaven for people with diabetes and anyone who likes an easy yet impressive dessert. The lovely pudding layers feature a yummy combination of vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch. —Doris Morgan, Verona, Mississippi

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Chocolate Chip Blondies

Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois

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Apple Yogurt Parfaits

Get the morning started right with this super simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for an easy variation. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding Torte

This recipe is a busy mom’s twist on one of my favorite desserts—tiramisu. The dish is simple to assemble and perfect to make the day before you want to serve it. The hardest thing about this recipe is waiting for it to chill so you can eat it! —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland

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Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

For a tasty treat during the fall, try this pumpkin chiffon pie. The vanilla pudding makes is extra creamy.—Karen Grimes, Stephens City, Virginia

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Maple Ricotta Mousse with Candied Pecans

Try not to sneak too many of the maple-y nuts while you make dessert. With the mousse, they're even better. —Kathleen Gill, Pahrump, Nevada

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Turkey Pilgrim Cookies

These darling little gobblers are fun to make and will make all your Turkey Day guests smile. —Taste of Home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Peanut Butter Cream Pie

During the warm months, it’s nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that’s a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

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Chocolate Framboise Parfaits

Having unexpected company? Make a fabulous dessert in minutes and relieve some of the stress of presenting a beautiful finish to the meal! It doesn’t get any easier than these quick, delicious parfaits. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

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Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

For a tasty treat during the fall, try this pumpkin chiffon pie. The vanilla pudding makes is extra creamy.—Karen Grimes, Stephens City, Virginia

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Apple Honey Tapioca Pudding

I’m glad that apple season is long, since my family requests this pudding quite often!

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Chocolate Peanut Treats

When I was in high school, I took these sweet and crunchy squares to bake sales— and they were the first to sell out. I still make them for family and friends who love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. —Christy Asher, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Saucy Spiced Pears

We serve these tangy, saucy pears over angel food cake, pound cake or with a little yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle with a favorite topping. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida

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White Chip Cranberry Blondies

We created these delicious blondies to satisfy any health-conscious cook. Applesauce moistens the batter, while dried cranberries, white chips and heart-healthy pecans flavor each bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Originally Published: November 18, 2020