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20 No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts to Save Space in the Oven

These pies, cheesecakes, and candies make multi-tasking easy!

Headshot of Kara ZaubermanBy Kara Zauberman
no bake thanksgiving desserts
Caitlin Bensel

A big Thanksgiving dinner requires a lot of dishes taking up space in the oven. First and foremost: the roast turkey. It could take hours to cook leaving you with only a limited amount of time 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 try her fried apple fritters for an oven-free recipe. 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! Now that's what we call a stress-free holiday!

1

Oreo Pie

no bake thanksgiving desserts oreo pie
Caitlin Bensel

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.

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2

Pumpkin Truffles

no bake thanksgiving desserts pumpkin truffles
Caitlin Bensel

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.

3

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

no bake thanksgiving desserts no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
Caitlin Bensel

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.

Get the No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies recipe.

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4

Apple Fritters

no bake thanksgiving desserts apple fritters
Hector Sanchez

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.

5

Pumpkin Cream Pie

no bake thanksgiving desserts pumpkin cream pie
Caitlin Bensel

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.

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6

Eclair Cake

no bake thanksgiving desserts elcair cake
Caitlin Bensel

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.

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7

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

no bake thanksgiving desserts no bake peanut butter bars
Danielle Daly

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.

8

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

no bake thanksgiving desserts pumpkin pie milkshake
Will Dickey

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.

9

Chocolate Mousse

no bake thanksgiving desserts chocolate mousse
Will Dickey

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.

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10

Pumpkin Spice Cereal Treats

no bake thanksgiving desserts pumpkin spice cereal treats
KEVIN J. MIYAZAKI

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.

SHOP PLATES

11

Chocolate Pie

no bake thanksgiving desserts chocolate pie
David Malosh

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.

12

Pumpkin Ice Cream Floats

no bake thanksgiving desserts pumpkin spice ice cream floats
Sommer Collier / The Pioneer Woman

Instead of root beer, you can make this pumpkin ice cream float with iced coffee so it doubles as a tasty coffee drink. Just the thing to get you through the cleanup after a big Thanksgiving dinner.

Get the Pumpkin Ice Cream Floats recipe.

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13

Pecan Pralines

no bake thanksgiving desserts pecan pralines
Caitlin Bensel

If you want to skip making pecan pie this year, try pecan praline candies instead. They have the same sweet, nutty flavor, but they're also easy to bring to potlucks and make ahead.

Get the Pecan Pralines recipe.

14

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

no bake thanksgiving desserts no bake pumpkin cheesecake
Julies Eats and Treats

The key to making this creamy, spiced cheesecake is a supermarket staple: Cool Whip! When paired with a nilla wafer crust and pumpkin puree, it's a dreamy addition to your holiday table.

Get the No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.

15

Turkey Rice Krispies Treats

no bake thanksgiving desserts turkey rice krispies treats
Sugar and Soul

Aside from the roast turkey in the oven, these mini turkey treats will be your favorite way to celebrate Turkey Day! All you need is candy corn for the feathers and nose, chocolate kisses, and candy eyes.

Get the Turkey Rice Krispies Treats recipe at Sugar and Soul.

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16

Instant Pot Baked Apples

no bake thanksgiving desserts instant pot baked apples
Simply Happy Foodie

Using your kitchen appliances, like the Instant Pot, is a great way to save space in the oven. And you can still enjoy the warm, baked flavors of stuffed apples.

Get the Instant Pot Baked Apples recipe at Simply Happy Foodie.

17

No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream

no bake thanksgiving desserts no churn butter pecan ice cream
Orchids and Sweet Tea

Making ice cream at home is easier than you might think! And you can give it a seasonal twist by making a flavor like nutty butter pecan.

Get the No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream recipe at Orchids and Sweet Tea.

18

No-Bake Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bites

no bake thanksgiving desserts no bake salted caramel cheesecake bites
Kitchen Sanctuary

Sweet and salty is such a fun flavor combination, especially after a more traditional meal. It'll surprise your guests, but keep them coming for more.

Get the No-Bake Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bites recipe at Kitchen Sanctuary.

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19

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

no bake thanksgiving desserts old fashioned rice pudding
Little Sunny Kitchen

This rice pudding is sweet, creamy, and has a hint of cinnamon flavor which makes it feel cozy even if it's served cold! Of course, you can always heat it up on the stovetop just before serving if you prefer it slightly warm.

Get the Old Fashioned Rice Pudding recipe at Little Sunny Kitchen.

20

No-Bake Apple Cheesecake

no bake thanksgiving desserts no bake apple cheesecake
Mom on Timeout

To make this spiced cheesecake even more fall-flavored, it's topped with a warm and comforting apple pie filling! Feel free to use homemade or store-bought apple pie filling if you're in a pinch.

Get the No-Bake Apple Cheesecake recipe at Mom on Timeout.

SHOP SPRINGFORM PANS

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