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

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

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

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

Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge

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

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

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

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

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

Chocolate Mousse Pumpkin Pie

In Omaha, Nebraska, Kathy Peters combines canned pumpkin with two kinds of chocolate in this fully autumn delight that’s perfect for special occasions.

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

Quick Apple Crisp

This dessert can be assembled in a snap and cooks up in minutes, making it a delectable dessert for unexpected guests. You'll love it served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. —Suzie Salle, Renton, Washington

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

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

Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie

The fantastic flavor from this pie comes from butterscotch pudding and canned pumpkin, which work surprisingly well together. Kids will go wild over the cream cheese layer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Easy Mexican Brownies

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

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

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

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

It takes mere minutes for Leila Flavell of Bulyea, Saskatchewan to ad holiday flair to a no-bake cheesecake. She used canned pumpkin and spices to dress up the mix with thick, creamy results.

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

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.

Pressure-Cooker Cranberry Stuffed Apples

Cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts add a homey autumn flavor to these stuffed apples. What a lovely old-fashioned treat! —Grace Sandvigen, Rochester, New York

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

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

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.

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

Mini Baklava

Baklava has amazing memories for me; my best friend made it for my bridal and baby showers. And then, she taught me how to make it! These delicious little miniatures give you the taste of baklava in a bite-sized package. —Margaret Guillory, Eunice, Louisiana

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

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Folks who love the flavor of the classic cookie will enjoy that same great 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

Apple Yogurt Parfaits

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

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

Easy Pumpkin Spice Pudding Pie

Caramel, pumpkin, nuts and cream cheese—classic winter flavors combine in a no-bake pie that couldn’t be easier or more delicious. —Cynthia Brabon, Mattawan, Michigan

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

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

Maple Peanut Butter Pie

Maple nut goodies have been a favorite candy of mine since I was a child, and I think the flavors taste just as great in a pie! This pie freezes well, too—just take it out to thaw 30 minutes before serving. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Chocolate Framboise Parfaits

Expecting company? Have these quick delicious parfaits ready to pull out of the freezer for a welcoming treat—or an excellent dessert offering. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Pumpkin Chip Cream Pie

This creamy pie is perfect for any autumn celebration. A store-bought graham cracker crust makes it such a cinch to whip up. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts

Apple Honey Tapioca Pudding

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

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

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

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