Close

8524824.jpg

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, loved ones and, of course, delicious desserts. Make this year’s celebration stress-free with our desserts that can be whipped up in just four simple steps or less. Recipes like our Cranberry Buttermilk Pie and Peanut Butter Brownie Bites can be made ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday and less time in the kitchen.

01of 15Peanut Butter Brownie BitesJennifer CauseyThese not-too-sweet mini desserts combine the flavors of peanut butter cups and chocolate cake. Quinoa flour adds protein and makes these gluten-free, but feel free to substitute white whole-wheat flour instead.View Recipe

01of 15

Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

Jennifer Causey

Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

These not-too-sweet mini desserts combine the flavors of peanut butter cups and chocolate cake. Quinoa flour adds protein and makes these gluten-free, but feel free to substitute white whole-wheat flour instead.

View Recipe

02of 15Cranberry Buttermilk PieThis custard filling is what takes this buttermilk pie recipe to the next level. It tastes like a panna cotta with a bit of attitude from the tang of the buttermilk and a generous sprinkling of cranberries on top.View Recipe

02of 15

Cranberry Buttermilk Pie

7120458.jpg

This custard filling is what takes this buttermilk pie recipe to the next level. It tastes like a panna cotta with a bit of attitude from the tang of the buttermilk and a generous sprinkling of cranberries on top.

03of 15Dairy-Free Pumpkin PieOne of the tasters of this dairy-free pumpkin pie called it a “vegan’s dream come true.” The filling has just the right amount of spice, while the crust–made with part whole-wheat flour–has a wonderful nutty flavor and crispy texture. The pie is great as is, but to really please the plant-based eaters at your Thanksgiving table, top it with Coconut Whipped Cream (see Associated Recipes).View Recipe

03of 15

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie

One of the tasters of this dairy-free pumpkin pie called it a “vegan’s dream come true.” The filling has just the right amount of spice, while the crust–made with part whole-wheat flour–has a wonderful nutty flavor and crispy texture. The pie is great as is, but to really please the plant-based eaters at your Thanksgiving table, top it with Coconut Whipped Cream (see Associated Recipes).

04of 15Cranberry-Coconut Oatmeal CookiesBrittany ConerlyIn this installment ofDiaspora Dining, Jessica B. Harris' series on foods of the African diaspora, the author and historian rings in some changes to the Christmas traditions of her own childhood.View Recipe

04of 15

Cranberry-Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

Brittany Conerly

a recipe photo of the Cranberry-Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

In this installment ofDiaspora Dining, Jessica B. Harris' series on foods of the African diaspora, the author and historian rings in some changes to the Christmas traditions of her own childhood.

05of 15Pumpkin Cheesecake for TwoSingle-serving pumpkin cheesecakes are the perfect way to finish off a Thanksgiving meal for two (or any other meal, given that they take just 15 minutes of active prep time!). You can make them a day or two ahead of time and keep them tucked away in the fridge in their sturdy ramekins until you’re ready to enjoy them.View Recipe

05of 15

Pumpkin Cheesecake for Two

Pumpkin Cheesecake for Two

Single-serving pumpkin cheesecakes are the perfect way to finish off a Thanksgiving meal for two (or any other meal, given that they take just 15 minutes of active prep time!). You can make them a day or two ahead of time and keep them tucked away in the fridge in their sturdy ramekins until you’re ready to enjoy them.

06of 15No-Sugar-Added Mini Apple PiesThese delectable single-serving tarts are gluten-free and sweetened with dates instead of refined added sugars. Top with a little unsweetened whipped cream to take this special–yet healthy–dessert to the next level.View Recipe

06of 15

No-Sugar-Added Mini Apple Pies

No-Sugar-Added Mini Apple Pies

These delectable single-serving tarts are gluten-free and sweetened with dates instead of refined added sugars. Top with a little unsweetened whipped cream to take this special–yet healthy–dessert to the next level.

07of 15Classic Fudge-Walnut BrowniesOxmoor HouseThese fudge-walnut brownies are so delicious, you won’t believe that they’re lower in fat than traditional brownies. To ensure a nice fudgy texture, take care not to overbake. Large chocolate chunks create big pockets of melty chocolate in the brownies, but you can always substitute chocolate chips.View Recipe

07of 15

Classic Fudge-Walnut Brownies

Oxmoor House

Classic Fudge-Walnut Brownies

These fudge-walnut brownies are so delicious, you won’t believe that they’re lower in fat than traditional brownies. To ensure a nice fudgy texture, take care not to overbake. Large chocolate chunks create big pockets of melty chocolate in the brownies, but you can always substitute chocolate chips.

08of 15

Mini No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Sara Haas

a recipe photo of the Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes stacked on top of each other

09of 15Spiced Pumpkin CookiesThe deep flavors of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg make these wholesome pumpkin cookies delicious without the addition of butter–and they lend themselves beautifully to the inclusion of whole-wheat flour. They are also the perfect texture for a sandwich cookie–fill them with a slightly sweetened cream cheese frosting.View Recipe

09of 15

Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

8458667.jpg

The deep flavors of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg make these wholesome pumpkin cookies delicious without the addition of butter–and they lend themselves beautifully to the inclusion of whole-wheat flour. They are also the perfect texture for a sandwich cookie–fill them with a slightly sweetened cream cheese frosting.

10of 15Easy Apple GaletteThis simple apple-cinnamon galette is easy to make thanks to premade pie crust—no need to make your own dough! Serve it for Thanksgiving dessert or after any fall meal.View Recipe

10of 15

Easy Apple Galette

Easy Apple Galette recipe on a blue cloth

This simple apple-cinnamon galette is easy to make thanks to premade pie crust—no need to make your own dough! Serve it for Thanksgiving dessert or after any fall meal.

11of 15Pumpkin BrowniesSara HaasThese healthy pumpkin brownies are packed with mini chocolate chips. Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves pair well with the chocolate for a seasonal twist on a classic dessert. The batter will be thick, so be sure to spread it an even layer for even baking.View Recipe

11of 15

Pumpkin Brownies

a recipe photo of the Pumpkin Brownies on a cutting board

These healthy pumpkin brownies are packed with mini chocolate chips. Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves pair well with the chocolate for a seasonal twist on a classic dessert. The batter will be thick, so be sure to spread it an even layer for even baking.

12of 15Pecan Pie BarsThese delectable bar cookies are great for holiday cookie trays, to bring out at casual gatherings, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee.View Recipe

12of 15

Pecan Pie Bars

5628574.jpg

These delectable bar cookies are great for holiday cookie trays, to bring out at casual gatherings, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

13of 15New Orleans Nut CakeJoy HowardMolasses-flavored whipped cream connects the past and the present in this New Orleans cake. Read more about this cake and its historyhere.View Recipe

13of 15

New Orleans Nut Cake

Joy Howard

Mildred Oliver’s Nut Cake

Molasses-flavored whipped cream connects the past and the present in this New Orleans cake. Read more about this cake and its historyhere.

14of 15Fresh Apple SquaresOne batch of dough does double duty as both the crust and streusel topping to make one of the easiest desserts around.View Recipe

14of 15

Fresh Apple Squares

One batch of dough does double duty as both the crust and streusel topping to make one of the easiest desserts around.

15of 15Frozen Pumpkin Mousse PieWhile pumpkin pie deserves respect as a Thanksgiving icon, it’s fun to shake up tradition. Surprise your family and friends with a frozen pie this year–it just might become one of their holiday favorites. No need to let them know how easy it is.View Recipe

15of 15

Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pie

Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pie

While pumpkin pie deserves respect as a Thanksgiving icon, it’s fun to shake up tradition. Surprise your family and friends with a frozen pie this year–it just might become one of their holiday favorites. No need to let them know how easy it is.

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Tell us why!