15 Four-Step Thanksgiving Desserts You Can Make Ahead of Time By Sadie Schulte Sadie Schulte Sadie Schulte is EatingWell's editorial apprentice. She attends Iowa State University, where she is a senior studying advertising and fashion communications. During her time at college, she has worked as a reporter at the campus newspaper, the Iowa State Daily, where she writes about culture and lifestyle. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 2, 2023 Close 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. 01 of 15 Peanut Butter Brownie Bites Jennifer Causey 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 Save 02 of 15 Cranberry Buttermilk Pie 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. View Recipe Save 03 of 15 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). View Recipe Save 04 of 15 Cranberry-Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Brittany Conerly In this installment of Diaspora 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 Save 05 of 15 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. View Recipe Save 06 of 15 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. View Recipe Save 07 of 15 Classic Fudge-Walnut Brownies Oxmoor House 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. View Recipe Save 08 of 15 Mini No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes Sara Haas Make these healthy no-bake pumpkin cheesecakes for your next party or gathering. These mini cheesecakes can be made ahead of time and are already portioned out, so they're easy to serve. Look for graham cracker crumbs in the baking aisle of major supermarkets, or make your own by pulsing graham crackers in a food processor until fine. View Recipe Save 09 of 15 Spiced Pumpkin Cookies 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. View Recipe Save 10 of 15 Easy Apple Galette 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. View Recipe Save 11 of 15 Pumpkin Brownies Sara Haas 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. View Recipe Save 12 of 15 Pecan Pie Bars 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. View Recipe Save 13 of 15 New Orleans Nut Cake Joy Howard Molasses-flavored whipped cream connects the past and the present in this New Orleans cake. Read more about this cake and its history here. View Recipe Save 14 of 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. View Recipe Save 15 of 15 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. View Recipe Save Explore more: Healthy Recipes Holidays Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Dessert Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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