The holidays are crazy enough without the extra stress of last-minute desserts. That’s why these make-ahead Thanksgiving desserts are such a lifesaver! Perfect for feeding a crowd, they’ll save you so much time on the big day.

1.Pumpkin Pie

Is it really Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? I don’t think so. Make it easy on yourself and prepare this a day (or two) before the feast. It’ll hold perfectly in the fridge and can even be frozen if needed.

A stress-free Thanksgiving just got a whole lot sweeter!

2.Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bites

These bite-sized treats are perfect for wrapping up a big meal. They’re small enough to savor one or two, but easy enough to make a whole batch for the gang.

Serve them alongside after-dinner coffees or cocktails for a delightful way to cap off the evening.

3.Kraft Fantasy Fudge

Get ready for the ultimate treat with this ultra-fudgy fudge that’s so creamy, it’s practically legendary. Made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container (where it’ll stay fresh and out of temptation), this fudge is perfect for entertaining.

It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether it’s for a dinner party or a casual gathering, this fudge is sure to hit the spot every time.

4.Easy Date Cake Recipe With Raisins and Nuts

Imagine a cake that’s moist, sticky, and naturally sweet, thanks to the magic of dates. It’s like a sticky toffee, but with so much more texture! Chewy raisins and dates add depth, while buttery, crunchy walnuts bring a nice crunch.

The top is drizzled with a fun caramel-like glaze that seeps into every bite, making each one sweet and tasty. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

5.Paleo Vegan Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

These indulgent treats are like a supersized Twix bar, but with a guilt-free twist–they’re vegan and paleo-approved! Layered with a buttery shortbread crust, smooth caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich vegan chocolate, they’re the ultimate dessert indulgence.

The best part? The caramel and chocolate pecan filling gets delightfully gooey when chilled. Make them a few days ahead (if you can resist the temptation) for a treat that’s as easy as it is delicious.

6.Best Sweet Potato Pie

Ready for a twist on the classic? This sweet potato custard is a delightful change of pace from the usual pumpkin pie. While it shares some of the same warm spices, the star here is the sweet potato.

As it bakes, the custard becomes smooth, sweet, and beautifully caramelized. The real magic happens as it cools, when all the flavors meld together for a rich, velvety treat that’s sure to impress!

7.Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Gingersnap Crust

If fall flavors get you excited, then these scrumptious pumpkin cheesecake bars are sure to hit the spot! They’re the perfect blend of creamy and soft, with a super buttery crust that’s packed with warmth.

Let’s talk about the flavors–pumpkin, maple, and brown sugar come together in a way that’s simply divine. The best part? These bars only get better with time.

Keep them in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze them for later. They’re the ultimate fall treat that’s worth savoring!

8.Pumpkin Roll

When it comes to Thanksgiving treats, the pumpkin cake roll is a standout star. Imagine a moist pumpkin sponge paired with a rich cream cheese frosting–it’s the perfect blend of flavors.

The best part? It gets even better with time. After a few days in the fridge, the cake becomes super fudgy and soft, with the pumpkin flavor shining through even more.

Just keep it whole and wrapped tightly in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve. It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to be a Thanksgiving favorite.

9.Pumpkin Icebox Cake

Icebox cakes are designed to chill in the fridge, making them the ultimate make-ahead dessert for any gathering. This creamy pumpkin version is especially perfect for Thanksgiving–it’s layered, luscious, and bursting with fall flavors.

What more could you ask for in a dessert?

10.Kentucky Derby Pie

Meet your new favorite pie – a chocolate pecan pie that’s as rich as it gets! This indulgent treat is packed with deep, velvety chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a bold bourbon twist that takes it to the next level.

The filling is irresistibly gooey and caramelized, creating a texture that’s pure perfection. While it might look a bit runny when it first comes out of the oven, don’t worry – that’s just part of its charm.

Let it chill, and you’ll be rewarded with a slice that’s even more divine. The longer it sets, the better it gets, making it a great make-ahead option for any gathering.

11.Easy Coffee Mousse

This grown-up coffee mousse is a must-try–it’s simply irresistible! Light as air and silky smooth, it’s packed with bold, rich coffee flavor in every bite.

Made with eggs for that classic mousse texture and a touch of gelatin to keep it fresh, this dessert will stay delicious in the fridge for several days.

Perfect for coffee lovers looking for a sophisticated treat!

12.Pumpkin Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is a creamy dessert made with sweetened milk and gelatin. It needs time to chill in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead treat. This version is extra special with its pumpkin layers – and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make!

Prep it a day or two in advance and let it hang out in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a classic touch.

For a bit of crunch, add some gingersnap crumbles just before serving. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to delight!

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13.Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

This bread pudding is a total showstopper, and the best part? It’s made to prep ahead! Imagine impressing your guests with barely any last-minute effort.

Packed with pumpkin, pecans, cranberries, and a drizzle of caramel, it’s basically irresistible. Here’s the secret: let the bread soak in that creamy custard for at least 12 hours–overnight is even better.

Just stash it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, then warm it up in the oven. Oh, and the caramel? You can make that ahead too. Just heat it up on the stove before serving.

It’s the perfect mix of flavor and convenience!

14.Orange Slice Cake

Looking for something fresh and fruity? This stunning orange slice cake is just what you need! Packed with nuts and dried fruits, it also features chewy orange slice candies for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

To top it all off, a tangy orange glaze adds a sweet and citrusy touch to every bite. You can make this cake a few days in advance and drizzle with glaze just a few hours before serving–perfect for planning ahead!

15.Dutch Apple Pie (Apple Crumb Pie)

This crumb-topped apple pie is a game-changer–better than the classic and way easier to make! Ditch the hassle of a lattice crust and go for a scrumptious crumb topping instead.

Plus, here’s a pro tip: you can make and freeze raw pies for months, then bake them straight from the freezer whenever you’re ready. And yes, that includes this crumble-topped beauty!

Talk about convenience.

16.Easy Pumpkin Trifle

Looking for a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious? This trifle is a game-changer! Imagine layers of whipped cream, creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, and crunchy gingersnap cookies coming together in perfect harmony.

Each bite feels like a no-bake pumpkin cheesecake, but with way less effort. Plus, there’s no ground beef in sight–just pure dessert bliss. Prep the cookies and pumpkin filling a few days ahead, then assemble everything on the day with freshly whipped cream or Cool Whip.

It’s the perfect make-ahead treat that’s sure to impress!

17.Nanaimo Bars

These Nanaimo bars are as stunning as they are convenient–you can make them up to a week in advance! Perfect for planning ahead, they’re a great make-ahead dessert for any gathering.

Plus, you can easily customize them to match your mood or the season. Why not add some gingersnaps to the crust for a warm, spicy flavor? Or mix a bit of cinnamon into the filling for an extra cozy touch.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add some pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. Just remember, when adding extra moisture (like pumpkin), you’ll need to adjust the recipe to keep the texture just right.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make these bars your own!

18.Pumpkin Dump Cake

Looking for a stress-free Thanksgiving dessert? This dump cake is here to save the day! It’s as easy as it gets. Prep it up to five days in advance, then just warm it up after dinner–or enjoy it chilled, because it’s just as delicious that way.

Every bite is sweet, soft, and buttery, loaded with all that wonderful pumpkin flavor. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your holiday meal.

19.Chai Creme Brulée

Chai latte lovers, this one’s for you! Imagine a dessert that combines the warm, spiced goodness of your favorite drink with the creamy richness of crème brûlée.

This lightly spiced, indulgently rich treat is a game-changer for anyone with a sweet tooth. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home–no fancy techniques or ingredients needed.

Prep and bake these ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to a couple of days. When you’re ready to serve, just sprinkle a layer of sugar on top and caramelize it with a kitchen torch or under the broiler.

How easy is that? It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert that’s sure to impress!

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20.Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that only gets better with each bite. Rich, sweet, and deeply flavorful, it’s the kind of treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and leaves you wanting more.

The best part? It actually gets more flavorful the longer it sits in the fridge! You can make the cake up to four days ahead of time, and the toffee sauce will keep in the fridge for up to a week–if you can resist it that long.

Perfect for planning ahead, this dessert is as convenient as it is delicious.

21.Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin and chocolate are a match made in heaven, and these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat to cozy up with this fall. Soft, chocolatey, and packed with all the warm spices you love, these cookies are everything you want in a fall dessert.

Plus, they’re super versatile–enjoy them as a sweet snack or serve them at your next gathering. Bonus tip: Did you know you can freeze cookie dough for up to six months? It’s a game-changer for future baking sessions.

Check out this post to learn how to freeze cookie dough like a pro!

22.Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Looking for a dessert that’s light and just right after a big meal? These muffins hit the spot! They’re tender, packed with warm pumpkin spice flavors, and perfectly sweetened to wrap up your day.

Plus, you can bake them in any size you like–small, big, or somewhere in between. They’re the perfect way to end a feast without feeling weighed down.

23.Gingerbread Cake

Get ready to fall in love with this make-ahead dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! The cake is a moist, spiced sponge made with coconut oil, brown sugar, applesauce, and molasses, giving it an incredibly soft and tender texture.

Plus, it’s gluten-free! This dessert is perfect for prepping ahead of time–just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The bright, creamy frosting is the perfect contrast to the rich cake.

Make the frosting a day before serving and get ready to enjoy every bite of this delicious treat.

24.White Chocolate Bark

Looking for an easy and totally customizable dessert? This one checks all the boxes! All you need is some high-quality white chocolate and your favorite toppings–go wild with the mix-ins you love.

Plus, it’s a total time-saver: you can whip it up well before Thanksgiving and it’ll keep for up to three weeks in an airtight container at room temp. Perfect for planning ahead!

25.Butterscotch Budino

Meet your new favorite dessert, a custard masterpiece that’s even better when made a few days ahead. Packed with the deep flavors of butterscotch and dark rum, it’s a treat you’ll crave over and over.

For some added fun, sprinkle crushed butterscotch candies or chocolate-covered crisp pearls in the middle for a satisfying crunch. And here’s the cherry on top–literally!

Add some caramel corn just before serving to keep it crisp and delicious. Your taste buds will thank you.

26.Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut butter, chocolate, Oreos, and Reese’s–does it get any better than that? This indulgent treat is so creamy and irresistible, you’ll want to hide it from everyone!

It’s the ultimate dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth. And trust us, once it’s made, keeping it a secret might just be the hardest part.

27.Dark Chocolate Pecan Bars

Imagine a treat that combines a buttery chocolate shortbread crust with a rich, chocolatey pecan filling. These indulgent bites are so tempting, you might not want to make them ahead–they just might disappear!

I had to remake them after a couple of days because they somehow vanished… weird, right?

28.Chocolate Ginger Molasses Cookies

These chewy molasses cookies bring a dark, spicy twist to the holiday table. Fresh ginger is a must for the best flavor, and the dough can be frozen ahead of time for convenience.

Plus, you can even freeze the ginger itself–just shave off the skin, wrap it up, and you’re good to go. It actually grates better from frozen! These cookies are perfect for planning ahead and will be a hit at any gathering.

29.Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step into fall with these soft, sweet, and colorful frosted sugar cookies that capture the essence of the season. Imagine the nostalgia of classic sugar cookies, now dressed in autumnal hues.

Prep the dough ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. The frosting can be made up to five days in advance, giving you a head start. Bake, cool, and frost on the big day or the night before–effortlessly delicious.

These cookies are the perfect fall treat, blending tradition with seasonal charm.

30.Paula Deen Carrot Cake

This carrot cake is a crowd-pleaser–it’s sweet, moist, and packed with flavor. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and fudgy it becomes. It’s like it gets better with age!

Bake the cakes first, then whip up the frosting. If you’re making it ahead of time, keep the cakes and frosting separate for up to a day or two. Trust me, this is a keeper.

Enjoy every bite!