If Thanksgiving is here and you suddenly realize you forgot to plan dessert—don’t panic. You’re not alone! Pinterest is full of last-minute hosts looking for fast, beautiful, no-bake desserts that still feel homemade and festive.
These 5 quick Thanksgiving desserts come together in 10 minutes or less, use simple ingredients, and still deliver that warm holiday flavor everyone loves. Perfect for busy families, unexpected guests, or anyone who wants delicious results without the stress.
1. 10-Minute Pumpkin Mousse
A dreamy, cloud-like mousse that tastes exactly like pumpkin pie filling—just lighter and much faster. It’s the perfect dessert when you want something classic but don’t have time to bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Quick Recipe
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form (this gives the mousse its fluffy texture).
- Gently fold in pumpkin purée, sugar, vanilla, and spices.
- Chill for 5 minutes to set.
- Serve in small glasses with a cinnamon dusting for that Pinterest-perfect look.
This dessert looks fancy but takes almost no effort—ideal for impressing guests fast.
2. Apple Pie Yogurt Parfait
This is a fall-inspired treat with layers that look gorgeous in clear glasses. It gives you the flavor of apple pie without turning on the oven—and it’s slightly healthier, too.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- Store-bought apple pie filling
- Cinnamon
- Crushed granola or biscuits
- Honey or maple syrup
Quick Recipe
- Spoon a layer of yogurt into a glass.
- Add warm or room-temperature apple pie filling.
- Repeat layers for a pretty stacked effect.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and granola.
- Drizzle honey for extra sweetness.
It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and takes almost no prep time—great when guests arrive early.
3. No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars
All the rich, caramel-pecan flavor of pecan pie with none of the baking. These bars set quickly in the fridge and slice beautifully.
Ingredients
- 6–8 digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of sea salt
Quick Recipe
- Crush biscuits finely and mix with melted butter to form a crumb base.
- Press the mixture into a small tray or dish.
- Pour caramel sauce over the crust.
- Sprinkle with pecans + sea salt for balance.
- Chill in the fridge for 5–7 minutes.
Cut into squares and serve—nobody will believe they took only minutes.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries with Fall Sprinkles
If you want something visually stunning with minimal effort, this is your go-to. They add a pop of color to your table and feel festive without being heavy.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Melted chocolate (milk or dark)
- Fall-themed sprinkles
Quick Recipe
- Microwave chocolate for 30–40 seconds until melted and smooth.
- Dip each strawberry halfway into the chocolate.
- Immediately decorate with fall sprinkles.
- Chill for 5 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
These always get pinned because they are pretty, easy, and perfect for snack-style dessert boards.
5. Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Sundae
A fun twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts—cold, creamy, and full of fall flavors. This is great for gatherings where kids are around or when you want a super-fast serving option.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Pumpkin spice
- Crushed cookies or graham crackers
- Maple syrup
Quick Recipe
- Scoop ice cream into bowls or mason jars.
- Sprinkle pumpkin spice over each serving.
- Add cookie crumbs for texture.
- Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ready instantly, but tastes like something you could happily serve after a big Thanksgiving dinner.
Final Thoughts
Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. These 10-minute desserts prove that you can serve something beautiful, flavorful, and holiday-ready even when time is running out. Whether you whip up a quick pumpkin mousse, layer a fall parfait, or create a festive dessert board with chocolate-dipped strawberries, each of these recipes brings a touch of warmth and creativity to your table without the stress.
Last-minute hosting is all about smart shortcuts—and with these simple desserts, you can impress your guests while still having time to enjoy the celebration yourself.
If you enjoy easy, aesthetic, Pinterest-style recipes, make sure you follow MorningFable for:
- Weekly boards packed with simple, budget-friendly treats
- Cozy seasonal recipes you can recreate in minutes
- Viral Pinterest dessert ideas and step-by-step guides
- Home, lifestyle, and festive inspiration—all beautifully curated
Thank you!
