Alright friends, today we have something extra special for you – simple Thanksgiving dessert recipes! We know how important it is to have a delicious and easy dessert to serve on Thanksgiving, so we’ve gathered some mouthwatering recipes just for you. From a classic peanut butter pie to a pumpkin crisp, these desserts are sure to impress your family and friends. You’ll find all the details on how to make these sweet treats, including the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. So, get ready to indulge in these irresistible desserts and make this Thanksgiving one to remember.

Simple Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! While everyone loves traditional Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin pie, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up and try something new. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of simple Thanksgiving dessert recipes that are sure to impress your loved ones. From a classic peanut butter pie to a unique cherry yum yum, these recipes are easy to make and packed full of flavor. So let’s dive in and discover these delightful desserts that will add the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving feast!

Peanut Butter Pie

First up is a recipe for everyone’s favorite – Peanut Butter Pie. This mouthwatering dessert is a family favorite and incredibly simple to make. The combination of creamy peanut butter and fluffy Cool Whip creates a luscious filling that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The best part? You can make this pie ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to serve. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for busy Thanksgiving preparations.

Ingredients

• 1 block of softened cream cheese
• 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 16 oz container of Cool Whip, divided
• 1 graham cracker or Oreo pie crust

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and 8 oz of Cool Whip.
2. Mix the ingredients together using an electric mixer or your trusty arm power.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Top the pie with the remaining Cool Whip.
5. Freeze the pie for a few hours to set.
6. When ready to serve, let the pie sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Garnish with shaved chocolate, if desired.

Alternative Crust Option: Oreo Crust

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch up the crust for your peanut butter pie. Instead of a traditional graham cracker crust, try using an Oreo crust for an extra chocolatey twist. Simply replace the graham cracker crust with an Oreo crust and follow the rest of the recipe as usual. The rich chocolate flavor of the Oreo crust will complement the creamy peanut butter filling perfectly.

Make-Ahead and Freezing

One of the best things about this peanut butter pie recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to serve. Simply follow the instructions and once the pie is set, cover it with a lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well in the freezer for a few days. When you’re ready to serve, just let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This make-ahead option is a lifesaver during busy holiday preparations, allowing you to focus on other dishes while still serving a show-stopping dessert.

Pumpkin Crisp

Next on our list is a recipe for Pumpkin Crisp. If you’re a fan of pumpkin flavor, this dessert is a must-try. It’s been a Thanksgiving tradition for many families for the past 10 years, and for good reason. Made with pumpkin, evaporated milk, and warm spices, this crisp is like a taste of fall in every bite. The added crunch from the chopped pecans gives it a delightful texture that perfectly complements the creamy pumpkin filling.

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz can pumpkin
• 1 large can evaporated milk
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 sticks butter, melted
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, mix together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, cinnamon, sugar, and eggs.
2. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch pan lined with wax paper.
3. Top the pumpkin mixture with the dry cake mix, spreading it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the pecans.
6. Bake the crisp at 350°F for 1 hour.
7. Once baked, allow the crisp to cool slightly and then invert or remove the wax paper.
8. For the topping, in a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip until smooth.
9. Spread the topping over the pumpkin side of the crisp.
10. Refrigerate the crisp for at least 3 hours before serving.

Make-Ahead and Freezing

Similar to the peanut butter pie, the Pumpkin Crisp can also be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer until Thanksgiving day. Simply prepare the crisp as instructed, but leave out the topping. Once cooled, cover the crisp with a lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze it. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the crisp in the refrigerator overnight and then add the topping before serving. This make-ahead option allows you to save time on Thanksgiving day while still serving a delicious homemade dessert.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

If you’re a fan of traditional pumpkin pie but want something with a little more texture, then Pumpkin Crunch Cake is the dessert for you. This recipe combines all the familiar flavors of pumpkin pie with the addition of a crispy topping made from a yellow cake mix and chopped pecans. The result is a dessert with a subtle pumpkin flavor and a satisfying crunch that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup melted butter

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon.
2. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix and chopped pecans.
5. Sprinkle the cake mix and pecan mixture evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
7. Bake the cake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Flavor and Texture

The Pumpkin Crunch Cake is the perfect dessert for those who love the flavors of pumpkin pie but want a little something extra. The pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and warm spices create a creamy and rich pumpkin filling, while the yellow cake mix and pecan topping add a delightful crunch. The combination of flavors and textures makes this cake a standout dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.

Cherry Yum Yum

Last but certainly not least is Cherry Yum Yum. This nostalgic dessert is a heavenly combination of a creamy filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with sweet cherry pie filling. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 packet Dream Whip
• 1/2 cup cold milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 1 can cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
2. Press the crumb mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish, creating a crust.
3. Set the crust aside.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the Dream Whip mix and cold milk with an electric mixer until stiff.
5. Add the sugar, vanilla, and softened cream cheese to the mixture.
6. Beat the ingredients together until well mixed and creamy.
7. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
8. Top the cream cheese layer with half of the cherry pie filling.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining cream cheese mixture and cherry pie filling.
10. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours before serving.

Creamy Filling and Crunchy Crust

Cherry Yum Yum is a delightful dessert that combines a creamy filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust. The blend of flavors and textures creates a truly satisfying dessert experience. The graham cracker crust provides a sturdy base for the rich and creamy filling, while the cherry pie filling adds a burst of sweetness. For an extra special touch, try garnishing the dessert with whipped cream or shaved chocolate before serving.

Utilizing Dream Whip

One unique aspect of the Cherry Yum Yum recipe is the use of Dream Whip. Dream Whip is a powdered mix that, when combined with milk, creates a light and fluffy whipped cream-like consistency. It adds a velvety smoothness to the cream cheese filling, making it even more irresistible. If you’re unable to find Dream Whip, you can substitute it with whipped topping or homemade whipped cream. The dessert will still be delicious, but using Dream Whip gives it that extra touch of nostalgia.

Conclusion

With these simple Thanksgiving dessert recipes, you’ll be able to wow your family and friends with minimal effort. From the classic and crowd-pleasing Peanut Butter Pie to the unique and nostalgic Cherry Yum Yum, each dessert offers its own special twist to the Thanksgiving table. Whether you choose to make these desserts ahead of time or whip them up on the day itself, they are guaranteed to be a hit. So why not give one or all of these recipes a try this Thanksgiving? Your taste buds will thank you!