Thanksgiving is all about cozy gatherings, delicious food, and, of course, a bit of sweet indulgence! That’s why I absolutely love making *no bake Thanksgiving desserts*. They’re the perfect solution when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Honestly, there’s something magical about a dessert that doesn’t require baking—just mix, chill, and serve! Plus, they’re super versatile, which means you can play with flavors and textures. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, it’ll become a holiday staple that everyone will be raving about long after the last slice is gone!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: These will form the delicious, crumbly base for our dessert. You can crush them yourself or buy pre-made crumbs to save time!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps bind the crumb mixture together. Make sure it’s melted, or it won’t mix well!
- 1/4 cup sugar: Just a little sweetness to enhance the crust. It balances out the flavors perfectly.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is the star of the filling! Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the filling without adding any graininess, creating that creamy, dreamy texture we all love.
- 2 cups whipped cream: Light and fluffy, this adds volume and a wonderful airy feel to the dessert. You can use store-bought or whip your own!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings all the flavors together beautifully. Don’t skip it—trust me!
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: This gives our dessert that classic fall flavor and a beautiful color. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling!
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice: A must-have for that warm, cozy flavor that screams Thanksgiving! You can also adjust this to your taste if you love spices.
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing the Crust
To start, grab a mixing bowl and combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. I love using my hands to really mix everything together until it resembles wet sand—it’s satisfying! Once you’ve got that texture, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Make sure it’s nice and even; this will be the sturdy base for our delicious filling. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup to help pack it down perfectly. Now, set that aside while we whip up the filling.
Making the Filling
In a separate bowl, it’s time to bring the magic together! Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s creamy and smooth—about 2 minutes with a hand mixer should do the trick. Next, gently fold in the whipped cream, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice. Don’t rush this part; mixing until everything is well combined will create that luscious filling we crave. Just imagine how good it smells—yum!
Assembling the Dessert
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Spread the creamy filling over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Take a moment to admire your handiwork; it’s looking good already! Cover the pan with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours to chill. This chilling time is crucial because it helps the dessert set up beautifully, giving you that perfect slice when you serve it. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—no baking required!
- Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Delicious fall flavors that capture the essence of Thanksgiving.
- Perfect for busy holiday schedules; make it ahead of time!
- Customizable; you can adjust the spices to your liking.
- Impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
- Kid-friendly and suitable for all ages—everyone loves it!
- Great for leftovers; it stays fresh in the fridge for days.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your no bake Thanksgiving dessert turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Always use high-quality cream cheese and real vanilla extract. It makes a huge difference in flavor! Trust me, you’ll taste the love in every bite.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve that super smooth and creamy filling. No one wants lumps in their dessert!
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling is essential! It not only helps the dessert set properly, but it also enhances the flavors. I like to make mine the night before Thanksgiving so it’s ready to shine the next day.
- Presentation is Key: For a beautiful finish, top your dessert with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice right before serving. It’ll look like you spent hours on it!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your own twist! A dash of maple syrup or a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavors even further. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Use a Springform Pan: It’s a game changer! Using a springform pan makes it super easy to remove the dessert without messing up the beautiful layers.
With these tips, you’ll not only impress your guests but also enjoy the process of making this delightful dessert. Happy no-baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This easy no bake Thanksgiving dessert might feel indulgent, but it’s all about balance, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredient use, so they might vary a bit depending on your specific brands and measurements. But hey, when you’re enjoying something this delicious, a little wiggle room is totally okay! Just remember, moderation is key, especially during the holiday season. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! I love making this no bake Thanksgiving dessert a day in advance. It actually gets better as it chills in the fridge, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap after assembling, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready to impress your guests when the big day arrives!
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are a few great alternatives you can use! You can try using sweet potato puree for a similar texture and flavor profile. If you want something different, mashed bananas or apple sauce can add a nice sweetness and moisture too. Just keep in mind that using these substitutes will change the flavor, but they can be delicious in their own right!
How should I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super simple! Just cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, you can serve them straight from the fridge. If you want to give them a little extra love, add a fresh dollop of whipped cream on top before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your no bake Thanksgiving dessert is a breeze! After you’ve enjoyed your first slice, simply cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, so you can savor those sweet leftovers!
When it comes to serving, there’s no need to reheat this dessert—it’s meant to be served chilled! Just slice it right out of the fridge for that perfect, refreshing bite. If you want to elevate the presentation, add a generous dollop of whipped cream and maybe a sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top just before serving. Trust me, it’ll look just as fabulous as it tastes!
Equipment List
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls—one for the crust and one for the filling. I like to use glass bowls because they’re easy to clean and you can see what you’re mixing!
- Springform Pan: This is a must-have! A springform pan makes it super easy to remove the dessert after it’s chilled, keeping those beautiful layers intact. If you don’t have one, a regular pie dish will work too, but it’s a little trickier to serve.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: A hand mixer is perfect for whipping up that creamy filling quickly, but if you have a stand mixer, it’ll save you some elbow grease! Either way, just make sure it’s powerful enough to blend the cream cheese smoothly.
- Spatula: You’ll want a spatula for spreading the filling evenly over the crust. A silicone spatula works great for scraping down the sides of the bowl, too!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving that perfect texture, so keep your measuring cups and spoons handy!
- Plastic Wrap: This will come in handy for covering the dessert while it chills in the fridge. You want to make sure it’s tightly sealed to keep it fresh!
Having these tools ready will make your no bake Thanksgiving dessert-making experience smooth and enjoyable. Happy baking—oops, I mean mixing!
Print
No Bake Thanksgiving Desserts That Wow in 4 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy no bake desserts for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a pan to form crust.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add whipped cream, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice.
- Mix until well combined.
- Spread the filling over the crust.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use a springform pan for easy removal.
- Top with additional whipped cream if desired.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: no bake thanksgiving desserts
