15 Make Ahead Fall Desserts for Thanksgiving
We put together this collection of classic and maybe not so classic Fall Desserts that can be made ahead, often 2 – 3 days ahead!
Why? Good question! We think organizing and cooking a Thanksgiving dinner to feed a crowd, while it can be fun, is also full of challenges. Make ahead desserts are the answer. These are tried and true favorites that our readers love. I know you will too. xo
1. No-Bake Classic Pumpkin Pie
This recipe is quick! The pie comes together in 10 minutes, and needs four hours to chill in the refrigerator. Perfect if you’re prepping for a big Thanksgiving dinner or just want to enjoy a cozy fall treat, this no-bake holiday dessert fits right in. To learn more: No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe.
2. Easy to make Cherry Pie
It might look complicated, but baking a Cherry Pie with a lattice top crust is just so darn easy! Our readers think so too! A simple step by step pie crust, and video to make the delicious cherry pie filling. Bake ahead, freeze even, to be ready to enjoy cherry goodness on your Big Day. To learn more: Cherry Pie Recipe
3. Apple Pie Cheesecake Lasagna
The first time you serve this super easy dessert lasagna make sure you keep a serving back for you! It will disappear in minutes. Layers of creamy cheesecake filling, apple pie goodness, whipped cream, and lots and lots of caramel sauce! To learn more: Apple Pie Cheesecake Lasagna
4. Kahlua Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust
A rich and creamy pumpkin pie you can make the day before, then add the whipped cream topping a few hours before serving. The combination of pumpkin pie spices and the chocolate coffee flavours of Kahlua are amazing! To learn more: Kahlua Pumpkin Pie Recipe
5. Mom’s Apple Crisp with Caramel Sauce
It wouldn’t be Fall without a delicious pan of Apple Crisp right? The combination of baked apples, cinnamon, and just a touch of caramel sauce, make this classic the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving. We added something extra too! To learn more: Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe.
6. Classic French Apple Cake
So easy to make and elegant to serve, our lightly spiced apple cake is the perfect dessert after a big Thanksgiving meal. Bake it a few days ahead and let it get to room temperature before serving. Just a dusting of powdered sugar is all you need. To learn more: French Apple Cake Recipe
7. Easy Pumpkin Pie Crunch Cake
This delicious easy to make pumpkin cake will feed a crowd and comes together in minutes! We think the rich butter pecan flavour gives it a little extra somethin’ somethin’. To learn more: Pumpkin Pie Crunch Cake Recipe
8. Cherry Pie Bars That Will Feed a Crowd
A delicious cherry dessert that bakes up in a 9 X 13 pan and feeds a crowd! You can bake your cherry pie bars a few days ahead and then let them get to room temp before you serve them. Easy Peasy. To learn more: Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe.
9. Yummy No Bake Banana Split Dessert
Take all the amazing flavours of a delicious banana split and create this simple and fun dessert to serve your guests. Make it the day before and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to drizzle on lots and lots of chocolate sauce! To learn more: No Bake Banana Split Dessert Recipe
10. Mom’s Amazing Apple Pie
It really wouldn’t be a collection of Thanksgiving desserts without apple pie right? This version is so easy, and you can have fun with pie crust cutouts too. To learn more: Mom’s Apple Pie Recipe
11. Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie
So delicious and so easy. What’s not to love. A classic no bake cheesecake recipe on a graham cracker crust, topped with your favorite cherry pie filling. Chill until ready to serve! To learn more: No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie Recipe
12. Chocolate Mint Pie (aka Grasshopper Pie)
Right from the 1960’s recipe vault, this no bake Grasshopper Pie has an oreo cookie crust, and a creamy mint flavored filling. To learn more: Chocolate Mint Pie (aka Grasshopper Pie) Recipe
13. Upsidedown Apple Cake
Upside down cakes are so much fun to make. We took this classic cake recipe, and included the best fall apples, a light spongy cake, and just a little caramel sauce. You’ll love it. To learn more: Easy Upsidedown Apple Cake Recipe
14. Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
A richly moist cake with a blend of spices and apples, we topped it off with our own creamy cinnamon frosting. We can’t decide which we like better, the cake or the frosting, so we’ll leave that to you! A bundt cake that will generously serve 12 guests. To learn more: Applesauce Cake Recipe with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
15. S’mores Crock Pot Chocolate Lava Cake
Slow Cooker desserts are the best and we use the crock pot to create a chocolate lava cake with a s’mores topping! Just set it and forget it, then serve with the best vanilla ice cream and of course, more chocolate sauce! To learn more: S’mores Crock Pot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
We all love EASY right?
These recipes will put a smile on everyone's faces!
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Judy Kahansky
Judy Kahansky is an experienced writer and baker, creating delicious desserts (including pie!) for over 40 years. She loves to take classic and vintage recipes and update them to fit the busy lives of her readers. When not baking, Judy and her husband Mark are passionate golfers, travelers and dog lovers, spending as much time as they can with their sweet pup Millie.
