Easy, Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts

One of the tricks for a stress-free Thanksgiving is to plan your menu around recipes that can be made in advance. It also helps to keep it simple. Fortunately, when it comes to desserts, there are plenty of options that meet both requirements.

Here are some simple and delicious recipes to top off your Thanksgiving dinner, along with other ideas for stress-free desserts. With these tips in mind, you'll have time to watch the parades, mingle with your guests, and maybe even prop your feet up a few times throughout the day.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Cake

This make-ahead cake brings all your favorite fall flavors to the Thanksgiving table. Its flavor will improve when stored tightly covered for two to three days.

Apple-Cranberry Pie

What's more American than apple pie? Combine the old favorite with the Thanksgiving favorite—cranberries—for a delicious dish.

Cinnamon Apple Tart

Enjoy this light and easy dessert topped with a serving of Reddi-wip®.

Other Simple Ideas

Let your bakery make the pie. Order a pumpkin, apple, or pecan pie a couple of weeks in advance. Warm in the oven on low heat and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Buy a frozen cake. The only work required is remembering to set it out to defrost a couple of hours ahead of time.
Set out a tray of cookies. Bite-size cookies may be just the thing after a big meal, and your guests will be happy to serve themselves.

Try not to stress about including everyone's traditional Thanksgiving favorites in your menu. Your guests are there for good company as much as for good food—and they're sure to enjoy whatever tasty treats your Thanksgiving table offers.

Other Thanksgiving Articles:

From Holiday Leftovers to Money-Saving Meals