The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving desserts. Save time, space, and a little kitchen sanity by preparing some of these perfectly indulgent make-ahead Thanksgiving desserts well before Turkey Day. Just keep them in your refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready for them, made anywhere from one day to a month in advance. Discover a few tips and tricks for flawless preparation, storing, and serving.
One delicious make-ahead dessert option is the Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake. An alternative to pumpkin pie, this cheesecake actually tastes better when it gets a chance to chill in the fridge for two or three days. Community member Jill C. recommends swapping out the pumpkin purée and spices with a can of pumpkin pie filling to boost the pumpkin flavor and save prep time. After baking the cheesecake, let it cool completely before freezing it on a sheet pan. Once frozen, wrap it in freezer wrap and store it in the freezer for up to four months.
Another delightful make-ahead dessert is the Great Pumpkin Dessert. Easy to make and delicious, this dessert is sure to get lots of compliments when you bring it to family and friends gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
For a festive and crunchy treat, consider making Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti. These cookies wear their winter holiday colors proudly and taste even better if they have a few days to dry out before serving. Consider swapping out the pistachios with slivered almonds and adding orange zest for a flavorful twist. Remember to omit salt if using salted nuts in the recipe.
If you’re a fan of both pumpkin pie and bread pudding, why not try combining the two with Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding? Baked in a 9×13-inch pan, this dessert is perfect for a crowd. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to one month. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave before serving. For added decadence, serve it with whipped cream, cinnamon ice cream, or a dessert sauce poured over the top.
For a unique and flavorful dessert option, consider making a Crustless Cranberry Pie. Full of Thanksgiving flavor, this pie freezes beautifully and offers a nice change from the traditional Thanksgiving desserts. Allow the pie to cool completely after baking, then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer for up to one month. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before serving.
If you’re a fan of pumpkin, try making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist and lightly spiced bars should be kept refrigerated for a few days before serving, making them ideal for a make-ahead dessert. Freeze the bars after frosting them by freezing them on a baking sheet until the frosting is hard, then wrap them well and return them to the freezer.
For a classic Thanksgiving dessert, consider making Apple Pie by Grandma Ople. Prepare the pie up until the baking directions, then wrap it in multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil before freezing it up to two weeks before Thanksgiving. When you’re ready to serve, bake it from frozen, adding extra baking time. Use a metal pie dish to avoid glass shattering in the oven.
Lastly, for a delicately spiced and full of pumpkin flavor dessert, try making a Pumpkin Cake. This cake can be baked in a sheet pan or a decorative Bundt pan, depending on your preference. Enjoy the flavors of fall with this make-ahead dessert that will delight your guests on Thanksgiving Day. Then, when you’re ready to serve, top it with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and chopped peanuts.” Whether you prefer a creamy or frozen peanut butter pie, this dessert is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests at Thanksgiving, look no further than this delicious Cranberry Cheesecake recipe. Created by LauraF, this dessert features a creamy orange filling topped with a luscious cranberry glaze and sugared cranberries, making it a beautiful addition to any holiday table.
To make this Cranberry Cheesecake, start by preparing the crust and filling the night before serving. Once the cheesecake is frozen solid, add a layer of hot fudge sauce before topping it with whipped cream. Let the pie stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for easier slicing.
The combination of creamy cheesecake, tangy cranberries, and sweet orange flavors creates a delightful dessert that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply looking for a special treat to enjoy during the holiday season, this Cranberry Cheesecake is a must-try recipe. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with this delicious and festive dessert!
