Make Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving is all about friends, family, gratitude, and of course, plenty of food. But when you’re juggling turkey, stuffing, and all the sides, dessert can sometimes feel like an afterthought. That’s where make-ahead desserts come to the rescue.

These recipes let you prep in advance, so when the big day arrives, all you have to do is serve and enjoy.

From cheesecakes and pies to seasonal classics with a twist, here are delicious Thanksgiving desserts that will save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Mini Pistachio Cheesecakes

Creamy and nutty, these mini pistachio cheesecakes are a make-ahead dessert that feels both fancy and festive. These last up to 5 days in the fridge so you can prepare them ahead of time and just add the chopped pistachios at the last minute.

Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery crisp crumble make this dessert a cozy Thanksgiving classic. You can make the filling and topping separately earlier in the day and store in the fridge. Then just throw them together and pop it into the oven while serving the main course.

Apricot Cheesecake Tart

Sweet apricot and creamy cheesecake filling come together in a beautiful tart that can be prepared ahead of time. This cheesecake tastes best when refrigerated for at least 3-4 hours making it the perfect make ahead option.

Double Crust Honey Apple Pie

This double-crust pie filled with honey-kissed apples is a timeless holiday dessert you can bake the day before and just reheat.

Strawberry Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

A fudgy brownie cake topped with strawberries dipped to look like mini pumpkins makes this dessert as festive as it is delicious. You can bake this brownie in the morning or even the day before and just add the Ganache and strawberry pumpkins right before serving.

Mini Black Forest Cheesecake

Chocolate, cherries, and cream make these mini cheesecakes a bite-sized version of the classic Black Forest cake. You can make these ahead of time and just cover with plastic wrap and pop into the fridge. They taste best when chilled and everything has set.

No Bake Mango Cheesecake

Light and fruity, this no-bake mango cheesecake is a refreshing twist on Thanksgiving dessert and can be chilled in advance. Make this one the night before and just top with the delicious mango mixture right before serving.

Sweet Potato Bites

Sweet potato topped with marshmallows and pecans makes these bites a festive and easy make-ahead treat. You can roast the sweet potatoes earlier in the day and add the toppings just before serving.

Make-ahead desserts aren’t just a time-saver—they give you more freedom to enjoy Thanksgiving with your loved ones. With options ranging from traditional pies to cheesecakes and seasonal bites, these recipes prove you don’t have to compromise on taste or presentation. Prep them ahead, set them out on the dessert table, and watch them disappear.