16 No-Bake Desserts for Thanksgiving

If you come from a large family such as mine, preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be like choreographing an elaborate ballet where the dancers are all cats. It is chaotic, and everyone is always fighting for a spot in the oven. I’m usually in charge of some sort of dessert and, given my non-confrontational nature, I learned long ago to pick something that doesn’t require day-of heating.

Cookies and candies can be made a day ahead, but not using the oven doesn’t mean one has to forgo cakes, pies, or elaborate, special-feeling desserts. Any one of the following no bake options will be right at home in your post-turkey spread, no oven time required.

For more Thanksgiving dessert inspiration, check out these recipes:

This Floral Fruit Gives Pumpkin Pie a Special Twist

Forget Pie! Delight Guests With Thanksgiving Cupcakes

Pumpkin-Cheesecake Pie with Gingersnap Crust Is the Decadent Dessert You’ve Been Looking For