Make Ahead Dessert Recipes
The best thing about desserts (aside from the taste), is that most of them are made ahead of time. Even last minute cutting and serving is simple when you know the glorious dessert is ready and waiting for you. Here are some of my favorite make-ahead dessert recipes that highlight fall flavors.
- Angel Cheesecake Pie
This fabulous recipe is a light version of cheesecake (light in texture, not calories!) that I just love. - Chocolate Sundae Pie
This pie's name is a little deceiving. It's another of my grandmother's wonderful recipes, and is a vanilla chiffon pie. The 'sundae' part comes in when you top it with chocolate shavings, fudge sauce, chopped nuts and other sundae toppings. - Pumpkin Cake Roll
Cake rolls are so fun to make, and a perfect make ahead dessert. - Best Pecan Pie
I love pecan pie, especially with some softly whipped cream. Try adding brown sugar to the whipped cream next time. - Lemon Meringue Pie
This is the pie my little sister Lisa serves for Thanksgiving, along with Pumpkin Pie. I think it's suave, tart, sweet, creamy, and just about perfect! - Pecan Caramel Tart
This fabulous variation on pecan pie is so easy to make, rich, and delicious. - Raspberry Walnut Torte
This spectacular cake can be made in an easier version (see the note at the end of the recipe) but if you have the time and skill, try the four layered version. - Slow Cooker Pear Caramel Cake
Oh, this luscious cake smells so wonderful as it's cooking in your crockpot. The texture and flavor of this cake is just wonderful. - Creamy Raspberry Dessert
I just love chilled and frozen desserts for the end of the big Thanksgiving meal. They are just such a nice contrast to all the hot and comforting foods that make up the main meal. - Apple Crisp
Homey apple crisp makes a great comforting dessert for Thanksgiving dinner. - Apple Pecan Layer Cake
This applesauce layer cake, with browned butter frosting, is easy and delicious. It has a fabulous texture. - Strawberry Chocolate Trifle
You can usually find strawberries in the grocery stores even at Thanksgiving. If not, substitute another fruit that looks good.
Easiest Thanksgiving Desserts
You can set out a tray full of bakery cookies, (or cookies that you made ahead of time and froze), garnished with edible flowers and small fruits, on your prettiest platter. I think this is a great Thanksgiving idea, because then your guests can just nibble a bit as they wish. It's also easier on full tummies! Also serve ice cream with a choice of toppings. Kids love this dessert.
These desserts are simpler to make, and should be made ahead also. Most are made by simply assembling ingredients, including prepared foods like cookies and puddings.
- Blueberry Shortbread Parfaits
Use any type of fruit you'd like in this super easy dessert. - Simple Chocolate Cake
This cake has been made, with great success, by my 11 year old nieces. It's easy, rich, moist, and just perfect for any celebration. - Cherry Dessert
This fluffy dessert is a throwback to the 1960s and is really delicious. I love the colors, along with the fabulous flavor. - Old Fashioned Chocolate Dessert
One of the first make ahead desserts, all you need is some prepared chocolate cookies and whipped cream for a great retro finish! - Crockpot Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Use your crockpot to have dessert ready and waiting. This pudding is just like pumpkin pie, but with no crust. You could sprinkle individual servings with some crushed butter cookies to imitate crust if you like. - Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
This simple and well flavored cake serves a crowd, and can be dressed up with some lemon curd and whipped cream. Yum. - Busy Cooks Cookie Recipes
