Save time on the big day! These make-ahead Thanksgiving desserts are perfect for prepping early so you can enjoy dessert without the last-minute stress.
With all the cooking, hosting, and traveling that comes with Thanksgiving, having dessert ready in advance can be a lifesaver. These make-ahead desserts hold up beautifully overnight (or even longer!) so you can focus on the turkey and sides while your sweets are ready to serve.
Cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
Wrap tightly or use airtight containers to keep desserts fresh as long as possible.
Label and date if freezing, and jot down thawing instructions for easy serving.
Add toppings last-minute (like whipped cream, glaze, or powdered sugar) for the prettiest presentation.
Pies and Tarts That Chill Well
Pies and tarts are often even better the next day. These options slice cleanly, hold their texture beautifully, and give you one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.
Cranberry Cheesecake Pie
A sweet-tart twist on a holiday classic that sets perfectly after chilling overnight.
Everything you love about pecan pie in a tidy, handheld form. Their texture and flavor actually improve overnight, making them perfect for baking ahead or traveling.
Bars are make-ahead heroes. Bake, cool, slice, and stack them in airtight containers. They’re sturdy, flavorful, and great for sharing or bringing along to dinner.
Salted Caramel Almond Bars
Buttery, chewy layers with a pop of salt to balance the sweetness.
A creamy cinnamon-filled cheesecake inspired by the classic cookie. Its flavor deepens overnight, making it an easy and impressive make-ahead dessert for the holidays.
A crowd-pleasing classic with nutty brown butter flavor and a glaze that locks in moisture. Bake it a day before your feast and it’ll still taste freshly made.
Little sweets that go the distance. These treats are easy to prep in advance, perfect for gifting, and a sweet way to round out your Thanksgiving spread.
Bourbon Balls
Ideal for making days in advance, their flavor only gets better with time.
With a little planning ahead, dessert can be the simplest part of your Thanksgiving. These make-ahead favorites are meant to take the pressure off so you can bake early, relax, and enjoy every sweet bite of the holiday.
