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Thanksgiving day is all about good food and even better company, but between the turkey, sides, and table setting, dessert can easily become an afterthought. That’s why I’m sharing my 11 favorite make-ahead Thanksgiving desserts. Each one can be made at least a day (or two!) in advance, so you can actually enjoy the big day without last-minute stress.
Table of contents
- Why These Recipes Work
- No Bake Thanksgiving Desserts
- 1. Eggless chocolate mousse (just 2 ingredients needed!)
- 2. Macaroon trifle
- 3. Trifle with poached pears
- 4. Limoncello trifle
- 5. Tiramisu with poached pears
- 6. Tiramisu with white chocolate and eggnog
- 7. Pannacotta with pomegranate
- 8. Christmas Pudding
- 9. Coconut Custard
- 10. Baked Alaska
- 11. Pumpkin Cheesecake with Burnt Marshmallows
- FAQ Make Ahead Thanksgiving desserts
Why These Recipes Work
These recipes are not only simple but also practically foolproof. From creamy chocolate mousse that taste even better after chilling overnight to trifles that can be made a day in advance or – in the case of the Christmas pudding – weeks.
No Bake Thanksgiving Desserts
Most of the below Thanksgiving desserts are no bake, making them easy and low stress. There are a few that require a bit more work, but I’ll tell you which ones they are. In general these are all Thanksgiving desserts you can make the day before.
1. Eggless chocolate mousse (just 2 ingredients needed!)
This is my latest favorite. It requires really only two ingredients, has not raw eggs (or any eggs for that matter) inside and can be eaten by everyone. Whipping it up takes just a few minutes and it holds well in the fridge. Make sure to add the whipped cream on top at the last minute.
Eggless Chocolate Mousse
2. Macaroon trifle
This is an absolute showstopper and so easy to make! Add layers of cookies, cream and fruit, with some jam or cranberry compote for fun. The cookies will become a bit softer if you let it sit in the fridge, but it will still be absolutely delicious and the perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert.
Christmas trifle with macaroons
3. Trifle with poached pears
Another trifle that is equally delicious and maybe even easier to make! Again it is best to add the last layer of whipping cream right before serving for the best results.
Delicious trifle with poached pears
4. Limoncello trifle
A trifle that is more suitable for the adults as it has alcohol inside. Delicious limoncello! If also making this for a party including kids, you can replace the limoncello with orange juice mixed with a bit of lemon. I’m giving suggestions in the recipe!
Limoncello Trifle with Raspberries
5. Tiramisu with poached pears
This delicious tiramisu is generally made with kruidnootjes but ginger snaps or gingerbread cookies would be a good replacement.
Tiramisu with poached pears
6. Tiramisu with white chocolate and eggnog
Another alcohol version where you can also easily replace the eggnog with a thick custard. Or make two version; one for the adults and one for the kids. It’s easy to make and great to prep in advance.
Eggnog Tiramisu
7. Pannacotta with pomegranate
Pannacotta is one of those dishes that has the name to be somewhat difficult but is actually really easy to make. If you want to make it even easier you can serve it in pretty glasses. That way you do not have the hassle of turning all the pannacotta out. This is best prepped in advance and chilled overnight. At least 6 hours before serving is best.
Pomegranate panna cotta with yogurt and vanilla
8. Christmas Pudding
Maybe not the first thing that comes to mind for your make ahead Thanksgiving dessert, but this Christmas pudding is so delicious! It does require a bit more work so definitely make this ahead of time. The good news? You can make it days in advance!
Christmas Pudding
9. Coconut Custard
Have friends with a lactose intolerance? This delicious coconut custard might be just what you need!
10. Baked Alaska
This baked Alaska looks fantastic on the dessert table and is surprisingly easy to make!
11. Pumpkin Cheesecake with Burnt Marshmallows
Last but not least is this delicious pumpkin cheesecake. Perfect if you make it the day before and it will taste even better as the flavors have time to melt into each other!
Pumpkin cheesecake with burned marshmallows
Thanksgiving should be about laughter and connection, not rushing around the kitchen. These easy make-ahead desserts let you do just that, a little prep now means a sweeter, calmer holiday later!
FAQ Make Ahead Thanksgiving desserts
It depends on the dessert, but all of them can be made at least one day in advance. Cheesecake or the christmas pudding can be made longer in advance. The Christmas pudding will be fine after a week or longer.
Cheesecake can still be delicious 2-3 days later. Cover properly in the fridge tough to make sure it doesn’t pick up other flavors.
No, I would not recommend freezing any dessert with cream inside. The texture will change and it will not be pleasant to eat. You can safely freeze the cheesecake and the baked Alaska (without the meringue)
Yes, in fact, trifles are one of the best make-ahead desserts! You can assemble it up to 24 hours before serving. The flavors blend together beautifully as it chills. Just hold off on adding the final whipped cream topping or delicate garnishes until right before serving.
You can make panna cotta 1 to 3 days ahead and keep it refrigerated until serving. The texture actually improves a little as it chills. It’s best chilled overnight.
Properly covered, tiramisu will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator. After that, the texture can start to break down as the ladyfingers soften too much.
If you’re tasked with making the Thanksgiving dessert than know that almost all of the desserts above will travel well. With the exception of the Baked Alaska (that might melt), all the other desserts should travel well. Properly packaged of course!
