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    Home » Dessert Recipes

    Make Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts

    Published: Nov 11, 2019 · Modified: Dec 18, 2020 by Deanne Frieders · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Reduce your holiday stress with these make ahead Thanksgiving desserts. These desserts can be prepped and frozen or set aside for the big day!

    Let's get started with some delicious, showstopper desserts!

    Make Ahead Desserts

    Soft Pumpkin Cookies are topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting. These cookies can be baked a few days in advance and refrigerated. Make the frosting ahead of time and frost them before the big event!

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    Orange Fluff Jello Salad can be partially made up to two days ahead of time. Before serving, fold in the whipped topping and crushed pineapple.

    As with any jello recipe, I don't recommend you freeze this one!

    large bowl of orange fluff jello salad
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    Apple Slab Pie is an awesome dessert for a potluck get together or when you're feeding a hungry crowd.

    The apple pie can be assembled, covered with the pie crust and then frozen, covered until it's time to bake.

    The same goes for regular apple pie, too! You can freeze an unbaked pie and bake the day before your gathering.

    apple slab pie make ahead dessert for a crowd
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    This pumpkin roll cake practically screams Thanksgiving with all the fragrant fall inspired spices.

    Make the cake a day or two ahead of time and refrigerate. Top with powdered sugar just before serving.

    Make Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts
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    No bake bourbon balls are a boozy, adult only treat! They'll keep in the refrigerator for a month or so. Just dust them with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving.

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    More Make Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts

    This gluten free apple crisp recipe is unbelievably tasty and sugar free! Assemble head of time in a 9x9 baking pan and refrigerate or freeze, covered in foil, before baking.

    The oats will toast up nice and golden when you bake this for your holiday gathering.

    Make Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts
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    Cranberry Orange Scones have a delicious citrus and bright cranberry flavor. Bake a batch of these and freeze after cooling.

    To serve, warm slightly and then top with citrus glaze. Yum!!!

    cranberry orange scones
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    I love a sugar cookie recipe just as next as the next person. But when they’re easy sugar cookies – well, now you’re talking my love language!

    This sugar cookie dough goes straight from the mixer onto a greased sheet pan. There’s no refrigeration time like a classic sugar cookie recipe. Drop sugar cookies onto the pan and get baking!!

    Check out my tips for making the sugar cookie dough ahead of time and freezing it!

    no roll sugar cookies
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    We love these mini pumpkin pies made in a muffin tin! Bake up a batch and cool, then freeze for later.

    Thaw and top with whipped cream and a touch of cinnamon for a pumpkin treat!

    Farm Girl Tip: I love to serve mini-desserts on this three tier platter. It collapses for easy storage, too!

    make ahead mini pumpkin pies desserts
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    Old Fashioned Ginger Snap Cookies are my Grandma's recipe and they're spicy and crunchy! Make a batch of dough and stash it in the freezer for just baked cookies for your guests!

    old fashioned ginger snap cookies
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    I hope these make ahead Thanksgiving desserts allow you to enjoy all the season has to offer.

    Remember, the day is not about perfection, it's about gathering around the table in community and giving thanks for what we have!

    Made with love,
    Deanne

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Ambrosia salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon topped with three cherries.
      Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip
    • A plate of dark chocolate and chocolate chip cookies with walnuts.
      Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
    • Chocolate covered peanut butter stuffed dates on a baking sheet.
      Chocolate Covered Dates with Peanut Butter
    • Heart shaped rice krispie treats colored with frosting on a counter.
      Heart Shaped Rice Krispie Treats

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    Deanne Frieders, This Farm Girl COoks

    Welcome to This Farm Girl Cooks, my name is Deanne Frieders! This is the place I LOVE sharing recipes and ideas with busy home cooks. My focus is on simple, delicious meals your family will actually eat!

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