Let’s paint a picture of Thanksgiving day. The turkey is roasting, the aroma fills the house, and every burner on the stove is occupied. The oven is the most valuable real estate in your home. Sound familiar? We all know the feeling.
What if I told you that you could make one of the most delicious Thanksgiving Desserts without even touching the oven? That’s right. This recipe is a game changer for your holiday planning. It is all about a creamy, dreamy, no bake pumpkin pie that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the sheer simplicity is a huge win. When your holiday to do list is a mile long, having a dessert that comes together in minutes is just fantastic. This is one of those truly simple Thanksgiving Desserts Easy recipes.
The biggest benefit? No oven required. Free up that precious oven space for your turkey, stuffing, and all the other baked goodies. This pie just needs a little bit of refrigerator space to set into a slice of heaven.
And the flavor is pure autumn comfort. It has the soul of a classic pumpkin pie but with a light, airy texture thanks to the cream cheese and whipped topping. It’s a delightful twist that feels both familiar and new. It’s one of my favorite Thanksgiving Treats to make.
Honestly, the texture is what makes people fall in love. The filling is velvety and smooth, melting in your mouth. This is all nestled inside a buttery shortbread crust. The contrast is just wonderful.
This is also a fantastic make ahead option. You can whip it up a day or two before Thanksgiving. That means one less thing to worry about on the big day. It’s a smart way to manage your holiday cooking schedule.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dessert. The list is short and sweet, which is exactly what we want for holiday baking. You probably have some of these items in your pantry already.
- 10 ounces pumpkin pie filling
- 8 ¾ ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 (9 inch) prepared shortbread pie crust
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for dusting (Optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy this is? Following these simple steps will give you one of the best thanksgiving desserts you’ve ever made. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First, get all your ingredients out on the counter. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. This is key to getting a super smooth filling without any lumps. Let it sit out for about an hour before you start.
Step 2: Create The Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin pie filling, softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and one cup of the thawed whipped topping. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this part.
Beat everything together until it is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to make sure everything is well incorporated. You want a consistent, velvety texture.
Step 3: Fill The Pie Crust
Once the filling is perfectly smooth, pour it into your prepared shortbread pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a nice flat surface. It already looks amazing, doesn’t it?
Step 4: Add The Topping
Now take the remaining cup of whipped topping. Gently spread it over the pumpkin filling. You can make pretty swirls with the back of a spoon or keep it smooth and sleek. It is your call!
Step 5: Chill To Perfection
This is the most important step for our no bake pie. Cover the pie and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 to 6 hours. This allows the filling to set up properly. Overnight is even better if you have the time.
When you are ready to serve, you can sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for a final festive touch. This makes for beautiful Thanksgiving Desserts.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and stops it from picking up other fridge odors.
Your pie will stay delicious in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. After that, the crust might start to get a little soft, but it will still be a tasty treat. Let’s be honest, it probably will not last that long anyway!
Tips
Want to customize your pie? Here are a few simple Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to make this recipe your own. These little adjustments can add a personal touch.
Feel free to switch up the crust. A store bought graham cracker crust or a ginger snap crust would be absolutely delicious with the pumpkin filling. You could even make your own if you are feeling ambitious.
For a little extra flavor, add a half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling mixture. This will amp up the warm spice notes and make it taste even more like autumn.
When it comes to toppings, get creative! A drizzle of caramel sauce, a handful of toasted pecans, or even some chocolate shavings would be great additions right before serving. These little touches make your Thanksgiving Treats special.
Remember that this is a great make ahead dessert. Making it the day before Thanksgiving frees you up to focus on other dishes. It is a smart strategy for a less stressful holiday meal.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A wonderfully simple, incredibly delicious dessert that will be the star of your holiday table. This recipe is more than just a sweet treat. It is a way to make your holiday a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
By choosing no bake Thanksgiving Desserts, you give yourself the gift of time and a stress free kitchen. So go ahead, give this recipe a try. Enjoy the smiles and the happy sounds of your family enjoying a homemade dessert. Happy Thanksgiving!
FAQ
Can I Make This Pie Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely! This is one of the best things about this recipe. You can prepare it one to two days in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. The flavors actually get even better overnight.
Can I Use A Different Crust?
For sure. A prepared graham cracker crust is a classic choice that works beautifully. A chocolate cookie crust or a crust made from crushed ginger snaps would also be fantastic pairings for the pumpkin filling. Feel free to experiment.
What If I Cannot Find Pumpkin Pie Filling?
If you can only find pure pumpkin puree, that works too. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced. If you use puree, just add about a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and adjust the confectioners’ sugar to your preferred sweetness.
Simple No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
A creamy, dreamy no-bake pumpkin pie that frees up precious oven space during the holidays. This simple dessert features a light, airy filling in a buttery shortbread crust, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for Thanksgiving.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin pie filling, softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and one cup of the thawed whipped topping.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat everything together until it is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the smooth filling into your prepared shortbread pie crust and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Gently spread the remaining cup of whipped topping over the pumpkin filling.
- Cover the pie and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to set.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for a festive touch.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling mixture.
Feel free to switch up the crust. A store-bought graham cracker crust or a ginger snap crust would also be delicious.
Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. Transferring slices to an airtight container will keep it freshest.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
