Whether your kitchen is equipped with a teeny 18-inch range or magnificent double ovens (can we come over???), somehow it always seems to be operating at capacity come the holidays. While some things are non-negotiable when it comes to getting a bit of heat, dessert doesn't have to be one of them. This collection of 20 easy Thanksgiving desserts will save the day, allowing you to serve up something sweet without breaking a sweat. That way, you can focus on what really matters: spending time with the people you love. From tasty cakes to pretty pies, you'll love all the no-bake options available to choose from.
Half Baked Harvest
Chocolate lovers won't be able to get enough of this delicious ice cream cake. It balances salty and sweet *perfectly* and on top of the fact that it tastes great, it looks just as amazing. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
This is a great easy Thanksgiving dessert to get your guests involved in. Simply set up an activity station to kick off the festivities, and by the end of the night, their Oreo turkeys will be ready to shake their tail feathers. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
We totally recommend that you keep a few of these tarts in your freezer at all times. Simply pop them out of their molds and top with a spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle of pecans as needed. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Ease your day-of Thanksgiving dessert prep with this delish prepared-ahead mousse. (via Brit + Co)
Spicy Southern Kitchen
The contrasting textures offered by a chewy coconut crust, silky pumpkin filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping make for one decadent pie. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Diethood
It’s almost hard to believe that this gorgeous layered creation requires no baking at all. (via Diethood)
The Real Food Dietitians
The only thing you'll need to fire up for this easy Thanksgiving dessert is your stovetop, to make the melty chocolate topping. Otherwise, this recipe is super painless and oh-so tasty. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Shared Appetite
You'll need to pull out your skillet for this (mostly no-bake) easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe. Trust that the sautéed cinnamon-sugar apples that result will be totally worth it. (via Shared Appetite)
Slim Pickin's Kitchen
With only five ingredients, these spiked custard cups can be thrown together in a jiffy. (via Slim Pickin's Kitchen)
White on Rice Couple
The pretty pink hue of this pie is bound to elicit a few oohs and aahs from Thanksgiving party-goers. Thankfully, the flavor lives up to the hype! (via White on Rice Couple)
The Edgy Veg
Packed with oats, nut butter, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds, these no-bake cookies are a great healthy option for your easy Thanksgiving desserts. (via The Edgy Veg)
Life With the Crust Cut Off
Five minutes of prep, four flavor-packed ingredients. We're sold. (via Life With the Crust Cut Off)
Life, Love and Sugar
Fans of cinnamon and caramel — and let’s face it, everyone else for that matter — will swoon over these eight-layer trifles. This is already one beautiful dish, but the fact it's a no-bake Thanksgiving dessert makes us love it even more. (via Life, Love and Sugar)
Forks Over Knives
An abundance of fruit and nuts goes into making this beautiful, just-sweet-enough fall tart. (via Forks Over Knives)
Belle Vie
Cookie dough fanatics will go wild for these bars flecked with fresh apple chunks and cinnamon chips. (via Belle Vie)
Earthly Provisions
With a total of 7 ingredients and 10 minutes to make 'em, these bite-sized cookie dough balls make the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will be reaching for over and over again. (via Earthly Provisions)
The Recipe Rebel
What’s not to love about cream-filled cookies, cheesecake, and caramel apple goodness coming together in one easy make-ahead dessert? (via The Recipe Rebel)
Dessert for Two
For something that sounds and looks so fancy, tiramisu is actually a snap to prepare. We’re talking only fifteen minutes of prep (plus a few hours to chill). (via Dessert for Two)
Sweet + Savory
Not only are these chai-spiced treats no-bake, but lining your muffin tin makes them also practically cleanup-free. (via Sweet + Savory)
Vanilla and Bean
This easy Thanksgiving dessert looks so stunning, it'll fool everyone into thinking you spent way more time on it than you actually did. (via Vanilla and Bean)
We hope these easy Thanksgiving desserts have saved you some time in your holiday plans this year! Make sure to join our newsletter for more recipe inspiration and check out the B+C Baking Bundle of online courses for more ideas!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.
If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.
The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.
"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."
In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.
"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.
Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.
While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.
"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.
Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.
Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?
"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."
The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.
Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.
"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."
Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.
"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."
If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!
This post has been updated.
There’s a reason we collectively love Thanksgiving episodes of our favorites series, and Friends fans have much to be thankful for when it comes to Turkey Day. Monica, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Rachel and Phoebe were a helluva group to watch gather around the table. From Phoebe’s vegetarian Thanksgiving requests to Chandler’s refusal to eat turkey to Monica’s gourmet standards, there were plenty of LOLs to be had around the apartment come Thanksgiving. And as fans of the show know, there were some interesting side dish choices too. If you wanna cook like one of the gang, here are replicas of some of the Turkey Day dishes they served at their annual Friendsgiving celebration.
Brit + Co
After Monica and Rachel get locked out of their apartment (while the turkey is in the oven. Classic.), the gang has to swap good old Thanksgiving food for grilled cheese. Take this childhood fave to the next level by indulging in brie & donut deliciousness. Don't forget the chocolate and strawberries! (via Brit + Co)
Feast of Starlight
Who could forget the episode where Rachel invites her co-worker Tag over for Thanksgiving dinner? Monica goes all-out making an extra sweet potato-stuffed pumpkin for him. You can go just as fancy with this creation inspired specifically by the show. (via Feast of Starlight)
Half-Baked Harvest
Chandler’s refusal to eat turkey on Thanksgiving made having some chicken on hand imperative. If any of your group doesn’t like turkey, this delectable roasted chicken should be a great substitute. You’re going to roast the grapes along with the chicken, giving it an amazingly sweet and fall-like flavor. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Natasha's Kitchen
Remember the one where Rachel decided to make a traditional English trifle for Thanksgiving… and it was a huge mess due to a recipe mix-up? This one isn’t quite as “traditional” as Rachel’s (thank goodness, because Ross said it tasted like feet), but it’s close enough. And, thanks to the angel food cake and cornucopia of delicious berries, it’s also completely delish, so you won’t mess it up the way she did. (via Natasha’s Kitchen)
The Healthy Foodie
In “The One With the Late Thanksgiving,” despite all the confusion over whether or not Thanksgiving will take place at all and WHAT TIME everyone should show up (seriously, Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, and Joey!), we spot some Brussels sprouts on the Thanksgiving table. We think Monica would totally approve of this rendition, which also features acorn squash, dates, and walnuts. (via The Healthy Foodie)
Damn Delicious
If you don’t know why we’ve included tater tots on our list, you need to go back and re-watch season one. Joey insists on having some tater tots, and we bet Monica would prefer to serve them homemade style. (via Damn Delicious)
The Suburban Soapbox
Of course, the friends didn’t just enjoy random novelty items. In most of the Friends Thanksgiving episodes, they also had a big, juicy turkey on the table. This super yummy recipe brings out the flavors of your bird with citrus and rich herb butter (we’re talking sage, rosemary, and thyme). (via The Suburban Soapbox)
A Spicy Perspective
What would a proper Friendsgiving be without mashed potatoes?! Pretty much just another dinner, if you ask us. Pro tip: Make sure to bring any add-ins (such as cream cheese, butter, cheese, etc.) to room temperature before adding them in. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Sugar Free Mom
In “The One With The List,” Monica is determined to make mockolate work. While mockolate (that’s mock chocolate) may not be a real thing, you can in fact sub out traditional ingredients for low-sugar alternatives. Case in point: this low-sugar, low-carb chocolate creation. (via Sugar Free Mom)
Lauren’s Latest
Chocolate pie was supposed to grace the friends’ Thanksgiving table in season 10, but Phoebe and Rachel forget to pick it up. You can whip it up for your own Thanksgiving celebration in a matter of seconds. Almost literally… the base is made from instant pudding. (via Lauren’s Latest)
Pink Owl Kitchen
Yams are featured in almost every Friends Thanksgiving episode, and we think Monica would totally approve of this super yummy and seasonally fresh dish. Hearty yams are topped with a nut crumble and baked in the oven. Start with canned yams if you want to speed up the cooking process. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Vodka and Biscuits
You may have missed the food in “The One With the Football,” but Monica serves up turkey legs at season three’s Thanksgiving feast. You’ll be brining these bad boys for a good six to eight hours before cooking them for almost two. They’re insanely delicious and totally worth the wait. (via Vodka and Biscuits)
Audrey’s Apron
Let’s be real — everyone loves apple pie, even the notoriously picky friends. This classic American dessert is a must-have in our book, and Monica has served it in a number of Friends Thanksgiving episodes. (via Audrey’s Apron)
Nutmeg Nanny
Surprise! Ross would be psyched to know that you too can whip up Monica’s famous leftover Thanksgiving sandwich at home. It even includes the moist maker — an extra slice of bread in the middle that’s soaked in gravy, adding moisture and flavor to the entire creation. Happy Friendsgiving! (via Nutmeg Nanny)
Are the Friends Thanksgiving episodes your favorite? Follow us on Pinterest for more noteworthy recipes inspired by your favorite shows — like these 6 Friends-Inspired Cocktails For Your Reunion Viewing Party!
This post has been updated.
Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."
He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."
To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."
Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"
The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"
Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"
The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."
Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.
Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."
After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."
Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."
Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.
And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:
After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again
Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.
I figured it was about time I released it.
Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.
Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.
High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"
Looking to stay up-to-date on all your fave celebs? Follow us on Facebook for more!
Thanksgiving seems centered around turkey. From the hearty stuffing to the thick ‘n’ juicy gravy, almost everything is made with or around the turkey and its drippings. So, how do vegetarians get by? Easily! Meatless lasagnas make for a great main, stuffing can be made delicious without the bird, and those perfectly cooked vegetarian sides can be hella filling. See for yourself with these 29 tempting vegetarian-friendly holiday recipes.
Farm Sanctuary
With an oyster mushroom stuffing, you won't miss the turkey in this delicious and savory main meal by Farm Sanctuary Cafe Chef Gail Patak. Try the mashed potatoes and gravy recipes included too!
Jessica in the Kitchen
Loaded with chickpeas and lentils, this hearty cheatloaf makes for a perfect main to go alongside all of those tasty sides.
Two Peas and Their Pod
This recipe kicks your regular ol’ green beans up a few notches by adding crispy fried shallots, crunchy hazelnuts, and browned butter.
Minimalist Baker
With minimal prep, this mouthwatering squash and sweet potato salad is the perfect addition to your holiday spread with sugared pecans and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses dressing.
Umami Girl
Not into “tofurky?” Don’t worry, because this veggie-layered lasagna is delicious, filling, and meets all the requirements of being a Thanksgiving main with its autumnal flavors and comforting textures.
Floating Kitchen
Throughout the cooler months, a starter soup is the way to go — especially if it’s a silky butternut squash soup slightly sweetened by apples.
Evergreen Kitchen
These vegan and GF pot pies are brimming with robust mushrooms, carrots, and wholesome greens, then topped with crispy potatoes.
Farm Sanctuary
Here are four vegan desserts from Farm Sanctuary Chef Patak, including Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Bread pudding, Sweet Ricotta and Pine Nut Tart, and this delightful Caramel Apple Galette to satisfy all the sweet cravings.
The Colorful Kitchen
Impress your fam and friends with this jaw-dropping tart filled with mashed potatoes, eggplant, carrots, cabbage, earthy rosemary, and your favorite plant-based gravy.
This Wife Cooks
This savory gravy pairs well with a number of other Thanksgiving dishes. Its rich flavor is a show-stopper and its made with vegan butter instead of the typical kind.
Vanilla and Bean
This comfort food is so flavorful and is made with black rice, mushrooms, greens, and rice gratin. It is good for you and can also be made gluten-free!
Vanilla and Bean
This moist and tender cornbread is the perfect mix of sweet and savory. It's so easy to whip up and can be stored in the freezer for future indulgence!
Hummusapien
Replace the iconic stuffed turkey by packing a flavor-filled tempeh sausage stuffing into soft roasted acorn squash boats.
Crowded Kitchen
These carrots are expertly coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that is seriously so delicious. The pomegranate seed garnish adds an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
Gastro Plant
These vegan mashed potatoes are oh-so-creamy and savory. They're the ultimate Thanksgiving staple!
Image via Joy Food Sunshine
This crave-worthy side tops a velvety sweet potato and apple sauce blend with crunchy pecans for a fall-inspired dish.
The Missing Lokness
Roasted to a golden crisp, these Brussels sprouts bring warming spices and a hint of sweetness to your plate with curry powder and dried cranberries, and it.is.awesome.
Two Spoons
This meat-free dish is savory and satiating. It's made with wholesome ingredients, including mushrooms, nuts, brown rice, and fresh herbs.
Earthly Provisions
This stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food. It utilizes raw cashews instead of cheese, which may sound questionable, but trust me it's so good.
Cook with Manali
Stock up on naan, because you’ll want to dig into this vegan and GF dal all evening with its combination of lentils, onions, tomato, cumin, and curry leaves.
Crowded Kitchen
This delicious recipe swaps out the classic beef tenderloin for a savory mushroom filling. It's packed with flavor and equally as yummy as the original!
A Virtual Vegan
This vegan cranberry sauce is loaded up with flavor. It has orange juice, orange zest, rosemary, cinnamon, and a splash of booze (but that last one can be swapped out for orange juice)!
No Eggs or Ham
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a thick, cheesy, and sweet white pepper sauce? Sign me up!
Veggie Society
It's not Thanksgiving without a basket of fresh, light, and fluffy biscuits. These Italian-style ones are mouth-watering and are sure to be a hit.
The Full Helping
This recipe puts a vegan spin on a Thanksgiving fave so that *everyone* can enjoy it. Made with vegan cornbread, it’s packed with all the right flavors.
Two Spoons
These yummy falafels are a must-have for your Thanksgiving spread. They're cozy, crispy, vegan, and gluten-free.
Veggie Society
These vegan and gluten-free mushrooms and potatoes are made with chanterelles, caramelized onions, and crispy sage. They're seriously flavorful and something the entire group will enjoy.
The Edgy Veg
This easy recipe tastes just like the traditional pecan pie recipe, just with vegan ingredients that allows the entire group to dig in! (via The Edgy Veg)
Crowded Kitchen
If you're looking for a warm and comforting dessert to enjoy after your scrumptious Thanksgiving meal, this vegan bread pudding is a winner. It has dried fruit, bourbon, cinnamon, and vegan custard.
Follow us on Pinterest for more vegetarian thanksgiving recipes and goodness!
This post has been updated.
