Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Dessert: Fun Pumpkin Pie Turkeys
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team
As the Thanksgiving season approaches and the scent of spiced pies fills the air, I often find myself dreaming up ways to bring a smile to the table. Picture this: a colorful array of adorable Pumpkin Pie Turkeys strutting their stuff right next to the turkey roast. These delightful no-bake creations not only make for a fun kitchen activity with the kids, but they also transform a classic dessert into a whimsical centerpiece that captures everyone s attention.
In just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cute little turkeys using ingredients you likely already have on hand. With their creamy pumpkin filling and playful candy decorations, these treats are not just easy to make but also a joyful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Ready to bring some festive cheer and creativity to your holiday table? Let s dive into making these charming Pumpkin Pie Turkeys!
Why are these Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Desserts special?
Delightful and fun, these Pumpkin Pie Turkeys are perfect for family bonding! Involve the kids in creating these whimsical treats, fostering creativity and teamwork. No baking necessary means less mess and time spent in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on other holiday prep. Eye-catching with vibrant colors and playful designs, they ll be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Plus, versatile in flavor, you can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences. Whether it s for school events or family dinners, these treats fulfill every festive craving!
Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Dessert Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Pie Base
- Pumpkin Pie The base of the dessert, providing flavor and structure; feel free to substitute with any pie for a different twist.
For the Decorations
- Decorator s Icing Used for adhering decorations, adding sweetness and color; any color can bring a festive flair.
- Mini Reese s Peanut Butter Cups Serve as the turkey s body, giving that delightful chocolate and peanut butter flavor; Oreos or similar candies work as a fun substitute.
- Candy Eyes Adds a whimsical touch to your turkeys; easily found in the baking section of your local store.
- Orange Reese s Pieces Halved for the beak, these provide a pop of color and sweetness; try a trimmed orange Starburst for a peanut-free alternative.
- Candy Corn Used as feathers to add color and crunch; ensure their hues contrast for the best visual effect.
Enjoy the process of crafting these cute and simple Thanksgiving desserts with your loved ones!
How to Make Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Dessert
- Cut the Pie: Use a 1.5-inch biscuit cutter to slice circles from the pumpkin pie. Place them directly on your serving platter for a fun presentation.
- Attach the Body: Secure a Mini Reese s Peanut Butter Cup (narrow side down) at the lower part of each pie cutout using the decorator s icing. This forms the turkey s body.
- Add the Eyes and Beak: With the icing, attach two candy eyes on top of the Peanut Butter Cup. For the beak, place half a Reese s Piece underneath, adding that adorable touch.
- Create the Feathers: Position five pieces of candy corn at the top of each circle to represent the turkey s colorful tail feathers. Let creativity flow with various arrangements!
- Serve and Enjoy: You can serve them immediately for a fresh treat or refrigerate until ready to wow your guests!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Dessert Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these adorable treats to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
- Pie Flavor Swaps: Replace pumpkin pie with coconut cream or pecan for a unique spin that adds a delightful twist to the classic dessert.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use a dairy-free chocolate candy or cookie instead of Reese s Peanut Butter Cups to keep the treat accessible for lactose-intolerant guests. It s just as fun!
- Creative Candy Choices: Swap out the candy eyes for mini chocolate chips or gummy candies, offering a fun surprise in every bite while keeping the turkeys lively.
- Peanut-Free Option: Use orange Starburst or any fruit-flavored candy for the beak instead of Reese s Pieces, ensuring a safe treat for those with nut allergies.
- Nutty Burst: Add crushed nuts on top of the candy corn for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet pie perfectly, giving texture to the presentation.
- Zesty Twists: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on the top layer to introduce more warm and festive flavors that are sure to enhance the Thanksgiving experience.
- Healthy Additions: Incorporate a layer of fresh fruit or dried cranberries between the pie base and candy decorations for a pop of color and a hint of tartness, making it a bit healthier.
- Fun Shape Shift: Instead of circles, use cookie cutters in festive holiday shapes like leaves or stars for a creative presentation that will delight kids and adults alike.
Expert Tips for Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Dessert
- Maximize Turkeys: Cut pie sections as closely as possible to maximize the number of cute and simple Thanksgiving desserts you can create without wasting delicious pie.
- Clean Workspace: Ensure your surface for icing is clean and sturdy to prevent slips while decorating. This will help the kids focus on the fun, not the mess!
- Set Up a Station: Create a decorating station with all the ingredients at hand. This not only organizes your workspace but also keeps the kids engaged and excited while they craft their adorable turkeys.
- Ingredient Variations: Feel free to experiment by using different flavored pies or candy for customization. This keeps the project lively and adaptable to tastes.
- Serving Tips: For the best visual effect, arrange the finished turkeys on a vibrant serving tray to draw everyone s attention at the Thanksgiving table!
Make Ahead Options
These adorable No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Turkeys are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pumpkin pie cutouts up to 24 hours in advance, simply slicing them and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can set up the decoration station (with the Mini Reese s Peanut Butter Cups, candy eyes, and other toppings) a few hours before serving, keeping everything ready to go. Just remember to assemble them shortly before serving to ensure the candy maintains its crunch and the icing stays fresh. With these prep tips, you ll save time on Thanksgiving day while still enjoying the deliciousness of these cute and simple Thanksgiving desserts!
What to Serve with Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Dessert Pumpkin Pie Turkeys?
Create a festive atmosphere with delightful accompaniments that enhance your Thanksgiving feast.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich, creamy element, beautifully balancing the sweetness of the turkeys.
- Apple Cider: Serve warm or chilled, apple cider brings a touch of fall flavor that pairs wonderfully with desserts, inviting cozy conversations.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish offers a contrasting texture, with its creamy filling topped with crunchy pecans, making it a comforting side.
- Pecan Pie: A classic Thanksgiving dessert with its sweet, nutty flavor, pecan pie will echo the season while providing variety on the dessert table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a deliciously cool contrast to the creamy pumpkin filling, inviting every bite to melt in your mouth.
- Green Bean Casserole: For a savory touch, add this dish, which combines crunchy onions and creamy mushrooms perfect for balancing all that sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: An enveloping, warm drink enhances the holiday mood and echoes the flavors in your desserts, uniting the Thanksgiving experience.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed fruits lends a burst of color and a light texture, balancing the richness of the desserts beautifully.
- Festive Cookies: Consider including some gingerbread or sugar cookies to sprinkle some extra joy around the table. Their festive shapes will charm guests of all ages!
Storage Tips for Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Dessert
Fridge: Store any leftover Pumpkin Pie Turkeys in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare these adorable turkeys 1-2 hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until it s time to serve, allowing the icing to set nicely.
Serving After Storage: For best results, serve immediately after making, but if refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance the creamy texture.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the pumpkin pie and candy decorations. Enjoy these cute and simple Thanksgiving desserts fresh!
Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Dessert Pumpkin Pie Turkeys Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right pumpkin pie for this dessert?
Absolutely! When selecting your pumpkin pie, look for one with a rich, creamy filling and a smooth consistency. You ll want it to be fresh, so check for any blemishes or dark spots on the crust that could indicate staleness. Homemade pies tend to give the best flavor, but store-bought ones work perfectly if you re short on time!
How should I store the Pumpkin Pie Turkeys?
Very simple! Once you ve made these adorable desserts, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
Can I make the Pumpkin Pie Turkeys ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I recommend preparing these turkeys 1-2 hours before your guests arrive to ensure they look their best. Keep them in the refrigerator until you re ready to serve. This allows the icing to set and helps maintain their adorable charm!
Can I freeze the Pumpkin Pie Turkeys?
Freezing the Pumpkin Pie Turkeys isn t recommended, as it can affect the texture of both the pumpkin pie and the candy decorations. They are best enjoyed fresh! Instead, focus on making them right before serving for that delightful creamy texture.
What if I have allergies to any of the ingredients?
Great question! If anyone has nut allergies, you can easily substitute Mini Reese s Peanut Butter Cups with Oreo cookies or chocolate-covered round candies that are free of nuts. For a peanut-free beak option, using a trimmed orange Starburst works wonderfully!
What should I do if the icing is too runny or too thick?
If your icing is too runny, try adding a bit of powdered sugar to thicken it up. Conversely, if it s too thick, mix in a couple of drops of water until it reaches the desired consistency. When applying icing, make sure to work quickly as it can dry out, making decorating much harder. Enjoy crafting your lovely Thanksgiving dessert!