This easy 4-ingredient baked Thanksgiving dessert is the kind of quirky pantry recipe that surprises everybody at the table. Dry spaghetti bakes right in the dish with a few sweet staples to create a cozy, sliceable noodle pudding-style dessert with a soft center and golden top, making it a budget-friendly option when you want something warm, simple, and a little unexpected for holiday dessert.
Serve this dessert warm with a spoonful of whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you have it on hand. It also pairs nicely with hot coffee after a big Thanksgiving meal, and for a prettier holiday plate, you can add a light dusting of cinnamon or a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side for a little tart contrast.
4-Ingredient Oven Baked Thanksgiving Spaghetti Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
8 ounces dry uncooked spaghetti noodles
1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an oven-safe casserole dish so the dessert releases more easily after baking.
2. Break the dry spaghetti noodles in half and spread them evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
3. Spoon the apple pie filling over the noodles, then pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly across the top and sprinkle with the cinnamon.
4. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the top is lightly golden.
5. Let the dessert rest for 10 minutes before scooping or slicing to serve so it can set up a bit and become easier to portion.
Variations & Tips
For a softer texture: If you prefer a more pudding-like dessert, add 1/2 cup water or milk before baking. That little bit of extra liquid helps the spaghetti soften more evenly.
For picky eaters: Chop the apple slices in the pie filling into smaller pieces before adding them to the dish. Kids and texture-sensitive guests often like the dessert better when the fruit is in smaller bites.
For extra holiday flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice along with the cinnamon. It gives the dish a more classic Thanksgiving dessert taste without making the recipe any more complicated.
To prevent crunchy noodles: Make sure the foil is sealed tightly for the first part of baking. If your oven runs hot or the noodles still seem firm, add a splash of water, re-cover, and bake a little longer.
For an easy topping: Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to dress it up for guests. That little finishing touch makes this humble pantry dessert feel much more special.