This simple Thanksgiving dessert is the kind of cozy, pantry-friendly recipe that makes holiday baking feel easy. Using dry uncooked round buttery crackers as the base gives it a rich, buttery texture that bakes into something sweet, comforting, and just a little unexpected. It is a great choice when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert with very little prep and only a handful of ingredients.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special finish. It also pairs nicely with coffee after a big holiday meal, and if you want to dress it up for the table, a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes it feel even more festive.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Thanksgiving Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 sleeves dry uncooked round buttery crackers
2 cans apple pie filling, about 21 ounces each
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch oven-safe glass baking dish.
2. Spread the dry round buttery crackers in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the crackers, making sure the apples are spread from corner to corner.
4. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined, then drizzle the mixture over the apple layer.
5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly.
Variations & Tips
Pecan topping: For a little crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top before baking. It gives the dessert a lovely holiday feel and pairs especially well with the apple filling.
Less sweet version: If your family prefers desserts that are not too sugary, reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup. The pie filling and crackers still bring plenty of flavor.
Picky eater tip: If someone at the table does not love visible fruit pieces, chop the apple filling into smaller bits before spreading it over the crackers so every bite is softer and easier to serve.
Make it extra cozy: A little nutmeg or apple pie spice can be added along with the cinnamon for a warmer flavor. This is a nice touch when you want the kitchen to smell especially wonderful on Thanksgiving Day.
Serving tip: This dessert is best served warm. If making it ahead, reheat individual portions for a few seconds in the microwave and add whipped cream or ice cream just before serving.