This easy Thanksgiving dessert is the kind of clever, cozy recipe that makes everyone at the table smile, especially when you need something simple with just a handful of pantry ingredients. Using flat-bottom ice cream cones as the base gives the dessert a fun, old-fashioned charm, and once baked, they turn soft and cake-like while holding all that sweet holiday flavor. It is a great choice for busy family cooks who want a warm dessert without making a pie from scratch.
Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a Thanksgiving table, they pair especially well with coffee, hot cider, or a small plate of fresh apple slices or pears to balance the sweetness. If you are setting out a dessert buffet, these are easy to add alongside cookies, bars, and pie.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Thanksgiving Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
8 dry uncooked flat-bottom ice cream cones
1 can apple pie filling, chopped slightly if the apple slices are large
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease an oven-safe roasting pan. Stand the flat-bottom ice cream cones upright in the pan so they fit snugly and support each other.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the apple pie filling, brown sugar, and cinnamon until evenly combined. If needed, cut the apple pieces into smaller bites so they fit neatly into the cones.
3. Spoon the apple mixture into each cone, filling them nearly to the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the filled cones and into the pan.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the cones are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the filling can set a bit.
Variations & Tips
Picky Eater Version: Use a smoother filling by chopping the apple pie filling very finely before spooning it into the cones. This makes the texture softer and easier for little ones or selective eaters to enjoy.
Pear Twist: Swap the apple pie filling for pear pie filling if you want a slightly different holiday flavor. Pear has a gentle sweetness that feels just right for a cozy fall dessert.
Make It Extra Special: A little whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right before serving makes these feel festive enough for the holiday table without adding much extra work.
Pan Tip: Keep the cones packed close together in the roasting pan so they stay upright while baking. If your pan is large, you can crumple a little foil between them to help support the cones.
Best Served Warm: These are nicest the day they are made while the cones are still soft and the filling is warm. If you do have leftovers, reheat them gently in the oven for a few minutes rather than the microwave to keep the texture from getting too soggy.