If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that the best part of any meal is dessert. And when it comes to Thanksgiving, boy oh boy do we have some wonderful options! From classic pumpkin pies to unconventional sweet treats, there are so many delicious ways to cap off your holiday feast. So grab a fork (or spoon), and let’s dive into the world of heavenly Thanksgiving desserts.
Traditional Must-Haves: Pies Galore!
When you think of Thanksgiving desserts, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Yep, you guessed it – pies! They’re practically synonymous with this holiday. Here are some traditional favorites:
Pumpkin Pie
The star of every Thanksgiving dinner table is undoubtedly the pumpkin pie.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- One unbaked pie shell
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Mix together all ingredients except for the pie shell in a large bowl until well combined.
3. Pour mixture into the pie shell and bake for about an hour or until set.
4. Let cool before serving.
Apple Pie
Another timeless classic is apple pie – crisp apples mixed with warm spices tucked inside a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Two unbaked pie shells
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss apples in sugar, flour, and spices and pour into one pie shell.
3. Cover with second pie shell and crimp the edges to seal.
4. Bake for around 40-50 minutes until golden brown and apples are soft.
Not a Fan of Pie? No problem!
If you’re not a fan of pies, don’t worry! There are plenty of other Thanksgiving desserts that can satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is another classic dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, especially when you add some pumpkin into the mix!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups bread cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients except bread until well combined.
3. Stir in bread cubes and let sit for about 10 minutes so bread can absorb mixture.
4. Pour into greased baking dish and bake for around an hour or until set in the middle.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Cheesecake might not be traditional Thanksgiving fare, but who says you can’t start a new tradition?
Ingredients:
- One graham cracker crust
- Two (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- Two eggs
- Three medium tart apples, peeled and finely chopped
- Half teaspoon ground cinnamon
-Caramel topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth in mixing bowl then add eggs one at a time beating after each addition. Pour onto crust.
3.Toss apples with cinnamon; spoon over cream cheese layer drizzle with caramel topping (as much as you want).
4. Bake until set, about 40 minutes. Cool then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Going the Extra Mile: Fancy Schmancy Desserts
If you’re looking to wow your guests this year, these fancy desserts are sure to impress!
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Why choose between pecan pie and cheesecake when you can have both?
Ingredients:
- One graham cracker crust
- Two (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- One tsp vanilla extract
-Four eggs
-One cup chopped pecans
-Caramel topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl until well mixed. Add eggs one at a time beating on low after each addition just until blended.
3.Pour into crust; top with nuts & caramel topping.
4.Bake for an hour or until center is set.Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool completely in pan on wire rack.Refrigerate for four hours.
Pumpkin Roll
Impress your guests with this gorgeous pumpkin roll that’s not only beautiful but also delicious.
Ingredients:
- Three eggs
- One cup sugar
-One tsp lemon juice
-Two-third cups canned pumpkin puree
-Salt to taste
-Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.Beat together all ingredients except powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth.Spread evenly onto a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Bake for about 15 minutes or until edges start to pull away from sides of pan.Cool slightly before rolling up in a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.Let cool completely before filling with desired fillings like cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.
Whichever dessert you choose, remember that the most important part of Thanksgiving is to enjoy the company of your loved ones. So relax, have a slice (or two) of dessert, and give thanks for the sweet things in life! Happy Thanksgiving!
