As the turkey takes center stage on Thanksgiving Day, it’s easy to forget that the real stars of the show are often the sweet treats that follow. Whether you’re a classic pumpkin pie aficionado or a sucker for decadent chocolate pecan tarts, there’s something for everyone at the dessert table. In this article, we’ll be counting down our top 18 irresistible Thanksgiving recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. From traditional favorites like homemade pecan pie with maple syrup to creative twists like caramelized pear and cranberry galette, these desserts are guaranteed to make your holiday gathering a hit.
Classic Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
This iconic pie is a staple of fall celebrations, filled with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices. A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of elegance to this autumnal treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Beat in eggs until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and fill with pumpkin mixture.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until filling is set.
6. Allow pie to cool before serving with a dollop of whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Homemade Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup
Elevate your traditional pecan pie game by swapping out the usual corn syrup for rich, velvety maple syrup. This twist adds depth and complexity to this beloved dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Stir in pecan halves.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Pour pecan mixture into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Cranberry Crisp with Oat Topping
A delightful combination of tender apples and tart cranberries, topped with a crunchy oat mixture, makes for the perfect dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until well coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, and walnuts (if using). Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
5. Spread the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping: A classic Southern dessert that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the gooey goodness of marshmallows.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well.
3. Stir in melted butter until smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with mini marshmallows.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the marshmallows are toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Decadent Chocolate Pecan Tart
A rich and indulgent dessert that combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate, toasted pecans, and a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add butter; use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until a crumbly mixture forms.
2. Press the mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim excess crust from edges.
3. Bake crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Stir in chopped pecans and granulated sugar. Pour mixture into cooled tart crust.
6. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until filling is set.
7. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 28-32 minutes
Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Elevate your fall festivities with this unique and flavorful dessert, featuring a spiced pumpkin cheesecake on a bed of crunchy gingersnap crust.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups gingersnap crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Prepare the cheesecake: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; mix until combined.
4. Pour cheesecake batter over crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
5. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Caramel Apple Pie with Cinnamon Streusel
This classic pie gets a sweet twist with the addition of caramel and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Filling:
– 6-8 medium apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
For the Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Arrange apple mixture in the pie crust.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
6. Mix streusel topping ingredients until crumbly; sprinkle over pie.
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: A delicious and moist fall treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the tanginess of cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree and butter. Beat until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat all ingredients together until smooth. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread
Warm up with a deliciously moist and flavorful pumpkin bread infused with the richness of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined. Fold in walnuts, if using.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars
Elevate your dessert game with these rich and gooey Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. With the added depth of bourbon whiskey, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir until combined. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and bourbon whiskey. Stir in chopped pecans. Pour over crust.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this moist pumpkin roll wrapped around a tangy cream cheese filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking sheet.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, eggs, and spices.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until combined.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to 10×15-inch size.
6. Spread cream cheese filling over center of dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
7. Roll up tightly; cut into 12 slices.
8. Place rolls seam-side down on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
Experience the classic combination of tender apples and crunchy topping in this traditional Dutch-inspired pie.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed apple varieties, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup crumb topping mixture (see below)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crumb Topping Mixture:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the pie crust with apple mixture and dot the top with butter pieces.
5. Top with crumb topping mixture, spreading evenly.
6. Brush egg wash over the crumb topping.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the best of fall flavors – pumpkin and chocolate chip – in a sweet treat perfect for snacking or sharing. With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll be enjoying warm-from-the-oven goodness in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Yield: About 24 cookies
Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Warm up to the flavors of autumn with this moist and comforting pumpkin bread pudding, served with a rich caramel sauce. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a unique dessert for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale pumpkin bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add bread cubes and toss until well coated.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it rest for 10 minutes.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mini Pecan Tarts with Vanilla Ice Cream
These bite-sized pecan tarts are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Flaky pastry crust, gooey caramel filling, and crunchy pecans come together in a delightful combination that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Salt to taste
– Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and corn syrup. Brush the mixture onto each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the sugar mixture. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze
Brighten up your holiday season with this delightful combination of spicy gingerbread and tangy lemon glaze. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for serving at parties or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Lemon Glaze ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before glazing with lemon glaze (mix powdered sugar and lemon juice).
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar: A delicious fall treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the crunch of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
– Cinnamon sugar (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and pumpkin spice.
4. Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pipe donuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Let cool before tossing in cinnamon sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramelized Pear and Cranberry Galette
Caramelized Pear and Cranberry Galette Recipe
This elegant dessert is perfect for the fall season, combining the sweetness of caramelized pears with the tartness of cranberries in a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 3-4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch thick wedges
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook pears and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pears are caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Arrange cooked pears in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around them.
5. Top with cranberries and orange zest (if using).
6. Fold edges of pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush pastry with butter and sprinkle with salt.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a feast of flavors this Thanksgiving! This collection of 18 mouthwatering recipes features an array of sweet and savory treats, from classic pumpkin pie and pecan pie to decadent chocolate tart and spiced cheesecake. Discover new ways to use your favorite fall ingredients, like pumpkin, apple, and cranberry, and impress your guests with these irresistible desserts. From gooey caramel apples to creamy pumpkin spice cupcakes, there’s something for everyone in this delicious lineup.
Leave a Reply