Savor the Sweetness: 17 Irresistible Thanksgiving Desserts
Introduction
Thanksgiving is synonymous with family, gratitude, and, of course, indulgent desserts. As we gather around the table to give thanks, the sweet treats take center stage, adding a delightful finale to the feast. In this article, we’ll explore 17 mouthwatering Thanksgiving desserts, each designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and elevate your holiday celebration.
Pumpkin Perfection
1. Pumpkin Pie Extravaganza
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out the pie crust into a pie dish.
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
Beat in the eggs, then gradually add evaporated milk.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
Allow to cool before serving.
2. Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup quick oats
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup maple syrup
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, oats, softened butter, and brown sugar.
Press the mixture into a greased baking pan to form the crust.
In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggs.
Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top and drizzle with maple syrup.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
Cool and cut into bars.
3. Pumpkin Cheesecake Delight
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a springform pan.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour the mixture over the crust.
Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center is set.
Allow to cool before refrigerating.
Apple Bliss
4. Caramel Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced and peeled apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and softened butter.
Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
5. Apple Pie Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk.
Fold in diced apples.
Spoon batter into cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Cool before frosting.
6. Cinnamon Apple Galette
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 3 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the pie crust onto a baking sheet.
In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon.
Arrange the apple mixture in the center of the crust, leaving a border.
Fold the edges of the crust over the apples.
Dot the apples with butter pieces.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Nutty Delights
7. Pecan Pie Perfection
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the pie crust into a pie dish.
In a bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Stir in pecan halves.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until set.
Cool before serving.
8. Walnut Brownie Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in sugar.
Remove from heat and beat
in eggs and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Fold in chopped walnuts.
Spoon batter into a greased mini muffin tin.
Bake for 12-15 minutes.
9. Almond Joy Tart
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made tart crust
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Press the tart crust into a tart pan.
In a bowl, mix shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk.
Spread the coconut mixture over the crust.
Sprinkle chopped almonds on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil and drizzle over the tart.
Chill before serving.
Cranberry Creations
10. Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a loaf pan.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk orange juice, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
Fold in cranberries.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes.
Cool before slicing.
11. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
12. Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole cranberry sauce
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
Spoon cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until set.
Cool before refrigerating.
Chocolate Heaven
13. Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made chocolate cake
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup white chocolate, melted
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Directions
Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package instructions.
Cut the cake into three layers.
Melt dark chocolate and let it cool slightly.
In a bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Fold the melted dark chocolate into the whipped cream.
Place the first cake layer in a springform pan and spread a layer of chocolate mousse.
Repeat with the remaining layers.
Chill the cake for at least 4 hours.
Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the top.
Garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.
14. Chocolate Pecan Tart
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made tart crust
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup corn syrup
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Press the tart crust into a tart pan.
Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the crust.
In a bowl, mix corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture over the chocolate and pecans.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until set.
Cool before serving.
15. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture.
Stir in vanilla extract and chocolate chips.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Cool before serving.
Article: More Thanksgiving Delights to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Quirky Twists on Classic Thanksgiving Desserts
16. Whimsical Turkey-Shaped Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Candy corn and chocolate candies for decoration
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Roll out the dough and cut out turkey shapes using a cookie cutter.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Decorate with candy corn and chocolate candies after cooling.
17. Sweet Potato Casserole Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pecan halves for topping
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until well incorporated.
Spoon the batter into cupcake liners.
Top each cupcake with a pecan half.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool before serving.
Pumpkin Pleasures: A Festive Feast for Your Taste Buds
Get ready for a pumpkin-packed extravaganza that will elevate your fall dessert game. From the classic Pumpkin Pie Extravaganza to the whimsical Sweet Potato Casserole Cupcakes, these recipes promise a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into the world of festive delights that capture the essence of the season.
1. Pumpkin Pie Extravaganza
Instructions
Roll out pie crust and place it in a pie dish.
Mix pumpkin puree, spices, sugar, and eggs.
Pour the mixture into the crust and bake until set.
Cool, slice, and savor the pumpkin perfection.
Pie delight: A classic that steals the show at any autumn gathering.
2. Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bars
Instructions
Combine pumpkin, maple syrup, and spices.
Layer on a pecan-studded crust and bake.
Cool, cut into bars, and drizzle with more maple goodness.
Bar bliss: A harmonious blend of pumpkin, pecans, and maple sweetness.
3. Pumpkin Cheesecake Delight
Instructions
Mix cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and spices.
Pour over a graham cracker crust and bake.
Chill, slice, and revel in the creamy pumpkin goodness.
Cheesecake dream: A luscious twist on the classic with a pumpkin embrace.
4. Caramel Apple Crisp
Instructions
Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar.
Layer in a baking dish, top with a crisp mixture.
Drizzle with caramel, bake until golden and bubbly.
Apple heaven: A comforting crisp with a caramelized twist.
5. Apple Pie Cupcakes
Instructions
Mix diced apples with cinnamon and sugar.
Fill cupcake liners with spiced batter.
Top with streusel and bake to golden perfection.
Cupcake charm: All the flavors of apple pie in a handheld delight.
6. Cinnamon Apple Galette
Instructions
Roll out pie crust, layer with sliced apples.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and fold edges.
Bake until golden, then dust with powdered sugar.
Galette grace: A rustic beauty that captures the essence of fall.
7. Pecan Pie Perfection
Instructions
Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, and vanilla.
Stir in pecans and pour into a pie crust.
Bake until the center is set and pecans are golden.
Pecan paradise: A classic pie that never goes out of style.
8. Walnut Brownie Bites
Instructions
Mix brownie batter with chopped walnuts.
Spoon into mini muffin cups and bake until set.
Pop them out, let them cool, and enjoy the bite-sized bliss.
Brownie bonanza: Rich chocolate goodness with a nutty crunch.
9. Almond Joy Tart
Instructions
Press almond and coconut crust into a tart pan.
Fill with a chocolate ganache and top with almonds and coconut.
Chill until set and indulge in the joyous flavors.
Tart temptation: All the delights of an Almond Joy in a tart form.
10. Cranberry Orange Bread
Instructions
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Bread brilliance: A citrusy twist with bursts of cranberry freshness.
11. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Instructions
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries, then bake.
Cookie joy: Sweet white chocolate meets tart cranberries in every bite.
12. Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
Instructions
Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar for the crust.
Mix cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla for the filling.
Swirl in cranberry sauce and bake until set.
Cheesecake magic: A delightful blend of creamy and tangy goodness.
13. Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Instructions
Prepare a chocolate crust, then layer dark, milk, and white chocolate mousses.
Chill between layers and finish with a chocolate ganache.
Mousse masterpiece: Three layers of chocolate decadence in every slice.
14. Chocolate Pecan Tart
Instructions
Combine chocolate and pecan filling.
Pour into a tart shell and bake until set.
Allow to cool before slicing into chocolatey perfection.
Tart trio: Chocolate and pecans unite in a heavenly dessert.
15. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Instructions
Cream together butter, sugar, and pumpkin.
Add flour, baking powder, and spices.
Fold in chocolate chips and bake to golden perfection.
Cookie comfort: A pumpkin twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
16. Whimsical Turkey-Shaped Cookies
Instructions
Roll out sugar cookie dough and cut into turkey shapes.
Decorate with colorful icing and edible embellishments.
Let the kids join the fun in creating these adorable treats.
Turkey treats: A playful and tasty addition to your Thanksgiving table.
17. Sweet Potato Casserole Cupcakes
Instructions
Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and spices.
Spoon into cupcake liners and bake until set.
Top with a pecan streusel for the perfect finish.
Cupcake innovation: A sweet potato twist on a classic casserole.
Conclusion: A Feast for Your Taste Buds
As we wrap up this journey through 17 Thanksgiving dessert recipes, your culinary arsenal is now equipped with an array of delightful treats. From traditional pies to whimsical cookies and inventive cupcakes, there’s something to suit every palate. These recipes are designed not only to satisfy your sweet tooth but also to add a touch of creativity and joy to your Thanksgiving celebration. Gather your ingredients, let the oven work its magic, and relish the sweet symphony that awaits your family and friends. May your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, laughter, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked desserts. Happy baking!
This continuation of the article introduces two more Thanksgiving dessert recipes, adding a playful twist with whimsical turkey-shaped cookies and a creative take on the classic sweet potato casserole in cupcake form. Each recipe is crafted to bring joy and novelty to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
These 17 Thanksgiving desserts offer a delightful array of flavors and textures, ensuring that your holiday celebration ends on a sweet note. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pumpkin treats, fruity delights, or nutty indulgences, there’s something for every palate. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your loved ones thankful for your baking skills. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, gratitude, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked desserts.Embrace the flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Pie Extravaganza and an array of delightful desserts. From pies and bars to cookies and tarts, these recipes bring the warmth and richness of autumn to your table. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the pumpkin festivities begin!