Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! While savory dishes often take center stage, desserts are the sweet ending that everyone looks forward to. Here are three diverse examples of Thanksgiving desserts recipes that are sure to delight your guests and make your holiday meal memorable.
This creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake is a delightful twist on the traditional pumpkin pie. It’s perfect for those who love rich and smooth desserts. Serve it chilled after your Thanksgiving dinner for a refreshing finish.
To make this cheesecake, start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Next, in a separate bowl, beat together 2 packages (8 ounces each) of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Add in 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly wobbly. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Notes/Variations: You can add a swirl of caramel sauce on top for added flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
This warm apple crisp is a comforting dessert that brings the flavors of fall into your Thanksgiving celebration. It’s simple to make and can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
To prepare, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, slice 6-8 medium apples and toss them with ½ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the juice of half a lemon. Spread the apple mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In another bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ cup of cold butter (cut into small pieces). Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Enjoy it warm, and don’t forget the ice cream!
Notes/Variations: You can mix in other fruits like pears or berries for a unique twist. For a nutty flavor, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
If you love the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but want a more portable version, these pecan pie bars are the perfect solution. They make for a great dessert to share at Thanksgiving gatherings and are easy to cut into squares.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the crust, mix 2 cups of flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 cup of cold butter in a bowl until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by whisking together 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of brown sugar, 4 large eggs, ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir in 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans. Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan mixture over it and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until set.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. These bars are deliciously sweet and have that classic pecan pie flavor that everyone loves.
Notes/Variations: You can add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a fun flavor twist. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in the crust.