Oh, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and of course, *delicious desserts*. When I think of Thanksgiving, my heart swells with memories of gathering around the table, the air filled with the sweet aroma of pumpkin spice and warm, cozy flavors. That’s why I absolutely adore these *simple Thanksgiving desserts*. They’re easy to whip up, yet they carry all the nostalgic warmth of the holiday. Trust me, there’s something magical about serving a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings everyone together. My go-to recipe is a delightful pumpkin treat that’s as comforting as a hug from a loved one. It’s the perfect way to end your Thanksgiving feast with smiles all around!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Simple Thanksgiving Desserts
Getting ready to make these delightful Thanksgiving desserts is a breeze! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is, and I promise, the results will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive right into the steps!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a consistent temperature helps the dessert bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, grab your pumpkin puree, sugar, and softened butter. Mix them together until everything is well combined and creamy. I love using a hand mixer for this—it makes it so easy!
- Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix again until everything is smooth. You want this part to be nice and fluffy, so don’t rush it!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step is key because it ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you that delicious flavor in every bite.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense dessert, and nobody wants that!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. I always use a spatula to make sure it’s level, which helps it bake evenly.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
- Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a bit before serving. This waiting time helps everything set perfectly!
And there you have it! A simple yet scrumptious dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy Thanksgiving days.
- Deliciously moist and flavorful, thanks to pumpkin puree and warm spices.
- Always a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to the table.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy the festivities without stress.
- Versatile enough to pair with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *simple Thanksgiving desserts* turn out perfectly, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh pumpkin puree—it really boosts the flavor! If you’re using canned, make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not the spiced pie filling. Second, don’t rush the mixing! Cream the butter and sugar well; it’ll make your dessert light and airy. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, so check for doneness with a toothpick around 30 minutes in. Lastly, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, that little extra touch will take it to the next level and leave everyone raving about your dessert! Enjoy the sweet compliments!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these *simple Thanksgiving desserts*, you really can’t go wrong with a few classic accompaniments! I highly recommend topping each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds a light, airy texture that perfectly complements the rich pumpkin flavor. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an absolute treat! The creamy coldness contrasts beautifully against the warm dessert, creating a delightful experience in every bite. And don’t forget to sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for that festive touch—it’s all about those cozy flavors!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these delightful *simple Thanksgiving desserts*. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on ingredient brands and specific measurements:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
This dessert is not only delicious but also offers a lovely balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy every bite with a little peace of mind about what you’re indulging in!
FAQ Section
Can I make these desserts ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these *simple Thanksgiving desserts* is that they can be made a day in advance. Just let your dessert cool completely after baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. If you want to warm it up, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you can enjoy the festivities without any last-minute baking stress!
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with an equal amount of mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash puree for a similar flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, even applesauce can work in a pinch, though it will give a slightly different taste. Just keep in mind that the spices in the recipe really complement the pumpkin, so adjust those to your liking if you make a substitution!
Are these desserts suitable for special diets?
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *simple Thanksgiving desserts* is super easy! Once the dessert has completely cooled, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—though I doubt it’ll last that long with how delicious it is!
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or for a warm slice, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will enhance that freshly baked flavor and make your kitchen smell heavenly again!
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Simple Thanksgiving Desserts to Cherish This Holiday Season
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious desserts for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, and butter.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: simple thanksgiving desserts, easy desserts, pumpkin desserts
