Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. One of my favorite parts of the celebration is indulging in *thanksgiving themed desserts*. There’s just something about a warm, spiced pumpkin treat that makes the holiday feel complete. I can still remember the aroma wafting through my home as we eagerly awaited dessert after a hearty meal. Trust me, these desserts aren’t just sweet endings; they’re the delightful highlight of the feast! Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a big family reunion, these treats bring everyone together for a moment of pure joy. So, let’s dive into making some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that will leave your loved ones smiling and asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted if desired
How to Prepare Instructions
Making these delightful Thanksgiving desserts is a breeze when you follow these simple steps! Let’s get started and fill your kitchen with those wonderful autumn aromas.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial, folks! It ensures that your dessert bakes evenly and gives it that perfect, fluffy texture. So, don’t skip this step!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer. You want to incorporate air into the mixture, which helps create a beautifully tender dessert. Trust me, this step is key for a great texture!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! The pumpkin adds flavor and moisture that you’ll absolutely love.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. You don’t want to overmix—this can make your dessert dense!
Fold in Pecans
Now, it’s time to fold in those chopped pecans. Use a spatula to gently mix them into the batter. Folding is important here; you want to retain that light, airy texture, so be gentle and just mix until the pecans are evenly distributed.
Bake the Dessert
Pour your batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let your dessert cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps set the flavors. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and oh, don’t forget to top it with some whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously spiced flavor that captures the essence of fall and Thanksgiving.
- Quick preparation time—ready to bake in just 15 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for gatherings, bringing a warm, festive touch to your dessert table.
- Great for sharing; this recipe yields enough to delight a crowd!
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly and ensures a lighter texture in your dessert.
- Measure Flour Correctly: When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in a denser dessert.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, chewy results, and we want a tender, fluffy dessert.
- Let it Cool: Be patient and let your dessert cool before slicing. This helps the flavors develop and makes for cleaner slices when you serve it!
- Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to two months—just make sure to wrap them well!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving desserts properly is key to keeping them delicious for days to come! Once your dessert has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and moist. You can store it at room temperature for up to two days, but if you want to keep it longer, I recommend popping it in the fridge where it’ll last for about a week.
If you’re planning to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw a slice overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, you can either pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or the dessert might dry out! A little dollop of whipped cream on top after reheating makes it feel just as special as the first time you served it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for each slice of this delightful Thanksgiving dessert. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Enjoy this sweet treat knowing it’s packed with flavor while still being a comforting indulgence for your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily swap them out for walnuts or even almonds. Just make sure to chop them up and toast them lightly for that extra crunch and flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can keep them at room temperature for a couple of days, but if you want to enjoy them longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay good for about a week.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely! This Thanksgiving dessert is perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store it properly, and it’ll taste just as good when you’re ready to serve it!
What can I serve with this dessert?
This dessert pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can even drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an extra special touch. It’s all about making it your own!
Can I substitute pumpkin puree with something else?
If you want to switch things up, you can use applesauce for a different flavor profile, but it will change the texture slightly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using sweet potato puree for a unique twist that still captures that autumn vibe!
Print
thanksgiving themed desserts that will melt your heart
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious desserts perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: thanksgiving themed desserts
