Desserts for Thanksgiving Dinner: 7 Irresistible Delights

Name: Desserts for Thanksgiving Dinner: 7 Irresistible Delights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 3 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg

October 24, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when we gather around the table with friends and family, sharing laughter and gratitude over a bountiful feast. And let’s be honest, what’s a Thanksgiving dinner without a show-stopping dessert? Personally, I believe that desserts for Thanksgiving dinner are the grand finale of the meal—like the cherry on top of a beautifully layered cake! My family has a tradition where we all bring our favorite desserts, creating a smorgasbord of sweet delights. There’s always a little friendly competition to see who can bring the most decadent treat, and this year, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

This delicious pumpkin dessert is not only easy to whip up, but it also captures all those warm, cozy flavors of fall. Just imagine the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the kitchen as it bakes! Trust me, your guests will be begging for seconds. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a new Thanksgiving tradition!

Ingredients for Desserts for Thanksgiving Dinner

Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious pumpkin dessert that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. I promise, these ingredients are simple and you might already have some of them in your pantry!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!)
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Make sure to measure everything accurately, especially the flour—too much can make your dessert dense. And don’t skimp on the spices; they really bring that warm, festive flavor to life! Happy baking!

How to Prepare Desserts for Thanksgiving Dinner

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into the preparation of this delightful pumpkin dessert! I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds and the end result will have everyone raving. Ready? Let’s go!

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven helps your dessert rise beautifully!
While that’s warming up, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step will ensure all those lovely spices are evenly distributed throughout your dessert.
In another large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but a good old wooden spoon works just fine too. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, smooth consistency here!
Now, it’s time to stir in that glorious pumpkin puree. Trust me, the pumpkin adds such a wonderful moisture and richness to the dessert.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts to avoid any flour clouds! Just mix until everything is combined—don’t overmix, or your dessert might turn out dense.
Once your batter is smooth and well mixed, pour it into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch pan, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
Now, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—no batter should cling to it!

And there you have it! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. This dessert is best served warm, so if you want to impress your guests, whip up some whipped cream while it’s cooling. You’re going to love how amazing your kitchen smells during this process!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, this pumpkin dessert is a total game changer for your Thanksgiving dinner! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Quick and Easy

You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip this up! With just 15 minutes of prep time and a quick 30-minute bake, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. It’s perfect for those busy holiday schedules when you want to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.

Perfect for a Crowd

This recipe yields a generous 12 servings, making it ideal for gatherings! Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or a mix of both, everyone will get a slice (or two!) of this delightful treat. It’s always nice to have something sweet to share at the table, and trust me, this one won’t last long!

Flavorful and Festive

Oh, the flavors! With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert truly captures the essence of fall. The pumpkin adds a rich, cozy sweetness that just screams Thanksgiving. The moment you take your first bite, you’ll be reminded of all those wonderful holiday memories—it’s like a warm hug on a plate!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make this delicious pumpkin dessert, let’s talk about some tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly. Trust me, a few little insights can make all the difference in your baking game!

Measure Wisely: Accurate measurements are crucial, especially for the flour. Too much flour can lead to a dense dessert. I always like to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the best results!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly, leading to a fluffier dessert.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your dessert tough, and we definitely want it to be light and tender!
Check for Doneness: Ovens can be tricky, so keep an eye on your dessert as it bakes. Start checking around the 25-minute mark with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s time to take it out!
Let It Cool: After baking, let your dessert cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting. This allows it to set a bit more and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.
Serve with Whipped Cream: For that extra touch, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It adds a lovely creaminess that complements the dessert perfectly!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to nailing this recipe and impressing everyone at your Thanksgiving dinner. Here’s to a cozy, delicious holiday celebration! Enjoy every bite!

Variations of Desserts for Thanksgiving Dinner

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to spice things up a bit, I’ve got some fantastic variations for this pumpkin dessert that will keep your Thanksgiving table exciting! Trust me, these little tweaks can take your dessert from classic to extraordinary!

Spiced Pumpkin Delight: Add a pinch of ground ginger and cloves to the spice mix for an extra kick. These spices will enhance the warmth and depth of flavor, making every bite feel like a cozy hug!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts—like walnuts or pecans—into the batter for a delightful crunch. It adds a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist pumpkin base.
Chocolate Chip Bliss: For a sweet twist, mix in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The melty chocolate pieces will create pockets of gooey chocolate goodness that are simply irresistible!
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the cooled dessert for an added layer of sweetness. Just mix powdered sugar with a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup and a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Yum!
Fruit Fusion: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of fruity flavor. They’ll provide a beautiful contrast to the pumpkin and spices, plus they’re a festive touch for your Thanksgiving table.
Cheesecake Swirl: For those who can’t resist cheesecake, try swirling in some cream cheese mixture (just beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 egg). Pour half the pumpkin batter into the pan, add dollops of the cream cheese mixture, then top with the remaining pumpkin batter and swirl together. It’s a showstopper!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a dessert that’s uniquely yours. I love experimenting in the kitchen, and these variations are sure to impress your guests while adding a personal touch to your Thanksgiving celebration. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve whipped up this delicious pumpkin dessert and maybe—just maybe—you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so that every bite tastes just as good as when it first came out of the oven.

First things first, let your dessert cool completely in the baking dish. This step is crucial because it helps prevent excess moisture from making it soggy. Once it’s cooled, cut it into squares and transfer them to an airtight container. You can stack them, but I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.

Now, you can store your pumpkin dessert in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label it with the date so you don’t forget about your sweet treasure!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:

For Refrigerator Storage: Simply take a slice and pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warm. You can also reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes if you prefer that crispy edge!
For Frozen Storage: Thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator. Once it’s thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave like mentioned above, or again in the oven for that fresh-baked vibe.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor that delicious pumpkin dessert long after the Thanksgiving feast is over. Trust me, it’s worth the wait to enjoy those cozy flavors again!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know many of you like to keep an eye on the nutritional aspects of what you’re enjoying, especially during the holidays when treats abound! Here’s a quick overview of the estimated nutritional information for a slice of this delightful pumpkin dessert:

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, it’s the holidays! Enjoying a slice of this pumpkin goodness with friends and family is what it’s all about. Indulge a little, and savor every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture to keep your dessert from getting soggy. It adds a lovely homemade touch!

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well for baking, so you can still enjoy this delicious treat without the gluten!

What’s the best way to serve this pumpkin dessert?
I recommend serving it warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess contrasts beautifully with the spiced pumpkin flavor, making every bite heavenly!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! This pumpkin dessert freezes beautifully. Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as needed!

How long does it last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will last for about 3-4 days. But trust me, it’s so good that it might not last that long!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.