Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food. When it comes to desserts, I always want something that captures the spirit of the season without keeping me in the kitchen for hours. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this *easy Thanksgiving dessert* that’s simply delightful! Picture creamy pumpkin filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream—heavenly, right? It’s rich in flavor and festive in color, making it the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving feast. Plus, it comes together in no time, allowing you to spend more moments with family and friends rather than fussing over complicated steps. Trust me, this recipe will be a hit at your table!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh, make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened to room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1/2 cup sugar (granulated for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for that lovely flavor boost)
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice (a delightful mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (store-bought saves time, but you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 1 cup whipped cream (homemade or store-bought, for a luscious topping)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your dessert bakes evenly and comes out just right!
- While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. I like to use a hand mixer for this part—it makes it easy and gives you that creamy consistency we’re after!
- Once your filling looks perfect, pour it into the pre-made graham cracker crust. Don’t be shy—spread it evenly so every slice has that delicious filling!
- Now, it’s time to bake! Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle—this is key for that creamy texture.
- After baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the counter for a bit. Then, cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes it even more delicious!
- Finally, right before serving, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This adds that perfect finishing touch and makes it extra festive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy Thanksgiving days!
- Deliciously creamy pumpkin filling that captures the essence of fall.
- Festively appealing with vibrant colors that brighten up your dessert table.
- Minimal baking time, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday.
- Lightened up with a fluffy whipped cream topping for that extra indulgence.
- Perfect for serving a crowd—makes 8 generous slices!
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities stress-free.
Tips for Success
To really elevate this easy Thanksgiving dessert, I highly recommend using fresh pumpkin puree if you can find it. The flavor is just incredible and brings a lovely depth to the dish! If you’re short on time, though, canned pumpkin works perfectly fine—just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pie filling.
Another little secret? Chilling the dessert overnight is a game-changer! It allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully, and trust me, the texture gets even creamier. And don’t forget to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of your whipped cream before serving—it adds a warm, aromatic touch that’s just perfect for the season. You’ll impress everyone, I promise!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for this easy Thanksgiving dessert, so you can indulge a little while being mindful of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it the day before your Thanksgiving gathering. It allows the flavors to develop beautifully, and you’ll save yourself some stress on the big day!
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the texture a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3 days, but I doubt there will be much left after everyone gets a taste!
Can I add other flavors or toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips or a swirl of caramel for a twist. And as for toppings, you can also use crushed pecans or a sprinkle of nutmeg for added flavor.
What drinks pair well with this dessert?
This easy Thanksgiving dessert pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced cider or even a rich cup of coffee. The flavors complement each other so well, making for a cozy ending to your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this easy Thanksgiving dessert is a breeze! Just transfer any uneaten slices to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, so you can enjoy the deliciousness a little longer. Trust me, it tastes just as good the next day!
If you want to keep it for an extended period, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them with the date—you don’t want to forget about that tasty treat hiding in the back of your freezer!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen slices, simply transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight. No need to reheat—this dessert is best served chilled! If you do want it a bit warm, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave should do the trick, but I recommend savoring it cold for the ultimate creamy experience.
Serving Suggestions
This easy Thanksgiving dessert is such a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and drinks to create a complete holiday experience. To start, consider serving it alongside a warm apple crisp or a classic pecan pie for a delightful dessert spread. The combination of flavors will have your guests raving!
For drinks, a spiced apple cider or a rich, creamy chai latte makes for a cozy pairing that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully. If you prefer something a bit stronger, a glass of red wine or a festive cranberry cocktail can also elevate the meal!
And don’t forget the coffee! A nice cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso can balance the sweetness of the dessert and provide a warm finish to your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the lovely company of your loved ones!
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Easy Thanksgiving Dessert: 5 Steps to Festive Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delightful dessert perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin spice until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor.
- Chill the dessert overnight for best results.
- Garnish with cinnamon for extra taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: easy thanksgiving dessert
