Oh, Thanksgiving is such a magical time, isn’t it? Between the smell of roasted turkey and the warmth of family gatherings, there’s something truly special about it. And let’s not forget about the desserts, especially when it comes to kid friendly Thanksgiving desserts! I mean, what could be better than creating sweet treats that not only taste amazing but also bring smiles to little faces? I love how this recipe combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin with a fun, interactive experience for the kids. Trust me, they’ll have a blast helping in the kitchen, mixing, and decorating! Plus, this dessert is so easy to whip up, which means more time to enjoy the holiday spirit. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of whipped cream (you can use sugar-free for a lighter option)
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 cup of chocolate chips (because who doesn’t love a little chocolate?)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because we want that crust to bake perfectly!
- In a medium bowl, grab those graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix them together until they form a nice, sandy texture. It should feel a bit like wet sand—just enough moisture to hold together!
- Now, take your crust mixture and press it firmly into a pie dish. Make sure to pack it well on the bottom and up the sides. It’s all about that sturdy foundation!
- Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Let it cool down a bit while you prepare the filling.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, whipped cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens—the smell is heavenly!
- Once your crust is cool, pour that delicious pumpkin mixture into it. Spread it evenly, and don’t be shy—make sure every inch is covered!
- Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the chocolate chips all over the top. This adds a delightful burst of sweetness that kids will love.
- Finally, pop the pie into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for setting the filling and making the flavors meld beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dessert comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy holiday prep. No complicated steps here!
- Interactive Fun: Kids can get involved in the kitchen, mixing ingredients and decorating. It’s a great way to bond over baking!
- Deliciously Tasty: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and chocolate creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will enjoy.
- Visually Appealing: With its vibrant colors and chocolatey topping, this dessert looks as good as it tastes, making it a hit on the Thanksgiving table!
- Flexible Recipe: You can easily customize it with different toppings or flavors, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a dessert specifically designed to please little palates, ensuring they’ll love every bite!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your kid friendly Thanksgiving desserts turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pumpkin puree if you can! It makes a world of difference in flavor. If you’re using canned, just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It allows the filling to set properly and enhances the flavors. If you can, let it chill overnight for the best results.
- Get Kids Involved: Let your little chefs help with mixing and decorating! They can sprinkle the chocolate chips on top or even add colored sprinkles for a festive touch. It makes the experience more fun and memorable!
- Mind the Crust: When pressing the graham cracker mixture into the dish, really pack it down firmly. A well-formed crust ensures that it holds together nicely when you slice into it.
- Tweak Spices: If your kids love a little more kick, feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste. You could even add a pinch of ginger for an extra zing!
- Experiment with Toppings: Try mixing in mini marshmallows or crushed candy corn before chilling for a fun twist! Kids love a little extra flair, especially if it’s colorful.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your crust while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, and you want it lightly golden without burning. If it looks done before the 10 minutes is up, take it out!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a dessert that will not only taste amazing but also be a hit with the little ones. Enjoy the process—it’s all about having fun in the kitchen together!
Variations
Now, let’s get creative with our kid friendly Thanksgiving desserts! There are so many fun ways to switch things up and keep the little ones excited. Here are some of my favorite variations to try:
- Fun Flavors: Swap out the pumpkin puree for sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a different twist. Each gives a unique flavor while keeping that cozy fall vibe!
- Colorful Toppings: Instead of just chocolate chips, sprinkle on some colorful candy corn or mini marshmallows for a festive flair. Kids love anything that’s bright and cheerful!
- Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for some extra texture and crunch. Just be sure to check for nut allergies first!
- Yummy Swirls: Before chilling, try swirling in some caramel or chocolate sauce into the pumpkin mixture for a deliciously decadent look that’s sure to impress.
- Mini Treats: For a fun presentation, make mini versions in cupcake liners! Just adjust the baking time and watch them closely—these bite-sized delights are perfect for little hands!
- Spicy Kick: If your kids are feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of ginger to the filling for a surprising little kick. It’s all about those exciting flavor discoveries!
- Decorate with Whipped Cream: Once it’s set, pipe some whipped cream on top to create fun shapes or even little turkey faces! Kids will love the added creativity and it makes for a beautiful presentation.
These variations are sure to make your Thanksgiving dessert table even more delightful and memorable. Get ready for some delicious fun with your little chefs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful pumpkin dessert, let’s talk about how to keep those leftovers fresh and tasty! First off, you’ll want to store any uneaten slices in an airtight container. This helps prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in and messing with that delicious flavor!
Simply place the dessert in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. I recommend enjoying it cold—there’s something so refreshing about that creamy pumpkin goodness right out of the fridge, especially after a big Thanksgiving meal!
If you happen to have a bit left over and want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can have a little Thanksgiving treat ready to go whenever you need a sweet moment. It should stay good for about 2 months in the freezer!
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, just move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. No reheating needed—just let it sit until it’s thawed and then dig in! If you prefer it a bit warmer, you can microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, as you don’t want the filling to get too warm. Trust me, it tastes best chilled!
By following these simple storage tips, you’ll ensure that your kid friendly Thanksgiving desserts remain as tasty as the day you made them. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s take a moment to chat about the nutritional information for our delightful kid friendly Thanksgiving desserts! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
This dessert is a tasty treat that kids will love while still providing some nutrition with the pumpkin and whipped cream. Enjoy knowing that you’re treating your little ones to something sweet that also has a bit of goodness in it!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree has a wonderful flavor and can be made by roasting and blending your own pumpkin. Just make sure to remove any excess moisture for the best results!
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Unfortunately, the traditional graham cracker crust isn’t gluten-free. However, you can easily swap it out for gluten-free graham crackers or even ground almonds for a delicious crust alternative!
How can I make this dessert dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can use coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream, and choose a dairy-free butter alternative for the crust. It’s just as tasty and still kid-friendly!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to impress when your guests arrive.
What if my kids don’t like pumpkin?
No worries! You can swap out the pumpkin with sweet potato or even a chocolate pudding filling for a fun twist. Kids love variety, and this will keep them engaged with flavors they enjoy!
Call to Action
Alright, my fellow home cooks, it’s your turn! I’d absolutely love to hear how your kid friendly Thanksgiving desserts turn out. Did your little ones have as much fun making it as I do? Share your stories and any creative twists you added in the comments below! And hey, if you enjoyed this recipe, why not spread the joy? Snap a picture of your delicious creation and share it on social media—tag me so I can see all the yummy goodness! It would mean the world to me! Also, if you have a moment, please rate this recipe. Your feedback helps me create even more delightful desserts for our families. Happy baking, everyone! Let’s make this Thanksgiving unforgettable!
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Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Desserts to Delight 5 Senses
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and fun desserts for kids to enjoy during Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of whipped cream
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into a pie dish to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, whipped cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the cooled crust.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use sugar-free whipped cream for a lighter option.
- Kids can help with mixing and decorating.
- Consider adding sprinkles for extra fun.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: kid friendly thanksgiving desserts
