Thanksgiving is such a magical time, isn’t it? The air is filled with the comforting aromas of spices and baked goods, and everyone gathers around the table, ready to share not just food, but love and laughter. My favorite part? The *desserts for Thanksgiving*! This recipe is a delightful pumpkin dessert that captures the essence of the season, making it perfect for your holiday celebrations. It’s moist, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to whip up! I remember my grandma making something similar every year, and it always brought the family together. Each bite is like a warm hug, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your loved ones too. Trust me, this will be the sweet ending to your Thanksgiving feast!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious Thanksgiving dessert! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
These simple ingredients come together to create a cozy, flavorful dessert that everyone will adore. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Desserts for Thanksgiving
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this pumpkin dessert! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it! The oven needs to be nice and hot for the dessert to bake perfectly.
- While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk to mix all the dry ingredients together.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference in the texture!
- Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Your kitchen should start smelling divine right about now!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want it to be light and fluffy!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Now, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
- Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial for the best texture!
And there you have it! You’re just a few simple steps away from a cozy dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the sweet anticipation as it cools, and get ready to impress your family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy, festive flavor that screams Thanksgiving.
- This dessert is incredibly moist, thanks to the pumpkin puree, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- It can be made a day in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday with family.
- Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your pumpkin dessert turns out perfectly! Here are my top tips to help you avoid common pitfalls:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your dessert light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean but be careful not to overbake, or the dessert may become dry.
- Let it cool: Allow the dessert to cool completely in the dish before slicing to help it set and maintain its moist texture.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a scrumptious Thanksgiving treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each slice of this delicious pumpkin dessert:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your dessert guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delicious desserts for Thanksgiving? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common queries I hear:
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a similar texture and flavor.
How should I serve this dessert?
I love to serve it warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. It just adds that perfect creamy touch!
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this pumpkin dessert suitable for gluten-free diets.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long—it’s too delicious!
Can I freeze this dessert?
Definitely! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving. Enjoy your Thanksgiving treats!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Thanksgiving dessert experience, consider pairing this pumpkin delight with a few tasty accompaniments! A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy touch that complements the spices beautifully. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top. You could also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. And don’t forget a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness—your guests will be raving about it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious pumpkin dessert fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve got a larger batch, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without drying it out!
Print
Desserts for Thanksgiving: 7 Cozy Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious desserts perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: desserts for thanksgiving
