Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, the thought of Thanksgiving brings a whirlwind of excitement—and a dash of chaos, right? But don’t worry, I’ve got just the thing for you: easy desserts for Thanksgiving that won’t take up all your precious time in the kitchen! This quick and simple pumpkin dessert is not only a breeze to whip up, but it’s also packed with those cozy fall flavors we all crave. Trust me, your family will love it, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities instead of being stuck baking all day!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this easy Thanksgiving dessert a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (the star of the show!)
- 2 eggs (large and fresh, please!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, inviting flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help it rise just right)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (because what’s fall without a hint of spice?)
These simple ingredients come together to create a deliciously moist dessert that your guests will adore! Make sure to measure carefully, and you’ll be on your way to a fantastic treat!
How to Prepare Easy Desserts for Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious pumpkin dessert! The process is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) because a warm oven is essential for that perfect bake. While that’s happening, grab a mixing bowl and combine your flour, sugar, and baking powder. Give them a good whisk to make sure everything’s well blended.
Next, add the softened butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy—this is where the magic starts! Then, sprinkle in the cinnamon and stir just until combined. Now, pour that lovely mixture into a greased baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread out. Bake it in the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, don’t rush it! Let it cool for a bit before serving, and trust me, the flavors will deepen as it sets.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add the softened butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the cinnamon to incorporate that lovely fall flavor.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow it to cool before serving, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for busy Thanksgiving days!
- Deliciously moist and bursting with pumpkin flavor, it’s a fall favorite!
- Family-friendly and loved by kids and adults alike—everyone will want seconds!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings, like whipped cream or nuts!
This dessert will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also leave you with more time to enjoy the company of loved ones around the table. What more could you ask for?
Tips for Success
To make sure your pumpkin dessert turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, ensure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve that creamy texture. If you want an extra moist dessert, don’t hesitate to check the baking time a few minutes early; ovens can vary a lot! Also, let it cool completely in the dish before slicing; this will help it hold together better. And, of course, don’t skimp on the whipped cream when serving—it adds a delightful touch! With these little tricks, you’ll be the star of Thanksgiving dessert!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful pumpkin dessert! Each piece contains approximately 180 calories, 7g of fat, 3g of protein, and 29g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on any toppings or modifications you make. Enjoy your sweet treat while being mindful of those numbers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed this delicious pumpkin dessert, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh! Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the pieces to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it should stay good for about 3-5 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, just take a piece out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, or you can warm it up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. It’s so easy to bring that fresh-baked flavor back, and you’ll be ready to enjoy it all over again!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common ones I often hear about this easy dessert for Thanksgiving:
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree it first; you’ll want it nice and smooth.
- What can I substitute for eggs? You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce—about 1/4 cup per egg works well!
- How can I add more spice? Feel free to experiment! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can elevate those fall flavors even more.
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before covering it!
- What toppings do you recommend? Whipped cream is a classic, but feel free to add caramel sauce, nuts, or even a scoop of ice cream for a fun twist!

Easy Desserts for Thanksgiving: 7 Cozy Pumpkin Delights
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and simple dessert recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add softened butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy desserts for thanksgiving