Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that wonderful time of year when we gather around the table, surrounded by family, friends, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. And let’s be honest, after all that turkey and stuffing, we could all use a quick and easy Thanksgiving dessert to satisfy our sweet tooth without adding too much to our already busy schedule. That’s why I’m so excited to share this delightful no-bake pumpkin pudding pie! It comes together in just about 15 minutes, plus a little chill time to let those flavors mingle. Trust me, this dessert is the perfect way to end your Thanksgiving feast—sweet, creamy, and oh-so-easy! You’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for every holiday gathering!
Ingredients for Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts
- 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 container of whipped topping
- 1 graham cracker crust (store-bought for convenience)
How to Prepare Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Preparing this quick and easy Thanksgiving dessert is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious pumpkin pudding pie ready in no time!
Step 1: Whisk the Pudding
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the 2 cups of milk. Whisk it all together until it’s super smooth and creamy—this usually takes just a couple of minutes. You want that perfect, velvety texture to form, and trust me, it’s the base of your dessert magic!
Step 2: Mix in Pumpkin and Spice
Now, it’s time to add in the star ingredients! Carefully fold in the 1 cup of pumpkin puree and the 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Make sure to mix until everything is well combined. You’ll start to smell that warm, festive aroma—what a treat!
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping
Next up, it’s time to lighten things up a bit! Gently fold in half of the container of whipped topping into your pumpkin mixture. This step is crucial for keeping the dessert light and airy, so be gentle and don’t overmix. You want that fluffy goodness to shine through!
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
Now, pour the delicious pumpkin filling into your graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly, and then top it off with the remaining whipped topping. Feel free to get creative with the topping—maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon or some chopped nuts for added crunch!
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Finally, here’s the most important part: chill your dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, and it sets up beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it! When you finally dig in, you’ll experience creamy, pumpkiny perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 15 minutes!
- No-bake, so you can focus on the main meal without turning on the oven.
- Deliciously creamy and packed with that classic pumpkin flavor everyone loves.
- Perfectly festive for Thanksgiving gatherings and will impress your guests.
- Easy cleanup—just a few bowls and utensils to wash!
Tips for Success
Alright, my friends, let’s make this quick and easy Thanksgiving dessert even more fabulous with some pro tips! Trust me, these little pointers can take your pumpkin pudding pie from great to absolutely drool-worthy.
- Store-bought crusts are your best friend: I love using a ready-made graham cracker crust for convenience. It saves time and still tastes delicious! But if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to make your own crust with crushed graham crackers and melted butter.
- Mix it up with sweet potato: If you’re not a huge pumpkin fan, you can easily swap out the pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree. It’s just as tasty and gives a unique twist!
- Add some crunch: For a delightful texture contrast, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top or fold them into the filling. Walnuts or pecans work beautifully and add a nice crunch!
- Spice it up: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your liking! A little extra cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile and make it even more festive.
- Get creative with toppings: Besides whipped topping, consider adding caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings, or even a dollop of cranberry sauce for a tangy twist. It’s all about what makes your taste buds dance!
So there you have it—my top tips to ensure your Thanksgiving dessert shines at the table. Happy baking (or mixing, in this case)!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious pumpkin pudding pie. Each slice is not only a treat for your taste buds but also comes with some pretty manageable numbers. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So, you can indulge in this festive dessert without too much guilt! Perfect for the holiday season when we all want to enjoy a little sweetness. Enjoy every creamy, pumpkin-spiced bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This quick and easy Thanksgiving dessert is perfect for making a day in advance. Just whip it up, chill it, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests when the time comes.
Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Sure thing! While the vanilla pudding adds a lovely creaminess, you can experiment with other flavors like butterscotch or even chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember to adjust the spices to complement your choice!
What if I can’t find pumpkin puree?
No worries! You can easily substitute pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a similar texture and flavor. It’s a great alternative that still keeps that Thanksgiving vibe alive!
How long should I chill the pie?
You’ll want to chill this delicious pie for at least 2 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and gives it a nice, firm texture. Trust me, the wait is totally worth it!
Can I add more spices for extra flavor?
Of course! Feel free to play around with the spices. A bit more pumpkin pie spice, some cinnamon, or even a touch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile and make it even more festive. Go with what makes your taste buds happy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this quick and easy Thanksgiving dessert, the possibilities are endless! It’s all about creating a delightful dining experience that complements the flavors of your pumpkin pudding pie. Here are some of my favorite ideas to elevate your Thanksgiving meal:
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea makes for a cozy pairing with this creamy dessert. The warmth and spices will enhance the flavors of the pie beautifully!
- Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream: While the pie is topped with whipped topping, a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side adds an extra touch of elegance and creaminess that everyone will love!
- Add a Fruit Compote: A tart cranberry or apple compote is a fantastic contrast to the rich sweetness of the pie. It adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color on the plate!
- Offer a Cheese Platter: Balance the sweetness of your dessert with a selection of cheeses. Creamy brie or tangy goat cheese can provide a savory contrast that enhances the overall meal.
- Top with Toasted Nuts: If you haven’t already added nuts to the pie, consider serving some toasted pecans or walnuts on the side for guests to sprinkle on their slices. It adds texture and a delightful crunch!
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a warm and inviting atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving, and may your dessert steal the show!
Print
Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts That Wow in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and quick desserts for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 container of whipped topping
- 1 graham cracker crust
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well.
- Fold in half of the whipped topping.
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
- Top with remaining whipped topping.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use a store-bought crust for convenience.
- Can substitute pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree.
- Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: quick and easy thanksgiving desserts
