Oh, let me tell you about the joy of small Thanksgiving desserts! There’s something so delightful about these bite-sized treats that makes them perfect for the holiday. They’re just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy that post-dinner craving without feeling too heavy. I remember one Thanksgiving when my Aunt Clara brought a platter of mini pumpkin pies, and they disappeared in a flash! Everyone loved how they could indulge without overdoing it. Trust me, small Thanksgiving desserts are the way to go—they’re cute, easy to serve, and oh-so-tasty! You’ll definitely want to add them to your holiday spread this year!
Ingredients for Small Thanksgiving Desserts
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these scrumptious small Thanksgiving desserts. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (this adds just the right amount of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for that warm, cozy flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds a lovely aromatic touch)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (for a hint of spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance all the flavors)
- 2 large eggs (these help bind everything together)
- 1 cup whipped cream (because who doesn’t love a dollop on top?)
- 1 package mini phyllo cups (these are a lifesaver—so easy to use!)
Make sure to have everything measured out, so you can whip these up in no time! You’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious they are!
How to Prepare Small Thanksgiving Desserts
Getting these small Thanksgiving desserts ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delightful treats in no time.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir until it’s all well mixed.
- Next, crack in the two large eggs and give everything a good stir until the mixture is nice and smooth—this is where the magic happens!
- Now, line a baking sheet with your mini phyllo cups. They’re so cute, aren’t they?
- Fill each phyllo cup with the pumpkin mixture, but don’t overfill—leave a little room at the top for them to puff up.
- Bake these little gems in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re set in the center and a little puffed up.
- Once baked, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, top each one with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Yum!
And there you have it—easy peasy, right? These little desserts will be the star of your Thanksgiving table!
Why You’ll Love These Small Thanksgiving Desserts
- Quick and easy to prepare, so you can spend more time with family and friends.
- Perfect bite-sized portions that are just the right amount of sweetness.
- Delightful flavors that capture the essence of the holiday season.
- Visually appealing, making them a gorgeous addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
- Easy to serve—simply place them on a platter and watch them disappear!
- Great for all ages, ensuring everyone can enjoy a little treat after the feast.
Tips for Success with Small Thanksgiving Desserts
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your small Thanksgiving desserts turn out perfectly!
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love a bit more warmth, add an extra dash of cinnamon or nutmeg!
- Don’t Overfill: When filling the phyllo cups, leave a little room at the top to allow for puffing. This helps them bake evenly and look adorable!
- Chill the Whipped Cream: For a refreshing contrast, chill your whipped cream before topping. It adds a delightful coolness to the warm pumpkin filling.
- Make Ahead: These desserts can be made a day ahead! Just store them in the fridge and add the whipped cream right before serving.
- Presentation: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few pecans on top for an extra touch that looks as good as it tastes!
Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dessert game this Thanksgiving!
Nutritional Information for Small Thanksgiving Desserts
Let’s talk numbers! Each of these delightful small Thanksgiving desserts is around 80 calories, which is perfect for a little indulgence without the guilt. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per mini dessert:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredient choices. But hey, who doesn’t love a little treat that’s also a bit lighter?
FAQ About Small Thanksgiving Desserts
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about these delightful small Thanksgiving desserts:
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! You can use sweet potato puree or even butternut squash puree if you prefer. Just make sure it’s pure, not a pre-sweetened version.
How many mini desserts does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 24 mini desserts, which is perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to add the whipped cream right before serving to keep it fresh!
Can I make these desserts gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free mini phyllo cups or even opt for a different crust, like crushed gluten-free cookies.
What if I don’t have mini phyllo cups?
No worries! You can use muffin tins or even small ramekins—just adjust the baking time accordingly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Small Thanksgiving Desserts
Storing these small Thanksgiving desserts is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just a little tip: wait to add the whipped cream until you’re ready to serve to keep it nice and fluffy!
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the desserts on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-8 minutes until they’re warmed through. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like that cozy pumpkin flavor coming out of a warm dessert!
Serving Suggestions for Small Thanksgiving Desserts
When it comes to serving these small Thanksgiving desserts, think about balance and variety! Pair them with a rich, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. A dollop of spiced whipped cream can also enhance the flavors beautifully. For a refreshing touch, consider serving them alongside a light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples and pears. And don’t forget about some warm beverages! A cup of spiced cider or a rich coffee can really round out the experience. Your guests will love this sweet ending to their Thanksgiving feast!
Print
Small Thanksgiving Desserts: 7 Delightful Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini desserts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A selection of small desserts perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 package mini phyllo cups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Add eggs and stir until smooth.
- Place mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Fill each cup with the pumpkin mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set.
- Let cool and top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-made mini phyllo cups for convenience.
- Adjust spices according to taste.
- Can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini dessert
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: small thanksgiving desserts
