Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and, of course, the most delicious desserts! I can’t help but get excited about all the sweet treats that grace our tables during this special holiday. One of my absolute favorites has to be these *thanksgiving dessert cups*. They’re like a cozy hug in a cup, filled with creamy pumpkin goodness and topped with fluffy whipped cream. I remember the first time I made them—it was a spontaneous decision, and they turned out to be the star of the dessert table! The layers of pumpkin and spice are just so inviting, and they’re perfect for serving a crowd. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them a holiday tradition! They’re simple, elegant, and totally scrumptious—what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Dessert Cups
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful *thanksgiving dessert cups*:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin—no pies in a can here, folks!
- 1/2 cup cream cheese: This adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
- 1 cup heavy cream: We’re going for that luscious whipped topping, so don’t skimp on the heavy cream!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything taste better—trust me on this!
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice: This is where the magic happens! It gives the dessert that warm, cozy flavor.
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs: These will form the sweet and crunchy base of your dessert cups.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: To bind those graham cracker crumbs together and add a touch of richness.
Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the assembly a breeze, so don’t forget to take a moment to measure everything out before diving in!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Dessert Cups
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these *thanksgiving dessert cups*! It’s super simple, and I promise, you’ll be licking the spoon along the way. Follow these steps and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time!
Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin and Cream Cheese
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining the 1 cup pumpkin puree and 1/2 cup cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to blend them together until it’s nice and smooth. You want to make sure there are no lumps so that your cups have that creamy texture we all crave!
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
In another large bowl, pour in 1 cup heavy cream, and add the 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip this mixture until soft peaks form. This is where the magic happens—watch as it transforms into fluffy clouds of whipped cream! You’ll know it’s ready when you can lift the beater, and it holds its shape.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Next, gently fold the pumpkin mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula to carefully combine them—don’t be too aggressive; we want to keep that airy texture in the whipped cream. It’s like a dance, so be gentle and patient here!
Step 4: Prepare the Crust
Now, let’s create that delicious crust! In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated and it resembles wet sand. This will give your dessert cups a sweet crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy layers.
Step 5: Layer the Dessert Cups
Time to assemble! Start by adding a layer of the graham cracker mixture to the bottom of your dessert cups—about 2 tablespoons should do. Then, spoon in a layer of the pumpkin mixture on top. Repeat the layers until your cups are filled, leaving a little room at the top for the final touches. You can usually get in 2-3 layers, depending on the size of your cups!
Step 6: Final Touches
To finish off your beautiful dessert cups, top with an extra dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin spice on top for that festive flair. Now, here’s the most important step—cover them and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps everything set up nicely and allows those flavors to meld together. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy holiday prep!
- Delicious layers of creamy pumpkin and fluffy whipped cream.
- Customizable layers that can impress any crowd.
- A beautiful and festive presentation that adds charm to your table.
- Make-ahead friendly—just chill and serve when you’re ready!
- Perfectly portioned, so everyone gets their own delightful cup!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *thanksgiving dessert cups* turn out perfectly, here are some tips that I’ve learned along the way. First off, don’t skip the chilling time! If you can let them chill overnight, those flavors will really deepen, and the texture will be even better. But if you’re short on time, aim for at least 2 hours. If you want to switch things up, feel free to substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies like Oreos for a fun twist! And if you’re looking to lighten them up a bit, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese—just know it’ll change the flavor slightly. Lastly, make sure your heavy cream is really cold before whipping; it helps achieve those lovely soft peaks much faster!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind! Here’s a general breakdown per serving for these delightful *thanksgiving dessert cups*:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
These cups are a delightful treat that balances indulgence with the comforting flavors of fall! Enjoy them as part of your Thanksgiving feast, and remember, moderation is key, even with the most delicious desserts!
FAQ Section
Can I make these *thanksgiving dessert cups* ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are perfect for making a day in advance. Just make sure to cover them well and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree or even sweet potato puree. They’ll give you that lovely fall flavor with a unique twist!
Can I use a different type of crust?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with crushed cookies like Oreos or Nilla wafers for a fun flavor change. Just remember to adjust the butter amount if needed!
How long do these dessert cups last?
They can last about 3-4 days in the fridge, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze these dessert cups?
While I wouldn’t recommend freezing them, you can freeze the pumpkin mixture separately. Just thaw it in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to serve!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover *thanksgiving dessert cups*, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy them for a little longer after the feast! Just remember, these cups are best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat them. If you happen to have any leftovers, I recommend enjoying them straight from the fridge for that refreshing pumpkin flavor—trust me, they’re still delicious!
Print
Thanksgiving Dessert Cups: 6 Layers of Pure Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving dessert cups filled with layers of creamy pumpkin and spiced whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree and cream cheese until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Fold pumpkin mixture into whipped cream gently.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
- Layer graham cracker crumbs at the bottom of dessert cups.
- Add a layer of pumpkin mixture on top of crumbs.
- Repeat layers until cups are filled.
- Top with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
Notes
- Chill dessert cups for at least 2 hours before serving.
- You can substitute graham crackers with crushed cookies for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert cups
