Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in delicious treats. But let’s be honest, while pie is the classic choice, I’ve found that some of the most delightful Thanksgiving desserts don’t come in a crust! I’m talking about rich, chocolatey delights that will surprise and impress your guests. Trust me, there’s something special about serving a dessert that’s a little different from the norm. My journey into creating non-pie desserts has led me to this amazing recipe that’s become a staple at my holiday celebrations. It’s quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying! So, if you’re ready to wow your family this Thanksgiving with something unexpected, let’s dive into these delicious Thanksgiving desserts that are definitely not pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? This recipe is a total game-changer for Thanksgiving desserts! It’s not just about skipping the pie; it’s about bringing something truly special to the table that everyone will adore. These chocolate squares are super easy to make, so you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, they complement the traditional Thanksgiving feast beautifully—imagine indulging in these sweet squares after a hearty meal. And let’s not forget the star of the show: the rich, fudgy chocolate flavor. If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’re going to be in heaven with every bite. Trust me, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even the recipe!
Quick and Easy to Make
You won’t believe how simple this is! With just a few ingredients and one bowl, you’ll have a decadent dessert ready to bake in no time. No fussing with complicated methods here—just mix, pour, and bake!
Perfect for Any Thanksgiving Table
This dessert fits right in with all the classic Thanksgiving flavors. It’s a delightful contrast to the traditional pies and adds a touch of fun to your dessert spread. Your guests will love having something different to savor!
A Chocolate Lover’s Delight
If you or anyone at your table has a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat! The rich chocolate flavor is so satisfying that it will easily steal the spotlight. It’s the perfect way to end a festive meal on a sweet note!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pie
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating these scrumptious chocolate squares. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup of butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
Make sure to have everything ready before you start, so you can focus on the fun of mixing and baking!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pie
Getting these delightful chocolate squares ready is a breeze! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time. Let’s get started!
Prepping Your Baking Pan
First things first, we need to prepare our baking pan. Greasing the pan is super important because it prevents those delicious squares from sticking and ensures they come out perfectly. Just grab some butter or cooking spray and coat the bottom and sides of your 9×13 inch baking pan. Easy peasy!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients! In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This step is crucial because it ensures that the cocoa and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you a consistent flavor in every bite.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Next, we’ll move on to creaming the butter and sugar. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key for creating a soft, tender texture in your squares. You want to incorporate air into the mixture, which will help your dessert rise beautifully!
Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Now it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla! Crack in 4 large eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the mixture, making it nice and smooth. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alright, let’s combine everything! Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion. Once it’s all combined, gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens—those chips will melt into gooey pockets of chocolate bliss!
Baking and Cooling
Now, pour that luscious batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, take them out and let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. It’s crucial to let them cool completely before cutting into squares—this helps them set up nicely!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chocolate squares turn out perfectly every time, here are some insider tips! First, be sure to measure your flour correctly—scooping directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, making your squares dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy. Also, when creaming the butter and sugar, don’t rush it! Take your time to whip them together until light and fluffy; this is key for that perfect texture.
Another pro tip: let your butter come to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter won’t incorporate well, and we want that silky smooth batter! Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary. A toothpick test is your best friend—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! These little details will elevate your dessert, trust me!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
As with any recipe, the nutritional information for these delicious chocolate squares can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can provide some typical values, it’s important to remember that these are just estimates. For the most accurate information, I always recommend checking the labels on your ingredients. That said, a standard serving of these squares is around 250 calories, but this can change depending on factors like whether you use dark chocolate chips or adjust the sugar content. So, use these values as a general guideline, and feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs! Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pie
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these chocolate squares is that they can be made a day or two in advance. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them extra fresh, you can also pop them in the fridge, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving and have a delicious dessert ready to go!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a butter alternative, you can use unsweetened applesauce or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil also works well and adds a lovely flavor—just make sure it’s in a liquid state when you mix it in. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still end up with a tasty treat!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these heavenly chocolate squares, it’s time to think about how to serve them! Here are some of my favorite ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
- Whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side for that perfect creamy contrast.
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to take the flavor up a notch.
- Fresh berries or a berry compote to add a fruity brightness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- A steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa to complement the rich flavors of the dessert.
- For a holiday twist, consider spiced cider or eggnog as festive beverage options.
Each of these suggestions adds a wonderful touch to your chocolate squares and makes for a delightful ending to your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious chocolate squares properly will keep them fresh and enjoyable for days! Once they’ve completely cooled, I recommend placing them in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for about 3-4 days, but if you want to keep them extra fresh, pop them in the fridge. Just remember that chilling might make them a little firmer, so let them come back to room temperature before serving if you prefer that soft, fudgy texture.
If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the squares! Simply wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. No reheating needed—just enjoy them chilled or let them warm up a bit for that fresh-baked taste!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pie: 7 Chocolatey Delights
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious Thanksgiving desserts that are not pie.
Zutaten
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup of butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served with whipped cream.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 square
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving desserts, non-pie desserts, holiday sweets
