Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, and you know what makes it even better? Easy desserts! Seriously, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen when you could whip up something delicious and simple in no time? This recipe for Thanksgiving easy desserts is a game changer. It combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin with a buttery graham cracker crust, and trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! The best part is that it’s so straightforward to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just need a sweet treat to share, this dessert is bound to impress without all the fuss. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Easy Desserts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great!)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Easy Desserts
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial! You want that perfect baking temperature so your dessert comes out just right.
- While the oven’s heating up, grab a bowl and mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. You want it to be well combined and crumbly—almost like wet sand!
- Next, press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out so you get that delicious crust in every bite.
- In another bowl (I know, more dishes!), whisk together the heavy cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Wow, the aroma of pumpkin spice will fill your kitchen—so comforting!
- Now, pour that creamy pumpkin mixture over your crust. Spread it out evenly to ensure every slice has that lovely filling.
- Don’t forget the final touch! Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look set and the center is slightly jiggly—just the way we like it!
- Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a bit. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully and make it easier to cut into squares.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy Thanksgiving days!
- Deliciously creamy pumpkin filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust.
- Minimal ingredients make it budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Ideal for feeding a crowd with just one simple recipe.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips!
- Can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday.
- It’s a festive dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make this scrumptious dessert, here are some of my top tips to ensure everything turns out just right!
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your heavy cream and pumpkin puree are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together smoothly and creates a creamier filling.
- Don’t overmix: When you’re whisking the pumpkin mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can be sneaky! Start checking your dessert a few minutes before the 25-minute mark. You want the edges set but the center to have a slight jiggle—it’ll firm up as it cools.
- Cool completely: Letting your dessert cool completely before slicing is key. This helps the filling set up nicely, making it easier to cut clean pieces.
- Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the filling for an extra flavor kick. It’ll make your dessert even more aromatic!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests with a perfect Thanksgiving dessert. Happy baking!
Variations on Thanksgiving Easy Desserts
If you want to mix things up with this easy Thanksgiving dessert, I’ve got you covered! Here are some fun variations that can add a little twist to your pumpkin delight:
- Spiced Up: Swap out the pumpkin pie spice for a combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. It’ll give your dessert a warm, cozy flavor that screams fall!
- Chocolate Lovers: For a rich twist, fold in some chocolate chips into the pumpkin mixture or sprinkle them on top instead of nuts. Chocolate and pumpkin are a match made in heaven!
- Nut-Free Option: If you’re avoiding nuts, simply leave them out and consider adding a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or even toasted coconut on top for that extra crunch.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some diced apples or pears into the pumpkin filling for a fruity surprise. They’ll add sweetness and a lovely texture!
- Ginger Snap Crust: Instead of graham cracker crumbs, use crushed ginger snap cookies for the crust to give a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
- Cheesecake Style: Add a layer of cream cheese mixed with a bit of sugar and vanilla on top of the crust before pouring in the pumpkin mix for a deliciously creamy cheesecake twist.
These variations can bring a new flair to your Thanksgiving table and keep things exciting. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful Thanksgiving dessert, presentation is key! I love to serve it chilled, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream for that extra creaminess. You can sprinkle a few additional chopped nuts or a dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top for a festive touch. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture. And don’t forget to offer some coffee or spiced cider on the side—it’ll really enhance those warm pumpkin flavors. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this dessert long after the holiday!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your Thanksgiving easy desserts have delighted everyone, you might find yourself with some leftovers—lucky you! To store this delicious treat, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the pieces to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before covering to avoid condensation.
If you want to enjoy it warm again, you can reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warm. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might lose that lovely creaminess! You could also pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture. This will help bring back that fresh-baked flavor, making it taste like it just came out of the oven. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide precise nutritional data, here’s a general idea of what you can expect for each serving (1 piece):
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, and enjoy the deliciousness of this easy Thanksgiving dessert without worry!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Thanksgiving easy dessert is perfect for making a day in advance. Just cover it well and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll be just as delicious the next day, and it gives you one less thing to worry about on the big day!
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can use sweet potato puree or even applesauce for a different flavor twist. Both will work nicely, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit!
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
Sure thing! You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the texture and richness may be slightly different. If you’re aiming for that creamy indulgence, I recommend sticking with heavy cream if possible.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are best served chilled, but if you prefer them warm, just pop them in the microwave for a quick heat-up! You can also enjoy them cold with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. This makes it accessible for all your guests while still keeping that delicious flavor we love!
Thanksgiving Easy Desserts: 7 Simple Treats to Savor
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Easy desserts for Thanksgiving that anyone can make.
Zutaten
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- You can substitute nuts with chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 piece
- Kalorien: 220
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving easy desserts
