Desserts to Make for Thanksgiving That Will Delight Everyone

Oktober 24, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. And let’s be honest, the desserts to make for Thanksgiving are the sweet stars of the show! Whether you’re a pumpkin pie purist or a chocolate chip cookie enthusiast, this collection of desserts will bring joy to your table. I remember my first Thanksgiving baking frenzy—my kitchen was a whirlwind of flour, sugar, and laughter as I tried to impress my family with my baking skills. Spoiler alert: they were impressed! From rich, chocolatey treats to classic fall flavors, these desserts are sure to delight everyone at your gathering. Trust me, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked goodies wafting through your home during the holidays!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering desserts to make for Thanksgiving. I always like to have everything prepped and ready to go before I start mixing. It just makes the whole process smoother and way more enjoyable!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
1 cup chocolate chips (because who doesn’t love a little chocolate?)

Remember to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even toast the nuts beforehand for an added depth of flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it!

How to Prepare Instructions

Getting these delicious desserts ready is easier than you might think! Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a tray of treats that’ll impress everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering.

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! You want your oven nice and toasty when the batter hits the pan.
While the oven warms up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is key for a good rise.
In a separate larger bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part—it makes everything light and fluffy! Beat it until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma at this point is heavenly!
Now, gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I usually do this in thirds, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; we’re looking for a nice, tender crumb.
Once that’s done, fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips. Oops! Don’t worry if a few chocolate chips escape; they’re just too excited to be part of the mix!
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. I love using a 9×13 inch pan for this recipe; it’s the perfect size!
Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s done! You might want to set a timer so it doesn’t get too cozy in there.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. Trust me, letting it cool is worth the wait!

And there you have it! Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-satisfying. These desserts will be the talk of your Thanksgiving feast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This collection of desserts to make for Thanksgiving is truly special, and here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for them!

Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even novice bakers will shine in the kitchen.
Deliciously satisfying: The combination of chocolate, nuts, and buttery goodness creates an irresistible treat everyone will love.
Perfect for sharing: These desserts yield a generous amount, making them ideal for gatherings and family feasts.
Festive appeal: The warm, comforting flavors of these desserts embody the spirit of Thanksgiving, bringing joy to your table.
Customizable: Feel free to mix things up with different nuts or add in your favorite seasonal spices for a personal touch.
Great for leftovers: If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), they store beautifully for a sweet pick-me-up later.

Trust me, once you try these desserts, they’ll become a staple in your Thanksgiving celebrations for years to come!

Tips for Success

Want to ensure your desserts to make for Thanksgiving turn out absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned over the years!

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps them blend together more smoothly, giving you that light, fluffy texture we all love!
Don’t Overmix: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough desserts, and we definitely don’t want that! A few lumps are totally okay.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be sneaky sometimes! If you’re unsure, use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature. Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the texture and doneness of your treats.
Cool Properly: Allow your desserts to cool in the pan for a bit, but don’t leave them too long! Transferring them to a wire rack helps prevent sogginess. Plus, it gives you a chance to sneak a taste while they’re still warm!
Know Your Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your desserts a few minutes before the baking time is up. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for that perfect bake!
Be Creative: Feel free to experiment with flavors! Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for some extra warmth, or try different types of nuts. This is your chance to make these desserts your own!

With these tips, you’re all set to create Thanksgiving desserts that will wow your family and friends. Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, there are endless ways to customize these desserts to make for Thanksgiving! Here are some fun variations that’ll keep everyone coming back for more:

Nutty Delight: Swap out the nuts for your favorites—try pistachios for a pop of color or hazelnuts for a richer flavor. You can even go nut-free and use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead!
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or cinnamon to the batter for that quintessential fall flavor. It’s a simple tweak that makes a world of difference!
Dried Fruits: Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped dates for a touch of natural sweetness and chewy texture. They pair beautifully with the chocolate chips!
Orange Zest: For a refreshing twist, add a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter. It brightens the flavors and adds a nice citrusy aroma that’s perfect for the holidays.
Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the batter before baking or fold in caramel bits for gooey pockets of sweetness. Yum!
Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a chocolate fanatic, consider using dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also mix in cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate base!

These variations not only make your desserts unique but also cater to different tastes and preferences at your Thanksgiving table. So go ahead, get creative, and have fun experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After your Thanksgiving feast, you might find yourself with some delicious leftovers, and I can’t blame you if you want to savor those desserts a little longer! Here’s how to store them properly so they stay fresh and tasty.

First, let the desserts cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cooled, cut them into squares and transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. This little trick keeps them looking as good as they taste!

You can store these treats at room temperature for up to 2 days if your kitchen isn’t too warm, but if you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week in there. Just remember to seal them tightly to keep that deliciousness intact!

If you want to save them for even later, you can freeze the desserts. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat, just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!

With these storage tips, you can keep the festive spirit alive long after Thanksgiving dinner. Happy indulging!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each delicious piece of dessert from this collection. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect!

Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 4g

These treats are definitely a sweet indulgence, but they also pack a good bit of energy! Perfect for fueling all those fun Thanksgiving activities with family and friends. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share the joy of these desserts at your table!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delightful desserts to make for Thanksgiving? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers to help you out!

Can I make these desserts ahead of time?

Absolutely! These desserts are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests when it’s time for dessert!

What if I don’t have all the ingredients?

No problem! You can easily substitute some ingredients. For example, if you’re out of nuts, feel free to leave them out or swap in seeds. And if you don’t have chocolate chips, you can use dried fruits instead for a different twist!

How do I know when the desserts are done baking?

Great question! You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking!

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making them a perfect treat for later!

What’s the best way to serve these desserts?

For an extra special touch, serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top for that wow factor!

These FAQs should help you navigate the delicious world of Thanksgiving desserts with confidence. Happy baking and enjoy every sweet moment!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up these amazing desserts to make for Thanksgiving, let’s talk about how to serve them up in style! Presentation can make all the difference, and I’ve got some fun ideas to elevate your dessert game this holiday season.

Whipped Cream Galore: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each dessert is always a hit. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra festive touch. Who doesn’t love a little cloud of cream?
Ice Cream Delight: Serve your squares warm with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin spice ice cream. The combination of warm desserts and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Drizzle It Up: Get creative with toppings! A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the top not only adds flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for that sweet-salty combo that’s oh-so-delicious.
Fresh Fruit Pairing: Consider adding a side of seasonal fruit, like sliced apples or pears, to balance out the sweetness. Their crispness and natural flavors complement the richness of the desserts beautifully.
Nutty Garnish: For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes on top. It adds a nice crunch and looks gorgeous on the plate!
Elegant Plating: Arrange the desserts on a beautiful platter, and garnish with fresh herbs like mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for that wow factor. Presentation is key, so don’t be afraid to get a little fancy!

These serving suggestions will not only make your desserts look irresistible but will also enhance the overall Thanksgiving experience. Enjoy sharing these sweet treats with your loved ones and soak in all the compliments that come your way!

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Über mich

Hallo, ich bin Julia, das Herz hinter Vihaad Rezepte und eine leidenschaftliche Feinschmeckerin. Meine Liebe zum Kochen begann in meiner Kindheit, inspiriert von den herzhaften Mahlzeiten meiner Großmutter. Heute teile ich schmackhafte Rezepte, die Menschen durch gutes Essen zusammenbringen.