Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, and honestly, it’s all about the food! Growing up, my family always had a dessert that stole the show, and it was usually something simple yet utterly delicious. This easy Thanksgiving dessert is a nod to those sweet memories, bringing together the cozy flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese in a way that makes everyone smile. Trust me, this recipe is so effortless that even if you’re knee-deep in holiday chaos, you can whip it up without breaking a sweat. With just a few ingredients and minimal fuss, you can create a dessert that’s not only beautiful but also a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s dive in and make this Thanksgiving extra special!
Ingredients List
Let’s get everything ready for this delicious easy Thanksgiving dessert! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, fresh pumpkin adds a wonderful flavor!
- 1 cup of cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly into the mixture, giving you that creamy texture.
- 1 cup of sugar: This adds sweetness, but don’t hesitate to adjust it to your taste if you prefer a little less sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: This will enhance the flavors beautifully. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: Ah, the spice of the season! It brings warmth and that cozy Thanksgiving aroma.
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust: For ease and convenience, grab a store-bought crust. It’s a time-saver and tastes great!
- 1 cup of whipped cream for topping: You can use store-bought or homemade whipped cream—either way, it makes the dessert look fancy and taste heavenly!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set to create something deliciously memorable!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this easy Thanksgiving dessert! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fabulous treat ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring that your dessert bakes evenly and perfectly. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the filling!
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step—getting it well mixed is key to a great texture!
- Pour the mixture into the pre-made graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure you get every little bit into that crust. It’s going to be so good!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; the edges should be set, and the center might be a little jiggly—that’s okay! It will firm up as it cools.
- Once baked, let it cool down for about 15 minutes at room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge. Make sure it chills for at least 2 hours; this helps all the flavors meld beautifully.
- When you’re ready to serve, top it off with 1 cup of whipped cream. You can either dollop it on top or spread it around—it’s entirely up to you! Now, slice it up and watch everyone’s faces light up!
And there you have it! This delightful dessert is not only simple to make but also bursting with those classic Thanksgiving flavors. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Deliciously creamy pumpkin flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Beautiful presentation with a whipped cream topping that makes it feel special.
- Great for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy tips to ensure your easy Thanksgiving dessert turns out perfect every time!
- Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin: If you’re using fresh pumpkin, roast it first to enhance its flavor. It’ll take a bit more time, but trust me, it’s worth it!
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar based on your preference. A little less sugar can let the pumpkin shine through even more.
- Give it a Nutty Twist: For a delightful crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts to the filling or as a topping. Pecans or walnuts work beautifully!
- Chill Time: Don’t skimp on the chilling time! Allowing it to set in the fridge helps the flavors meld and gives it that perfect texture.
With these tips, you’ll be a pumpkin dessert pro in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful easy Thanksgiving dessert. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose, but they should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
These estimates can help you plan for your Thanksgiving feast, ensuring you enjoy this delicious dessert without any surprises. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh pumpkin puree can elevate your dessert with a richer, more vibrant flavor. To make fresh pumpkin puree, just roast a small pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. It adds a lovely homemade touch that impresses everyone at the table!
How long will the dessert last in the fridge?
This easy Thanksgiving dessert will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. That way, you can enjoy those delicious leftovers without worry!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You can definitely make this dessert ahead of time! In fact, I recommend preparing it a day or two before your Thanksgiving gathering. Just follow the instructions, chill it, and keep it stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’ll be just as delightful, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the big day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this easy Thanksgiving dessert is super simple! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy those scrumptious slices later!
Now, if you want to reheat it, I recommend letting it come to room temperature first. You can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off. But honestly, it’s just as delightful served cold, especially with that fluffy whipped cream on top!
Drucken
Easy Thanksgiving Dessert That Will Warm Your Heart
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious dessert perfect for Thanksgiving.
Zutaten
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup of whipped cream for topping
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Add nuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: easy thanksgiving dessert
