Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for the ultimate *holiday dessert for Thanksgiving*, you’ve landed in the right place! This recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. Imagine the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen, luring everyone to the table. I can already picture the smiles when they take that first bite—rich, moist, and oh-so-delicious! It’s perfect for gatherings with family and friends, making every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, this dessert will quickly become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful holiday dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure to sift it if you want a lighter texture!
- 1 cup sugar – Regular granulated sugar works perfectly here.
- 1 cup butter, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for easy creaming.
- 4 large eggs – They should also be at room temperature for the best mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract adds that lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps our dessert rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip this; it enhances all the flavors!
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Use canned or homemade, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not a pie filling.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice – This is where the magic happens! Feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to get that nice, even bake!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually go for about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer—trust me, the texture will be worth it!
- Next, crack in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air for that lovely rise!
- Now, stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. The mixture should be smooth and creamy—don’t you just love that color?
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice. Give it a little whisk to ensure everything’s mixed well. It’s like a little dry party before the wet ingredients join in!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want it to stay tender!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. I love using a spatula for this part—it makes it so much easier!
- Pop that beauty into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just a little tip: don’t open the oven door too early, or it might sink!
- Once baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy holiday gatherings!
- The flavors are a delightful blend of pumpkin and warm spices—every bite is like a cozy fall hug.
- It looks gorgeous on any dessert table, adding that festive touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
- This recipe is versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s taste.
- And let’s be real, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make sure your holiday dessert turns out perfectly, here are some of my top tips! First, use high-quality ingredients—especially for your butter and pumpkin puree. It really makes a difference in flavor! When creaming the butter and sugar, don’t rush it; take the time to get it light and fluffy for that dreamy texture. Also, remember to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. For presentation, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or serving it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon—it’s all about those little details that wow your guests!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this holiday dessert! For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or walnuts into the batter for some delightful crunch and richness. You could also experiment with different spices—why not swap the pumpkin spice for gingerbread spice for a festive flair? If you want to go all out, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Trust me, your guests will be raving about it! The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own holiday cheer to the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious holiday dessert fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, and it’ll taste like it just came out of the oven!
Nutritional Information Section
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general estimate for each slice of this delightful holiday dessert:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
These values are approximate, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy your delicious baking while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can roast a sugar pumpkin and puree it for an even fresher taste. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture to keep your batter from getting too wet.
What can I serve with this dessert?
This holiday dessert is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could even sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for a lovely crunch!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge after it cools, and when you’re ready to serve, warm it up a bit in the oven or microwave. It’ll still taste fresh and delicious!
What if I want to make it gluten-free?
No worries! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a 1:1 ratio to all-purpose flour for best results.
Can I add other flavors or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cinnamon, or even add some chopped apples or cranberries for a fruity twist. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your holiday dessert turns out! If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Did you make any fun variations? How did your family enjoy it? Also, if you could take a moment to rate the recipe, it helps others find this deliciousness! And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media—tag me so I can see your festive masterpieces! Let’s spread the joy of baking together this Thanksgiving!
Drucken
Holiday Desserts Thanksgiving: 7 Must-Try Recipes for Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious holiday dessert for Thanksgiving.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Can be served with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 38g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: holiday desserts thanksgiving











