Recipes

Five Simple Thanksgiving Desserts Anyone Can Make


Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! If you’ve been asked to bring a dessert this year and you’re not a seasoned chef, don’t worry. Here are five easy and scrumptious dessert ideas that will make you the star of the feast.

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a pumpkin pie. This classic dessert is surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought works great)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool on a wire rack. Serve with whipped cream.

2. Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a fantastic alternative to pie and is much simpler to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups sliced, peeled apples
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the apples in a greased 9-inch baking dish and sprinkle with lemon juice.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle over the apples.
  4. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the apples.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

3. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are a delightful twist on the traditional pecan pie and are very easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup softened butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
  4. Sprinkle the pecans and chocolate chips over the crust.
  5. In a bowl, mix 1 cup brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour over the pecans and chocolate chips.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

4. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake is a breeze to prepare and is a lighter option after a heavy meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 graham cracker crust (store-bought is fine)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping.
  3. Spread the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Garnish with additional whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

5. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are perfect for those who want to bring something unique and festive.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually mix in the flour until combined. Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
  4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

These five desserts are sure to please any crowd and are simple enough for even the most novice cooks. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and happy baking!