Is Thanksgiving dinner at your house this year? The turkey might be the star of the show, but dessert is the final act that gives everyone that sweet, satisfying finish.
As you plan your desserts, you know you simply must have a few pies. Pie is the classic everyone expects on Thanksgiving. You could buy pies, of course, but homemade pie always seems to taste a little bit better. Pie can be a little labor intensive but you can make it ahead of time and it will still look and taste perfect.
Read More »Pumpkin Pie
What could be more classic? Everyone needs a good pumpkin pie recipe in their repertoire. Here is one that has just the right blend of spices and creamy sweetness. It doesn’t get more classic than Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie recipe, a staple for more than 40 years. Once you try this recipe, you probably won’t need to try another one. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Whipped Cream
You’ll want to serve whipped cream with the pumpkin pie. Whipped cream in a can is good, but whipped cream that you whip up yourself is so much better that there’s really no comparison. It doesn’t take long, and it adds amazing flavor and texture. Here’s a recipe for classic whipped cream. Be sure to pop the bowl and beaters in the refrigerator first; it will come together so much faster.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is another must-have for thanksgiving. There are so many variations that it’s hard to choose just one, but I love the streusel topping on this one. Sometimes apple pie is too tart for my taste, and the sweet streusel balances the tartness of the apples.
Pie Crust
The pie crusts you buy in the store are very good, but if you want your pies to be extra special, try making a homemade crust. Here is a good basic recipe for pie crust. Be sure to keep your ingredients as cold as possible for the flakiest crust.
Apple Skillet Pie
Because, again, you can’t choose just one apple pie, here is another one to try. This skillet apple pie is billed as the easiest apple pie you’ll ever make, and the skillet adds a fun, rustic touch guests will love.
Caramel Sauce
The typical way to add a little sweetness to a classic apple pie is with ice cream or whipped cream. For something a little different, though, try making this caramel topping. Then feel free to add the ice cream or whipped cream on top!
Banana Cream Pie
We have some banana and pudding lovers in my family, so this banana cream pie is a staple at our Thanksgiving table. It’s a refreshing dessert because it stays cold in the refrigerator until you serve it. For the easiest pie ever that’s still delicious, use the Jell-O brand pudding and store-bought graham cracker crust, but when there’s extra time, this is a delicious version of banana cream pie.
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll
Pie is a Thanksgiving must-have, but you might want to have something else as well. Not everyone loves pie. For a great dessert that’s more in the cake family but still fall themed, try a cream cheese pumpkin roll. Rolling the cake takes a little extra effort, but the results are oh-so-impressive. Try this recipe; some pumpkin rolls are mostly cake, but this one has a good amount of the cream cheese filling.
Maybe Thanksgiving isn’t at your house this year. Are you taking a dessert to someone else’s house? They probably already have the basics, and you don’t want to bring the same thing someone else does. You’re probably looking for something different. Here are a few ideas.
Apple Cobbler
If you’re wondering what the difference is between apple cobbler and apple crisp, classic cobbler uses a biscuit or batter topping. Apple crisp has, you guessed it, a crispy, crumbly topping made from sugar, butter, flour, and sometimes oats. This cobbler has the batter type of topping because, well, that’s my favorite kind.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Here’s an idea, what about combining pumpkin with bread pudding? That would be a great dish to take to your Thanksgiving get-together. Here’s one everyone will love. Try adding the caramel sauce recipe above for even more decadent flavor.
Chocolate Ganache Pie
Have you noticed the absence of chocolate from these recipes? That must be remedied quickly. Dessert without chocolate is like . . . Thanksgiving without the turkey. Here is the easiest–yet still impressive–chocolate ganache pie ever. You make the filling in the microwave and it’s perfect with a store-bought graham cracker or oreo pie crust. Try adding raspberries or raspberry sauce on top.
Cranberry Cheesecake
Who doesn’t love cheesecake? There might be a few, but I haven’t met them yet. Here is a great recipe for cheesecake using cranberries and eggnog to get both Thanksgiving and Christmas vibes, because hey, Christmas is right around the corner.
Apple and Pear Tart
You might want to take a dessert that gets oohs and aahs before they even take the first bite. An apple or pear tart with layers of sliced fruit on a flat crust is so beautiful it’s hard to even slice it for serving–but you will, of course, because it’s so delicious. Here is a tart with both apples and pears.
Turkey Cupcakes
How about a kid-friendly dessert? As we all know, kids love cupcakes and candy, so what could be a better kid pleaser than these turkey cupcakes from Betty Crocker?
Thanksgiving Candy Turkeys
Short on time? How about a kid-friendly dessert that involves no baking? Have the kids help in the kitchen to make these cute turkeys from oreos and Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Another way to please kids and adults alike is with mini treats that are ready to eat with the fingers–no plate, fork, sauce, or whipped cream needed. These pumpkin whoopie pies are delicious and easy to eat.
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Butter Frosting–Low Carb and Gluten Free
Thanksgiving can be a difficult time if you’re carb-conscious or need gluten-free foods. Here is a healthy low-carb and gluten-free recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Now everyone can be satisfied.
