Get ready to indulge in a sweet celebration of festive flavors this Thanksgiving! While tarts and Thanksgiving pies may dominate the dessert table, it’s important to make room for a variety of delicious treats to satisfy every palate. From cakes and puddings to ice cream sandwiches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As you plan your menu, consider incorporating seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, apples, pears, cranberries, and figs to infuse your desserts with that special autumn touch. And if you’re looking to streamline your preparations, make-ahead desserts will be your best ally.
Without further ado, let’s dive into Food & Wine’s curated selection of the best Thanksgiving desserts that will guarantee a memorable sweet finish to your holiday feast.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
This pumpkin cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence for Thanksgiving. With a thick, crunchy crust and a super-creamy, super-pumpkiny filling, it will surely impress your family and friends. The combination of rich flavors and textures makes it a standout dessert choice for the holiday.
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this tantalizing pumpkin cheesecake. The rich and creamy filling is infused with the warm, comforting taste of pumpkin, perfectly complemented by a crunchy crust that adds a delightful contrast. With every bite, you’ll experience the harmonious balance of creamy, smooth cheesecake and the satisfying crunch of the crust.
Why Pumpkin Cheesecake?
Apple Pie Stuffed Cupcakes
Looking for a unique and portable Thanksgiving dessert? These apple pie stuffed cupcakes are sure to be a hit! Combining the flavors of a classic apple pie with the convenience of a cupcake, they offer a delightful twist on a traditional favorite.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist apple cake, only to discover a sweet surprise of apple pie filling hidden in the center. The combination of textures and flavors is a true delight for your taste buds.
Not only are these cupcakes incredibly delicious, but they are also easy to transport. Whether you’re bringing them to a Thanksgiving gathering or enjoying them at home, they make a perfect portable dessert that everyone can enjoy.
So why not add some whimsy to your Thanksgiving dessert table with these apple pie stuffed cupcakes? They are sure to impress your friends and family with their creative and delicious twist on a classic treat.
How to Make Apple Pie Stuffed Cupcakes
If you’re ready to try your hand at making these mouthwatering treats, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 box of yellow cake mix | 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 1 can of apple pie filling | 2. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. |
| Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling | 3. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. |
| 4. Fill each liner halfway with the yellow cake batter. | |
| 5. Add a spoonful of apple pie filling to each cupcake. | |
| 6. Top with more cake batter, covering the apple pie filling. | |
| 7. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of each cupcake. | |
| 8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. | |
| 9. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving. |
With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious apple pie stuffed cupcakes that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Seed Toffee
This pumpkin seed toffee is a showstopper dessert that will impress your guests with its crunchy texture and decadent flavor. Made with a perfect blend of roasted pumpkin seeds and sticky caramel, this sweet treat is a delightful twist on traditional toffee. The satisfying crunch of the pumpkin seeds adds a delightful contrast to the smooth, buttery caramel, creating a truly irresistible combination.
Not only does this pumpkin seed toffee taste incredible, but it also boasts an impressive presentation. The golden-brown toffee is beautifully speckled with toasted pumpkin seeds, giving it a visually appealing look that is sure to wow your friends and family. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone treat or incorporating it into a dessert platter, this toffee is guaranteed to be the star of the show.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a batch of this mouthwatering pumpkin seed toffee to enjoy during your Thanksgiving celebration. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container, making it a convenient dessert option for your holiday gathering.
So why settle for ordinary desserts when you can surprise your loved ones with this indulgent and unique pumpkin seed toffee? Its crunchy texture, decadent flavor, and impressive presentation make it the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible treat!
Variations:
If you want to experiment with flavors, you can try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the toffee for a sweet and salty combination. Another option is to drizzle melted dark chocolate over the toffee once it has cooled, adding a rich and indulgent twist.
Almost Flourless Chocolate-Orange Cake
This almost flourless chocolate-orange cake is the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving feast. Its rich and moist texture, along with the delightful combination of chocolate and orange flavors, will leave your guests craving for more.
What makes this cake even more special is that it is gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with dietary restrictions. You can serve it with confidence, knowing that everyone can enjoy a slice without worry.
The secret to its moistness lies in the absence of flour, which allows the rich cocoa and fresh orange zest to shine through. The result is a cake that is dense, fudgy, and incredibly flavorful.
Whether you are looking for a dessert that stands out on its own or want to complement it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this flourless chocolate-orange cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Its decadent taste and stunning presentation make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
So go ahead and indulge in this gluten-free delight. Your taste buds will thank you!
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake
Indulge in the irresistible flavors and textures of the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake. This delectable dessert is a masterpiece that combines layers of sweet apple cake, tangy apple pie filling, buttery crumble, and a drizzle of salted caramel on top. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Imagine sinking your fork into a moist and tender apple cake, speckled with juicy apple chunks that add a burst of freshness. As you continue to savor each bite, the tangy apple pie filling surges through, delighting your taste buds with its sweet yet slightly tart notes.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The cake is generously topped with a buttery crumble, adding a satisfying crunch and an additional layer of flavor. And to elevate the dessert to new heights, a drizzle of salted caramel cascades over the cake, infusing it with a luxurious and irresistible sweetness.
This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual masterpiece. The layers of vibrant colors and contrasting textures create an enticing presentation that will impress your guests from the first glance.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply craving a decadent dessert, the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake is a must-have. Its blend of flavors, textures, and the irresistible combination of sweet and tangy will make it the star of any occasion.
Variations of Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations you can try to customize this delectable dessert:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese Frosting | Add a layer of creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting between the apple cake and the crumble for an extra burst of flavor. |
| Pecan Topping | Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the crumble to add a delightful nuttiness and a crunchy texture. |
| Cinnamon Whipped Cream | Serve each slice of cake with a dollop of cinnamon-infused whipped cream for a heavenly combination of flavors. |
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations to make this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake truly your own. Your taste buds will thank you.
Cranberry Apple Pie
Looking for a delicious twist on the classic Thanksgiving dessert? Try this cranberry apple pie that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and apples. The addition of cranberries adds a tangy element that perfectly balances out the natural sweetness of the apples.
To enhance the warm and cozy flavors of the pie, holiday spices are added, creating a delightful aroma and depth of flavor. The combination of cranberries, apples, and holiday spices makes this pie a true celebration of seasonal flavors.
Whether you’re a fan of tart desserts or simply want to add a touch of uniqueness to your holiday spread, this cranberry apple pie is a must-try. Its vibrant colors and irresistible flavors will wow your guests and leave them craving for more.
So why settle for a traditional apple pie when you can elevate it with the tartness of cranberries and the warmth of holiday spices? This cranberry apple pie is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of caramel and apple combined with the creamy tanginess of cheesecake with this decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake. It’s the perfect dessert to elevate your Thanksgiving celebration.
Picture this: a rich, creamy cheesecake with a velvety smooth texture, topped with a luscious layer of caramel and chunks of caramelized apples. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, with the sweet caramel complementing the tangy apple perfectly.
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is a show-stopper that will impress your family and friends with its exquisite taste and stunning appearance. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or attending a potluck, this dessert is guaranteed to be the star of the show.
What sets this cheesecake apart is its impeccable balance of flavors. The creamy cheesecake base provides a velvety backdrop for the rich caramel and tart apple, creating a harmonious blend that will delight your taste buds.
But let’s not forget about the textural contrast. The creamy cheesecake filling is nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. And the caramelized apples on top not only add a burst of flavor but also a pleasing chewiness that adds depth to the dessert.
To further enhance the experience, you can drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless when it comes to garnishing this already extraordinary dessert.
So why settle for ordinary desserts when you can indulge in this extraordinary Caramel Apple Cheesecake? This Thanksgiving, treat yourself and your loved ones to a dessert that is rich, creamy, tangy, and simply irresistible.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to impress your guests with this incredible Caramel Apple Cheesecake. Get ready to savor each bite and create unforgettable memories around the dessert table.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Indulge in the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers with these pumpkin cheesecake brownies. The fudgy, rich brownie base is perfectly complemented by a creamy layer of pumpkin cheesecake, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. These brownies are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table, offering a little bit of everything for everyone.
Immerse yourself in the fudgy goodness of the rich chocolatey brownie, accented by the smooth and velvety pumpkin cheesecake layer. Each bite is a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.
With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these pumpkin cheesecake brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of the classic pumpkin pie or a chocolate enthusiast, these brownies offer the best of both worlds in one delicious dessert.
Recipe:
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These pumpkin cheesecake brownies are a delightful twist on traditional desserts and are sure to impress your family and friends. They combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and chocolate into one irresistible treat. Celebrate Thanksgiving with a batch of these fudgy, rich, and chocolatey brownies that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Turkey Cupcakes
Looking for a fun and kid-friendly Thanksgiving dessert? These turkey cupcakes are the perfect addition to your holiday spread. Not only are they delicious, but they also add a touch of whimsy and creativity to the table.
Transform ordinary chocolate cupcakes into adorable turkeys with just a few simple ingredients. Start by frosting the cupcakes with chocolate icing to create a smooth base. Then, let your imagination run wild – use candy corn for the feathers, M&M’s for the eyes, and pretzels for the beak. The end result? A flock of festive and tasty turkey cupcakes that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Not only are these turkey cupcakes fun to make, but they are also a hit with kids. They’ll love getting involved in the decorating process and creating their own unique designs. Plus, the combination of chocolate and sweet candy toppings is sure to satisfy their sweet tooth.
So, this Thanksgiving, impress your family and friends with these delightful turkey cupcakes. They’re not only a fun and kid-friendly dessert, but they also add a touch of whimsical charm to your holiday celebration. Set them out on the dessert table alongside your other Thanksgiving treats and watch as everyone reaches for these adorable creations. Get ready for smiles, laughter, and a lot of delicious enjoyment!