Thanksgiving is a time to embrace gratitude, cherish togetherness, and share a hearty feast with family and friends. No celebration is complete without a lineup of delightful desserts to cap off the meal. From cherished classics to modern twists, these ten sweet treats bring warmth and joy to your table. According to goodFOOD, here are 10 perfect desserts for your Thanksgiving celebration:
Classic Pecan Pie
This all-American staple features a rich, nutty filling in a flaky crust. To prepare, whisk together light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over a bed of pecans arranged in an unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350°F for about an hour until the filling sets. Serve it warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly finish to your meal.
Pumpkin Pie
A quintessential Thanksgiving favourite, pumpkin pie delights with its creamy, spiced squash filling. Begin by mixing canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Pour this velvety filling into a sweet shortcrust pastry and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for 40-50 minutes. Let it cool before slicing, and enjoy its comforting flavours with a dollop of cream.
Chocolate Trifle
This elegant layered dessert adds a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving table. Start by preparing a batch of brownies and cutting them into small cubes. Layer the brownie pieces in a trifle dish with chocolate pudding made by whisking pudding mix with milk, followed by whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish. Chill for an hour before serving for a creamy, indulgent treat.
Cherry Pie
A tart yet sweet addition to the holiday lineup, cherry pie is simple to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Combine pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract, then pour the mixture into a prepared crust. Cover with a second crust, crimp the edges, and bake at 375°F for about an hour until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream or cream for a taste of summer in the fall.
Sweet Potato Pie
This Southern favourite rivals pumpkin pie with its earthy, spiced sweetness. Start by blending mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the filling into a crumbly shortcrust pastry and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a must-try holiday dessert.
Key Lime Pie
Bright and refreshing, this pie adds a citrussy twist to the Thanksgiving table. Prepare by whisking together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth. Pour the mixture into a graham cracker crust and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Let it chill for a few hours, then top with whipped cream for a zesty delight that balances the richness of the feast.
Chocolate & Pecan Tart
This decadent tart combines gooey chocolate with the crunch of pecans for an irresistible dessert. Melt dark chocolate and butter, then stir in corn syrup, sugar, and eggs. Fold in pecans and pour the mixture into a tart shell. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy its rich, velvety center.
Peach Melba Pie
This fruity dessert brings together peaches and raspberries for a vibrant treat. Toss sliced peaches and raspberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch, then pour the mixture into a pie crust. Cover with a second crust, seal the edges, and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden. Its sweet and tangy flavours make it a refreshing addition to the Thanksgiving spread.
Maple Pecan Pie
This twist on the classic pecan pie features the warm sweetness of maple syrup. Whisk maple syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract together, then stir in pecans. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake at 350°F for about an hour until the filling is set. Its rich, buttery flavors are perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
Banana Toffee S’mores Pie
This playful dessert blends bananas, toffee, and marshmallows in a graham cracker crust. Arrange sliced bananas in the crust, then pour over a layer of creamy toffee sauce. Top with mini marshmallows and broil for a couple of minutes until they are toasted and golden. This whimsical treat is a fun nod to American classics, offering an indulgent way to end your feast.
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