Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a show-stopping dessert, right? I mean, it’s the grand finale of the feast! This dessert Thanksgiving recipe is a delightful way to wrap up your holiday meal and leave everyone with a sweet taste of gratitude. Picture a beautifully baked pumpkin pie, its warm spices wafting through the air, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and oh-so-delicious! I can’t help but smile when I think of sharing this pie with family and friends, each slice filled with creamy pumpkin goodness. Trust me, this one’s bound to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home, just like it is in mine! Let’s dive into making this scrumptious dessert that will definitely steal the show this Thanksgiving!
Ingredients
To create this delightful dessert Thanksgiving masterpiece, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup packed pumpkin puree – this is the star of the show, bringing that rich, creamy texture and flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin.
- 1 cup heavy cream – this adds a luxurious creaminess that makes each slice irresistible.
- 2 large eggs – they’ll help bind everything together and give the pie a lovely structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a splash of this will elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – because what’s pumpkin pie without that warm, comforting spice?
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a nutty depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – for a little zing and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 pre-made pie crust – to save time and let you focus on the delicious filling!
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a fabulous Thanksgiving dessert!
How to Prepare the Dessert Thanksgiving
Let’s get this dessert Thanksgiving pie baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This initial high temperature will help set the crust and give it a beautiful golden color.
While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the star ingredients: 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, and the 2 large eggs. It’s a good idea to whisk these together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Next, stir in that lovely teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the spices—1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. The smell at this point will make your mouth water!
Now, pour this luscious filling into your pre-made pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Once that’s done, pop it into the oven for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for another 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
When the timer goes off, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial—cooling helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes slicing easier. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you serve up that perfect slice of pumpkin pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Rich, creamy flavors that perfectly capture the essence of Thanksgiving.
- Can be made a day ahead, making your holiday cooking a breeze.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as delicious the next day.
- Versatile enough to be served with whipped cream, ice cream, or even on its own!
Tips for Success
To ensure your dessert Thanksgiving pie turns out perfectly, here are some tips I swear by. First, make sure your pie crust is well-fitted in the pie dish and, if you’re using a homemade crust, consider pre-baking it for about 10 minutes. This helps avoid a soggy bottom and gives it that lovely crunch! Also, when you’re checking for doneness, gently jiggle the pie; the center should be set but still have a slight wiggle—this means it will firm up beautifully as it cools. If the crust edges brown too quickly, don’t fret! Just cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning. And remember, patience is key when cooling; letting it rest completely allows those flavors to develop even more. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert Thanksgiving pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie tastes even better the next day, so feel free to bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s well covered to maintain its deliciousness!
What can I serve with this pie?
Whipped cream is a classic pairing, but you can also serve it with vanilla ice cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth before using it in this recipe.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
No worries! You can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for the individual spices. Just use about 2 teaspoons for a warm, spiced flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover dessert Thanksgiving pie is a breeze! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you cover it. I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container to keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy a slice of fall flavor whenever the craving strikes!
Now, if you want to reheat it, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, just until it’s warmed through. Be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a rubbery texture—yikes! If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that delightful warmth and keep the crust nice and flaky. Enjoy every bite of this comforting holiday classic!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delightful dessert Thanksgiving pie. Each slice contains about 250 calories, which makes it a satisfying treat without being overly indulgent. You’ll find 10 grams of fat, with 5 grams of that being saturated fat. It also boasts 3 grams of protein and 36 grams of carbohydrates, alongside 15 grams of sugar. Plus, there’s 2 grams of fiber to help balance things out. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, but they give you a good idea of this pie’s deliciousness! Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying this delicious dessert Thanksgiving pie, the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further! I always recommend serving it with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream—there’s just something magical about that creamy contrast. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, melting into that warm pumpkin filling. For those who love a little extra flair, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top for a sweet surprise! And don’t forget a warm cup of spiced coffee or chai tea to sip alongside your slice—it’s the perfect way to round out the holiday feast!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your dessert Thanksgiving pie turns out! Did you add any fun twists or toppings? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or experiences. Your feedback makes my day, and I can’t wait to see how you celebrate this delicious holiday treat!
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Dessert Thanksgiving: 7 Ways to Make it Unforgettable
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to the mixture.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes.
- Cool the pie before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie
