Thanksgiving is a time filled with gratitude, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food! For me, the highlight of the feast has always been the dessert. I can still remember the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin pie wafting through my grandma’s kitchen, making my mouth water as we sat around the table. This *dessert for Thanksgiving dinner* is all about simplicity and comfort, making it the perfect ending to your holiday meal. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a pie that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Trust me, this pumpkin pie will become a cherished tradition in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.
- 1 cup of sugar: This will sweeten the pie; you can adjust it to taste if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon is best for that warm, aromatic flavor we all love.
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds a lovely depth; just a pinch can elevate the flavor profile!
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger: This gives a subtle spice kick to the pie—fresh ginger works well if you have it!
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 3 large eggs: These will help set the filling; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
- 1 can of evaporated milk: This adds creaminess and richness to the filling—don’t swap it for sweetened condensed milk!
- 1 pre-made pie crust: Store-bought is perfectly fine for ease, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Prepare a Dessert for Thanksgiving Dinner
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious pumpkin pie that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds! It’s super straightforward, so don’t worry; you’ve got this!
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect crust.
- Mix your ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Wow, that aroma is going to be amazing! Make sure everything is well mixed, so the spices are evenly distributed.
- Add the eggs: Next, crack in the eggs one at a time. This helps the mixture come together smoothly. Beat them into the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the evaporated milk: Now, gently stir in the evaporated milk. This is where the creaminess comes from, so make sure it’s mixed in well. You want a nice, smooth filling!
- Fill the pie crust: Carefully pour the pumpkin filling into your pre-made pie crust. Don’t worry too much if it looks a bit full; it’ll settle as it bakes.
- Bake the pie: Pop it in the oven for 15 minutes at that high temperature. This helps set the crust. After that, reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, this makes a huge difference in texture! Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream for that classic touch.
And there you go! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert for Thanksgiving dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor that first slice!
Why You’ll Love This Dessert for Thanksgiving Dinner
- Effortless preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes amazing.
- Deliciously spiced flavor: The warm blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a comforting taste that screams Thanksgiving.
- Festive appeal: This pumpkin pie not only tastes great but also adds a beautiful touch to your holiday table, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Family tradition: Serve it warm with whipped cream, and watch as it becomes a cherished part of your Thanksgiving traditions.
- Make ahead: You can easily prepare this pie in advance, allowing you to focus on spending time with loved ones on the big day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your pumpkin pie turns out perfectly, here are some of my best tips! First, always use fresh spices if you can—they really elevate the flavor. When it comes to baking, keep an eye on the time; every oven is different, so check the pie a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. The filling should be set but still have a gentle jiggle in the center when you take it out. Also, let it cool completely before slicing; this helps the filling set up nicely and makes for cleaner slices. And don’t skimp on the whipped cream—it’s the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy this dessert warm or at room temperature; either way, it’s going to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delightful pumpkin pie is estimated to contain about 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. You’ll also find approximately 36 grams of carbohydrates and 18 grams of sugar per serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements. Enjoy this festive dessert knowing it’s both delicious and satisfying—perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can roast fresh pumpkin and blend it to make your own puree. Just make sure it’s well strained, so your pie isn’t too watery.
What can I do if my pie crust is too brown?
If your crust starts browning too much while baking, you can cover the edges with strips of foil to prevent it from overcooking while the filling finishes baking. Just keep an eye on it!
Can I make this dessert for Thanksgiving dinner ahead of time?
Yes! This pumpkin pie is perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can use a mixture of regular milk and heavy cream in equal parts. It’ll give you that creamy texture without sacrificing flavor!
Is this pumpkin pie gluten-free?
The recipe as written isn’t gluten-free due to the pre-made pie crust. However, you can easily use a gluten-free pie crust to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive guests!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your pumpkin pie properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! Once the pie has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy those tasty leftovers! If you find yourself with leftovers after the holiday, you can also freeze the pie. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It should last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your pie again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm slice, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve it with a fresh dollop of whipped cream for that just-baked taste!
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Dessert for Thanksgiving Dinner: 7 Tips for Perfect Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Stir in evaporated milk until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
- Cool the pie before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: dessert for thanksgiving dinner
