Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of spices and the warmth of family gatherings. This holiday dessert recipe is a delicious pumpkin treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. With rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, paired with the delightful crunch of walnuts, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! I love making this every year because it’s not just about the taste; it’s about the memories we create around the table. Trust me, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour – sifted for a lighter texture
- 1 cup of granulated sugar – this adds the perfect sweetness
- 1 cup of unsalted butter – make sure it’s softened for easy mixing
- 4 large eggs – these will help bind everything together
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – use pure for the best flavor
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder – this is crucial for a nice rise
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt – it balances the sweetness beautifully
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree – I recommend using canned for consistency
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – the heartwarming spice of the season
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg – adds that cozy, warm flavor
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts – for a delightful crunch
How to Prepare Holiday Desserts for Thanksgiving
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a medium bowl and mix together your sifted flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them well so everything’s evenly distributed—this is key for that perfect texture!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar together. You’ll want to beat them until the mixture turns fluffy and light—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The fluffiness is what gives your dessert that wonderful airy texture. Trust me, this step is super important!
Incorporating Eggs and Pumpkin
Next up, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air, so don’t rush it! Then, gently stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. Make sure everything’s blended smoothly; you don’t want any lumps of pumpkin hanging out in there!
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, gently folding with a spatula after each addition. This helps keep the batter light and fluffy. Once that’s mixed, fold in the chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch!
Baking and Cooling
Pour your batter into a greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t skip the cooling step! Let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps set the flavors beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg that scream Thanksgiving.
- Easy to prepare with simple steps—perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- Made with wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Yields 12 generous servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
- Perfectly moist texture that pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
- It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert; you can bake it a day in advance!
- The delightful crunch of walnuts adds a lovely contrast to the soft, spiced cake.
- It evokes nostalgia and warmth, making it a wonderful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your holiday desserts for Thanksgiving turn out perfectly, here are some of my best tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially your eggs and butter. This helps them blend together more easily and creates that lovely, fluffy texture we all crave.
When it comes to measuring flour, don’t just scoop it straight from the bag! Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing and ensures your dessert isn’t too dense. And speaking of density, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Gently folding will keep your cake light and airy—trust me, it makes a difference!
If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, you can bake it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping it up. When serving, I like to offer a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for that extra indulgence. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the process! Baking is all about having fun and creating delicious memories. So, put on some festive music, invite a friend to help, and let the holiday spirit fill your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each slice of this delightful holiday dessert. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This dessert is not only delicious but also has a good balance of flavors and nutrients! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something special this Thanksgiving.
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. It adds a wonderful, natural flavor, but be aware that it might have a bit more moisture than canned, so you may need to adjust your baking time slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
After your delicious holiday dessert cools, simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but I recommend letting it sit out for a bit before serving to bring back that lovely texture!
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add some yourself to help with the texture. It may take a little trial and error, but it’s totally doable!
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have nut allergies, you can easily swap them out for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even pumpkin seeds. Each will give a different twist to your holiday dessert while still keeping it delicious!
Can I freeze this dessert?
Definitely! Once cooled, wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well for up to two months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, and it’ll taste just as good!
Holiday Desserts Thanksgiving: 7 Must-Try Pumpkin Delights
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious holiday desserts for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla and pumpkin puree.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: holiday desserts thanksgiving
