Thanksgiving is all about gathering together with loved ones, and let’s be honest, the desserts to make for Thanksgiving are the stars of the show! I still remember the smell of my grandmother’s pumpkin pie wafting through the house as we all gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting that first slice. There’s something magical about sharing sweet treats after a big meal, right? It’s like the cherry on top of a perfect day! I love how desserts bring everyone together, sparking laughter and stories. Whether it’s a rich pumpkin bar or a classic pecan pie, having those homemade goodies is what makes Thanksgiving feel truly special. So, let’s dive into making a dessert that’ll impress your family and friends this holiday season!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

How to Prepare Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your dessert to bake evenly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven makes all the difference!
2. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Just think of it as a mini workout for your arms!
4. Now, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Next, gently stir in the pumpkin puree. It’s going to add that beautiful moisture and flavor to your batter.
6. Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in two or three batches—this helps to avoid any lumps and keeps it nice and smooth.
7. Finally, fold in those chopped pecans for a delightful crunch! Just be gentle to keep the batter fluffy.
8. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ooh, that smell!
9. Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a bit. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Patience is key here, but oh-so-worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation, perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
• Festive flavors of pumpkin and warm spices that scream Thanksgiving!
• Deliciously moist and packed with crunchy pecans for texture.
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings—everyone will want a second piece!
• Can be made ahead of time, letting you enjoy the holiday stress-free.

Tips for Success

To ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve that light, fluffy texture when creaming with the sugars. Oops, don’t skip the sifting for your dry ingredients! It’s a simple step that removes lumps and makes your batter nice and smooth.

Also, keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can vary, so I recommend checking for doneness a couple of minutes early. Just insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, you’re golden! And don’t forget to let your bars cool completely before cutting—this helps them hold their shape and makes for easier serving. Lastly, feel free to taste the batter along the way (just remember the eggs are raw!)—it’s a great way to gauge the flavors! Happy baking!

Variations

There are so many fun ways to switch up this recipe and make it your own! For a nutty twist, try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or even almonds. Feeling a bit indulgent? Toss in some chocolate chips for a decadent touch that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor. If you want to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. You can also experiment with different extracts—like almond or maple—just to give it a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious pumpkin bars, storing any leftovers properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty! I recommend placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator for about a week. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up—this helps avoid any sogginess!

If you’re ready to enjoy those bars again, reheating is super simple. Just place a piece in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Serve them warm, maybe with a dollop of whipped cream on top, and you’re all set for a cozy treat!

Nutritional Information

Here’s some estimated nutritional information to keep in mind as you enjoy these delicious pumpkin bars! Each serving, which is a generous piece, contains about 250 calories. You’re looking at roughly 10 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated. The bars also have about 20 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, there’s 2 grams of fiber to help balance things out! Remember, these values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a tasty guideline for your Thanksgiving dessert enjoyment!

FAQ Section

Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just let them cool completely, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests when you serve them!

What’s the best way to serve these desserts?
I love to serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence. Drizzling some caramel sauce over the top makes for a stunning presentation too!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin properly to get the right consistency. Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but fresh can add a lovely, vibrant flavor.

What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries! You can easily swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free dessert. It’ll still be delicious!

How do I know if my pumpkin bars are done baking?
Great question! Use a toothpick to check for doneness. When it comes out clean from the center, they’re good to go. Just keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time!

Desserts to Make for Thanksgiving: 5 Tantalizing Ideas

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious desserts to make for Thanksgiving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars together.
4. Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, mix well.
5. Stir in pumpkin puree.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
7. Fold in chopped pecans.
8. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let cool before serving.

Notes

• Serve with whipped cream.
• Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Great for potlucks and family gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: desserts to make for thanksgiving