Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for an *easy dessert for Thanksgiving*, you’ve stumbled upon a gem! This pumpkin pie is my go-to for the holiday season, and let me tell you, it’s as simple as it is scrumptious. I love how it captures all the warm, cozy flavors of fall with just a few ingredients. The smell wafting through the kitchen while it bakes? Pure magic! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table. You don’t need to be a professional baker to impress your guests—just a little bit of enthusiasm and a pinch of love. Trust me, this dessert will become a staple in your Thanksgiving celebrations, and you’ll find yourself making it year after year!
Ingredients for Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (canned or freshly made, both work beautifully)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (for that dreamy, rich texture)
- 1 cup of sugar (white granulated sugar gives the best sweetness)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature is ideal for mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (the star spice that screams fall)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (for a hint of warmth and complexity)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought to save time, or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!)
How to Prepare This Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious pumpkin pie! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll guide you through every step.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden crust.
- While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is well blended. The aroma is heavenly!
- Next, crack in those three eggs and add the vanilla extract. Mix again until you’ve got a smooth, uniform mixture. It should look creamy and inviting.
- Now, here’s a key step: gradually stir in the heavy cream. You want to do this slowly to keep things nice and smooth—no one likes a lumpy pie!
- Once you’ve achieved that velvety texture, pour the pumpkin mixture into your pre-made pie crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to avoid any spills in the oven.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set in the middle—just give it a gentle shake to check. If it jiggles too much, it needs a little more time!
- Finally, let your pie cool before serving. I know it’s hard to resist, but this step is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully.
And there you have it! An easy, mouthwatering dessert that’ll be the star of your Thanksgiving feast!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving
- Quick and effortless preparation—ready in just 15 minutes of hands-on time!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- The delightful flavor of pumpkin combined with warm spices creates that quintessential fall taste.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults alike—everyone loves a classic pumpkin pie!
- Can be made a day in advance, freeing up your time on the big day.
- Serves up beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- It’s a vegetarian-friendly dessert, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
- You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings!
Tips for Success with Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving
Now, let’s make sure your pumpkin pie turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your baking game:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This is key! Let your eggs and cream sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. They mix in so much better and help create that smooth texture.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the eggs and cream, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough filling, and we want it to be creamy and dreamy!
- Check for doneness: Besides the jiggle test, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. If it’s still gooey, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Cool it down: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set up perfectly and makes for cleaner slices!
- Spice it up: Feel free to add a pinch more cinnamon or even a dash of ginger for a little extra warmth. Personalizing the spice level makes it uniquely yours!
- Presentation matters: When serving, consider a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel on top for a beautiful finish. It’s all about those little details!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to crafting the most delicious pumpkin pie that will have everyone raving!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving
When it comes to serving this delightful pumpkin pie, I’ve got a few suggestions to elevate your Thanksgiving spread even more! Pairing it with the right accompaniments can take your dessert experience to the next level.
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top is a classic choice that never disappoints. It adds a light, airy contrast to the creamy pie.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Nothing beats the combination of warm pumpkin pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into it. The creaminess of the ice cream balances perfectly with the spices.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea pairs wonderfully with pumpkin pie. The rich flavors complement each other, making for a cozy dessert experience.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the pie before serving. It enhances the fall flavors beautifully!
- Fall Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with apples, pears, and cranberries can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pie, adding a burst of freshness to the table.
These simple pairings will not only highlight your pumpkin pie but also create a delightful and memorable Thanksgiving dessert experience for everyone!
Nutritional Information for Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s talk numbers! I always think it’s good to have an idea of what we’re indulging in, but remember, nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. So, this is just a general guide for you!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy your pie in moderation, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite! Remember, this dessert is all about celebration, so let’s celebrate the flavors without too much worry about the numbers!
FAQ about Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving
Got questions about this easy dessert for Thanksgiving? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear along with my answers to help you on your baking journey.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can roast and puree your own pumpkin. Just make sure to use the right type of pumpkin (like sugar pumpkins) for the best flavor and texture. It’s a little extra work, but the taste is worth it!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This pie actually tastes even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld. Just be sure to cool it completely before covering it with plastic wrap or foil to avoid condensation.
What should I do if my pie filling looks too runny?
If your filling is runny before baking, it might need a little more time in the oven. If it’s baked and still looks too soft, don’t worry! Let it cool completely, and it should firm up a bit. Just remember to avoid overmixing when adding your ingredients!
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the pie may not be as rich and creamy. If you do go lighter, consider adding a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you like it warm!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving
Now that you’ve made this delicious pumpkin pie, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with some simple storage and reheating tips!
First things first, allow the pie to cool completely before storing it. This is super important because it helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make the crust soggy. Once it’s cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you’re feeling generous, you can also share some with friends or family!
If you want to enjoy your pie later, you can freeze it as well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, to protect it from freezer burn. It should stay good for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
For reheating, if you crave that warm, just-baked experience, you can pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get too warm—no one wants a scorched pie!
With these tips, you can savor every last slice of your easy dessert for Thanksgiving, whether it’s fresh from the oven or a delightful leftover treat!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to make this easy dessert for Thanksgiving as I am! If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any tweaks you made to the recipe. Did you add a special spice or a unique topping? Let’s swap ideas!
And if you’re feeling generous, don’t forget to rate this recipe! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this delicious pumpkin pie. Plus, sharing is caring—so snap a picture and share it on social media. Tag me so I can see your lovely creations! Happy baking, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and, of course, lots of pie!
Print
Easy Dessert for Thanksgiving: 7 Reasons to Love Pumpkin Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple dessert perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually stir in the heavy cream until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream on top.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: easy dessert for thanksgiving











