Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. I’ve always believed that a great dessert can truly elevate the whole experience, and this easy Thanksgiving dessert is no exception. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself creating a pumpkin pie that’s both rich and creamy, all while being super easy to whip up. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds! Plus, it’s a breeze to make ahead of time so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying good company and making memories. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful pumpkin pie. I love how simple and straightforward these ingredients are—no fuss, just pure goodness!
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree: You can use canned or fresh; both work beautifully. It gives that warm, cozy flavor we all love.
- 1 cup of heavy cream: This is what makes the filling rich and creamy. Trust me, you want that decadent texture!
- 1 cup of sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten things up without making it overly sweet.
- 2 large eggs: They’ll help bind everything together and give the pie that lovely custardy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: This adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavor. Don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice: This is where the magic happens! The perfect mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that screams fall.
- 1 pre-made pie crust: For ease and convenience, grab a pre-made crust. It saves time and lets you focus on the filling!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious pie! Follow these simple steps to create a pumpkin masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for your secret.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential because it ensures that your pie bakes evenly from the start. No one likes a soggy bottom, right? So, make sure your oven is nice and toasty before we dive into mixing!
Mixing the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. I like to use a whisk for this part—it really helps to blend everything together smoothly. You want that filling to be creamy and well-mixed, so take your time here! Once it’s all combined and looks like a beautiful, velvety mixture, you’re ready for the next step.
Baking the Pie
Pour the luscious filling into your pre-made pie crust. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle too much when you gently shake the pie dish. A little bit of a jiggle is okay, but if it’s still too wobbly in the center, give it a few more minutes. Once it’s ready, let it cool down before serving—trust me, this pie is best enjoyed at room temperature!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this scrumptious pumpkin pie. Remember, these numbers are based on the ingredients I’ve used, so they might vary a bit depending on your specific brands or measurements. But overall, it gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
So there you have it! A delightful dessert that packs a flavorful punch without being too heavy. Enjoy it guilt-free during your Thanksgiving feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy Thanksgiving dessert is bound to become a favorite in your holiday lineup! Here’s why I absolutely adore it:
- Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this pie up in a flash, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends!
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these items in your pantry already, making it super accessible and stress-free.
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with your Thanksgiving spread, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
- Can be made in advance: Make this pie a day ahead of time, so you can kick back and relax on the big day without worrying about dessert.
- Deliciously satisfying: The rich, creamy filling and warm pumpkin spice flavors create a dessert that’s truly comforting and oh-so-delicious!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it year-round!
Tips for Success
To ensure your pumpkin pie turns out perfectly, I’ve gathered some handy tips that will guide you along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Don’t skip the preheating: It might seem like a small step, but preheating your oven is crucial for even baking. A hot oven right from the start gives your pie the best chance to rise and set beautifully.
- Mix well but don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which might lead to cracks in your pie as it cools.
- Check for doneness: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. If the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, it’s just about perfect! It will continue to set as it cools.
- Let it cool properly: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This helps the filling to firm up and makes for cleaner slices—plus, it enhances the flavors!
- Top it off: For an extra touch, serve your pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It adds a lovely finishing touch and makes it feel a bit more special!
Following these tips will help you create a pumpkin pie that’s not only delicious but also looks impressive on your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to make this easy Thanksgiving dessert even more exciting! Trust me, with just a few tweaks, you can create a whole new flavor experience that’ll have everyone talking.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices! Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warm kick. You could even swap in some chai spice for a unique twist.
- Nutty additions: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a delightful crunch. It adds texture and a lovely nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
- Chocolate lover’s dream: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the pie or fold in chocolate chips for a rich contrast to the pumpkin filling. Chocolate and pumpkin? Yes, please!
- Maple syrup magic: Replace half of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness. It adds a touch of fall flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Ginger snap crust: Instead of a regular pie crust, use crushed ginger snap cookies mixed with butter to create a spiced crust that complements the filling perfectly!
- Fruit fusion: Add a layer of sliced apples or pears on top of the pumpkin filling before baking for a fruity surprise. The sweetness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the spiced pumpkin.
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious easy Thanksgiving dessert ready to go, let’s talk about how to elevate the whole meal experience! There’s something magical about pairing flavors, and I’ve got some fantastic ideas to complement your pumpkin pie perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: You can’t go wrong with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top! It adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the pie. You could even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra festive touch.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: If you’re looking for a warm and cold contrast, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slice. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice flavors.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce can bring a lovely tartness to the table, cutting through the sweetness of the pie and providing a vibrant burst of flavor.
- Spiced Nuts: Serve a small bowl of spiced nuts as a crunchy side. They add a delightful texture and their savory, salty notes contrast wonderfully with the sweet pie.
- Tea or Coffee: For a cozy finish, offer some hot tea or coffee to enjoy alongside the pie. The warmth of your favorite brew enhances the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices.
- Seasonal Fruit: Fresh apple or pear slices lightly tossed in lemon juice can provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of pie. Their crispness and natural sweetness are a lovely complement.
These serving suggestions are sure to enhance your Thanksgiving feast and make your pumpkin pie the star of the show! Enjoy every sweet, decadent bite with your loved ones.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve savored every last bite of this delightful pumpkin pie, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers properly. Trust me, you’ll want to keep some for later—it’s just as good the next day!
First things first, make sure the pie has cooled completely before you store it. Once it’s cool, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also transfer it to an airtight container if you have one handy. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, which is perfect if you want to enjoy those flavors again!
If you find yourself with a whole pie left over (lucky you!), you can also freeze it. Just slice it up first, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can pull out a slice whenever you need a sweet treat! It’ll keep well for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
As for reheating, I recommend popping a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This warms it up nicely without drying it out. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just be sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from getting too brown. Enjoy your delicious pie all over again—it’s like a little taste of Thanksgiving magic!
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Easy Thanksgiving Dessert: 5 Steps to Delightful Pumpkin Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-made pie crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream if desired.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: easy thanksgiving dessert
