Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s one of my favorite times of the year, not just for the gathering of loved ones, but for the delicious food! When it comes to desserts, I believe in keeping things simple yet scrumptious. That’s why I’ve got this amazing recipe for simple Thanksgiving desserts that will wow your guests without stressing you out in the kitchen. Imagine the warm, cozy scent of pumpkin filling the air as this dessert bakes away – it’s pure bliss! This easy recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want to impress but don’t have hours to spend. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities. Let’s dive into the details and make your Thanksgiving sweeter!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds a luscious creaminess that makes the filling rich and smooth. Don’t skimp on this one!
- 1/2 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly here, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It adds a warm, inviting aroma to the dessert.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: This spice is a must for that classic fall flavor. Feel free to add a pinch more if you love cinnamon like I do!
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A little nutmeg goes a long way in enhancing the pumpkin taste. Freshly grated nutmeg is a delightful option if you have it on hand.
- 1 pre-made pie crust: You can go for a classic store-bought pie crust for ease, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own! Just make sure it’s thawed if frozen.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to ensure your pie bakes evenly and perfectly!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You want the spices to be evenly distributed, so don’t rush this step!
- Next, carefully pour the delicious pumpkin mixture into your pre-made pie crust. Make sure to scrape the bowl to get every last bit of that tasty filling!
- Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and slightly puffed up. The house will smell heavenly, trust me!
- Once baked, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling firm up a bit more, making it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time—perfect for busy Thanksgiving days!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- The creamy pumpkin filling is bursting with warm, comforting flavors that scream fall.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves a good pumpkin pie, especially when it’s this easy.
- You can make it a day ahead, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday.
Tips for Success
To really nail this pumpkin pie, I’ve got a few pro tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps everything blend together smoothly. If you want a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of maple syrup or a hint of ginger to the filling. And don’t forget to keep an eye on it while it bakes; every oven is a little different, so check for doneness around the 40-minute mark! Finally, for that extra touch, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious pumpkin pie. It has about 250 calories, with 12g of fat (7g of which are saturated fat) and 3g of protein. You’ll also find 34g of carbohydrates, including 15g of sugar and 2g of fiber. Plus, it contains 200mg of sodium and 40mg of cholesterol. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin can give your pie a richer flavor. Just make sure to roast and puree it before using.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the pie may not be as rich and creamy.
Can I make this a day ahead? Yes! This pumpkin pie actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator.
How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is done when the filling is set and slightly puffed. A gentle jiggle in the center is fine, but it shouldn’t be liquidy.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze slices of pie! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious pumpkin pie is super easy! Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do!), you can freeze slices for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat; it’s just as delightful served chilled or at room temperature!
Print
Simple Thanksgiving Desserts to Delight Your Guests Today
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and quick dessert options for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
- Allow to 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: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: simple thanksgiving desserts
