Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of the year, and let me tell you, the *desserts for Thanksgiving* are a huge part of that joy! I can still remember the smell of my grandmother’s pumpkin pie wafting through the house as we gathered around the table, laughter filling the air. There’s something so special about sharing delicious desserts with family, from warm spices that remind us of fall to sweet treats that make our hearts sing. These desserts not only satisfy our sweet tooth but also create lasting memories. Trust me, you’re going to love making these for your loved ones!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (or you can use pecans for a different twist)

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your dessert to bake evenly from the get-go!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good whisk to make sure all those spices are evenly distributed.
In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until it’s all nice and smooth. Trust me, the smell is already divine!
Now, it’s time to combine those wet and dry ingredients. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture, and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Fold in the chopped walnuts, which add a lovely crunch. You could also throw in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous!
Next, pour the batter into a greased baking dish. You want to spread it out evenly so that it cooks just right.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
Once baked, let it cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set perfectly and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time—whip this up in just 15 minutes!
Delightful flavors of pumpkin and warm spices that scream Thanksgiving.
Perfect for sharing with family and friends, creating sweet memories.
Moist and satisfying texture, with walnuts adding a lovely crunch.
Easy to make, even for beginners—no fancy techniques needed!
Great as a make-ahead dessert, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday.
Versatile enough to be served as breakfast or a snack, too!

Tips for Success

To ensure your dessert turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps create a wonderfully fluffy texture. If you don’t have walnuts on hand, pecans work just as well, or you can skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Remember to let your dessert cool completely before slicing; this prevents it from falling apart. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with spices! A pinch of ginger or cloves can elevate the flavors even more. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delicious piece of this pumpkin dessert, based on common ingredients and serving sizes: approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 4g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 15g of sugar and 2g of fiber per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect when indulging in this festive treat!

FAQ Section

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container once it’s completely cooled, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests on Thanksgiving Day.

What are some great variations?
You can easily switch things up by adding chocolate chips or swapping walnuts for pecans. For a fun twist, try adding a swirl of cream cheese for a richer flavor!

How should I serve this dessert?
I love serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top, but it’s just as delightful at room temperature. You could even dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious pumpkin dessert fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. If you plan to enjoy it within a couple of days, you can keep it at room temperature. However, for longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay tasty for up to a week. When you’re ready to indulge again, just let it come to room temperature before serving, or you can warm it up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This way, you’ll enjoy that cozy, just-baked flavor all over again!

Serving Suggestions

For the ultimate Thanksgiving experience, serve this delightful pumpkin dessert alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the spices. You could also offer a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, to balance the richness. And don’t forget a steaming cup of spiced chai or apple cider to warm up the gathering—it’s the perfect finishing touch!

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