Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when we gather around the table, and of course, the dessert table is the star of the show! This year, I’m thrilled to share my favorite *kid-friendly Thanksgiving desserts* that are sure to bring smiles to little faces (and big ones too!). Picture this: a delightful blend of creamy pumpkin goodness topped with a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Trust me, incorporating pumpkin into a dessert is a game-changer, and when you add that chocolatey twist, it becomes a hit with the kiddos!
These treats are not only delicious but also super easy to make, making them perfect for a fun family baking session. The warm spices mixed with the sweetness of chocolate are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So roll up your sleeves, grab your little helpers, and let’s create some Thanksgiving magic together!
Ingredients for Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Desserts
Let’s gather all the goodies we need for these scrumptious desserts! Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect blend of flavors, so here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree: This is the star of our dessert! It gives that rich, creamy texture and a lovely autumn flavor. You can use canned pumpkin puree or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.
- 1 cup of sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten things up! You can adjust this to your taste if you prefer it a little less sweet.
- 1 cup of whipped cream: This adds a light, fluffy finish to our dessert. You can use store-bought or whip some fresh cream at home—so easy and delicious!
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs: These will form the delightful crust. Just crush up some graham crackers, and you’re good to go!
- 1/2 cup of melted butter: This helps bind the crumbs together and adds a rich flavor to the crust. Make sure it’s melted but not too hot when you mix it with the crumbs!
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly! If you don’t have this on hand, a mix of those spices works too.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips: These are the little surprises that make this dessert extra special. Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your kids’ preferences!
Got everything ready? Great! Now we can move on to the fun part—making these delicious treats!
How to Prepare Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Desserts
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious desserts! Follow along with these step-by-step instructions, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a sweet treat that everyone will love!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that our dessert bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown finish. So, while you’re gathering your ingredients, let that oven warm up!
Prepare the Crust
Now, let’s whip up that tasty crust! In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1 cup of sugar. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and crumbly. It should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand. Then, take the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a baking dish. This forms the base of our dessert, so don’t skimp on the pressing—get those little hands in there!
Make the Pumpkin Filling
Next up is the star of the show: the pumpkin filling! In another bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix it well until everything is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens, so make sure there are no lumps. You want it to be silky and delicious!
Assemble the Dessert
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Spread that luscious pumpkin mixture evenly over the crust you created earlier. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thick; just smooth it out with a spatula. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chocolate chips on top. This step adds that delightful chocolatey surprise that kids (and adults!) will absolutely adore!
Bake and Cool
Pop your dessert into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly golden and the center is set. Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit before cutting it into squares. Trust me, letting it cool helps the flavors meld beautifully. And of course, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra touch of yum!
Tips for Success
Now that we’re on the way to creating these scrumptious *kid-friendly Thanksgiving desserts*, let’s make sure everything turns out just right! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you avoid any hiccups along the way:
- Don’t rush the crust: Make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish. A well-pressed crust ensures that it holds together when you slice it later. Trust me, nobody wants a crumbly mess!
- Mix thoroughly: When making the pumpkin filling, take your time mixing until it’s completely smooth. Lumps can ruin the creamy texture we’re aiming for!
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your dessert as it bakes. You want it to be set in the center—no jiggles! If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Let it cool: I know it’s hard to resist digging in right away, but allowing the dessert to cool helps it firm up and makes slicing easier. Plus, the flavors get a chance to meld together beautifully!
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to tweak the sugar or spices to suit your family’s preferences. If your kids love a little more sweetness, add a touch more sugar or chocolate chips!
- Get creative: If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a swirl of peanut butter or caramel on top before baking. It adds a fun twist that the kids will love!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also a hit with the kids (and the whole family!). Happy baking!
Variations on Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Desserts
Now that you’ve got the base recipe down, let’s talk about how to switch things up and make these desserts even more exciting! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, and with just a few tweaks, you can create something unique and tailored to your family’s tastes. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add Nuts: If your kids enjoy a little crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the pumpkin filling. It adds a lovely texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Dried Fruits: For a fruity twist, consider adding raisins or dried cranberries to the filling. They’ll bring a burst of sweetness and a bit of chewiness that kids tend to love!
- Gluten-Free Option: To accommodate gluten-sensitive family members, simply swap out regular graham crackers for gluten-free ones. There are some fantastic options available that taste just as delicious!
- Spice it Up: Want to kick up the flavor a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely grated ginger to the pumpkin filling for an unexpected zing that balances out the sweetness.
- Chocolate Variations: If your kids are chocolate lovers, replace the chocolate chips with a layer of chocolate ganache on top. Just melt some chocolate and cream together, pour it over, and let it set for a rich chocolate experience!
- Swirls of Flavor: For a beautiful presentation, try swirling in some peanut butter or Nutella into the pumpkin filling before baking. It not only looks gorgeous but adds a delicious twist that kids will adore!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version of these *kid-friendly Thanksgiving desserts*. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to get creative in the kitchen! Happy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delicious *kid-friendly Thanksgiving desserts*! Knowing what’s in your treats can help you enjoy them even more, especially when you’re sharing them with your family. Here’s an estimated breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also offers a decent balance of flavors and nutrients. With pumpkin as a main ingredient, you’re sneaking in some vitamins and fiber as well! So, go ahead and indulge a little—these delightful bites are worth it!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *kid-friendly Thanksgiving dessert* is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it cool completely after baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add that whipped cream on top and enjoy! It’ll be just as delicious the next day!
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, no worries! You can use sweet potato puree as a great alternative. It has a similar texture and sweetness, making it a fantastic swap. You can also try using butternut squash puree if you prefer. Just ensure it’s smooth and creamy for the best results!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just slice up any remaining dessert and place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? You’re going to absolutely adore this *kid-friendly Thanksgiving dessert*! For one, it’s incredibly easy to make—seriously, even the littlest hands can help out in the kitchen! From mixing the crust to pressing it down, your kids will feel like little chefs, and you’ll create some wonderful memories together.
The flavor is another reason to fall in love! The creamy pumpkin filling paired with the delightful crunch of the graham cracker crust and those sweet chocolate chips is just heavenly. Trust me, every bite is a burst of autumn goodness that both kids and adults will enjoy. Plus, the warm spices make your kitchen smell like Thanksgiving itself!
And let’s not forget how fun it is to serve! These desserts can be cut into squares and arranged on a platter, making them perfect for sharing at Thanksgiving gatherings. Your guests will be impressed, and the kids will feel proud of their delicious creation! It’s a win-win situation that brings everyone together around the table. So go ahead, whip up this dessert, and watch as smiles spread all around—this is definitely one you’ll want to make every year!
Imprimer
Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Desserts: 7 Sweet Family Treats
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious desserts perfect for kids during Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of whipped cream
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Top with chocolate chips.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool and serve with whipped cream.
Notes
- Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- For a twist, add nuts or dried fruits.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: kid friendly thanksgiving desserts
