Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love

Nothing brings everyone to the Thanksgiving table faster than the smell of warm, spiced desserts baking in the oven. I still remember my first time making these easy Thanksgiving desserts for my family—my aunt sneaking a taste before dinner, my cousins fighting over the last slice. That’s the magic of recipes like this: simple enough for anyone to make, yet so delicious they disappear before the turkey’s even carved. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want a sweet treat without the fuss, these desserts are guaranteed to be the hit of your holiday. Trust me, even the pumpkin pie purists will ask for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love These Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

This recipe has been my go-to for years, and here’s why you’ll fall for it too:

• No stress: You probably have most ingredients in your pantry already—no last-minute grocery runs!
• Quick magic: From bowl to oven in under 15 minutes (perfect for when you forget dessert until the turkey’s in).
• Crowd-pleaser: That cozy pumpkin-spice flavor makes even picky eaters come back for thirds.
• Foolproof: Unlike finicky pies, this won’t sink or crack—just dump, mix, bake, and bask in compliments.

Seriously, it’s the dessert equivalent of a warm hug after Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients for Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love

Gather these simple ingredients – you might already have most hiding in your pantry!

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (leave it out for 30 minutes)
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – the real stuff makes all the difference
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ran out of fresh pumpkin? No worries – canned puree works beautifully (just drain excess liquid). For spice lovers, bump up the cinnamon to 1 tsp. Out of unsalted butter? Salted works too – just skip the added salt. Egg size matters here – large eggs give the perfect moisture balance. And if you’re feeling fancy, swap half the sugar for brown sugar for deeper caramel notes!

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How to Make Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love

Ready to whip up the simplest, most delicious Thanksgiving dessert? Follow these foolproof steps – I’ve made this so many times, I could do it in my sleep!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, starting with a hot oven is key for that perfect rise.
2. Whisk together all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices) in a big bowl. This spreads the leaveners evenly so you don’t get bitter bites.
3. Beat in the wet ingredients – softened butter first, then eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and pumpkin puree. The batter should look smooth but slightly thick.
4. Pour into a greased 8×8 baking dish and smooth the top. I use the back of a spoon dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes until the edges pull away from the pan and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs (no wet batter!).
6. Let it cool completely before slicing – I know it’s hard to wait, but this prevents crumbling!

Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Desserts

Here’s how to avoid common mishaps: Don’t overmix after adding flour – stir just until combined to keep it tender. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil. For clean slices, wipe your knife between cuts. And that waiting game? Worth it – flavors deepen as it cools!

Want to surprise your guests with something a little different this year? Try our fragrant and festive Pistachio Rose Milk Cake—its delicate floral flavor makes it a standout on any Thanksgiving dessert table.

Variations for Your Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

Want to mix things up? Try folding in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra crunch. Sweet potato puree works beautifully instead of pumpkin – just roast and mash it first. For a decadent twist, swirl in cream cheese before baking. The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving & Storing Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

This dessert shines served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – that hot-and-cold combo is pure holiday magic! For breakfast (I won’t tell), try it room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream. Leftovers keep beautifully for 3 days in an airtight container. To refresh day-old slices, microwave for 15 seconds or pop in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Pro tip: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that picture-perfect finish!

Nutritional Information for Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

Here’s the happy news – this dessert gives you all the cozy holiday flavors without breaking the calorie bank! Each generous slice clocks in at about 180 calories, with 7g fat (that butter makes it worth it) and 12g sugar – way less than most store-bought treats.

Bonus? You’re getting some actual nutrients from the pumpkin – think vitamin A and fiber. Of course, nutrition varies slightly depending on your specific ingredients (I’m looking at you, different butter brands). But hey – it’s Thanksgiving, and this dessert is absolutely a guilt-free pleasure compared to most holiday sweets!

And if you’re hunting for more sweet holiday ideas, explore our Pinterest boards filled with seasonal treats, creative plating inspiration, and desserts guaranteed to impress friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Thoughts

Did your family gobble this up as fast as mine does? Snap a photo and tag me – I’d love to see your Thanksgiving masterpiece! Drop a comment below too – your tips might help someone else.