Thanksgiving Dessert Showdown: Pies Vs. Cakes

Thanksgiving Desserts: A Sweet End to a Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! The centerpiece of this American holiday is undoubtedly the Thanksgiving feast, a cornucopia of savory dishes that tantalize the taste buds. But let’s be honest, the true highlight for many is the dessert course.

From classic pumpkin pie to decadent pecan pie, Thanksgiving desserts are a delightful culmination of a long day of cooking and sharing. This year, why not try something new or put your own spin on a beloved tradition? Here’s a look at some of the most popular Thanksgiving desserts:

Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. This iconic dessert features a creamy filling made with pumpkin puree, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and often a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pumpkin pie is a timeless classic.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pie

Use fresh pumpkin puree: Avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, as it often contains added sugar and spices.

Don’t overbake: Overbaking will dry out the pie.

Let it cool completely: This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.

Pecan Pie

Another Southern favorite, pecan pie is a rich and nutty dessert. The filling is typically made with corn syrup, butter, eggs, and a generous amount of pecans. The buttery crust and the sweet, sticky filling make this pie a true crowd-pleaser.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie

Use high-quality pecans: Look for plump, fresh pecans for the best flavor.

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the filling tough.

Serve warm: Warm pecan pie is even more delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Apple Pie

A classic American dessert, apple pie is a comforting and flavorful treat. The filling is typically made with a blend of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices like nutmeg and cloves. Apple pie can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Apple Pie

Use tart apples: Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness.

Make your own crust: Homemade crust adds a touch of extra flavor and flakiness.

Don’t overfill the pie: Overfilling can cause the filling to overflow during baking.

Sweet Potato Casserole

While not technically a pie, sweet potato casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving dessert. This dish features a creamy mixture of mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and often marshmallows on top. The sweet and savory flavors make it a comforting and satisfying treat.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Use fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes have a more intense flavor than canned.

Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes: Overcooked sweet potatoes will become mushy.

Toast the marshmallows: Broil the casserole briefly to brown the marshmallows for a touch of extra sweetness.

Cranberry Sauce

While often served as a side dish, cranberry sauce can also be enjoyed as a dessert. This tart and tangy sauce can be served with ice cream, pound cake, or even spooned over cheesecake.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce

Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries have a more intense flavor than frozen.

Add a touch of sweetness: Add a bit of orange juice or sugar to balance the tartness.

Make it ahead of time: Cranberry sauce improves in flavor if it’s allowed to sit for a few days.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

For those who love the flavor of pumpkin but want something a little different from pie, pumpkin cheesecake is a delicious option. This decadent dessert combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the warm spices of pumpkin pie.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cheesecake

Use cream cheese at room temperature: Room temperature cream cheese will be easier to beat.

Bake in a water bath: A water bath helps to prevent the cheesecake from cracking.

Chill thoroughly: Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

For chocolate lovers, chocolate pecan pie is a decadent treat. This pie features a rich chocolate filling studded with pecans. It’s the perfect indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Pecan Pie

Use high-quality chocolate: Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.

Don’t overbake: Overbaking will dry out the filling.

Serve with whipped cream: Whipped cream adds a touch of lightness to this rich dessert.

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for fall. This dish features a layer of apples topped with a crumbly topping made with oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Apple crisp is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

Use a variety of apples: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.

Don’t overcook the apples: Overcooked apples will become mushy.

Make the topping ahead of time: The topping can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Pecan Pie Bars

For a more convenient dessert option, pecan pie bars are a great choice. These bars are easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars

Use a springform pan: A springform pan makes it easy to remove the bars from the pan.

Cut the bars into even pieces: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares.

Store in an airtight container: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

For a unique twist on a classic Thanksgiving dessert, try pumpkin bread pudding. This dish features cubes of pumpkin bread soaked in a custard sauce and baked until golden brown. Pumpkin bread pudding is a comforting and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for sharing.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Use stale bread: Stale bread will absorb the custard sauce better.

Don’t overbake: Overbaking will dry out the bread pudding.

Serve warm with a sauce: Serve the bread pudding warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving desserts are a delightful culmination of a festive meal. From classic pumpkin pie to decadent pecan pie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or trying something new, these desserts are sure to make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable. So gather your loved ones, enjoy the company, and indulge in the sweet treats that make this holiday so special.