Thanksgiving baking is about more than finding a good pumpkin pie. I like having a selection of desserts that bring something different to the holiday table, whether you're hosting dinner, bringing a dessert to someone else's house, or simply looking for something special to make during the fall. I've gathered recipes that include rich pecan desserts, cranberries, pumpkin and apples, along with a few chocolate favorites.
Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie
One thing I always consider when choosing holiday recipes is how much can be done ahead. Several of these recipes can be prepared in advance or frozen, which means less work when the holiday arrives. There are also choices for bakers who want an impressive dessert without spending the entire day in the kitchen. From an almost no-bake pumpkin tart to a chocolate and caramel pecan tart, these recipes offer something beyond the usual holiday desserts. I like having different flavors and textures on the table, so guests can choose something familiar or try a new favorite. Take a look and find something new to add to your Thanksgiving baking list.
1. Butter-Rum Pecan Tart Recipe
I included this tart because pecans and Thanksgiving belong together, but this version offers something a little different from traditional pecan pie. Toasted pecans, golden syrup and dark rum come together in an easy tart shell, and the entire tart can be made ahead and frozen.
2. (Almost) No Bake Pumpkin Tart
When time is short, this is a particularly useful dessert to have in your collection. I like the combination of intensely flavored pumpkin mousse and a pretzel pecan crust, which adds a little saltiness to balance the filling.
3. Exceptional tuxedo Cake
This Exceptional Tuxedo Cake is based on the Costco Tuxedo Cake. Named after the black suit with a white vest, shirt and tie, a tuxedo exudes luxury on sight as does this cake. An easily made decadent chocolate cake it's layered with both a chocolate and Bailey's white chocolate mousse. This cake recipe is the perfect celebration cake for any occasion.
4. Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie
An unusual top makes this apple pie a bit more exciting than the usual apple pie and is perfect to end a Thanksgiving or any meal. The top pie crust is filled and shaped into a cinnamon roll previewing what is below.
5. Banana Bread Bread Pudding
Looking for something a little decadent to finish that Thanksgiving dinner. This Banana Bread Bread Pudding is just the what you've been looking for. The bourbon pecan sauce takes this from homey to elegant.
6. Pumpkin Cheesecake Tart with Caramel Rum Sauce
This tart combines a graham cracker crust with a swirled pumpkin and cream cheese filling. I included it because the caramel rum sauce can be made weeks ahead and refrigerated, taking one more task off the holiday list.
7. Lemon Meringue Cake
Bright and tangy, this unassuming looking Split Lemon Layer Cake turns into an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Each bite tastes of fresh lemon, balanced by a delicate sweetness that's completely achievable right in your own kitchen.
8. Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
This Caramel Pecan Cheesecake combines the best of two favorite holiday desserts - pecan pie and cheesecake in the creamiest cheesecake I have ever made or eaten. What's more, it's easy with a foolproof way of baking with no cracking and no water bath.
9. Mini Pineapple upside Cakes
Dazzle your friends and family with these classic Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes. Fruity, gooey, and caramelly this is one of America's favorite cakes. These individual cakes are perfect with any number of dinners from a down home barbecue to an upscale dinner party. No more dense cakes. The two step yellow cake is tender, featherlight, stays moist for days and is effortless to make.
10. Chocolate Cranberry Curd Tart
The tart itself is easy to make with its press-in crust, which means no rolling. The cranberry curd itself has one extra step, as you have to cook the cranberries and purée them before actually making the curd. The glaze is a simple matter of two ingredients, which make the perfect finish.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I trust you will find one or two desserts worth of your holiday table. Happy Thanksgiving!
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