Thanksgiving Desserts to Impress Your Guests: Maple Pecan Tart and Apple Crisp

Thanksgiving is about family and friends gathering under the same roof being grateful, and, of course, feasting. While the turkey and savory sides like sweet potato mash tend to take centerstage, a perfectly crafted dessert is the grand finale that perfectly rounds off your thanksgiving dinner. You want Thanksgiving desserts that are just as yummy as they are beautiful and festive, so think pumpkin desserts like classic pies or rich cakes, or something a little more creative - like the iconic strawberry and ladyfinger trifle.

From spiced fruits to buttery and flaky pies, to the most decadent pies, and then some good ‘ol cake, these party desserts are perfect for creating the perfect balance between traditional flavors and a modern twist. So let’s get to the good desserts to eat to our heart’s content, shall we?

1. Pumpkin Spice Trifle

Ingredients:

• 200 gm pumpkin puree
• 100 gm cream cheese (softened)
• 100 gm sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 250 ml heavy cream
• 150 gm gingerbread cookies (crumbled)
• 100 ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for garnish

Method:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the pumpkin mixture, and mix well to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the pumpkin mixture gently.
4. In another bowl, combine milk and vanilla extract. Dip gingerbread cookies into the milk mixture to soften slightly.
5. To assemble the trifle, layer the crumbled cookies at the bottom of a serving dish or individual cups.
6. Add a layer of the pumpkin cream mixture over the cookies.
7. Repeat layering with cookies and pumpkin cream until you reach the top of the dish.
8. Top the trifle with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with extra cookie crumbs or cinnamon for garnish.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavours meld together.

2. Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

• 250 gm all-purpose flour
• 100 gm powdered sugar
• 150 gm unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 200 gm pecans (chopped)
• 150 gm brown sugar
• 100 gm honey
• 2 large eggs
• 60 gm unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter. Pulse until the mixture forms crumbs.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and tsp salt.
5. Stir in chopped pecans.
6. Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until set.
7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

3. Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 1 kg apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 50 gm sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 150 gm all-purpose flour
• 100 gm rolled oats
• 100 gm brown sugar
• 120 gm unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread them evenly in the baking dish.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and nutmeg.
4. Add cold butter cubes and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
7. Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Maple Pecan Tart

Ingredients:

• 250 gm all-purpose flour
• 150 gm cold butter (cubed)
• 80 gm powdered sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 300 gm pecans (whole)
• 120 ml maple syrup
• 100 gm brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 60 gm unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a tart pan.
2. In a food processor, blend flour, cold butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture forms crumbs.
3. Add egg yolk and pulse until the dough comes together. Press it into the tart pan and bake for 15 minutes.
4. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Arrange whole pecans on the pre-baked tart crust.
6. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the pecans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set.
8. Cool before slicing and serving.

5. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

• 300 gm all-purpose flour
• 200 gm sugar
• 150 gm unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 200 ml orange juice
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 150 gm cranberries (fresh or dried)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with orange juice.
6. Fold in orange zest and cranberries.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
9. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.