Thanksgiving Desserts

Though Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most elaborate feasts of the year, it’s actually those Thanksgiving desserts that leave us cowering in a dark corner somewhere, vowing to cook no more. Both intricate and decadent, traditional Thanksgiving desserts have long been one of the most complicated aspects of the hearty November feast. Further complicating the issue of our favorite seasonal desserts is the fact that there is seldom enough oven space to actually prepare our favorite cold-weather Thanksgiving sweats. Well, fear no more. Here we offer some solutions to this time honored Thanksgiving dilemma. These Thanksgiving dessert recipes are not only easy to prepare and amazingly scrumptious, but they can all be made without the use of an oven. So, whether you are hosting Thanksgiving and cooking up the entire feast or you are just that guy who was instructed to come bearing dessert, we are here to help!

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• Graham cracker crust
• One can sweetened condensed milk
• 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup canned pumpkin pie-filling
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie seasoning
• 8 oz. whipped topping
• Caramel syrup
• 1/2 pt. whipping cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners sugar

Directions:

1. Pour whipping cream into a medium-sized bowl and slowly whip the cream with an electric mixer on a low setting. If you whip the cream too fast, it will become too thick. When the cream begins to thicken to the desired consistency (more like a fluffy cream and not as thick as butter), slowly stir in sugar. Refrigerate the fresh whipped cream when finished.
2. Combine condensed milk, cream cheese, pumpkin pie-filling and pumpkin pie seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Whip on a medium setting with an electric mixer until thick and creamy.
3. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake into the pie crust. Let the dessert set in the refrigerator for about four hours.
4. Before you serve this simple and delicious Thanksgiving dessert, scoop a generous amount of fresh whipped cream onto the pie. Spread it evenly onto the cheesecake with a spoon. Drizzle the pumpkin cheesecake with caramel syrup and serve!

Pumpkin Spiced Thanksgiving Trifle

Ingredients:

• 1 package soft gingerbread cookies
• 2 (3.5 ounce) packages of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 large can pumpkin pie-filling
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 container frozen whipped topping
• 1/2 cup gingersnaps

Directions:

1. Combine two cups of milk with two packages of instant pudding. Stir evenly and refrigerate the pudding to allow it to set.
2. Once the pudding has set, combine it with the pumpkin pie-filling and brown sugar. Mix the cinnamon into the pudding.
3. Crumble half the gingerbread cookies into the bottom of a large bowl. Pour half of the pudding/pumpkin mixture over the gingerbread and add a layer of whipped topping.
4. Repeat the last step again, layering the remainder of the gingerbread cookies, pudding/pumpkin mixture and whipped topping on top of the first three layers of the Thanksgiving trifle. Pour slowly and carefully, spreading each layer flat with a spoon.
5. Sprinkle the top of the trifle with crushed gingersnaps. Refrigerate overnight.

Chocolate Caramel Fondue

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup extra heavy cream
• 4 bittersweet chocolate bars, chopped
• 1 jar (12 oz.) caramel ice cream topping
• Sliced apples, sliced bananas and pretzels (for dipping)

Directions:

1. Heat the cream in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Once the cream comes to a slow boil, pour in the caramel topping. Keep the fondue on a low heat setting until the caramel is softened.
2. Once the caramel is evenly blended, remove the fondue from heat. Whisk in the chocolate.
3. Transfer the fondue to a pot above a small lit candle. If the fondue becomes too thick, stir in an extra one-fourth cup of cream a little at a time until the chocolate reaches the desired consistency.
4. Arrange the items for dipping either around the pot or in small individual bowls and use fondue forks to dip the items in the fondue. This Thanksgiving dessert recipe is a must for those cold autumn nights, so keep this as a standby for any evening when the temperature drops.