Unforgettable Holiday Desserts
On Thanksgiving day, the turkey gets a lot of attention. As does the stuffing and mashed potatoes, and any classics or favorites you might have in your family. Pie is often a standard go-to, but really dessert often gets the short end of the stick. Until now. This year, we will highlight a wide variety of decadent, unforgettable holiday desserts from some of our favorite food bloggers. Sure, you'll find pie, but we dug up twists on classic recipes along with unique cookies, bars, tiramisu and cake. Now the biggest issue—once you've figured out oven timing and who will sit next to annoying Uncle Will this year—is how on earth to choose just one (or two)?
Date Truffles
A simple, tasty dessert that you can dress up with different toppings is sure to be a new holiday favorite. These date truffles have an easy ingredient list and look festive sprinkled with chopped pistachios, cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Recipe via Food Loves Writing
Butternut Squash Squares with Chocolate Drizzle and Sea Salt
In the mood for something decidedly different this year? These healthy bars could double as a breakfast or snack option if you have family in town, and they hold up beautifully for travel. We love the crisp puffed quinoa and the marriage of flavors from the pumpkin, almond butter and maple syrup.
Recipe via Dolly and Oatmeal
Pumpkin Tiramisu
While this recipe does take eight hours to soak up all the pumpkin and coffee flavors, it's largely inactive time (and zero cook time!) so you're free to handle other dishes, or enjoy time with your family and friends. If you can't find pumpkin liquor, use any spiced liquor instead.
Recipe via Foodie Crush
Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Cookies
Pie shouldn't get all the glory on Thanksgiving. After all, having a few smaller sweet bites is always nice for those who didn't quite leave enough room for a larger dessert. And what's more seasonally appropriate than a fall-spiced caramel cookie? Do note that this recipe makes a lot of cookies, so feel free to cut it in half for a smaller crowd.
Recipe via Crepes of Wrath
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Tart
When you're looking for variety on the dessert table, chocolate is almost always the answer. A perfect complement to apple and pumpkin, this decadent tart is a great Thanksgiving contender because it's easy to do in advance and makes a serious statement. Use the best chocolate you can get your hands on as it's truly the star of the show.
Recipe via Rose Water and Orange Blossoms
Apple Hand Pies
With a blend of a few different varieties of apples and a super flaky crust, these not-too-sweet handpies are a nice change of pace from a more traditional apple pie. To save time, bake off in advance and freeze; then, on Thanksgiving day, simply reheat.
Recipe via The Faux Martha
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
The base for these bars is a buttery under-baked pie crust soaked in a sweet maple pecan sauce. Really, need we say more?
Recipe via Pinch of Yum
Vanilla Bean Pumpkin Spiced Pie
Not every pumpkin pie is created equal and this beauty boasts an oatmeal walnut crust and a super-creamy filling made with coconut milk and warm spices. Let's just skip right to dessert, shall we?
Recipe via Edible Perspective
Apple Cider Cream Pie
A dreamy alternative to a traditional apple pie, this cider cream pie has a perfectly tart filling and a sweet cinnamon-flecked whipped cream top. Leftovers are always most welcome at the breakfast table the following day.
Recipe via Lottie + Doof
Banana Pumpkin Caramel Cake
This gluten-free cake is super moist thanks to the addition of banana and pumpkin. Served warm, the brown sugar syrup infused into the cake results in a most decadent, flavorful fall dessert.
Recipe via Top with Cinnamon
