Downhome Entertaining: A Rustic Thanksgiving Party with Family {Dessert Ideas}

Thought that Thanksgiving is all about pie? Think again! We had a hard time not thinking about food after preparing today’s post on creative desserts for Thanksgiving. With recipes using apples, cranberries, pecans, and all the yummy stuff we crave at this time of the year, you may want to skip the turkey and go straight for dessert!

Delicious Ideas You Can Prepare at Home!

The photographs are so fabulous, you can almost taste how scrumptious each of these desserts promises to be. But to whet your appetite even more, we’re pointing out the highlights to help you choose which one (or 2 or 3!) you’ll prepare this Thanksgiving!

Caramel Apple Cookie Cups (1) – This is like a delightful “apple pie in a cookie.” Brown sugar cookie cups (cleverly baked in a cupcake pan) are filled with caramel, then topped with cinnamon apples. Yum!

Cranberry Pecan Pie Crust Leaves (2) – Finely chopped cranberries and pecans are sandwiched between rolled-out pie crust dough, cut into autumn shapes with cookie cutters, then baked until crisp and golden. These can be used to top a Thanksgiving pot pie or eaten like cookies with coffee, tea, or wine!

Caramel Apple Trifles (3) – A super-easy no-bake recipe (especially if you use some store-bought components). Each glass contains two layers each of cinnamon apples, cinnamon granola, and cinnamon whipped cream with caramel sauce spooned in between each layer.

Pumpkin and Cornmeal Bundt Cake (4) – This looks like a nice, hearty dessert with such substantial ingredients. But we particularly like the serving suggestion: drizzle each slice with orange syrup, and serve with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or vanilla ice cream!

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Brownies (5) – Your favorite fudgy brownies get a healthy boost, baked with whole wheat flour and pure pumpkin. No need to reserve these just for the fall season, though. Enjoy them all year round!

Pecan Cheesecake Pie (6) – This version of the well-loved fall classic, pecan pie, hides a yummy surprise: a layer of cheesecake that bakes up through the gooey pecan layer while in the oven.

Pumpkin Praline Trifle (7) – A tempting contrast of textures, this creamy treat has layers of pumpkin and vanilla pudding (you can use store bought, if you wish, or follow the recipe provided), alternating with a crumble made of granola and crushed pralines.

Oh my, we’ve gone and made ourselves really excited about Thanksgiving this year! Such creative desserts to round out a family menu of tasty main dishes and sides, presented amidst a rustic party-in-a-barn decorations. Have a wonderful holiday!

Image/recipe credits:

1 – Caramel Apple Cookie Cups – Life, Love & Sugar
2 – Cranberry Pecan Pie Crust Leaves – Home is Where the Boat Is
3 – Caramel Apple Trifles – Life, Love & Sugar
4 – Pumpkin and Cornmeal Cake with Orange Syrup (slide #2) – Fine Cooking
5 – Whole Wheat Pumpkin Brownies – The Baker Mama
6 – Pecan Cheesecake Pie – Inside Bru Crew Life
7 – Pumpkin Praline Trifle – Bakers Royale