The name of the game this year is easy. Preparing an easy Thanksgiving that is. For the first time that I can remember, I’m not making a pie for dessert. Yes, I’m having Thanksgiving without pie to simplify my effort during this crazy 2020 holiday meal. But, in no way am I going without the classic pie flavors. We’ll still have them … just in a different form.
Pecan pie is not on the menu. But, these two twists of it might be.
Stephanie Dodd (Kansas City, MO) shared her recipe for Pecan Pie Cookies that is fantastic.
“If you like pecan pie, you will love these cookies,” thinks Stephanie. It’s basically a cookie and pie rolled into one!
The cookie part is tender, buttery, and a perfect vessel for the gooey pecan filling. The hardest part of this recipe is chilling the dough. They’re so good, these may make an appearance on your Christmas cookie tray.
Love bread pudding? Then try Gina Davis’ (Cedar Bluff, VA) Pecan Pie Bread Pudding. So good!
“I know there are pecan pie bread pudding recipes out there, but this one with the rum is just over the top ahhhh-mazing,” explains Gina. “Rich buttery taste and warm rum flavor (I also tried it with bourbon and it was just as good!).”
Rich, decadent, and boozy, this bread pudding recipe is very flavorful. It has layers of rich, delicious bread pudding and is full of pecans. The rum sauce makes the pudding sweeter and richer. Don’t let the rum scare you. The flavor is there, but it’s not overbearing. Serve it with some freshly whipped cream. Yum!
In my mind, pumpkin dessert has to be on the menu. I like Wendy Rusch’s (Cameron, WI) Tres Lechs Pumpkin Pie Squares because they have a crust and a creamy filling like pumpkin pie but they’re made in a jelly roll pan.
“I love pumpkin pie and I wanted to make the best of the best this year… so started playing with the ingredients and trying things out on my friends and family,” shares Wendy. “This is the winner!”
The creamy pumpkin filling is soft and moist with just the right amount of spice. A pecan cookie crust gives the bars a great crunch and nutty flavor. These delightful pumpkin squares are sure to cause smiles aplenty.
Another bar I really love is Brenda Watts’ (Gaffney, SC) Frosted Spicy Sweet Potato Bars.
“For as long as I can remember, during the holidays my family has always gotten together to share in our holiday cookies,” reminisces Brenda. “One of our favorite ones is these yummy Spicy Sweet Potato Bars.”
One bite of these and you’ll think they were pumpkin – the flavors are very similar. Raisins and pecans add texture to the bars. Cream cheese frosting on top is slightly tangy and sweet. A nice complement to the bars that are filled with fall flavors.
If something apple has to be served, take a look at Lisa Cox’s (Blountville, TN) Double Apple Caramel Cake.
“My family loves this cake,” reveals Lisa. “It’s always a big hit. Also if you like a lot of apple use two cans of apple pie filling or add extra apple slices.”
There is just something about apples and caramel together I love. The apple cake reminds me of a cobbler. It has a crunchy top with a soft and juicy inside. Make sure to serve this while warm. The ice cream melts a bit and even more magic happens.
I’m still deciding what I’m going to make, but I know what I decide on will be easy. If you’re looking to spend less time preparing desserts this year, try one of these delicious Blue Ribbon recipes. Happy Pinching!