Yet when the gravy-smeared plates are scraped clean, the meal still isn’t finishedthen comes the Thanksgiving desserts.
Pies of all persuasions head up the dessert table, but why should you have to choose just one?
We have two words: go mini.
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All guests have to do is simply grab and enjoy.
The candied pecans on top add a delicious crunch.
Apple Turnovers
Jessica Furniss
Frozen puff pastry makes these pretty treats easier than ever.
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If you want to get ahead, though, you’re free to freeze them before baking.
Prep your cookie dough and store it in the fridge up to three days in advance before baking.
Apple-Cinnamon Budino
Our take on this Italian dessert is a gorgeous way to finish your Thanksgiving dinner.
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We used glass ramekins so guests can see the beautiful layers.
Its a great make-ahead option for busy hosts.
Our Test Kitchen makes it easier than ever.
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This no-bake dessert is a fun and easy recipe for the kids to help out with, too.
Pumpkin Souffle
This dessert developed bySouthern LivingTest Kitchen legend Pam Lolley is not for the novice bakers.
If you want to show off your skills, though, these pretty mini desserts are just the ticket.
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Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Fried Apple Pies
These grab-and-go desserts are a taste of autumn nostalgia for your Thanksgiving table.
This is the best pick-up-and-eat pecan pie bar I’ve ever tasted, wrote one reader.
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The crust is sweet, and there is just enough filling to keep the pecans in place.
I’ve taken it to several holiday parties this year - doubling the recipe each time.
I’ve come home empty handed each and every time.
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I’m making a batch for my family right now.
Refrigerated piecrusts cut prep time.
This recipes makes 12 pies, so double the batch for sweet gifts for teachers and neighbors.
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Ginger snap cookies, made into a fine crumb, mimics an easier version of cheesecake crust.
Cranberry compote, sugared cranberries, and orange zest deliver sweet-tart holiday flavors.
To increase the decadence factor, serve with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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So basically, it’s heaven.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
Looking for a break from the sugary treats?
Whip up a batch of these cheesy muffins infused with cream cheese and fresh fall spices.
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These are sure to be a hitespecially with anyone who loves cheese danishes.
(Just check the plate and watch them vanish.)
Best Brown Butter Blondies
Chocolate lovers, don’t worry.
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This brownie-and-chocolate-chip-cookie hybrid should have lots of fans, and they can be made ahead and even frozen.
Pecan Tassies
If you’re going to have bite-sized treats, make them decadent.
Savory dough balances out the sweet filling in these treats.
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Maple syrup, which isn’t common in pecan pie, is a unique take that celebrates fall flavors.
Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
This no-bake dessert is a cross between bourbon balls and chocolate truffles.
Even better, they make great gifts.
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Time savers include canned cherries and store-bought puff pastry.
These bake in 20 minutes and then get drizzled with a simple glaze.
This recipe makes 4 dozen cookies, which is plenty to also turn into gifts.
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The interior of these cookies are soft and velvety from the pumpkin puree.
Pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and sugar create the flavor of the fall season.
Warning: You may just scream “Whoopie!”
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after devouring one of these.
No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars
No-bake desserts make for easy prep.
And if you’re new to baking, no-nake recipes are a good way to get started.
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Serve these bars chilled for an even less messy treat.
Chocolate, pumpkin, and a bit of expresso create a tasty trifecta.
These little cakes get drizzled with a chocolate and a buttermilk glaze when cooled.
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Everyone will be thankful these are mini in size because the flavor combo is too good to resist.
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