Alternatives To The Traditional Thanksgiving Menu- The Dessert

5th post of 5

This is our fifth and final post of our “Alternative Thanksgiving” series. This last post finishes up with a selection of ideas for alternatives for the traditional Thanksgiving dessert. Pies are the most common dessert found on the Thanksgiving table and that will usually consist of apple, pumpkin, mincemeat, or pecan. If you like pie and want to try something different, we have some dessert suggestions that are similar to apple and pumpkin pie, but with a twist.

We have compiled ideas for less traditional desserts to try for your Thanksgiving meal. Here is our list for alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving dessert:

• Cinnamon- Apple Galette With Caramel & Sea Salt Ice Cream– This is similar to a traditional apple pie but the galette is much more decadent. Caramel & sea salt ice cream makes it a perfect combination.
• Quince Pie With Calvados Whip Cream– Okay, this is also a similar alternative to apple pie but substituting the less common quince for the apples.
• Sweet Strudel with Cinnamon Spiced Apples and Chestnut Ice Cream– Here is another close alternative to apple pie. Sweet strudel can be baked ahead of time and then just add the chestnut ice cream.
• Sweet Potato Creme Brulée with Maple Sweetened Whip Cream– Great alternative for the pumpkin pie. Add cooked and mashed sweet potato to crème brûlée.
• Buttercup Squash Tartelette with Honey- Pine Sweetened Whip Cream– Use cooked and puréed buttercup squash, milk, cream, and spices to tartelette shells and bake. Make a whip cream with honey and chopped pine or rosemary.
• Hachiya Persimmon Bread Pudding with Candied Chestnuts– It’s a dessert stuffing! When hachiya persimmons are very ripe they are great for desserts. Add ripe hachiya to sweet bread pudding. Toss peeled chestnuts in simple syrup and roast briefly to add to add to the dish.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cranberry Purée and a Persimmon Chip– Cheesecake can be a little heavy so make sure this follows a lighter Thanksgiving meal (if that is possible). Bake thin slices of persimmon in the oven to dry out and use as a garnish.
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Frosting and Candied Walnuts– A simple dessert and it’s kid friendly.
• Seasonal Local Cheese Plate– If you are choosing a lighter Thanksgiving spread, this is a good way to end the meal and help finish up all the open bottles of wine.

This is our final post on the “Alternatives To The Traditional Thanksgiving”. Hopefully we have given you some inspirational ideas for planning a unique alternative Thanksgiving menu.  If you missed our previous posts in this series, click on one of the links to view:

• Alternatives To The Traditional Thanksgiving Menu- Intro
• Alternatives To The Traditional Thanksgiving Menu- The Appetizers
• Alternatives To The Traditional Thanksgiving Menu- The Sides
• Alternatives To The Traditional Thanksgiving Menu- The Bird, Stuffing & Gravy

Have A Happy & Safe Thanksgiving!