Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Skip the standard pies this year and try these three dessert recipes that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Combine the creamy texture of cheesecake with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to serve.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter, then press into a lined 9x13 pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin until smooth. Add spices and eggs, mixing just until combined.
  3. Pour over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. Chill before slicing into bars.

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2. Maple Pecan Tart

This rich and nutty tart takes pecan pie to a new level with the addition of maple syrup.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made tart crust
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the tart crust in a tart pan and set aside.
  2. Whisk together syrup, sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Fold in pecans.
  3. Pour mixture into the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the filling is set.

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3. Cranberry Apple Crisp

For a fruity option, this crisp combines tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a buttery oat topping.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups diced apples
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • ½ cup flour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss apples, cranberries, and sugar, then place in a baking dish.
  2. Mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter for the topping, then sprinkle over the fruit.
  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

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Cover Photo by Toa Heftiba