How to Make 11 Awesome Thanksgiving Desserts That Your Kids Will Love

November 8, 2017 by

Finding a dessert that makes all of the kids happy can be a difficult challenge. So we’ve rounded up 11 awesome Thanksgiving desserts for kids that meet a handful of kid-friendly requirements! 

Kids are weird. No, no, listen. They really are. One minute they hate whipped cream, and the next they’re trying to shoot it straight into their mouths because they love it so much. And trying to find a dessert to make them happy can sometimes be difficult during the holidays when the options aren’t cake, brownies, or ice cream. So we put together a few of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts for kids so everyone has options this holiday season. But make sure you have plenty of whipped cream. 

pumpkin pie with coconut milk, pumpkin pie made with coconut milk, dairy free pumpkin pie filling

11 Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids

Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Milk from A Crafty Spoonful

This pumpkin pie is great for those who may have dairy allergies. It tastes just like regular pumpkin pie but is made with coconut milk instead. And no, you can’t taste the coconut in the filling. Pair it with some coconut whipped cream and you are set for the holidays! This recipe is also perfect to use for mini pumpkin pies as well if you don’t want to make the whole pie. 

Candy Apple Dump Cake from A Crafty Spoonful

Still have leftover Halloween candy you’re hoarding away? I’m not judging. But if you want to get rid of some of it, this is the recipe to try! This dump cake is not only easy, all you need is one pan (no separate bowls) to make it! Less dishes = winning in my book. And the kids go crazy over the chocolate + apple combo. 

Mini Pecan Pie Bites from A Crafty Spoonful

Oh, these sinfully sweet little bites of heaven are the perfect grab-on-the-go dessert for the littles. The butter cracker hooks the kids and the chocolate drizzle on top of the pecan filling keeps them coming back. Plus, there’s not too much mess with this recipe. 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites from My Suburban Kitchen

For those with a more sophisticated palate, these pumpkin cheesecake bites totally hit the spot. They’re very portable, just like the mini pecan pie bites, and pack a punch of flavor with a combo of gingersnaps and pumpkin. 

Four Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Dip from My Suburban Kitchen

What kid doesn’t love dip? And this deliciously sweet pumpkin pie dip is the perfect way to enjoy those holiday cookies or a few graham crackers. Just make sure there isn’t any double dipping.  

Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Trifle from Flour on My Face

Who doesn’t love a good layered trifle? Kids can dig in and eat a layer at a time or go for the gold and scoop all the way down for a few layers of goodness in one bite. Plus these are a fun recipe to let the kids help assemble! 

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake from Flour on My Face

In case your child has a gluten allergy, or if they’re just avoiding gluten as part of an elimination diet, you need to try this pumpkin cake. You can still stay festive and enjoy all the flavors of the holidays even when you’re gluten-free! 

Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake from Flour on My Face

Speaking of cake, if your kids are more in a cake and frosting kind of mood, this pumpkin pecan bundt cake is a delicious option. I’ve made mini bundtlets for individual kid portions before and it’s turned out great! 

Pumpkin Spice Dessert Bars from {Not Quite} Susie Homemaker

Another quick and easy go to that you can make ahead and bring with you are these pumpkin spice dessert bars. They’re made with pumpkin and applesauce AND have a delicious cream cheese frosting! 

Individual Apple Pies from The Love Nerds

What’s Thanksgiving without apple pie? In our house we always have pumpkin and apple pies in addition to the other dessert options so these individual apple pies are perfect for the kids table. A classic recipe with a fun spin. 

Favorite Pecan Pie from Unexpected Elegance

And if your kid loves the classics, you can’t go wrong with a pecan pie. Some kids are turned off by this tasty dessert but for those who want to venture out and try new things, this is a great recipe to start with! 

What are your go-to Thanksgiving desserts for kids? 

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Filed Under: Baking, Desserts, Holidays, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Thanksgiving Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Drink Recipe

October 8, 2014 by

This pumpkin pie smoothie drink recipe was created as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #SweetNLowStars

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie - a healthy, delicious way to drink pie #SweetNLowStars

Fall was in the air. For about a week. And then the high temperatures hit yet again. So in an effort to enjoy Fall without sweating to death I tested out a few pumpkin pie smoothie recipes to cool me down and still give me the pumpkin fix I was looking for.

Plus this smoothie is perfect as a quick breakfast for the kids. I threw it all together and blended up in less than 5 minutes! Much faster than pancakes or waffles.

With the natural sweetness of the banana and added guilt-free sweetness of Sweet’N Low I think I’ve found a winner with this one!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Drinks & Refreshments, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

October 8, 2013 by

Pumpkin Muffins cooling rack

So maybe it’s become an obsession. But I’m pretty darn in love with pumpkin about now. The one thing that makes the cool crisp weather better are these healthy pumpkin muffins with a cup of hot coffee.

Simple to make, tasty, and a favorite amongst my playgroup, these muffins really hit the spot.

I drizzled a simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and pumpkin pie spice over the top for a little extra sweetness. It definitely made the muffins tastier. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Breakfast, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Pumpkin Banana Muffins Fit for a Monkey

September 30, 2013 by

pumpkin banana muffins

In celebration of the premier of Julius Jr on Nick Jr (you can see my post over at Someday I’ll Learn if you didn’t hear about the show) the kids and I got in the kitchen and started baking up some muffins with the bananas that were browning on the counter. And since there was an open can of pumpkin puree in the fridge we decided to give it a go and make these pumpkin banana muffins.

Everyone knows that when you’re watching the premier of a children’s show starring a monkey, you have to eat banana-themed food!

These muffins were absolutely delicious! Moist, fluffy, and very kid friendly. I think both of my kids ate at least two each! We might even be adding some mini chocolate chips next time I make them for an added kick. [Read more…]

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Simple Low-Fat Pumpkin Spice Cake with Apple Cider Glaze

September 17, 2013 by

Low-Fat Pumpkin Spice Cake with Apple Cider Glaze

Ah… Fall is in the air! Today I walked outside and felt the cool breeze on my face and immediately knew that it was finally time. Finally time for pumpkin! Now sure I’ve already had my #PSL from Starbucks and have been sipping on pumpkin spice coffee from my Keurig, but it’s finally cool enough to actually enjoy the slightest hint that Fall is here.

This simple and easy to make low-fat pumpkin spice cake is moist, delicious, and a crowd pleaser. Topped with a yummy apple cider glaze it’s sweetness hits my craving for dessert without making me feel as if I’ve gone overboard. Paired with a nice cup of coffee it could easily be a breakfast treat or great for a brunch. Or you can save it as the perfect Fall dessert to serve to guests.

Just like any boxed cake recipe, I’m sure that this would taste delicious with other cake flavors as well. I’m thinking Devils Food for the next one! Maybe with mini chocolate chips sprinkled in the mix? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Desserts, Halloween, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

5 Alternatives to Carving Pumpkins {Fun Kids Crafts}

October 30, 2012 by

Having small children can sometimes make pumpkin carving a bit difficult. So this year we went with something a little different and let the kids make a few varieties of pumpkins. Grab some glue, your potato head pieces, and even the paint and see what your kids do to create their Fall masterpieces!

If you’re in the same boat and are looking for great alternatives to carving pumpkins this year, here are our suggestions.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Crafts/DIY, Halloween, Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

How to Make a Spider Web Pumpkin

October 30, 2012 by

Each year we take the time to cut, gut, and carve out a few pumpkins. And every year we complain about the mess, the time, and the clean up. So this year we went simple! We let the kids paint pumpkins and we took an alternative approach.

We also used paints but used different kinds to make these spider web pumpkins. With the help of some spray paint and puffy paints we were able to make these super cool spider web pumpkins for our Amazing Spider-Man party and for our Halloween display.

It was super easy to do and I’m sure you’ll find it just as simple to create a pumpkin masterpiece of your own! Here’s what you do:

Spider Web Pumpkins

What you’ll Need: 

  • Pumpkin
  • Spray Paint
  • Puffy Paint

What you do: 

1. Paint your pumpkin with your base color. We chose to go with black.

2. Using the puffy paint, make lines going down and across the pumpkin to create your web.

3. Add a spider to the web with puffy paint and let dry completely. 

Once the pumpkin is completely dry set it outside your door for everyone to enjoy!

How do you decorate pumpkins for Halloween? 

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Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cool Whip Frosting

October 17, 2012 by

Oh Fall! I’m so happy you’re here again. We could definitely use the cooler weather (if that ever happened) and I’m very excited about the upcoming holidays. But a more important reason why I’m here… is because with Fall comes pumpkins! And canned pumpkin is on the shelves in full force.

That means I get to try a whole new batch of recipes out on my friends, family, and playgroup and this year is no different. I decided to go with a pumpkin bar. But the special ingredient isn’t the pumpkin, it’s the Cool Whip Frosting on top. If you want the perfect pumpkin treat this season you need to try this recipe.

Pumpkin Bars with Cool Whip Frosting

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 2/3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 15 oz pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8×8 pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat together sugar, pumpkin, oil, and eggs on medium until light and fluffy.

3. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

4. With a spatula, add flour mixture to liquid mixture until just combined. Make sure not to over-mix.

5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

 
6. Once the pumpkin bars are cooked, transfer to a cooling rack.

7. When completely cooled, cut off top to make an even, flat surface.

8. Cut into squares.

9. Grab the Cool Whip Frosting and start spreading it on.

10. Top each bar with a pecan and serve.

This recipe makes 16 servings.

Note: 
You can easily bake in a 9×13 pan instead for thinner bars to feed a larger crowd. Simply reduce cooking time to 20-25 minutes. Feel free to frost then cut if you feel that frosting each individual bar will take too long. I just hate dealing with crumbs in my frosting.

What do you love to make with pumpkin? 

Filed Under: Desserts, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting {Dessert Recipe}

September 26, 2012 by

As I mentioned before, I’m a bit obsessed with pumpkin. And as soon as I got a whiff of coolness in the air I got to baking. I’ve been craving these cupcakes since the first time I made them a few years ago and with a few minor tweaks I think I’ve perfected my recipe.

These were delicious! And even better when left in the fridge overnight and eaten for breakfast the next morning with a hot cup of coffee 😉 But if you can’t wait that long to savor the goodness just make sure to allow the cupcakes enough time to cool before frosting them. You won’t be disappointed!

Pumpkin Cupcakes With Maple–Cream Cheese Frosting

Cupcakes

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup firmly packed dark-brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin

Frosting

  • Two (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

 Preheat the oven to 350° (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with 18 liners.

Cupcakes:
Pour the milk into a measuring cup and add vanilla.

In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl.

Add the eggs one at a time to the mixer, scraping down the sides after each addition. Alternate adding the flour and milk mixtures, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat in the pumpkin until smooth. Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, about 3/4 of the way up. Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool the cupcakes on racks completely.

Frosting:
In a stand mixer beat all the ingredients on medium until fluffy but firm. Frost the cupcakes using either a spatula or a pastry bag w/ a large tip. Refrigerate the cupcakes for 30 minutes to set up frosting.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars {Dessert Recipe}

September 20, 2012 by

When Fall comes there is one thing I am most excited about. The return of canned pumpkin on the shelves! I start out small. Buying maybe 4 cans of pumpkin on my first spotting. Then I get a bit crazy. I need to stock up for the rest of the year. How can I not have 10 or so cans of pumpkin in my pantry by mid-October? And what do I use these cans and cans of pumpkin for? Healthier recipes!

Pumpkin is a great ingredient in baking, cooking and no-bake recipes such as this one. It’s simple and easy to use and best of all… it’s super tasty and healthy! Now I’ve already been making my pumpkin waffles, pumpkin muffins and even a pumpkin oatmeal shake. But I hadn’t yet tried anything with pumpkin and cheesecake before. So this past weekend I decided to try out a no-bake recipe for pumpkin cheesecake bars. And they were delicious.

If you have a can of pumpkin lying around you have to try it!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

  • 1 package (8 oz.) neufchatel cheese, softened*
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/3 cup agave nectar (or 1/2 cup sugar)
  • 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Free whipped topping, thawed, divided
  • 1 package graham crackers (about 24), crushed
  • 4 tablespoons light butter, melted

Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with plastic wrap. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs resemble moist sand. Push crumb mixture into dish with your fingers evenly to create a level crust on the bottom. Make sure to get the crumbs into the corners of the dish as well.

Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, agave and pumpkin pie spice with electric mixer on low speed for one minute. Increase speed to medium and mix for another 3 minutes or until no lumps are visible. Gently stir in 2-1/2 cups of the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate remaining whipped topping for later use.

Spoon cream cheese mixture into crust and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Serve topped with remaining whipped topping. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

*How to Soften Cream Cheese
Place completely unwrapped package of cream cheese in microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 10 to 15 seconds or until slightly softened. If you cannot find neufchatel cheese in your grocery store just go for the reduced fat cream cheese. Same thing, different name.

Serves 16 | 5 WW+ Points

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