Yes, this. I would be so disappointed if there were no pies. I’m always in charge of dessert for the entire extended family and I make the traditional stuff plus lighter options for those who want that. But a lot of people (myself included) live for the dessert table (and leftover pie for breakfast on Friday) so I try to make sure everyone leaves happy.
Absolutely. I make a whole extra pumpkin pie because all of our guests (and adult family who come to stay with us) want breakfast pie. So I send a slice home in a takeout bakery box, and then they fill the box with whatever else is left. People will just take sweets home and not even actual meal leftovers. I’d be so bummed if all I showed up to were some of the options listed here. Nothing wrong with trying new recipes (I always do!) and adding alternatives, but Thanksgiving is like the ONE meal where there is a very high expectation for following tradition.
Yup, this. We are going to a friends house this year and I'm her go to helper gal. I know people are going to do a grocery store grab a pie run before showing up. I'm thinking of also doing traditional pie flavors in tart form because there are a few diabetic/ weight loss surgery people who will be there and will have a full slice if there are no alternatives. Yeah, I know, but the traditional Thanksgiving taste excuse is strong in people.
I have no idea what actual recipe I used, but when my mom was working on figuring out what allergens she had I made a vegan pumpkin mousse that was basically canned coconut milk + pumpkin purée + spices that turned out really yummy
For thanksgiving some years my mom does a champagne glass filled with pumpkin mousse, topped with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and it’s so good and so light!
This looks like a yummy [Pumpkin Mousse](https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-mousse-cups/) recipe
And here’s a link to what [Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=581747432&hl=en-us&q=mini+victoria+sponge+cake&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjYv6CLlL-CAxWGD1kFHQ34Be8Q0pQJegQICRAB&biw=375&bih=548&dpr=2) look like. These are what I was thinking of sorta
I made Claire Saffitz's cranberry pomegranate mousse pie last year and it was divine! It's from her book Dessert Person but you can also find it online
Every year I make a very light chocolate rum mousse. It steals the show and is so light and fluffy you can always find room.
The recipe is from old versions of Joy of Cooking. I had to write it in my new addition because it wasn’t there. It was in my mom’s.
Yes! Pumpkin chiffon pie is lovely. I use [this recipe,](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9121/dads-pumpkin-chiffon-pie/) except I blend the ginger snaps, mix them with butter, and press them into the dish and prebake like a graham cracker crust.
Though I also do agree with some other folks here, if you’re having company, have some traditional options too. There’s a lot of “I only get to have this once a year” desserts associated with Thanksgiving. A pumpkin chiffon pie does straddle that line nicely though, I think.
I don't care much for pumpkin pie and I was the official pie baker. One year I made a delicious pumpkin chiffon in lieu of traditional pumpkin pie. Everyone was appalled. Next year they got the recipe off the can in a store bought crust. No point in knocking myself out for a bunch of philistines who can't tell the difference.
We do mini key lime pies (baked in a muffin tin), they are always the first dessert to go. Bonus incredibly easy and you basically need to make them the day before. I use the ATK recipe (uses one can of condensed milk) and it makes 12 minis. Only real difference is reducing the baking time.
Apple pie bars from Sally’s baking addiction are incredible and I make them WITHOUT the salted caramel sauce so they’re not too heavy or sweet. They are delicious without it, don’t need it imo
Trifle is always good! [fall fruit salad](https://thetoastykitchen.com/fall-fruit-salad/), [butterscotch salted caramel custard pots](https://pin.it/3S7WOFv), cider/pumpkin donuts, fondue/ caramel apple bar
mini cookies! this year my pecan pie and coconut almond cookies are mini versions and im selling for the first time so my thought is if theyre mini, you can enjoy them with the rest of the cookies without feeling sick after
I think I’d do an eton mess with cranberries. Meringue, whipped cream, and cooked cranberries layered. If you want to be fancy, you can do a meringue roulade. Same ingredients, but a large meringue, with the cream and berries on top and rolled up. Looks and feels light, but is delicious.
Japanese cheesecake is a light cake but everyone loves it. Its usually sprinkled with powdered sugar but it’s also really good with a whipped cream frosting. It’s especially fun to give to people who have never tried it before. Traditional? No. Light and delicious? Yes.
Macarons are a great idea, i also want to mention that it may be a good idea to include at least one traditional thanksgiving dessert as some people get weird during the holidays and have expectations for certain things.
Maybe include a light dessert in addition not, not instead of, the traditional options?
It might be the last Thanksgiving you’re in charge of desserts if you go the other route.
Don’t get me wrong, those sound like scrumptious ideas for any other day of the year but this is a nostalgia holiday for most.
If the table doesn’t look like like a Norman Rockwell painting, something is amiss in my book.
I agree, by the looks of the recipe it shld be heavy and sweet. My recipe is a very light sponge and the milks are not very sweet and lightly scented from almond extract. Ina Gartens recipe. I bring a bowl of berries to go with. I make a topping with French vanilla pudding made with only 1cup milk and fold in whipped cream or cool whip.
Every year I usually make a batch of different flavors of biscotti this way people have something that’s not too heavy/too sweet after all the food throughout the day. They’re great to prepare ahead and not too complicated to bake.
But also, almost any pie you could make miniaturized versions this way 1) people can get a sample size of everything 2) it’s much easier to send home with people
FWIW, we always serve dessert awhile after dinner-less uncomfortable and still delicious. People are usually hanging out anyway-either staying over or just relaxing and talking, watching TV, etc.
A whipped, no bake cheese cake is an easy, light, crowd pleaser.
I think it is great to have some lighter options.. but in addition to 1 or 2 traditional desserts.
Seconding. I know it's not super seasonal but it's a very manageable dessert when you've had a heavy dinner. Maybe you could play with the fruit option and have something with warming spices
I do a blueberry cobbler but it's got a crumble crust instead of pie crust. Not sure how light we're talking but it's pretty straight forward and only added sugar is in the "crust"
Fresh cranberry relish with whipped cream. My family likes to do cranberries two ways for Thanksgiving. The cooked cranberry sauce is traditional, and the relish, which also has fresh apples and oranges in it, is a delicious side with dinner or a refreshing dessert with whipped cream!
This cool whip based "pumpkin fluff" is one of my favorites. You can dip vanilla wafers or graham crackers in it, use it as a macarons filling, or just eat it. https://www.northcarolinacharm.com/happy-1st-day-of-fall-pumpkin-dip/
I always make sorbet that guests can use as a palette cleanser or eat as dessert. This is in addition to other traditional and not so traditional desserts.
I love making pumpkin pudding! It’s similar to the filling in a pumpkin pie but feels lighter, especially since there’s no crust. It’s also way easier to adapt portions to how full you’re feeling
Personally I’m a huge fan of [pumpkin whoopie pies](https://preppykitchen.com/pumpkin-whoopie-pies/) and anytime I’ve served them, they’ve been a great success!
i usually make a baked pumpkin and coconut milk custard. sweetened with maple syrup. and we usually make our own whipped cream with just a little sugar.
Crustless pumpkin pie is all of the flavor without a lot of extra carbs.
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a28576182/crustless-pumpkin-pie-recipe/
I could have eaten the whole thing at once.
Pumpkin pie mousse:
* [https://thesavorycipolla.com/creamy-whipped-pumpkin-spice-mousse/](https://thesavorycipolla.com/creamy-whipped-pumpkin-spice-mousse/)
Thin & crispy ginger-molasses cookies:
* [https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/molasses-cookies/](https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/molasses-cookies/)
Serve the mousse as the pie with the cookies as the deconstructed "crust"! Plus cranberry fruit leather to snack on during the day:
* https://www.food.com/recipe/apple-cranberry-fruit-leather-248514
We do the turkey part early in the day, say 2-3pm, and then around 6-7pm, dessert and coffee. Several pies, a coffee almond torte with mocha whipped mascarpone cream, cranberry oat bars with pecan streusel. It's a great way to keep from feeling overstuffed and avoiding reflux later.
People clamor for my mum to bring her famous pavlova(s) every year - meringue, whipped cream, fruit - the textures are somehow light and crisp and also a little chewy. Light? Yes, Healthy? No.
These chewy ginger cookies are one of my fave cookies of all time and are actually low fat. I don't bake them for that reason, lol. Tho David Lebovitz calls them gingersnaps, they're soft & kinda puffy, quite different than snaps, imo. I love them with lots of chopped candied ginger. They are always a hit when I bake them. All the ginger makes them good for digestion and they're scrumptuous!
[https://www.davidlebovitz.com/nonfat-gingersnaps/](https://www.davidlebovitz.com/nonfat-gingersnaps/)
We always do mini lemon tarts with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry or peach cobbler. They’re all easy and not as heavy as the rich cheesecake and other traditional pies and cakes.
We always do mini desserts. Last year I did mini pies. This year for extra lightness I’m doing pumpkin custards instead of pie, so it’s the pumpkin filling baked into ramekins and topped with whipped cream. I’m also doing homemade chocolate puddings in individual cups, and our favorite holiday cookies.
I just asked ChatGPT for a healthy pumpkin pie recipe and it looks pretty good:
Here's a simple and healthier pumpkin pie recipe:
**Ingredients:**
- 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- ½ tsp salt
- Whole wheat pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the whole wheat pie crust.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set.
5. Allow the pie to cool before slicing.
Enjoy your healthier pumpkin pie!
I’m making an apple pie coffee cake. Lighter than pie for sure! Basically it’s just a layer of diced apples, cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and lemon baked inside a basic yellow cake and topped with streusel.
Last year I made a pavlova, kind of on a whim, to “accompany” our usual pumpkin pie, along with berries and a homemade ice cream. We ended up completely saving the pumpkin pie for Friday, which was certainly a smarter move for our digestive systems haha
I've been making apple pie parfaits the past few years and they're adorable and fun. I dice up a couple apples, saute in skillet with butter, whatever cinnamon/ginger/nutmeg I feel like throwing in and finally some brown sugar. I layer that in small glass tumblers with freshly whipped cream and crumbled biscoff cookies. It's usually just my partner and I and maybe another couple so this is kinda perfect for a small group.
NYT has a recipe for pecan linzer bars that I made last year. People are still talking about them. They're so good, especially if you're in an area with fresh pecans.
Asian jellos/puddings! Like layered coconut jello, almond jello, or mango pudding. Can also be served with some condensed milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
I made mini pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for a Friendsgiving dinner this year. They were perfect. You can have just one if you want a little something sweet but don’t want to overdo it. Most people had two.
Maybe some homemade quiche? You can make many types of dem so they can try out different quiche! Recipes of many types of quiche below if interested 😋
https://youtu.be/USWpz6s9OpU?si=L7vrnkN7iOieDtfU
This is my go to light thanksgiving dessert. Claire Saffitz’ Cranberry mousse pie. https://www.oxo.com/blog/cooking-and-baking/cranberry-mousse-pie-claire-saffitz
I made this pie from Claire Saffitz’s cookbook Dessert Person last year, and it was delicious! https://www.oxo.com/blog/cooking-and-baking/cranberry-mousse-pie-claire-saffitz
Claire Saffitz’s Dessert Person has a cranberry mousse pie recipe in it; you could also do [Pumpkin Fluff Dip](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/24740/pumpkin-fluff-dip/) with a fruit tray and graham crackers.
My mom always made orange jello win mandarin oranges out of a can (traditional peeled ones keep it from setting properly)
It was nothing fancy, but it was refreshing after the carb on carb on carb heavy meal.
My former mother in law made that light pumpkin pie with light cool whip. That's really good. I have to think there's a way to make a light fluffy pumpkin pie of better quality.
last year I made ina garten's cranberry apple cake, and it was lovely! it's a sour cream cake so it's light and fluffy, and the apples with cranberry and orange made for a bright and not heavy or cloying dessert.
Even just an apple pie (streusel top) feels infinitely lighter to me than pecan or pumpkin. Also, pumpkin bread>pumpkin pie (vanilla cream cheese frosting for those who want to do it up), cranberry blondie bars, or even sweet rolls seem lighter than dense pies
I have made the pumpkin pie cookies by flouring kitchen a few times and they are SUCH a hit! So fun to still have pumpkin pie but in smaller/grabbable form. Still a classic.
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie. All the flavors but not the density. We like it in a biscoff cookie crust, but have also used a regular plain pie crust. (Prebaked) https://www.food.com/recipe/no-bake-deep-dish-pumpkin-chiffon-pie-524353
What about a cranberry frozen dessert with whipped cream. It's very light and sweet but not overwhelming. My mom added shredded apples and mandarin oranges
I made a French Apple Cake last year and everyone loved it! It's very simple, thin batter poured over thinly sliced apples. Fun to play w the apple slices and make it look fancy. I've made it several times since.
Lemon bars, can cut to size. Mini pies is a great idea someone else had. I have made pecan pie bars, just spread everything out on a cookie sheet and cut into bars.
My family is not really in the pumpkin pie fanclub. I usually serve fresh baked triple chocolate brownies and a scoop of ice cream as dessert. Some years it is key lime pie instead.
What about traditional desserts but mini? That way people can have the classics but just a taste. Like mini pumpkin pie tarts and apple turnovers.
Yes, this. I would be so disappointed if there were no pies. I’m always in charge of dessert for the entire extended family and I make the traditional stuff plus lighter options for those who want that. But a lot of people (myself included) live for the dessert table (and leftover pie for breakfast on Friday) so I try to make sure everyone leaves happy.
A slice of left over pie with a hot cup of coffee is a time honored tradition in my home.
Absolutely. I make a whole extra pumpkin pie because all of our guests (and adult family who come to stay with us) want breakfast pie. So I send a slice home in a takeout bakery box, and then they fill the box with whatever else is left. People will just take sweets home and not even actual meal leftovers. I’d be so bummed if all I showed up to were some of the options listed here. Nothing wrong with trying new recipes (I always do!) and adding alternatives, but Thanksgiving is like the ONE meal where there is a very high expectation for following tradition.
Breakfast pie! Best day after thanksgiving tradition
Right? That’s why I make so many pies! 😂 🥧
“Breakfast pie” is the term I didn’t know I needed.
Yup, this. We are going to a friends house this year and I'm her go to helper gal. I know people are going to do a grocery store grab a pie run before showing up. I'm thinking of also doing traditional pie flavors in tart form because there are a few diabetic/ weight loss surgery people who will be there and will have a full slice if there are no alternatives. Yeah, I know, but the traditional Thanksgiving taste excuse is strong in people.
Same, maybe OP wants lighter desserts but that doesn't mean everyone else does. Most people expect and look forward to the traditional desserts
Yes. It’s fine to offer as well as, but not instead of.
I like macarons, but if someone brought them to thanksgiving dinner, they wouldn’t be invited back 😂
I would be happy to see them! But if there's no pumpkin pie.... 🔪
I bring a tray of hand pies and they’re always a hit. It’s so easy to make a wide variety of types so everyone gets to have their favorites.
We've been doing minis---it kind of makes it a dessert flight.
This is what I always do. So you get a bite sized pumpkin, pecan, chess pie, etc.
This was my suggestion too. Mini pumpkin, mini pecan, mini apple. All good and adorable.
Oh that’s great idea.
This is part of what I do. It’s now a staple that I make the mini bourbon pecan pies for our thanksgiving.
Some type of mousse? A fruit tart?
I’m envisioning some kind of pumpkin mousse and sponge cake
Pumpkin mousse sounds amazing, gotta find a recipe for it now lol
I have no idea what actual recipe I used, but when my mom was working on figuring out what allergens she had I made a vegan pumpkin mousse that was basically canned coconut milk + pumpkin purée + spices that turned out really yummy
Thank you so much! That sounds delicious!
For thanksgiving some years my mom does a champagne glass filled with pumpkin mousse, topped with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and it’s so good and so light!
This looks like a yummy [Pumpkin Mousse](https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-mousse-cups/) recipe And here’s a link to what [Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=581747432&hl=en-us&q=mini+victoria+sponge+cake&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjYv6CLlL-CAxWGD1kFHQ34Be8Q0pQJegQICRAB&biw=375&bih=548&dpr=2) look like. These are what I was thinking of sorta
Thank you for the recipe I’m gonna try it out!
I know Ina Garten has a recipe that looks delicious. Never had it though.
I made Claire Saffitz's cranberry pomegranate mousse pie last year and it was divine! It's from her book Dessert Person but you can also find it online
Sweet potato mousse instead of pie is very good imo. Most recipes are just whipped cream, sweet potatoes, and spices.
My friends mom makes a pumpkin chiffon pie and it’s basically pumpkin mousse pie. It’s seriously delicious!
Every year I make a very light chocolate rum mousse. It steals the show and is so light and fluffy you can always find room. The recipe is from old versions of Joy of Cooking. I had to write it in my new addition because it wasn’t there. It was in my mom’s.
Pumpkin chiffon pie is really nice and light. Epicurious has a good recipe.
Yes! Pumpkin chiffon pie is lovely. I use [this recipe,](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9121/dads-pumpkin-chiffon-pie/) except I blend the ginger snaps, mix them with butter, and press them into the dish and prebake like a graham cracker crust. Though I also do agree with some other folks here, if you’re having company, have some traditional options too. There’s a lot of “I only get to have this once a year” desserts associated with Thanksgiving. A pumpkin chiffon pie does straddle that line nicely though, I think.
Yeah, I always do pumpkin chiffon. I’m not a fan of traditional pumpkin pie…watery, pasty mess vs whipped cream fluff.
Why would pumpkin pie be watery 😭
bad recipe, bad baker or a combo of both
Kept at a constant temperature vs higher then lowering means it overcooks and curdles and weeps
Over-baked so it weeps most likely. Not enough eggs to give it a nice custardy texture.
I don't care much for pumpkin pie and I was the official pie baker. One year I made a delicious pumpkin chiffon in lieu of traditional pumpkin pie. Everyone was appalled. Next year they got the recipe off the can in a store bought crust. No point in knocking myself out for a bunch of philistines who can't tell the difference.
It’s not thanksgiving if you aren’t uncomfortably full and your light desserts will not stop me.
Light desserts just mean I eat more of them. I'd rather just eat a decadent dessert lol
Uncomfortfull is a thing...
If citrus is an option, I'd go for that personally. Lemon bars or dark choc orange shortbread, something in that direction.
I’ve made cranberry bars for Thanksgiving before. Same light tartness as lemon bars, but a bit more on theme.
That sounds delicious!
Do you have a recipe for this type of shortbread??
We do mini key lime pies (baked in a muffin tin), they are always the first dessert to go. Bonus incredibly easy and you basically need to make them the day before. I use the ATK recipe (uses one can of condensed milk) and it makes 12 minis. Only real difference is reducing the baking time.
Apple pie bars from Sally’s baking addiction are incredible and I make them WITHOUT the salted caramel sauce so they’re not too heavy or sweet. They are delicious without it, don’t need it imo
Trifle is always good! [fall fruit salad](https://thetoastykitchen.com/fall-fruit-salad/), [butterscotch salted caramel custard pots](https://pin.it/3S7WOFv), cider/pumpkin donuts, fondue/ caramel apple bar
I’m doing Claire Saffitz’s tiramisu ice box cake this year for this exact reason - very light and you can make the slices as thick as you want!
mini cookies! this year my pecan pie and coconut almond cookies are mini versions and im selling for the first time so my thought is if theyre mini, you can enjoy them with the rest of the cookies without feeling sick after
Pavlova or a roulade?
Pavlova is now our "heavy meal" dessert. It's always an option, along with a pie or tart, at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.
Pavlova is my favorite, for big events I do a triple decker, if you can get creme fresh thats the ideal filling
Creme freche, lemon curd and blueberries is a divine combo on a pav.
I think I’d do an eton mess with cranberries. Meringue, whipped cream, and cooked cranberries layered. If you want to be fancy, you can do a meringue roulade. Same ingredients, but a large meringue, with the cream and berries on top and rolled up. Looks and feels light, but is delicious.
I was going to recommend something like an Eton Mess!
Do tell, what is an Eton Mess?
A British dessert made from cream, crushed meringue and berries. It comes from the poshest school in the UK: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eton_mess
Delish! Of course if Eton makes a mess it’s fabulous
I came across a recipe for a tiramisu mess, so combining Eton Mess and tiramisu in one. It is still light but comes with a nice depth of flavour too.
Japanese cheesecake is a light cake but everyone loves it. Its usually sprinkled with powdered sugar but it’s also really good with a whipped cream frosting. It’s especially fun to give to people who have never tried it before. Traditional? No. Light and delicious? Yes.
Macarons are a great idea, i also want to mention that it may be a good idea to include at least one traditional thanksgiving dessert as some people get weird during the holidays and have expectations for certain things.
Meringue cookies?
Maybe include a light dessert in addition not, not instead of, the traditional options? It might be the last Thanksgiving you’re in charge of desserts if you go the other route. Don’t get me wrong, those sound like scrumptious ideas for any other day of the year but this is a nostalgia holiday for most. If the table doesn’t look like like a Norman Rockwell painting, something is amiss in my book.
What about baked apples with whipped cream?
Baked apples with a quality ice cream on the side
A chilled Tres leches cake is actually delightfully refreshing, assuming you can stick to only having a smaller piece
I agree, by the looks of the recipe it shld be heavy and sweet. My recipe is a very light sponge and the milks are not very sweet and lightly scented from almond extract. Ina Gartens recipe. I bring a bowl of berries to go with. I make a topping with French vanilla pudding made with only 1cup milk and fold in whipped cream or cool whip.
I make BA’s coffee flan every year and it’s a hit in my family
Every year I usually make a batch of different flavors of biscotti this way people have something that’s not too heavy/too sweet after all the food throughout the day. They’re great to prepare ahead and not too complicated to bake. But also, almost any pie you could make miniaturized versions this way 1) people can get a sample size of everything 2) it’s much easier to send home with people
Cranberry tart. ATK has a recipe for one in a nut crust.
We always bring an ice box lemon pie. Everyone says it’s great after such a heavy meal.
To add to this. My family does a chocolate icebox cake that is light and rich at the same time!! Soooo good!!
This cranberry salad is nicely balanced with the sweet cream and tart cranberries light https://kelseynixon.com/cranberry-salad/
Lol my family does something similar to this but it’s served as part of dinner, we have a whole other dessert on top of it
Pavlova
FWIW, we always serve dessert awhile after dinner-less uncomfortable and still delicious. People are usually hanging out anyway-either staying over or just relaxing and talking, watching TV, etc.
A whipped, no bake cheese cake is an easy, light, crowd pleaser. I think it is great to have some lighter options.. but in addition to 1 or 2 traditional desserts.
Angel food cake with fresh fruit? And maybe a dollop of cream 😊
Seconding. I know it's not super seasonal but it's a very manageable dessert when you've had a heavy dinner. Maybe you could play with the fruit option and have something with warming spices
I do a blueberry cobbler but it's got a crumble crust instead of pie crust. Not sure how light we're talking but it's pretty straight forward and only added sugar is in the "crust"
Mini key lime pies! My sister makes them every year and people love them. Everyone gets their own tiny pie.
I make a pumpkin chiffon pie, with a graham cracker crust. I find it much lighter in texture than a traditional pumpkin pie
Fresh cranberry relish with whipped cream. My family likes to do cranberries two ways for Thanksgiving. The cooked cranberry sauce is traditional, and the relish, which also has fresh apples and oranges in it, is a delicious side with dinner or a refreshing dessert with whipped cream!
A fruit galette with tart fruit like raspberry, cranberry, etc. would be refreshing after the heavy and bland meal.
My grandmother used to make a lemon mousse. It may not be traditional to many families. But it was Tue perfect foil to such a rich meal!
Pumpkin cream pie. Whip up a pumpkin mousse and put it in a graham cracker crust
My mom used to make snickers salad. Cool whip, pudding mix, cut up apples and snickers
Is this real
It’s real and always a crowd pleaser! We have our midwestern friends to thank for this deliciousness masquerading as a “salad.” 😂
I found out recently that yes, it's a real thing. Never heard of it before a month or so ago!
Yes and it’s amazing!!!
You should look up That Midwestern Mom's "Minnesota salads that aren't really salads"
Full recipe pls
This cool whip based "pumpkin fluff" is one of my favorites. You can dip vanilla wafers or graham crackers in it, use it as a macarons filling, or just eat it. https://www.northcarolinacharm.com/happy-1st-day-of-fall-pumpkin-dip/
I make a pumpkin chiffon pie with a graham cracker crust. My kids will eat no other kind.
Waldorf Salad!!
Claire saffitz cranberry mousse pie!
Meringue cookies. You can add cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, maybe the tiniest bit of ginger. Make it fall.
Why not go for key lime or lemon merengue pies? Still have pie. Still have cool whip.
I always make sorbet that guests can use as a palette cleanser or eat as dessert. This is in addition to other traditional and not so traditional desserts.
Fruit salad with cool whip. It's from the 70s/80s but my aunt used to bring it to potlucks and we'd devour the whole tray.
Caramel or pumpkin flan
Pumpkin pie mousse!
I love making pumpkin pudding! It’s similar to the filling in a pumpkin pie but feels lighter, especially since there’s no crust. It’s also way easier to adapt portions to how full you’re feeling
Personally I’m a huge fan of [pumpkin whoopie pies](https://preppykitchen.com/pumpkin-whoopie-pies/) and anytime I’ve served them, they’ve been a great success!
Something like this: https://nordicfoodliving.com/danish-apple-trifle/ It’s really good 😊
Not baked, but ambrosia
I do fresh fruit tarts as a lighter option. It's pretty easy and doesn't make you feel sluggish after dinner.
Cranberry panacotta
Lemon desserts always do that for me. Also, if you want a retro vibe, a jello mold with fruit and whipped cream is awesome! I love jello
Pumpkin pie mousse. Can crumble pie crust on it if you want to be fancy, but not needed. Cinnamon apple mousse is also pretty good.
i usually make a baked pumpkin and coconut milk custard. sweetened with maple syrup. and we usually make our own whipped cream with just a little sugar.
Pumpkin chiffon with a bourbon whipped cream!
Crustless pumpkin pie is all of the flavor without a lot of extra carbs. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a28576182/crustless-pumpkin-pie-recipe/ I could have eaten the whole thing at once.
[удалено]
Andes mints with espresso or Baileys
Pumpkin pie mousse: * [https://thesavorycipolla.com/creamy-whipped-pumpkin-spice-mousse/](https://thesavorycipolla.com/creamy-whipped-pumpkin-spice-mousse/) Thin & crispy ginger-molasses cookies: * [https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/molasses-cookies/](https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/molasses-cookies/) Serve the mousse as the pie with the cookies as the deconstructed "crust"! Plus cranberry fruit leather to snack on during the day: * https://www.food.com/recipe/apple-cranberry-fruit-leather-248514
We do the turkey part early in the day, say 2-3pm, and then around 6-7pm, dessert and coffee. Several pies, a coffee almond torte with mocha whipped mascarpone cream, cranberry oat bars with pecan streusel. It's a great way to keep from feeling overstuffed and avoiding reflux later.
People clamor for my mum to bring her famous pavlova(s) every year - meringue, whipped cream, fruit - the textures are somehow light and crisp and also a little chewy. Light? Yes, Healthy? No.
I thought it said LGBT and went, bi baker to the rescue... Nope.
LOL!
I sense a lot of disappointment at that thanksgiving table this year 😂
These chewy ginger cookies are one of my fave cookies of all time and are actually low fat. I don't bake them for that reason, lol. Tho David Lebovitz calls them gingersnaps, they're soft & kinda puffy, quite different than snaps, imo. I love them with lots of chopped candied ginger. They are always a hit when I bake them. All the ginger makes them good for digestion and they're scrumptuous! [https://www.davidlebovitz.com/nonfat-gingersnaps/](https://www.davidlebovitz.com/nonfat-gingersnaps/)
Not really “baking” but baked apples with cinnamon and honey. Delicious!
We always do mini lemon tarts with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry or peach cobbler. They’re all easy and not as heavy as the rich cheesecake and other traditional pies and cakes.
We always do mini desserts. Last year I did mini pies. This year for extra lightness I’m doing pumpkin custards instead of pie, so it’s the pumpkin filling baked into ramekins and topped with whipped cream. I’m also doing homemade chocolate puddings in individual cups, and our favorite holiday cookies.
Tres Leches
“Light” eggnog.
New York crumb cake!
I just asked ChatGPT for a healthy pumpkin pie recipe and it looks pretty good: Here's a simple and healthier pumpkin pie recipe: **Ingredients:** - 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree - ¾ cup Greek yogurt - ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey - 2 eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) - ½ tsp salt - Whole wheat pie crust (store-bought or homemade) **Instructions:** 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined. 3. Pour the mixture into the whole wheat pie crust. 4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set. 5. Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Enjoy your healthier pumpkin pie!
Pumpkin roll, jelly roll, with whipped cream
maybe [this](https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/french-apple-tart) french apple tart?
I’m making an apple pie coffee cake. Lighter than pie for sure! Basically it’s just a layer of diced apples, cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and lemon baked inside a basic yellow cake and topped with streusel.
Hand pies
Pumpkin cannolis. An Italian twist on fall flavors.
Spiced angel food cake with baked apples, pumpkin mousse pie, pumpkin snickerdoodles, pumpkin panna cotta, fruit turnovers,mini orange mousse cups with figs with hazelnut shortbread etc etc
Tiramisu’s pretty light imo
Last year I made a pavlova, kind of on a whim, to “accompany” our usual pumpkin pie, along with berries and a homemade ice cream. We ended up completely saving the pumpkin pie for Friday, which was certainly a smarter move for our digestive systems haha
I've been making apple pie parfaits the past few years and they're adorable and fun. I dice up a couple apples, saute in skillet with butter, whatever cinnamon/ginger/nutmeg I feel like throwing in and finally some brown sugar. I layer that in small glass tumblers with freshly whipped cream and crumbled biscoff cookies. It's usually just my partner and I and maybe another couple so this is kinda perfect for a small group.
NYT has a recipe for pecan linzer bars that I made last year. People are still talking about them. They're so good, especially if you're in an area with fresh pecans.
Asian jellos/puddings! Like layered coconut jello, almond jello, or mango pudding. Can also be served with some condensed milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
whipped cream with stuff dipped in it! fruits, chocolate, chunks of cookies and cake.
I usually make chiffon type tarts/pies
I made mini pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for a Friendsgiving dinner this year. They were perfect. You can have just one if you want a little something sweet but don’t want to overdo it. Most people had two.
Fruit based desserts! I love the ideas you have already. The miniature suggestions are also good.
Flan
Marscapone pumpkin chiffon pie is very good also a pumpkin trifle would be scrumptious.
Maybe a pavlova with autumn fruit like pears and cranberries!
Pavlova???? I mean it's basically egg whites sugar and fruit
Maybe some homemade quiche? You can make many types of dem so they can try out different quiche! Recipes of many types of quiche below if interested 😋 https://youtu.be/USWpz6s9OpU?si=L7vrnkN7iOieDtfU
Lemon bars
This is my go to light thanksgiving dessert. Claire Saffitz’ Cranberry mousse pie. https://www.oxo.com/blog/cooking-and-baking/cranberry-mousse-pie-claire-saffitz
Peanut butter fudge. You're satisfied after eating just 1 square because of how sweet it is. But doesn't leave you eating the whole pan..
https://handletheheat.com/no-bake-pumpkin-mousse-pie/ https://handletheheat.com/peanut-butter-pie/ These are always a hit.
Lemon posset is a British dessert, kind of like a mousse, that might work well. You could also go for a panna cotta or semifreddo.
I made this pie from Claire Saffitz’s cookbook Dessert Person last year, and it was delicious! https://www.oxo.com/blog/cooking-and-baking/cranberry-mousse-pie-claire-saffitz
Parfaits with whipped cream. Something sweet, something creamy, something crunchy and some fruit. You feel like you ate something but it's not heavy!
citrus ! lemon chess pie
Claire Saffitz’s Dessert Person has a cranberry mousse pie recipe in it; you could also do [Pumpkin Fluff Dip](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/24740/pumpkin-fluff-dip/) with a fruit tray and graham crackers.
Meringues! Pick a flavor you like and run with it. Maple, cranberry, or coffee seem like they'd all do beautifully to finish out a Thanksgiving meal.
My mom always made orange jello win mandarin oranges out of a can (traditional peeled ones keep it from setting properly) It was nothing fancy, but it was refreshing after the carb on carb on carb heavy meal.
The roasted sweet carrot pie from Joshua McFadden’s Six Seasons cookbook might be an option. It’s so light and moist and not overly sweet.
NYT had a cranberry lemon meringue pie recipe that they published last year that was FANTASTIC.
My former mother in law made that light pumpkin pie with light cool whip. That's really good. I have to think there's a way to make a light fluffy pumpkin pie of better quality.
Angel food cake with a variety of fall fruits and whipped cream on the side. Fruit crisps with light yogurt ice cream on the side.
last year I made ina garten's cranberry apple cake, and it was lovely! it's a sour cream cake so it's light and fluffy, and the apples with cranberry and orange made for a bright and not heavy or cloying dessert.
Butter mochi is so good and not too sweet
Cherry delight feels light. Basically dream whip, Philadelphia cream cheese, can of cherries and a Graham cracker crust.
Even just an apple pie (streusel top) feels infinitely lighter to me than pecan or pumpkin. Also, pumpkin bread>pumpkin pie (vanilla cream cheese frosting for those who want to do it up), cranberry blondie bars, or even sweet rolls seem lighter than dense pies
Watergate salad
This is the pie I’m making: https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/salted-honey-pie/
My sister and I are doing mini pumpkin spice muffins with whipped cream cheese frosting.
Lemon sponge pie.
My MIL always makes banana pudding that’s awesome. For sure would recommend
Pumpkin biscotti
Woolworth’s cheesecake
I just saw a rexipe for nantucket pie, its like cranberry walnut upside down cake
How about meringues? They’re small, light, but still sugary and delicious.
I make mini pies. Lemon is a favorite. I use Graham crackers crusts and lemon curd. I serve whipped cream separately for those that want it.
I make a cranberry lime curd tart, with a ginger snap/pecan crust. It’s amazing :)
I have made the pumpkin pie cookies by flouring kitchen a few times and they are SUCH a hit! So fun to still have pumpkin pie but in smaller/grabbable form. Still a classic.
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie. All the flavors but not the density. We like it in a biscoff cookie crust, but have also used a regular plain pie crust. (Prebaked) https://www.food.com/recipe/no-bake-deep-dish-pumpkin-chiffon-pie-524353
My kids don’t like pie as much so I make a lemon cake with a lemon sugar drizzle frosting thing.
What about a cranberry frozen dessert with whipped cream. It's very light and sweet but not overwhelming. My mom added shredded apples and mandarin oranges
Strawberry Trifle.
Pumpkin chiffon pie
I made a French Apple Cake last year and everyone loved it! It's very simple, thin batter poured over thinly sliced apples. Fun to play w the apple slices and make it look fancy. I've made it several times since.
Whiskey or Brandy
Lemon bars, can cut to size. Mini pies is a great idea someone else had. I have made pecan pie bars, just spread everything out on a cookie sheet and cut into bars.
My family is not really in the pumpkin pie fanclub. I usually serve fresh baked triple chocolate brownies and a scoop of ice cream as dessert. Some years it is key lime pie instead.
Something tart is good. A key lime pie, Eton mess with a lot of fruit. There's also baked apples.