Thanksgiving is all about classic flavors and traditional treats but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to experiment!
At Le Gourmet Central, we’ve rounded up some desserts that honor classic Thanksgiving flavors with European-inspired touches. Find the perfect dish, or two, to indulge your sweet tooth.
1. Deconstructed Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, but a deconstructed version feels more fun and spontaneous.
By serving the elements separately in individual glass cups, you can layer textures and flavors in a way that highlights each ingredient. Think of it as an autumn parfait!
INGREDIENTS:
- Pumpkin puree or Jam
- Crushed graham crackers or ginger snaps for texture
- Whipped cream or mascarpone cheese, lightly sweetened and spiced
- Optional: caramel sauce or a drizzle of bourbon caramel
*If you’re using pure pumpkin puree without added spices, then make sure to add in a tablespoon of cinnamon, and a teaspoon both of nutmeg and cloves
Start with a spiced pumpkin puree, then add a layer of crunchy graham cracker crumble, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone.
Serve in little sundae cups to make it fun!
The Pumpkin and Spice Jam from Museu de la Confitura is made from a base of pure pumpkin puree and then has warm flavors like lemon, saffron, pepper, ginger, and rasel hanout masterfully blended in. It is a great addition to this recipe! Simply use it in place of the pumpkin puree, dolloped in a layer on top of the cheese.
For an extra layer of flavor, try drizzling caramel or bourbon-infused caramel over the top.
Pro Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a single cinnamon stick and star anise for a festive look.
2. Candied Orange Peels
Candied orange peels bring a burst of flavor and bright color to any Thanksgiving dessert spread. With their perfect balance of sweet and tart, they’re a delightful palate cleanser after a hearty meal. Serve with something light and sparkling like Prosecco.
These make lovely gifts as well, so consider making a large batch!
If creating your own sounds like too much work, order a box or two from Pablo Garrigós. Made in Spain from premium Silician oranges, the candied peels are dipped in decadent dark chocolate.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup sugar for the syrup + extra for coating
- 1 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Peel the oranges, remove as much pith as possible, and cut into thin strips.
- Boil the orange peels in water, drain, and repeat to remove bitterness.
- Simmer the strips in sugar and water until translucent, then roll in extra sugar to coat.
Pro Tip: Dip one end of each orange peel in dark chocolate for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
3. Decadent Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate may not be a traditional Thanksgiving dessert but there’s always a spot for it in our menus!
Chocolate truffles bring a sense of sophistication to your table and are surprisingly simple to make.
Make your own or order from the master chocolatiers at La Despensa de Palacio.Their Gianduja Truffles are an exquisite treat, blending rich chocolate with smooth hazelnut cream for an indulgent, velvety taste. After your meal while guests wind down, serve these truffles on a beautiful tray alongside dessert wine and espressos.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Optional flavorings: orange zest, espresso powder, or a splash of liqueur
- Cocoa powder, sea salt, or finely chopped nuts for coating
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Melt the chocolate with heavy cream and stir until smooth.
- Chill the mixture until firm, then roll into balls and coat.
Pro Tip: Serve these truffles on a platter alongside candied orange peels for a visually appealing and luxurious pairing.
4. Sea Salted Toffees
For those who enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory, sea salted toffees is the answer! Add this simple yet indulgent treat to your Thanksgiving dessert menu. It’s the perfect combination of velvety caramel richness balanced by flaky sea salt.
They might look impressive but they are easy to make on your own. Don’t have the time? Order a tin of Cartwright & Butler's Sea Salted Toffees.
This luxurious, buttery treat from England is a decadent, melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Serve it on a festive platter alongside coffee and tea while you watch an after dinner holiday movie. Want to keep the holiday party going? A tawny port or a smooth whiskey balances the sweetness of a dessert like fudge beautifully.
INGREDIENTS:
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- Flaky sea salt for topping (We love this Sal de Ibiza)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Melt chocolate with condensed milk and butter, stirring until smooth.
- Pour into a lined pan, sprinkle with sea salt, and let it set until firm in the fridge. This should take about 4 hours.
- Slice into bite-sized pieces and place on a serving platter.
Pro Tip: For an extra dimension, try adding a layer of caramel before topping with sea salt. To make it extra festive, add crushed candy canes!
Don’t forget to plan a dessert for your Thanksgiving menu! Let Le Gourmet Central’s gourmet ingredients and European flair inspire you to create a dessert spread that will leave your guests raving.