2 Healthy & Delicious Holiday Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving

“Thanksgiving is a time of and gratitude.” – Nigel Hamilton

It’s already November, which means the holidays are right around the corner. You’re probably thinking of ways that you can make this year’s Thanksgiving special. One constant we can always count on to lift spirits is delicious, healthy desserts. Whether you bake a homemade pumpkin pie or delicious oatmeal cranberry cookies, preparing a healthy dessert for your family is sure to make this holiday season special.

Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipes

Baking shouldn’t be complicated, so check out these two easy and healthy holiday desserts you can bake this Thanksgiving:

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

For this healthy Thanksgiving dessert recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup and 6 tbsp of whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ tsp liquid stevia
• 6 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Step 1: Whisk together your flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together your butter, vanilla extract and liquid stevia. Stir in the pumpkin pie puree, then stir in the maple syrup. Next, you will add in your flour mixture to complete your dough. You will then transfer the dough onto a large sheet of plastic wrap.

Step 2: Cover the top of the dough with another sheet of plastic wrap. Let the dough chill for at least one hour. Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 3: Keep your cookie dough in the plastic wrap and roll it out between 1/8” and 1/16” thick. Peel off the plastic wrap, flour your pumpkin shaped cookie cutter and press into the dough.

Step 4: Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and serve.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

For this delicious Thanksgiving dessert recipe, you will need:

• 3 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour
• 5 tsp homemade pumpkin spice
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 eggs
• 5 ½ tsp liquid stevia
• ¼ cup granulated erythritol
• 1 ¼ cups pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 ¼ cup nonfat milk

Step 1: To start this recipe, you will want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure your Bundt pan is coated with a nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Whisk together your flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium sized bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together your butter, eggs, vanilla extract and liquid stevia. Stir in the granulated erythritol and add the pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt. Next, stir in the vinegar and milk.

Step 3: After you’ve combined these ingredients, spread your batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 60 to 70 minutes. You can then use a toothpick to insert into the middle to check if the cake is done. The toothpick should come out clean if the cake is fully cooked.

Step 4: Let your cake cool completely before adding on the drizzle topping. Stir together your confectioners erythritol and milk in a small bowl to create your drizzle. Once combined, simply drizzle on top of your cake and serve!

Enjoy Freshly Prepared Meals at Episcopal Senior Life Communities

At Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, we understand the importance of a healthy, home-cooked meal. That’s why we provide freshly made, locally sourced meals for residents. Our top focus is on the health and well-being of both residents and members who participate in our Neighborhood Programs to live in their place of choice.

Contact us today to learn more about our dining options, Neighborhood Programs and senior living options.