Thanksgiving Dessert Alternatives to Your Basic Pumpkin Pie

Sure, everyone loves pumpkin pie, but the old standby dessert may start to feel a bit tired over the years. If it sounds like blasphemy to write off your annual Thanksgiving pie, you’ll quickly forget your guilt once you read about these equally sweet, mouthwatering dessert alternatives.

Cranberry Orange Parfait [foodnetwork.com]
Add a tangy, zesty flavor to your holiday dinner table with mini parfaits that are just as pretty as they are delicious. A combination of heavy cream, rich vanilla, and orange marmalade creates a thick, pudding-like base, while chopped pecans add a bit of flavorful crunch that makes this dessert truly decadent.

Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake [smittenkitchen.com]
If you simply can’t bear to part with your pumpkin dessert, breathe new life into it with a cheesecake base and a bit of bourbon. This cheesecake features a graham cracker crust, pumpkin cheesecake filling, and bourbon-infused sour cream topping that's equally creamy and sweet.

Apple Blueberry Crumble [dinnerwithjulie.com]
For your guests who are die-hard pie fans, this traditional fruit pie topped with a thick, flavorful crumble is the perfect ending to the Thanksgiving meal.

Fig Tart [chezpim.com]
Figs may traditionally be a Christmas treat, but this fig tart is so good that your guests won’t even notice. It only takes five ingredients for the filling and three ingredients for the crust, so it’s also incredibly simple to make.

Tasty Turkey Alternatives for Vegetarians

Thanksgiving isn’t traditionally the most vegetarian-friendly holiday, but there are now a number of ways to make your feast enjoyable for vegetarian guests. These meat-free alternatives to the usual Thanksgiving turkey are both delicious and easy to make.

Acorn Squash Over Penne [health.com]
Who says that you can’t have pasta on Thanksgiving? This autumnal entree includes sweet acorn squash and nutrient-dense kale seasoned with crushed red pepper for a bit of warming spice, and it is served with whole wheat penne for a boost of fiber.

Glazed Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf [ohsheglows.com]
Although this hearty vegetarian dish seems more like meatloaf than Thanksgiving turkey, it’s so delicious that your vegetarian guests won’t mind one bit. Lentils and breadcrumbs give it a texture that’s much like meat, while the unique balsamic apple glaze is perfect for fall.

Ricotta and Fontina Stuffed Shells [foodandwine.com]
This veggie take on traditional stuffed shells is made with two types of rich cheeses and more vegetables than you can count. Simply pop the whole pan in the oven for 40 minutes and you’ll have a quick and easy entree that vegetarian guests will love.

Roasted Parsnip Bread Pudding [marthastewart.com]
Instead of the usual stuffing, which is usually cooked in chicken broth, this vegetarian version is seasoned with grated cheese and fresh thyme. Use it to stuff the Thanksgiving tofurkey and you won’t miss the meat at all.

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