24 Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts and Light Holiday Treats
24 Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts and Light Holiday Treats
Read Time: 8 mins
24 Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts and Light Holiday Treats
at its best—and that’s important around the holidays
at its best—and that’s important around the holidays. 3/24 Apple-Spice Angel Food Cake 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 45 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois 4/24 Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 10 min Servings 8
servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I always keep fat-free frozen yogurt on hand. By combining it with just four other ingredients, I can quickly whip up this great-tasting treat.—Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina 5/24 Slow-Cooker Baked Apples Test Kitchen Approved Slow-Cooker Baked Apples Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 4 hours 25 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky 6/24 Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Layered
Plus it is so luscious that no one will guess that it is light!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Enjoy this holiday dessert without worrying about calories. Plus it is so luscious that no one will guess that it is light! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin 7/24 Pumpkin Snack Cake 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Pumpkin Snack Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: The crunchy, sweet topping makes this simple pumpkin snack cake taste extra special. If you prefer a sweeter cake,
omit the topping and spread with your favorite frosting instead
omit the topping and spread with your favorite frosting instead. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, Michigan 8/24 Swedish Apple Pie 13 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Swedish Apple Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This decadent Swedish apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan 9/24 Easy Almond Joy Chia Pudding 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 2 servings Go
No baking is required, and it’s served in individual jars for guests
to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy making this coconut milk chia pudding recipe because it’s easy and I can find all the ingredients at my local market. No baking is required, and it’s served in individual jars for guests. For more flavor, add shredded coconut. —Ashley Altan, Hanover, Maryland 10/24 Dutch Apple Pie Tartlets 3 Reviews Total Time 35 min Servings 2-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These adorable mini apple pie pastries make a delightful addition to a dessert buffet or snack tray. The recipe calls for convenient frozen phyllo shells, so they’re surprisingly
easy to prepare
easy to prepare. The lemon curd filling adds a unique flavor twist. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York 11/24 Upside-Down Blood Orange Cupcakes Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Upside-Down Blood Orange Cupcakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Making blood orange cupcakes is my favorite way to use fresh blood oranges. I start with a cake mix and bump up the flavor with essential oil. No one knows these cupcakes are not from scratch. —Monica Chadha, Fremont, California 12/24 Cranberry Stuffed Apples 3 Reviews Test
14/24 Apple Pie Tartlets 16 Reviews Test
Kitchen Approved Total Time 3 hours 10 min Servings 5 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts add a homey autumn flavor to these stuffed apples, while the slow cooker does most of the work. —Graciela Sandvigen, Rochester, New York 13/24 Marzipan Bars 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Marzipan Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 5 min Servings about 6-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband’s grandmother made these lovely layered bars for us as our newlywed Christmas present. 14/24 Apple Pie Tartlets 16 Reviews Test
Kitchen Approved Caramel Apple Tartlets Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 20 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Good-for-you things come in small packages when you make a batch of these tiny apple tartlets. Sweet and cinnamony, these mouthwatering tarts are a delightful addition to a dessert table or snack tray. —Mary Kelley, Minneapolis, Minnesota 15/24 Frosted Harvest Cake 71 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Frosted Harvest Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 3-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Craving brownies but want something a
little bit different?
little bit different? Indulge in a fall-flavored version topped with a cream cheese frosting. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas 16/24 Sugar-Free Apple Pie 13 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Sugar-Free Apple Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 5 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This sugar-free pie is so delicious, you can’t even detect the artificial sweetener in the filling. I always get rave reviews when I bring it to church potlucks. —Teresa Garlick, Glendale, Arizona 17/24 Rustic Nut Bars 15 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Rustic Nut Bars Recipe
I really enjoy this chocolate tapioca pudding, and I hope you do, too!
photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 3 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My friends love crunching into the crust—so much like shortbread—and the wildly nutty topping of these chewy, gooey bars. —Barbara Driscoll, West Allis, Wisconsin 18/24 Dark Chocolate Espresso Tapioca Pudding Test Kitchen Approved Dark Chocolate Espresso Tapioca Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’ve been experimenting with espresso powder in different dishes. I really enjoy this chocolate tapioca pudding, and I hope you do, too! —Shelly
It’s sugar free—and guilt free
Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon 19/24 Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 15 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These cheesecake bars have four delectable layers: a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, chocolaty morsels and a crumbly topping. It’s sugar free—and guilt free. You’ll get nothing but compliments on this dessert. —Rachel Sanders, Salem, Ohio 20/24 Butterscotch Pumpkin Mousse 49 Reviews Butterscotch Pumpkin Mousse Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 4 servings
It tastes so good, no one guesses that it’s actually low in fat
Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Guests savor every creamy, spoonful of this spiced autumn dessert. It tastes so good, no one guesses that it’s actually low in fat. —Patricia Sidloskas, Anniston, Alabama 21/24 Frosted Pumpkin Cranberry Bars 9 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Frosted Pumpkin Cranberry Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings about 4 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: With tangy dried cranberries tucked inside and a creamy brown butter frosting, these mildly spiced pumpkin bars are doubly delightful. It’s a good thing the recipe makes lots, because
once you taste one, you won’t be able to resist going back for more!
once you taste one, you won’t be able to resist going back for more! -Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona 22/24 Honey Pecan Triangles 19 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Honey Pecan Triangles Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 5 min Servings 4 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: After stirring up batches of these tasty bar cookies for many years, I know to include plenty on cookie trays. They have all the goodness of pecan pie and are so easy to serve to a crowd. —Debbie Fogel, East Berne, New York 23/24 Mini Apple
I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult!
Pies 28 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I was in high school, my best friend’s mother baked this mini apple pie recipe every year. I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult! —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas 24/24 Orange Cranberry Cookie Bars 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Orange Cranberry Cookie Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 8 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These cranberry cookie bars combine two beloved holiday
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Mary Kelley, Minneapolis, Minnesota 15/24 Frosted Harvest Cake 71 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Frosted Harvest Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 3-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Craving brownies but want something a little bit different?
Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.
⭐ Expert Tips
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Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.
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Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.
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Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.
✅ Key Takeaways
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These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.
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Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.
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Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.
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