Why Youโll Love Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts
When the holiday season rolls around, itโs easy to get swept up in the sugar-laden pies and buttery treats. But what if you could enjoy the same cozy flavors without the guilt? Thatโs where healthy thanksgiving desserts come in. These treats bring all the warmth and nostalgia of traditional recipes, but with better-for-you ingredients that wonโt leave you feeling sluggish.
This particular recipe is a fall favorite in my kitchen. Itโs moist, spiced just right, and naturally sweetenedโperfect for anyone looking to enjoy dessert while staying on track with their wellness goals. Whether youโre hosting a big family dinner or just want something festive and nourishing, these muffins hit the sweet spot.
Theyโre also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a dessert, a snack, or even a quick breakfast on the go. And if youโre planning a full holiday menu, they pair beautifully with other seasonal dishes like these healthy fall dinner recipes.
Table of Contents
Healthy Thanksgiving Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 0.25 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 0.5 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp ground ginger
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.33 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Equipment
- muffin tin 12-cup capacity
- mixing bowls one for wet and one for dry ingredients
- whisk for smooth mixing
- spatula to gently fold and mix
- oven preheated to 350ยฐF
- wire rack for cooling muffins
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Donโt overmix.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts if using, then divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops spring back slightly when touched.
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients to make Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts
Hereโs everything youโll need to whip up these delicious muffins. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a moist, flavorful, and wholesome dessert that fits right into your holiday spread.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Time needed to make Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts
These muffins are quick to prepare and bake, making them a great last-minute addition to your holiday table. Hereโs a breakdown of the time youโll need:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20โ24 minutes
- Total Time: About 35 minutes
If youโre planning a full menu, these muffins pair well with make-ahead dishes like our healthy Labor Day recipes that also work for fall gatherings.
Quick Steps to Make Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk the whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Step 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Donโt overmix.
Step 5
Fold in the chopped walnuts if using, then divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
Step 6
Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops spring back slightly when touched.
Step 7
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8
Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Want to make these muffins even better? Here are a few tips:
- Make it vegan: Swap the eggs for flax eggs to turn these into vegan thanksgiving desserts.
- Nut-free option: Skip the walnuts or use sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens.
- Storage tip: These freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually and thaw overnight.
- Flavor boost: Add a dash of clove or cardamom for extra spice depth.
Is Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts healthy and nutritious ?
Absolutely! These muffins are a great example of diet friendly thanksgiving desserts that donโt sacrifice flavor. Each serving is packed with wholesome ingredients that support your health goals.
Hereโs a general idea of what youโre getting per muffin:
- Calories: Around 160โ180
- Protein: 3โ4g
- Fat: 7โ9g (from healthy sources like coconut oil and almond flour)
- Carbs: 20โ22g
- Sugar: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce
- Fiber: 3g thanks to whole wheat and almond flours
These muffins are a smart choice if youโre watching your sugar intake. Theyโre a great alternative to traditional pies or cakes, especially when compared to options like this pumpkin cognac cheesecake or a classic apple crisp.
Looking for more nutritious treats? Check out these healthy no-bake desserts or our pistachio overnight oats for more inspiration.
Can I make Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts healthier and still delicious?
Yes, and itโs easier than you think! These muffins are already a healthier take on traditional holiday sweets, but you can tweak them even more to suit your dietary needs.
- Low sugar thanksgiving desserts: Reduce the maple syrup to 1/3 cup or use a monk fruit blend for a lower glycemic option.
- Gluten free thanksgiving desserts: Swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free blend like oat flour or certified GF all-purpose flour.
- Paleo thanksgiving desserts: Replace both flours with almond and coconut flour (adjust ratios) and use coconut sugar instead of maple syrup.
For more ideas, try these healthy muffin recipes or explore homemade pita chips for a savory snack alternative.
Need more inspiration? These cream cheese pumpkin breads and pumpkin cheesecakes offer creative ways to keep things festive and healthy.
How to Serve Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts?
These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:
- Warm with a drizzle of almond butter for a cozy snack.
- Alongside a cup of tea or coffee as a light dessert.
- With a scoop of healthy ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
- As part of a brunch spread with spinach and feta turkey burgers.
They also pair well with festive drinks like this skinny margarita or a warm cider.
For a kid-friendly twist, serve them with fruit and veggie snacks or alongside mini pavlovas for a colorful dessert board.
Avoid These Mistakes
Even simple recipes can go sideways if youโre not careful. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter: This can make the muffins dense. Stir just until combined.
- Skipping the liners or greasing: These muffins can stick, so prep your tin properly.
- Using cold eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better and help with texture.
- Not checking doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center before removing from the oven.
Want more foolproof recipes? Try our healthy Valentineโs Day recipes or these BBQ chicken breasts for savory success.
Also, check out these allergy-friendly frozen pumpkin pie bites and blender muffins for more reliable holiday treats.
The best way to store leftover Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts
These muffins are just as good the next dayโif they last that long! Hereโs how to keep them fresh:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 20 seconds.
For more make-ahead ideas, check out our no-bake dessert collection or these Valentineโs Day treats that store beautifully.
Need more freezer-friendly inspiration? Try these healthy pumpkin pies or pumpkin cheesecakes that hold up well in the freezer.
Ready to give Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts a try?
These muffins are a cozy, nourishing way to celebrate the season. Theyโre easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy healthy thanksgiving desserts without missing out on the fun.
Whether youโre baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a keeper. Itโs flexible, family-friendly, and fits into a variety of dietary needsโfrom low sugar thanksgiving desserts to vegan thanksgiving desserts.
Before you go, donโt forget to explore more seasonal favorites like our fall dinner ideas, no-bake sweets, muffin recipes, and Valentineโs Day treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Just replace the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend like oat flour or a certified gluten-free all-purpose mix. The almond flour already adds a nice texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the batter.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely. Wrap each muffin individually and store in a freezer-safe bag. Theyโll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 20โ30 seconds.
Are these muffins sweet enough for dessert?
Yes, theyโre naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce. If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can add a few dark chocolate chips or a light glaze.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Try adding dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or even a swirl of almond butter before baking. Just keep the total add-ins to about 1/2 cup.
