Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch: Thanksgiving

Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts

Caramel Pineapple Sauce

Saturday, September 6, 2025
Caramel Pineapple Sauce is a delicious syrup recipe with chunks of pineapple. We love Caramel Pineapple Sauce for breakfast served over French Toast, Pancakes or Waffles and for dessert over ice cream or anything else your heart desires to coat with it. 

Other favorite ways we love to use up fresh pineapple include Fresh Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Habanero Pineapple Blueberry Salsa

Caramel Pineapple Sauce over the top of French Toast.
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No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Thursday, July 10, 2025
A delicious combination of two favorite desserts from scratch Banana Pudding and Cheesecake making this No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake a family favorite in our house. A graham cracker crust is filled with an easy Banana Pudding Cheesecake filling filled with fresh banana. Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream and sliced banana for a show stopping dessert.

 For more delicious from scratch Banana Pudding recipes make sure to try traditional Homemade Banana Pudding,  Baked Banana Pudding Cheesecake, and Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes.

A slice of Banana Pudding Cheesecake with a graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream and a slice of banana on a white plate with a  banana pudding cheesecake in a pie plate in the background.
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This weeks Sunday Supper theme is a Big Virtual Picnic and I couldn't think of something better to bring to a picnic than a Banana Pudding Cheesecake.

For the the banana cream pie lover I don't think dessert gets much better than this.

Banana cream pie meets no bake cheesecake. Colt said it's so good it doesn't even need the whip cream.

Just for the record Colt already put in his order for another Banana Pudding Cheesecake for our Birthday, it's that amazing! Since we share a Birthday it was a huge relief we both agreed on dessert this year.

Banana Cheesecake is a favorite dessert recipe for the Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table. The cream cheese cuts the sweetness of the banana pudding from scratch recipe making it a favorite after dinner dessert. We actually make this recipe for Banana Pudding Cheesecake year around.
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Homemade Flaky Pie Crust

Saturday, November 23, 2024
Learn how to make Homemade Pie Crust Dough from scratch that is deliciously buttery and flaky.  I prefer to use a pastry cutter over a food processor for this recipe because it leaves nice little pockets of butter and shortening to ensure flakiness. 

A down shot of Flaky Pie Crust in a glass pan.
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Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Friday, October 4, 2024
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs make a stunning appetizer for holiday entertaining. A favorite easy Thanksgiving appetizer recipe to save time since they can be made ahead of time. They combined classic deviled eggs with smoked salmon, fresh dill, and fresh chives for a delicious mouthful in every bite. They are the perfect finger food. 

Other Appetizers we love for the holidays are Smoked Salmon Dip, Greek Feta Dip and Hot Crab Dip

A side shot of Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs on a white marble serving platter.
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Oven Roasted Artichokes

Saturday, September 28, 2024
Roasted Artichoke baked in the oven with garlic and lemon is a delicious way to make artichoke hearts everyone loves. These make a wonderful appetizer or side dish and are great for parties. 

Roasted Artichoke baked in the oven on a cookie sheet.
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Oven Roasted Artichokes let me count the way I love uuuuuuu...

You guys, if you love artichokes as much as I do, and you've never had a lemony garlicky Oven Roasted Artichoke; let me tell you, you're missing out MEGA! 

Colt knows I absolutely adore artichokes, so he purchased a few for Mothers Day. We decided to roast them with lemon, and garlic. It was like a dance party in the mouth.

They would be great as an appetizer, or side, but we like them just because. I really don't need an excuse to enjoy these! 

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Pumpkin Cobbler

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Easy Pumpkin Cobbler recipe from scratch made without cake mix. It has a creamy silky pumpkin base just like pumpkin pie with all the delicious spices and is topped with a crunchy from scratch cobbler topping that is filled with delicious pumpkin spices to make this a fall favorite and great alternative to Pumpkin Pie at Thanksgiving. Serve Pumpkin Cobbler with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream and it's guaranteed to be a hit.

We love Pumpkin Desserts in our house. Other Pumpkin recipes we love are Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumb Bars, Pumpkin Bread with Streusel, and these easy Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

A side shot of a slice of Pumpkin Cobbler on a white plate with a scoop of ice cream on top.
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Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake

Thursday, November 9, 2023
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and these bite size Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes deserve a spot on your Thanksgiving menu. They make such an amazing easy dessert without the fuss of pie crust. Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake filling inside a graham cracker gingerbread cookie spiced crust really takes these to the next level of deliciousness. 

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes are so delicious they would be worth the effort if they weren't so easy to make but the icing on the cake is  just how simple these bites are.

A side photo of a Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with whipped cream and lightly dusted with cinnamon!

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Moist Pumpkin Bread

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Easy super Moist Pumpkin Bread is family favorite quick bread recipe. It's a favorite fall quick bread recipe and can be made with either canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree. It has molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice for a delicious fall flavor.

You can make this Pumpkin Bread with or without a mixer. Whole wheat pastry flour can be used for a healthier alternative without effecting the texture or all-purpose flour if that's what you have on hand.                                                        

A side shot of a sliced loaf of Moist Pumpkin Bread.
With Fall in full swing I think it's fair to start sharing a few of my favorite pumpkin recipes including this Moist Pumpkin Bread I adapted from Grannies Banana Luncheon Loaf with a few healthier substitution options like coconut oil and whole wheat pastry flour.

I promise you no one will be able to tell the difference with the healthier substitutions. 

I'm always craving a slice of Pumpkin Bread recipe this time of year and I think the hardest part to nailing this recipe was achieving the perfect balance of pumpkin spice with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice.  It's absolutely the best! 

I kept this bread nude but I'm pretty sure it would be delicious smothered in Maple Cream Cheese Frosting if your looking for something on the sweeter side of life.

But for me I'm all for a warm slice of Moist Pumpkin Bread recipe nude with a little bit of butter first thing in the morning with my cuppa.

I know you'll love this recipe too unless your one of those anti-pumpkin people then maybe you should check out this Moist Orange Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze instead.

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Caramel Apple Poke Cake

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a delicious cake for mid afternoon snacking or dessert. A moist spiced Apple Cake made with cinnamon, nutmeg and plenty of vanilla is mixed with tart Granny Smith Apples for a nice contrast to the caramel than covered with homemade caramel sauce. Add a scoop of Vanilla or Caramel Swirl Ice Cream and drizzle with additional caramel if desired. 

It's a delicious moist cake for fall the whole family will love and makes a great alternative to Pie at Thanksgiving. 

A side shot Caramel Apple Poke Cake on a white plate.

My three favorite words in the whole wide world Caramel Apple Cake. Swoon.. There's just something about caramel and apples that makes my heart pitter patter.. Its one of the things that makes fall one my favorite seasons, along with the gorgeous colors of the trees, cozy sweaters and boots..

I totally planned on posting this cake yesterday but somehow my time disappeared. I started out editing pictures, then waiting for them to upload, so I started poking around Facebook and Pinterest. I don't think I need to tell you what happened from there...

Before I knew it Colt was headed home to take me to a Doctors appointment, and I had barely accomplished anything including the afternoon nap I had planned. I wonder if I can have a rain check for my missed nap? Oh well..

How to make Caramel Apple Poke Cake, coming right up!
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Fresh Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Monday, October 2, 2023
Our favorite Pineapple Upside Down Cake is made with fresh slices of pineapple in a delicious caramelized brown sugar topping over a moist vanilla pineapple cake. A classic retro dessert recipe that is taken to a whole new level of deliciousness with the use of fresh pineapple will make this a new favorite cake recipe. Served with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take it over the top!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a favorite alternative dessert recipe at Thanksgiving and Christmas

A side semi over head photo of a baked Fresh Pineapple Upside Down Cake on a white cake stand.
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Peach Moscow Mule

Sunday, April 2, 2023
Peach Moscow Mule Cocktail or Mocktail is a delicious easy to make drink recipe. 

A side photo of a Peach Moscow Mule Cocktail and a Peach Moscow Mule Cocktail in  tall skinny glasses with a stainless steel straw and a lime wheel to garnish the edge of each glass.
We had fun in the kitchen the other night making Peach Moscow Mule Mocktails as an extra special treat. 

In case you've never heard of a Mocktail before it's an alcohol free version of a cocktail, perfect for baby showers, family gatherings or just a special treat. But you could totally add a shot of your favorite vodka for an adult version of this Peach Moscow Mule.

The Agave Ginger Peach combo makes these a summertime favorite but perfect year around with the sweetness of the peaches and the spice of ginger.
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Best Apple Crisp Recipe

Saturday, March 18, 2023
Apple Crisp is a fall favorite recipe that graces our table often. It's simple enough to make that even those that don't bake can make a truly amazing dessert. I've been told it's the BEST Apple Crisp and favorite on the dessert table for Thanksgiving and Christmas as an alternative to apple pie, but easy enough dessert for any night of the week.

Apple Crisp is one of those recipes that always reminds me of childhood memories of my Great Grandparents house. It was a staple dessert at all family functions.

A side shot of Apple Crisp on a white plate with a scoop of ice cream on top.
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As a kid whenever we went to a large family gathering there was always an amazing Apple Crisp on the dessert table waiting to be devoured.

This recipe for Apple Crisp is easy enough to make make any night of the week, but still a favorite for the Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert table. It's simply the best!

I used a combination of Granny Smith and Braeburn apples in this crisp. I've used Pinova Apples in the past and love them equally. They are a little harder to come by sometimes.

I find using a blend of apples gives the filling a nice depth of flavor from the sweet and tart apple combination along with plenty of cinnamon, and a little vanilla for warmth. The lemon juicy adds a brightness to the flavor, and really brings the crisp together.

The crisp topping is sweet, but not overly sweet, and extra crunchy to compliment a large scoop of ice cream.

I know you'll love this recipe for the Best Apple Crisp as much as we do!

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Granny Smith Apple Pie

Thursday, November 17, 2022
This is the best Apple Pie recipe from what I've been told if you love tart granny smith apples with a perfect balance of sweetness and plenty of cinnamon in a super butter flaky crust. 

A down shot of 2 Flaky Granny Smith Apple Pies on a white marble counter top with 3 apples in the top left corner.

If I could only have 1 type of pie for the rest of my life it would definitely be a double crust Apple Pie made with Granny Smith Apples in a flaky buttery crust.

To me it's one of those things that taste like childhood. I always loved watching my Granny make all the pies in the kitchen the night before Thanksgiving and the smell of her Apple Pie baking in the oven. 

It took me a long time to perfect the perfect Apple Pie. Not overly sweet with plenty of cinnamon and a butter flaky crust. 

I actually put off sharing my Double Crust Apple Pie recipe for a long time because it's so basic but over the years I've learned there are a lot of you who love a good strong basic recipe. Logan just happened to text me today asking me to post this on my site so he could make it for his fiancé's family.

So here's how to make my recipe for Granny Smith Apple Pie:
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Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe

Monday, August 15, 2022
The most amazing Gluten Free Pie Crust! It's so tender and flaky you won't miss the gluten. I also include a dairy free option for those needing a Gluten Free Dairy Free Pie Crust.

A Gluten Free Pie Crust in a glass pan on a white cutting board.
Today I'm here to tell you if you have gluten intolerant family member, you are gluten intolerant, or just looking for a gluten free option you need to make this Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe with a Dairy Free option.

It is the perfect pie crust recipe to enjoy with dietary restrictions, you'll never be able to tell it's gluten free. It is amazing!

But best of all you can't over work the dough like traditional pie crust, or add too much water since it lacks gluten which  traditionally makes the dough tough.

My sweet friend Rachelle over at Gluten Free Baking By Rachelle has been telling me since before the beginning of summer I had to make this Gluten Free Dairy Free Pie Crust From Emeril Lagasse.

With a few modifications and the use of my food processor to simplify the making of the dough, I am excited to tell you this is the prefect tender flaky Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe, so easy to make and your gluten eating family won't miss a thing! 
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7 Up Raspberry Jello Salad

Tuesday, November 23, 2021
7 Up Raspberry Jello Salad is a delicious Jello Salad recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas or just because.

Raspberry Jello is made with 7 Up, crushed pineapple, mandarine oranges, mini marshmallows and fresh raspberries. It's set in the refrigerator before being covered with a homemade pineapple mousse mixture. 

I decided to decorate the top with 3 raspberries and a mint leaf to give the feel of holly berries making it perfect for Christmas and the holidays but delicious enough for anytime.  7 Up Raspberry Jello Salad with 4 sets of  3 raspberries and a mint leaf to look like a holly berry for Christmas in a clear glass 9"x13" pan space 4 down each side.
If you're still trying to decide on a Fruit Salad or Jello Salad for Thanksgiving I have the perfect one for you! 

7 Up Raspberry Jello Salad is my twist on one of our family favorite recipes my Mother In Law taught me how to make early on in our marriage 7 Up Salad with Lemon Jello that was handed down to her from my husbands Grandmother. 

It wouldn't be the holidays without a 7 Up Salad and this one will quickly become a favorite! Between Colt and the boys they have already devoured half a pan and I will be surprised if the rest makes it through the night. 

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Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

Thursday, November 11, 2021
With Thanksgiving fast approaching I thought I would share a post with our family's favorite Main Dishes and Side Dish recipes to make Thanksgiving dinner planning a little bit easier. 

Whether you're looking for an AMAZING Turkey Recipe, delicious sides, or fluffy rolls I'm going to share some of our favorites.

A photo collage of Thanksgiving Main Dishes and Side Dishes.

I've also included some Turkey alternatives because when Colt went to purchase a Turkey a few days ago and there were none available. Hopefully they will start to appear in the next few days, but if not here are a few other ideas.

Let me know if you would love to see a similar post of appetizers and dessert recipes for planning your meal.
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Crock Pot Hot Fudge Cake

Tuesday, July 20, 2021
A sweet and chocolaty cake with a hot fudge sauce made in the crock pot.

Crock Pot Hot Fudge Cake is an easy to make dessert recipe from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.

I made Crock Pot Hot Fudge Cake to celebrate 15 years of marriage last week. We decide to have a simple evening in.

We usually go out someplace and make a big night of our anniversary or weekend but this year we spent the actual night at home eating dinner and dessert with the kids and then snuggled on the couch to watch Thursday night football.

After 15 years and 3 kids we've gotten to the point that it doesn't matter what we do so much as we are spending time together and having fun. Plus we had the previous weekend alone. When you have kids having the house to yourself for a night or two is like a dream come true! 

And since we were celebrating we had to have dessert, otherwise it's not really a celebration. So I decided to make a Crock Pot Hot Fudge Cake with Lorna's help since I was having a massive chocolate craving, and it's super simple to put together.

It's a sweet chocolaty cake that floats to the top over a layer of fudgy sauce.

It definitely requires a scoop of ice cream to round out the richness and it's great for company since it's made ahead of time and requires very little supervision.
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Apple Pie Crumb Bars

Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Apple Pie Crumb Bars are the perfect hybrid dessert of Apple Pie and Apple Crisp in one delicious easy to make bar recipe!

 
Apple Pie Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of apple pie and crisp making this the perfect Thanksgiving recipe for dessert from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.

I made Apple Pie Crumb Bars, because I couldn't decide if I wanted an Apple Pie or Crisp. I love the crumbly top and bottom crust with the tart, sweet, cinnamony apple filling.

Apple Pie Crumb Bars are an easy to make hybrid of the two and perfect for a crowd! They have plenty of crumb for all my crumb lovers out there with plenty of apple filling! 

 Lorna and I made 2 pans of these Apple Pie Crumb Bars so we had a pan to share and a pan for home because they never last long in our house.

I also highly suggest a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream because there's nothing better in life then appley, cinnamony, crumbly goodness with a good old scoop of vanilla.

I just happened to accidentally leave the vanilla ice cream out the night before so we had to enjoy our Apple Pie Crumb Bars at home without it but they were still amazing.

You really can't go wrong with these.
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Buttermints Or Wedding Mints

Saturday, June 5, 2021
Buttermints also known as Wedding Mints are creamy, melt in your mouth deliciousness. With just 5 ingredients they are a fun and easy Christmas candy to make.

A crystal bowl full of Buttermints with a Christmas Tree in the background.
Buttermints are incredible, lovely, and fantastic! So simple to make and creamy!

Are you ready?

I present you with Buttermints aka Wedding Mints! My favorite part about any wedding or holiday growing up was the Buttermints left out next to the cake after dinner!

I love the minty, light, airy texture of these mints as they melt in your mouth! Pure deliciousness!

These are soo easy to make and a wonderful addition to you Christmas candy!

Now go make these and then make some more to share! Your friends will be glad you did! 

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Lemon Pudding Cheesecake

Thursday, March 11, 2021
Lemon Pudding Cheesecake is a delicious no bake cheesecake recipe in a graham cracker crust with a homemade lemon pudding filling.

A slice of Lemon Pudding Cheesecake on a white plate.

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