“A spoonful of sugar” makes all the difference. As Fairfield University students prepare for Thanksgiving break, they are looking forward to scrumptious food and delicious desserts. In the month of November, what better way to become a baker than channeling your inner Martha Stewart or Ina Garten by curating your own Barefoot Contessa show. Here is a list of November baking recipes that will leave your mouth watering.
For the Non-Bakers: Mini Brownie Turkeys
And it’s…a turkey! Looking for a festive dessert that everyone will enjoy? Brownies are always a safe option. If you are a non-baker, it’s possible the festive spirit of the holidays fills you with the idea that maybe you can be a baker (or assembler) even if it’s just for that moment. They are perfect for a family gathering with young kids and for a friendsgiving celebration. The prep time is only 30 minutes plus an additional cook time of 15 minutes for the base of the creation.
The recipe, courtesy of allrecipes.com, calls for ¼ cup butter, softened ½ cup white sugar, one large egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, ⅛ teaspoon baking powder and ⅛ teaspoon salt. You could also just buy mini brownies from a local grocery store like Stop and Shop or the Fresh Market. This will save both time and energy for busy college students.
The frosting for the turkey’s head calls for three tablespoons of butter, softened, three tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ tablespoons milk and one cup of powdered sugar. Yet again, follow your heart, which can lead you to the premade Betty Crocker icing. Both functional and tasty, this is an easier alternative for beginners.
Don’t leave your turkey gobbling! Remember to add decorations. Candy corn is quite literally the candy of the season. Place the candy corn around the brownie bite by using the frosting to attach it. Add a nose using an M&M or another candy of choice. Don’t forget the eyes! After decorating, your turkey is ready to trot your appetite.
For the Challengers: Pumpkin Fudge
Keep it sweet and neat! This recipe really channels the vibes of “pumpkin spice and everything nice.” If you are a challenger, you probably scroll on Pinterest and TikTok for hours at a time for new recipes. This pumpkin fudge recipe is simple, different yet a little challenging.
If you kind of like pumpkin spice, but are not the hugest fan, this recipe is for you. Mixing elements of white chocolate and the traditional Thanksgiving dessert flavor, this is the perfect snack for a grab-and-go. The required ingredients are three cups (510 g) premium white chocolate chips, ½ cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk, three Tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup (55 g) pumpkin puree, 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, one drop orange gel food coloring, one Tablespoon cornstarch, one teaspoon vanilla extract and optional, but oh so necessary, ½ cup (85 g) white chocolate melting wafers.
In a medium sauce pan accompanied by medium-low heat, slowly add all the ingredients together starting with the white chocolate, condensed milk and butter. Once these ingredients are mostly all melted, add in the fun pumpkin ingredients. Using an eight by eight size baking pan and parchment paper, lay out the mix once all the melted ingredients are whisked well together. Place the pan in the fridge until fully solid. If you are looking to take this dessert to a Thanksgiving celebration, make sure to bake it the night before! You are going to dazzle your friends and family members.
For the Professionals: Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
We’ll give you a pumpkin to talk about. From the delectable crumb topping and vanilla icing to the flavorful coffee cake, this recipe is a crowd pleaser. Think of the best Christmas episode of the Great British Baking Show, but make it Thanksgiving-themed. If you are a professional baker, you are probably looking for a recipe that steps up your game and wows your friends and family at Thanksgiving dinner.
Pumpkin pie is a classic, autumnal sweet treat, however, it’s a tad overdone. This pumpkin coffee cake can be served as a prequel to Thanksgiving dinner, a sequel to the main feast, or both! You can switch it up while still keeping that pumpkin element.
An electronic mixer is not needed for this recipe. This pumpkin coffee cake seeks two cups (250g) all-purpose flour, one teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, one and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, one cup (226g) pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, 1/2 cup (120ml) canola, vegetable oil or coconut oil, 1/4 cup (82g) pure maple syrup and 1/4 cup (60ml) milk. The vanilla icing includes one cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, two tablespoons pumpkin spice coffee creamer, half-and-half or milk and 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
The vanilla icing requires one cup (120g) of confectioners’ sugar, two tablespoons of pumpkin spice coffee creamer, half-and-half or milk, 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Lastly and most importantly, the crumb topping needs 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, one and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons; 56g) cold unsalted butter. This dessert is unique, tasty and, of course, glazed. More in-depth information, pictures and even videos can be found on Sally’s Baking Website.
Whether your prerogative is to just assemble a couple of items or if you fully want to let your inner baker shine, hopefully this list provides creative ideas to spice up your Thanksgiving celebrations this year! Now, take your apron out of your closet. Ready, set, bake!