When the leaves turn and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, my mind immediately wanders to Thanksgiving. This year, I wanted to bring a playful twist to our dessert table, so I created these adorable Pumpkin Pie Turkeys. Imagine turning the classic pumpkin pie everyone loves into delightful, whimsical turkey shapes that not only taste fantastic but also spark creativity in the kitchen!
What makes these little guys truly special is how simple they are to assemble. With a few easy-to-find ingredients like chocolate, Reese’s cups, and candy corn, you can transform a traditional dessert into a festive centerpiece that will have both kids and adults grinning from ear to ear. Plus, they’re the perfect opportunity for a fun family activity that invites everyone to roll up their sleeves and get creative together. Let’s dive in and make this Thanksgiving a little sweeter with these charming Pumpkin Pie Turkeys!
Why are Pumpkin Pie Turkeys a Must-Try?
These Pumpkin Pie Turkeys bring joy to your Thanksgiving celebrations!
- Whimsical Appeal: Transform your classic dessert into adorable turkey shapes; everyone will love the fun twist!
- Easy Assembly: With simple ingredients, even the kids can help, making it a joyful family activity.
- Delicious Flavor: A delightful mix of pumpkin, chocolate, and peanut buttery goodness that’s irresistible!
- Festive Centerpiece: These charming treats double as eye-catching decorations on your dessert table.
- Customizable: Swap out candies or add fruit to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs easily.
Get ready for smiles and laughter as you create these charming treats this Thanksgiving!
Pumpkin Pie Turkeys Ingredients
-
For the Base
-
Pumpkin Pie – The foundation of this delightful dessert, providing that classic pumpkin flavor; use pre-made or homemade to save time!
-
For the Decoration
-
Chocolate Chips, melted – Adds a rich sweetness and is perfect for drizzling; you can substitute with dark chocolate if you prefer less sweetness.
-
Mini Reese’s Cups – These make up the turkey’s body, bringing a delicious chocolate-peanut butter combo; feel free to swap with other chocolate candies if desired.
-
Candy Eyes – Essential for the turkey’s face, creating extra charm; you can use small chocolate chips as an alternative if you don’t have candy eyes.
-
Orange Reese’s Pieces, halved – Used for the beak, contributing both color and sweetness; any orange candy or icing can work as a replacement.
-
Candy Corn – Gives the tail feathers a fun crunch and adds vibrant colors; consider any similar-shaped candy as a substitute.
Dive into the delightful world of these Pumpkin Pie Turkeys and let the creative fun begin!
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Turkeys
-
Prepare Base: Start by taking your pre-baked 9-inch pumpkin pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This will ensure a stable base for your adorable creations!
-
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the cooled pumpkin pie for a delicious, sweet layer.
-
Assemble Turkeys: Place mini Reese’s cups in the center of the pie for the turkey’s body. Add candy eyes atop each Reese’s cup for that whimsical face and fix halved orange Reese’s Pieces below as the beak. Lastly, arrange candy corn around the Reese’s cups to form vibrant tail feathers.
-
Chill & Serve: Allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the decorations adhere better. Once set, your delightful pumpkin pie turkeys are ready to be showcased!
Optional: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie Turkeys?
These adorable creations deserve delightful companions to complete your festive feast!
-
Whipped Cream: A dollop of airy whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the sweet pumpkin flavors, elevating each bite.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy indulgence of vanilla ice cream melds beautifully with the warm spices in the pie turkeys, making every slice a true delight.
-
Apple Cider: Warm or chilled, apple cider brings a comforting fall flavor that perfectly complements the pumpkin and spices.
-
Pecan Pie: A slice of classic pecan pie introduces a crunchy, nutty texture, making it a wonderful contrast against the creamy pumpkin pie turkeys.
-
Ginger Snap Cookies: These spiced cookies provide a crunchy, sweet bite that echoes the autumn spices found in your turkey treats, creating a harmonious dessert spread.
-
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the whipped cream adds extra sweetness and a lovely richness that enhances the overall dessert experience.
-
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Offering warm drinks like coffee or hot chocolate brings a cozy vibe to your dessert table, perfect for sipping while enjoying these cute creations.
Storage Tips for Pumpkin Pie Turkeys
-
Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh at room temperature, but if you have leftovers, it’s wise to store them promptly.
-
Fridge: Keep the pumpkin pie turkeys in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
-
Freezer: If you need to save them for later, freeze the assembled turkeys (without chocolate drizzle) on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container, where they can last up to a month.
-
Reheating: For best results, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight and serve cold, or let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Pumpkin Pie Turkeys Variations
Get ready to personalize your Pumpkin Pie Turkeys with these fun and creative twists!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy chocolate with almond or coconut milk chocolate for a creamy, dairy-free delight.
- Nut-Free: Use caramel or butterscotch candies instead of Reese’s cups to cater to nut allergies while keeping the sweetness.
- Fruit Garnish: Swap out candy decorations for fresh fruit pieces like berries or kiwi for a zesty and healthy twist!
- Spiced Dusting: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm, festive flavor boost that enhances the pumpkin taste.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Use melted white chocolate for a beautiful contrast in color and an extra layer of sweetness.
- Cereal Crunch: Incorporate crushed graham crackers or your favorite cereal around the base for added crunch alongside the sweet treats.
- Heat Plus: Drizzle with a touch of spicy caramel or add a sprinkle of cayenne for a fun kick that complements the sweetness.
- Mini Pumpkin Versions: Create bite-sized mini pumpkin pie turkeys using tart shells for individual servings that are perfect for sharing!
Let your creativity shine as you experiment with these delightful variations!
Expert Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Turkeys
-
Perfectly Melted Chocolate: Make sure to melt your chocolate chips gradually and stir thoroughly. This prevents clumps and achieves a smooth drizzle over the pie.
-
Steady Drizzling: Use a spoon or a squeeze bottle to drizzle the melted chocolate. A steady hand makes for a neat and elegant chocolate layer on your pumpkin pie turkeys.
-
Alternative Hold: If you decide to swap out ingredients and need the decorations to stay put, a tiny bit of icing works wonders to secure your candy in place!
-
Creative Candy Swaps: Don’t hesitate to personalize your turkeys! Swap the candies based on your family’s preferences—there’s no wrong way to craft these pumpkin pie turkeys!
-
Chill Time Matters: Ensure your pie sets in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes after assembly. This helps all the decorations adhere nicely for a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead Options
These adorable Pumpkin Pie Turkeys are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the pumpkin pie and cool it up to 24 hours in advance, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. The fun decorations can also be prepped a few hours ahead; simply melt the chocolate and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, just drizzle the chocolate, assemble the turkeys with the Reese’s and candies, and let them set in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This way, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready for your Thanksgiving table without any last-minute stress!
Pumpkin Pie Turkeys Recipe FAQs
How should I select the pumpkin pie for my Pumpkin Pie Turkeys?
Absolutely! If you’re using a pre-made pumpkin pie, look for one that has a smooth filling and no dark spots on the surface. For homemade, ensure the pie is fully baked and cooled to room temperature before decorating—it’ll give you a stable base for assembling those adorable turkey shapes!
What’s the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Pie Turkeys?
Very! Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their flavor and freshness. If you’d like to keep them longer, I recommend freezing the turkeys without the chocolate drizzle to avoid ice crystals; they can last up to a month in a freezer-safe container.
Can I freeze my Pumpkin Pie Turkeys? How?
Of course! To freeze your pumpkin pie turkeys, first, assemble them without the melted chocolate. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a few hours. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding your chocolate drizzle.
What should I do if the chocolate melted for the drizzle clumps?
No worries! If you find that your melted chocolate has clumped, simply return it to the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. This extra care ensures your drizzle actually shines on those cute turkeys instead of looking messy.
Are there any dietary considerations for making Pumpkin Pie Turkeys?
Absolutely! Be mindful of allergies—Reese’s candies contain peanuts, so ensure your guests aren’t allergic. If you’re catering for dietary restrictions, consider swapping with gluten-free candy options or fruit slices. This lets everyone enjoy the festive treats while staying true to their dietary needs!
Can I make Pumpkin Pie Turkeys the day before?
Yes, indeed! You can make your pumpkin pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just decorate your turkey shapes a few hours before serving. This approach helps keep everything fresh and delightful for your Thanksgiving feast!
Delightful Pumpkin Pie Turkeys for a Festive Thanksgiving Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Base: Start by taking your pre-baked 9-inch pumpkin pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the cooled pumpkin pie.
- Assemble Turkeys: Place mini Reese’s cups in the center of the pie for the turkey's body. Add candy eyes atop each Reese’s cup for that whimsical face and fix halved orange Reese’s Pieces below as the beak. Arrange candy corn around the Reese’s cups.
- Chill & Serve: Allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Once set, your delightful pumpkin pie turkeys are ready to be showcased!