Thanksgiving is the one holiday that brings all Americans together. Families gather near and far to enjoy a festive meal. The Cape Cod Thanksgiving is where the traditions began, and it is very exciting to explore the local origins.
A favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner is always dessert. Who doesn’t love to see a buffet of different pies and treats? According to the Farmer’s Almanac the dessert table our ancestors enjoyed looks quite different from the spread we often see today. A typical dessert back in the 1600’s was Corn Porridge or Pumpkin Shell Custard. These delicacies are rarely served during modern times but don’t fret as there are many amazing alternatives.
Cape Cod-inspired desserts for Thanksgiving can incorporate the region’s coastal charm and traditional flavors.
Dessert Ideas with Local Ingredients for a Cape Cod Thanksgiving
Did you know that many of the best dessert ingredients today are native to Cape Cod? Of course, every Thanksgiving table has side dishes and desserts made from the Cape’s resident berry, the Cranberry. This time of year there are plenty of places to buy fresh cranberries around the Cape.
Cranberry-Centric Desserts
- Cranberry-Apple Crisp
A warm crisp made with tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a buttery oat topping. - Cranberry Cheesecake
A creamy cheesecake topped with a vibrant cranberry compote or swirl. - Cranberry Bread Pudding
Use dried or fresh cranberries in a rich bread pudding, served with a warm caramel or vanilla sauce. - Cranberry Pavlova
A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and a cranberry-orange compote. - Cape Cod Clafoutis
A custard-like French dessert made with cranberries or a mix of berries.
In addition, to cranberry’s there are many farms and specialty markets with pumpkin patches and native apples, chestnuts, and many other ingredients harvested locally on Cape Cod. There are many great local farms across the Cape that grow and produce Cape Cod Thanksgiving ingredients, then all you need are a few favorite recipes.
Classic with a Native Twist
- Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cranberry Cream
Soft pumpkin cookies sandwiched with a tart cranberry cream filling. - Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with Cranberry Topping
Small cheesecakes with a festive cranberry sauce drizzle. - Roasted Chestnut Pie
A whipped roasted chestnut pie with a hint of Grand Marnier.
Sea-Inspired Treats
- Sea Salt Caramel Tarts
Small tarts filled with rich caramel, topped with a sprinkle of Cape Cod sea salt. - Sand Dollar Cookies
Sugar cookies decorated to resemble sand dollars, with a hint of cinnamon.
Pie Shops Across the Cape
Of course, if you aren’t inspired to bake your own desserts there are amazing pie shops across the Cape. A few favorites featuring traditional pies include Pie a La Mode in East Falmouth, Pie in the Sky Bakery in Woods Hole, Centerville Pie Company in Hyannis and Marion’s Pie Shop in Chatham.
If you are on the Vineyard, Pie Chicks in Vineyard Haven has a large variety of artisanal pies. For the gluten-free crowd, visit White Lion Bakery on Route 151 in Mashpee.
Creating Memories for your Cape Cod Thanksgiving
Creating Memories for your Cape Cod ThanksgivingDesserts are the best way to top off a Cape Cod Thanksgiving Feast. If you do plan to buy dessert, be sure to order pies in advance or you may reluctantly end up going the baking route. This can be a fun way to prepare for your dinner with family and friends.
Just be sure to plan your menu and ingredient needs ahead of their arrival. With a little advance preparation, whether baking or buying the desserts your dinner guests will be thankful to you for hosting a Cape Cod Thanksgiving feast.
If you are staying home for a Cape Cod Thanksgiving holiday, please check out some Cape Cod Thanksgiving and November Events .
