Thanksgiving Make-Ahead Dessert Stars ✨


Hi Reader,

Because the sweetest part of the holiday shouldn’t be stressful ✨

Thanksgiving week always sneaks up fast, so I’m all about desserts that taste incredible and can be made ahead. This year, we’re leaning into warm spices, creamy textures, and those nostalgic Mexican flavors that make every bite feel like home.

Let’s bake a little joy early this week. 🧡


Thanksgiving Dessert Favorites

Creamy, spiced, and swirled with dulce de leche. These bars travel well, chill beautifully, and honestly taste even better the next day.

One reader said: "Kate: I am green of envy! I am insane for dulce de leche… and paired with pumpkin in a cheesecake is to eat all without sharing one single piece.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" - Denise

Pure chocolate bliss with cinnamon. Rich, fudgy, naturally gluten-free, and the kind of dessert that gets “OMG who made this?” at the table.

One reader said: "This is such an easy and delicious cake to make. It has great chocolate flavor and the texture is perfect. I dusted with powdered sugar and topped it with some fresh raspberries.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" - Adrienne

Soft, lightly sweet, and so nostalgic. Steam them a day or two ahead—they reheat perfectly and feel like a hug in dessert form.

A dreamy mash-up of pumpkin spice + a classic tres leches soak. Moist, cozy, and a total showstopper for your holiday spread.

One reader said: "The family loved this cake! My son gave this a google out of google stars (which he recently learned is the largest number) so that should tell you something. If you love pumpkin and tres leches, this was the perfect marriage between the two.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" - Elise

A chocolate lover’s dream! Deep cocoa flavor with warm spices wrapped in the fluffiest masa. These save beautifully.

One reader said: "Wow! The chocolate with the spicy chipotle touch it’s super! Great recipe, thanks for sharing!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" - Estefania

Buttery, crumbly, dusted in cinnamon-sugar magic. And the best part? They last days—if you can resist them.

Creamy pumpkin filling meets a naturally nutty, crisp pepita crust. Totally dairy-free but still tastes like pure Thanksgiving comfort.

One reader said: "Kate the crust, oh the crust. and if it didn’t have six raw eggs in it (doubled the recipe) i’d likely wax away about the filling. but if it tastes anything like the crust- bullseye baby. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" - Nicole

Silky, dark, and ridiculously smooth. Make this ahead and chill overnight—it sets into perfection.

One reader said: "I absolutely love these flavors and we make a dairy free version of this- but I may have to indulge in the real thing with this recipe! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" - Heather

The classic you’ll never regret making. Light, milky, and stays moist for days. A true crowd favorite.

One reader said: "I made this for father’s day and my dad and the rest of the family loved it! I think the cake to whip cream ratio was perfect and I liked the addition of raspberries.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" - Ella

Half rich chocolate cake, half flan… the magic of dessert alchemy. And yup—it’s a make-ahead queen.


🗨️Your Turn!

I’m curious—What’s your must-have dessert at Thanksgiving?
Hit reply and tell me! I love seeing everyone’s family traditions and sweet favorites. 🍰✨


¡Hola! Jalapeño Newsletter

¡Hola! Jalapeño is a recipe website dedicated to celebrating Mexican flavors. Created by professional chef, Kate Ramos. Inspired by her love for Mexican cuisine she creates authentic Mexican recipes with modern twists that are loved not only by her Mexican-American family but thousands of readers. Her recipes have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Parade, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Shape, and more!

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