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November 17, 2021

2 easy Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie

WATCH: Make this delicious pumpkin cotton cheesecake for your Friendsgiving

Celebrity chef Jamika Pessoa shared two alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving desserts that will be a sweet addition to any turkey day feast.

PHOTO: Jamika Pessoa makes a simple dessert with leftover bread for Thanksgiving.
Jamika Pessoa makes a simple dessert with leftover bread for Thanksgiving.

Her slow cooker bread pudding and pumpkin pie in a mug recipes are both simple to whip up and full of sweet fall spices.

Slow Cooker Bread Pudding

PHOTO: Jamika Pessoa's slow cooker bread pudding with whipped cream.
Jamika Pessoa
Jamika Pessoa's slow cooker bread pudding with whipped cream.

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients
8 cups of bread, cubed
1/2 cup of raisins
2 cups half and half
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
4 eggs
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
2 teaspoons of vanilla
¼ teaspoon of salt

Directions
Spray inside of 5-quart slow cooker bowl with cooking spray. Pour in bread and raisins.
In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk remaining ingredients together. Pour mixture over bread and raisins. Stir well to evenly coat bread.
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 6 hours until pudding is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pumpkin Pie in a Mug

PHOTO: Microwave pumpkin "pie" from chef Jamika Pessoa.
Jamika Pessoa
Microwave pumpkin "pie" from chef Jamika Pessoa.

While recreating this recipe on "GMA" Pessoa opted to use puree of sweet potato but suggests pumpkin as well for the full effect.

Serves: 1

Ingredients
2-3 tablespoons crushed cookies (graham crackers, gingersnaps, biscuit cookies)
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon half and half
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt

Directions
Place crushed cookies in the bottom of a microwavable mug.
In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients until smooth. Spoon pie mixture into mug. Microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. Carefully remove from the microwave and allow pie to slightly cool as it sets. Serve with whipped cream on top and enjoy.