According to Google search statistics, pumpkin and apple pies dominate the Thanksgiving Day dessert table. (In Delaware, you’re more likely to find the apple flavor.) But there are exceptions. For instance, in Hawaii, celebrants end the meal with haupia pie made with coconut milk, while Mississippians prefer sweet potato pie.
Regardless, pie is the common denominator, perhaps owing to the Colonists’ penchant for putting sweet or savory foods in flaky crusts made with lard. However, today’s hosts want options, and Delaware pastry chefs, stores, and bakeries can willingly provide them.
Say ‘cheese’!
Nicol DiMarzio’s boutique business, MomMom’s Cheesecakes, was born during the COVID-19 shutdowns, and since then, it’s developed a cult-like following. Fans can buy her individually sized cheesecakes in restaurants, including Capers & Lemons and Shorebreak Lodge, and by special order. For Thanksgiving, specialty flavors include pumpkin, pumpkin espresso, pumpkin tiramisu, and apple crisp. DiMarzio works out of Baked by The Dewey Post’s kitchen, so you can also find her desserts in the coffee shop and across the street at The Dewey Post. Baked by The Dewey Post, 2000 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach.
“Today’s hosts want options, and Delaware pastry chefs, stores, and bakeries can willingly provide them.”
Making whoopie
Pastry chef Kara Murphy is the talent behind the desserts at Eden and JAM Bistro in Rehoboth Beach, but she also has her own business, Kara’s Sugar Kitchen, and she shares the Baked commercial kitchen with DiMarzio for a double dose of sweet treats.
For the holidays, she specializes in whoopie pies—pumpkin, red velvet, and spice cake. Consider macarons in pumpkin spice, apple, or salted caramel if you want a smaller bite.
Cakes and crème brûlée
Sisters Angie and Rouse Robles of My Sister’s Fault in Milford and Seaford aren’t afraid to think outside the box. For Thanksgiving, options include pumpkin spice cake, white-chocolate spice cake, sweet-potato casserole cake, and pumpkin crème brûlée. (While ordering, don’t forget an empanada—or three.) 10 Front St., Milford; 383-1798; 106 N. Cannon St., Seaford; 333-7505.
CupKate’s in Greenville brought back pumpkin cupcakes at the start of September, and apple cider doughnut cupcakes were not far behind. The shop also sells custom cookies and macarons. 4001 Kennett Pike, Suite 134, Greenville; 256-0819.
Tarts with heart
While pies are the “undisputed champion of Thanksgiving desserts,” the frangipane tart at Sweet Somethings in Wilmington’s Little Italy is not far behind, says owner Lee Slaninko. Frangipane is an almond filling often paired with stone fruits. Although favored at Thanksgiving, the frangipane tart is a regular on the menu because of its bestseller status. 1006 N. Union St., Wilmington; 655-7211.
Old World Bread’s sweet Thanksgiving Day lineup also includes frangipane tarts, as well as fruit tarts, including apple. The store, which has developed a loyal following, also has pumpkin cheesecake. But if you’re in the mood for something rich, order the chocolate mousse cake. 32191 Nassau Road #4, Lewes; 313-5191.
Celebrity baker Dana “Sugar Daddy” Herbert is known for his delicious desserts, and at Thanksgiving, Desserts by Dana makes cranberry-raspberry tarts and peach cobbler. You might also consider pumpkin rolls and bread pudding, a comforting option to please and surprise guests. 1212 Capitol Trail, Newark; 721-5798.
Talkin’ turkey
This holiday season, ice cream turkey cakes and turkey cookie-decorating kits are available at Sweet Lucy’s Ice Cream & Treats in Brandywine Hundred, which will also sell ice cream pumpkin rolls and cheesecakes. 3201 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 477-0777.
At Sweet Dreams Confections Co. in Middletown, chocolatier Patty Luckini can wield a drumstick with the best of them. Her bite-sized versions are pretzels dipped in caramel, then chocolate. The “meaty” sweet is a hit with kids who want to run around while the adults enjoy dessert.
Since these are small delights, consider adding the shop’s house-made s’mores or a “gathering tray” assortment of truffles and pretzels. Or, pick up some caramel and chocolate apples for kid-pleasing options. Meanwhile, adventurous adults will enjoy the novel hotcakes and bacon truffles. 1 Shallcross Place, Middletown; 521-6830.
Sprinkles Italian Bakery & Market turns turkeys into edible cookie place cards. However, the North Wilmington shop also goes through limited-edition pilgrim cupcakes and pumpkin-flavored cupcakes and muffins. 3100 Naamans Road, Wilmington; 543-7730.
