The Strange History of Thanksgiving Desserts

Send us Fan Mail Thanksgiving is all about turkey, stuffing… and those irresistible desserts that often steal the show. Sure, pumpkin pie reigns supreme—but there’s a whole world of sweet traditions behind the holiday table. In this episode of Info On The Go, we’re tracing the strange, surprising evolution of Thanksgiving desserts—from the resourceful puddings and savory pumpkin pies of the colonial era to the sugary, show-stopping confections of today. Along the way, we’ll uncover how scarcity, innovation, and even marketing shaped what we serve after the turkey. We’ll journey through: Colonial & Early American kitchens, where sweeteners were scarce and pumpkin pie wasn’t so sweet. The 19th century, when sugar, spice, and creativity transformed simple fare into festive favorites. Regional and cultural twists, from Southern sweet potato pie to New England’s Indian pudding and Midwestern Jell-O molds. 20th-century trends, when convenience and commercialism gave rise to canned pumpkin, boxed mixes, and marshmallow-topped casseroles. Forgotten favorites and kitchen flops, proving that dessert history is as messy (and delicious) as the holiday itself. Thanksgiving desserts aren’t just sweet endings—they’re edible history. Every pie, pudding, and gelatin mold tells a story of its time, from colonial practicality to modern creativity. So this year, as you dig into your pumpkin pie—or maybe something a little stranger—remember: you’re tasting centuries of innovation, adaptation, and a dash of weirdness that make Thanksgiving uniquely sweet.  Thank You for listening and Stay curious,Kat & WilliamEmail  [email protected] you would like to support Info On The Go click the link belowhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2434258/support Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us a review.Follow us on Facebook at Info on the Go!https://www.facebook.com/share/g/159DdiptQh/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://infoonthego.buzzsprout.comSupport the showThank You for listening and Stay curious,Kat & WilliamEmail  [email protected] you would like to support Info On The Go click the link belowhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2434258/support Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us a review.Follow us on Facebook at Info on the Go!https://www.facebook.com/share/g/159DdiptQh/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://infoonthego.buzzsprout.com