As the holiday season draws near, Detroit Red Wings fans have plenty to celebrate. From the team’s storied legacy of 11 Stanley Cup championships to the rising stars shaping the future, there’s no shortage of reasons to be thankful. Add in the passionate fan base, the electric energy of Little Caesars Arena, and the Red Wings’ dedication to nurturing young talent, and it’s clear why Hockeytown holds a special place in the sport.
Last Thanksgiving, we paid tribute to some of our favorite Red Wings players with a lineup of desserts inspired by their legacy. This year, we’re revisiting a few fan favorites while introducing new treats that honor the players who’ve left their mark on the franchise. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or just joining the Red Wings community, we invite you to celebrate the team’s history and the players who’ve made it unforgettable.
This year’s dessert menu spotlights five iconic figures: Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, Simon Edvinsson, Steve Yzerman, and Pavel Datsyuk. Each dessert is thoughtfully designed to reflect the personality, playing style, and heritage of these exceptional athletes.
From comforting classics like apple crisp and pumpkin bread to indulgent treats like chocolate chip cookies and honey cake, there’s a dessert for every fan to savor. Let’s dive in and explore the sweet creations inspired by the legends of Hockeytown!
Patrick Kane’s Irish Apple Crisp
Patrick Kane is one of the most dynamic players in the NHL, renowned for his lightning-fast speed, exceptional stick-handling, and knack for scoring in critical moments. A Buffalo, New York native, Kane has proudly represented the United States on the international stage.
While we don’t know if Kane personally celebrates his Irish heritage, his last name inspired us to give this classic dessert an Irish twist. Introducing "Patrick Kane's Irish Apple Crisp"—a warm, inviting treat that pairs the timeless flavors of apple crisp with a hint of Irish charm. With its crisp oat topping, spiced apples, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect dessert for hockey fans and dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey (optional for a rich flavor)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving:
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pie dish.
Prepare the filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the Irish whiskey and vanilla extract (if using) and toss until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Make the topping:
In another mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if desired.
Assemble the crisp:
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
Cool and serve:
Let the apple crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving. For a classic finish, pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes:
For a fun Thanksgiving twist, try adding a handful of dried cranberries to the filling.