Description
These cheap Thanksgiving desserts are budget-friendly yet decadently delicious, made with affordable ingredients like pumpkin, apples, and warm spices. Perfect for crowd-pleasing holiday treats without overspending, these easy recipes include pies, crisps, no-bake options, and festive bars. Discover affordable dessert ideas for Thanksgiving that don’t sacrifice flavor or charm.
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 medium apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
2. Choose your dessert type: crisp, bars, pie, or no-bake.
3. Mix base ingredients: combine pumpkin or apples with brown sugar, spices, and eggs.
4. Stir in melted butter, flour, and vanilla.
5. For cheesecakes or bars, blend cream cheese until smooth and layer accordingly.
6. Add nuts if using, and pour mixture into a greased pan or crust.
7. Bake for 25–35 minutes or chill if it’s a no-bake recipe.
8. Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use canned pumpkin or fresh—whatever is on hand.
Swap apples for pears if preferred.
No-bake versions can be made ahead for easier hosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking or No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg