21 Amazing Easy Cheap Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends, share what we’re grateful for, and savor a Thanksgiving meal. Desserts are often the grand finale of the holiday feast, and they don’t have to cost a fortune.

Embracing the essence of fall flavors, the best desserts for Thanksgiving feature easy recipes and affordable ingredients like pumpkin and apple and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, creating comforting treats that delight every palate.

In this guide, I’ve compiled a list of 21 easy cheap Thanksgiving desserts that will delight your guests without stretching your wallet.

From pies to cakes to no-bake treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy for the holidays.

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Classic Thanksgiving Dessert: Pies

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a comforting slice of a classic pie, which embodies the warmth and tradition of the holiday season.

1. Sweet Potato Pie

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is a typical Thanksgiving dessert renowned for its rich, buttery crust and silky filling. Infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, this pie offers a comforting taste that evokes the spirit of the holiday season.

It is easy to prepare and fills the home with an irresistible aroma that brings everyone together around the dining table.

2. Pumpkin Pie

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie is a fun variation of the classic pumpkin pie. It combines real pumpkin with sweet, tangy apple butter for a delicious twist. The filling achieves a custard-like consistency that’s smooth and velvety, making each bite a delightful experience. Make homemade pie crust or use store-bought for convenience.

This dessert satisfies your sweet tooth and offers a beautiful presentation, making it a showstopper for any Thanksgiving table. Add ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra touch of decadence.

3. Pumpkin Custard Pie

The Pumpkin Custard Pie recipe is a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving feast. It features a smooth and creamy filling that perfectly complements the cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves.

With a premade crust, this pie simplifies the baking process while still delivering a rich and comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall.

4. Butterscotch Pie

The old-fashioned Butterscotch Meringue Pie brings delightful nostalgia to the Thanksgiving dessert table. It is made with brown sugar, which lends a rich, deep flavor to this dessert.

Finished with a light and fluffy meringue, this pie perfectly balances sweet and decadent, making each slice a delightful indulgence. The combination of textures creates an inviting dessert, and butterscotch’s comforting taste makes it a beloved choice for family gatherings.

5. Pecan Cream Pie

Best Pecan Cream Pie is a twist on the traditional pecan pie and features a luscious blend of cream cheese and cheesecake pudding, offering a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. This no-bake pecan pie is easily prepared, allowing you to save time in the kitchen while still impressing your guests. 

Topped generously with fluffy Cool Whip, this pie perfectly balances nutty, sweet flavors that stand out at any gathering.

6. Apple Pie

Apple Pie with Crumb Topping is an inviting dessert that uses pre-made pie crust for convenience, making it an excellent choice for busy bakers. Filled with tart Granny Smith apples, this pie perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, enhanced with cinnamon and vanilla.

Topped with a buttery crumble, each bite offers a comforting crunch that complements the tender apple filling, making it a favorite during the holiday season.

Easy Cheap Thanksgiving Desserts: Cakes

Beautifully crafted cakes are easy cheap Thanksgiving desserts that can transform any celebration, bringing together friends and family for a shared moment of joy and sweet treats.

7. Apple Crisp Cheesecake

The Apple crisp cheesecake recipe is a decadent dessert that perfectly marries cheesecake’s rich, creamy texture and comforting flavors of spiced apples and cinnamon.

Nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, this dessert is further elevated by a generous topping of crispy oats and nuts, adding a delightful crunch.

To truly enhance its indulgence, add a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. This adds a luscious sweetness that beautifully balances the dish.

8. Eclair Cake

No Bake Eclairs Cake is a super easy yet indulgent dessert that uses convenience ingredients such as Cool Whip, graham crackers, and Jello pudding to create a delightful layered treat.

The combination of the creamy pudding and airy Cool Whip offers a light texture, making this cake a crowd-pleaser at any event.

9. Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe with New York Crumb Cake Topping features a thick crumble topping that adds a delightful crunch and is perfectly spiced to complement the rich pumpkin. It’s a seasonal treat that warms the heart and pleases the palate.

10. Chocolate Cake

Low-Carb Chocolate Cake with Berries is a delicious and gluten-free option for those looking to indulge in a decadent dessert without the added sugar and carbs. The rich and fudgy cake is made with almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and erythritol, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

Topped with fresh fruit, this cake offers a burst of tangy sweetness that balances the chocolate flavor.

Whether you’re watching your carb intake or looking for a healthier alternative, this cake will surely be a hit at any Thanksgiving gathering.

11. Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake is an indulgent twist on a classic Latin American dessert. It is soaked in a rich mixture of three types of milk and infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cloves, or you can use pumpkin pie spice instead.

This cake brings a moist and luscious texture and encapsulates the essence of autumn in every bite, making it a perfect centerpiece for your fall gatherings or Thanksgiving celebrations.

12. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of flavors. Its rich filling is made with cream cheese and pumpkin puree. The graham cracker crust offers a perfect crumbly base that complements the velvety texture of the cheesecake.

Topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, this dessert pleases the palate and makes for an eye-catching treat at any festive gathering.

It’s an irresistible combination that truly celebrates the essence of autumn.

More Ideas for Delicious Easy Cheap Thanksgiving Desserts

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving something sweet, these easy cheap Thanksgiving desserts will impress your whole family and friends.

13. Cheesecake Bars

Cranberry Cheesecake Bars feature a luscious cream cheese filling that is complemented by a simple, buttery shortcake crust, creating a delightful balance of flavors. These bars are visually appealing and incredibly easy to make, guaranteeing a stunning dessert with minimal effort.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an everyday treat, the vibrant cranberry topping adds a festive touch that will impress your guests.

14. Bread Pudding

Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding is an easy yet impressive dessert that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices with soft, buttery bread soaked in a custard mixture.

Drizzled with homemade pecan sauce, this dish adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, elevating every bite.

Serve it warm, and guests will be raving about this seasonal treat long after the last slice is gone.

15. Toffee Pudding

Indulging in Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Gourmet Sticky Toffee Pudding (Hell’s Kitchen Copycat) at home brings the essence of British cuisine right into your kitchen. This decadent dessert features a moist sponge cake drenched in rich toffee syrup, elegantly paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This recipe captures the warmth and comfort of a fine dining experience. It is perfect for guests or for treating yourself on a cozy evening.

16. Pumpkin Custard

Making a delicious Pumpkin Custard is easier than making pumpkin pie, yet it delivers a similarly rich and satisfying flavor. This tasty dessert showcases the fall spices and can be effortlessly prepared in advance.

To elevate your presentation, simply top with whipped cream and chopped pecans for an added crunch and indulgence.

17. Poached Pears

Easy Poached Pears in Red Wine are a delightful treat. Adding orange zest and a hint of vanilla bean elevates the dish with vibrant flavors and a fragrant aroma.

This simple yet elegant dessert can serve as a sophisticated ending to any meal. It showcases the pears’ natural sweetness against the rich, spiced backdrop of the red wine.

18. Crème Brûlée

Infused with the invigorating brightness of lemon zest, Lemon Crème Brûlée brings a refreshing twist to the traditional French dessert. Elevating the flavor profile, the creamy custard is enhanced with the subtle warmth of vanilla beans, creating a delightful contrast against the perfectly caramelized sugar top.

Each spoonful offers a luscious texture and a symphony of citrus notes, making this dessert a must-try for any culinary enthusiast.

19. Apple Mousse

Apple mousse assembles in just 15 minutes, offering a quick yet elegant dessert option for any occasion. This light and fluffy treat can be topped with crushed berries or walnuts to enhance its flavor and texture, while a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm, inviting note.

Perfect for those who seek a refreshing finish to their meal, this mousse brings a sophisticated touch without requiring extensive preparation.

20. Panna Cotta

Creamy Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Homemade Caramel is a unique blend of flavors that is both seasonal and indulgent. Made with rich, heavy cream and set using gelatin, this delightful treat achieves a velvety texture that melts in the mouth, promising a memorable finale to any meal.

Garnished with homemade caramel sauce, it becomes an eye-catching dessert that showcases the best of autumn’s bounty.

21. Cranberry Apple Crisp

Cranberry Apple Crisp combines fresh or frozen cranberries’ sweet and tangy flavors with tender apples, creating a perfect balance in every bite. This recipe takes just 10 minutes to assemble and is made in one bowl, making it an effortless dessert option.

Topped with a crunchy oat streusel, this delightful crisp offers a comforting warmth that’s ideal for a cozy evening or a festive gathering.

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Recap of Easy Cheap Thanksgiving Desserts

With these 21 easy Thanksgiving dessert recipes, you can find plenty of recipes to impress your friends and relatives without breaking your piggy or spending hours in the kitchen, especially if you’re celebrating Thanksgiving on a tight budget.

Whether you prefer traditional fall treats like pumpkin pie or want to try something new, these easy recipes with simple ingredients offer various flavors that will surely become your favorite Thanksgiving desserts.

So go ahead and indulge in these delicious, budget-friendly baking options this holiday season! Why not add one (or more!) of these easy cheap Thanksgiving desserts to your Thanksgiving menu for a delightful finale to your feast?

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