Description
Looking for a cheap Thanksgiving dessert that tastes like pure indulgence? These decadent pumpkin cheesecake bars are a crowd-pleaser layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese filling, and warmly spiced pumpkin. They’re easy to make, use simple pantry staples, and deliver all the festive flavors of fall. Whether you need a last-minute Friendsgiving treat or want a budget-friendly option for your dessert table, this easy recipe ticks every box. It’s perfect for your list of easy recipes, Thanksgiving dessert ideas, cheap holiday desserts, or quick baking food ideas for a crowd.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
16 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, press into pan to form crust. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool slightly.
3. Beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Mix in 1 egg. Pour over crust.
4. In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, remaining sugar (1/4 cup), 1 egg, and pumpkin pie spice. Spread gently over cheesecake layer.
5. Bake 40–45 minutes until set. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 3 hours.
6. Before serving, sprinkle with cinnamon, slice into bars, and serve chilled.
Notes
For a firmer texture, refrigerate overnight before slicing.
Add chocolate chips or swap graham crackers with gingersnaps for a creative twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg