Thanksgiving’s Most Scrumptious Pies

The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Pies: 35 Irresistible Recipes for Your Holiday Feast

Thanksgiving is a cherished time for gathering, gratitude, and, undeniably, an abundance of delicious food. While the centerpiece turkey and a spread of savory sides command attention, it’s often the grand finale — the desserts — that truly captivates our hearts and taste buds. And when it comes to holiday sweets, nothing quite embodies the spirit of autumn and celebration like a perfectly baked pie. This year, move beyond the usual and explore an extraordinary collection of 35 Thanksgiving pies that promise to transform your dessert spread into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Whether you’re a purist who adores a classic pumpkin pie, an adventurer eager to try something novel like a salty honey pie, or someone looking for the comforting warmth of a spiced pear pie, this comprehensive list has something for every palate. We’ve gathered recipes that span traditional favorites, delightful new twists on old classics, and even surprising savory options that make for a unique and welcome addition to your festive table. Prepare to infuse your kitchen with delightful aromas and create cherished memories as you bake your way through these amazing options, perfect for the holiday season and beyond!

A slice of pie on a plate next to a whole cream pie.

Gone are the days when Thanksgiving dessert meant just one or two pie choices. This curated selection offers a diverse palette of flavors and textures, ensuring every guest finds their perfect slice. From the rich indulgence of dark chocolate pecan pie to the creamy simplicity of coconut cream pie, and even unexpected savory delights like spinach ricotta pie, prepare to be inspired. Get ready to bake your way through the most wonderful time of the year, creating cherished moments with every sweet (or savory!) bite.

Classic Comforts & Traditional Delights

1. Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving table is truly complete without the quintessential Pumpkin Pie. This recipe elevates the classic by foregoing sweetened condensed milk for a rich, perfectly spiced whipped pumpkin filling. Resting on a foundation of flaky, buttery homemade crust, it offers an irresistible treat that truly captures the essence of autumn and Thanksgiving. Each creamy slice is a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients creating profound flavor.

2. Sweet Potato Pie

Infuse your holiday table with a touch of Southern charm by serving this easy and utterly delicious Sweet Potato Pie. Crafted from humble ingredients like baked sweet potatoes, butter, milk, eggs, and sugar, it evokes an old-fashioned delight that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. Its velvety texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a beloved alternative or complement to pumpkin pie.

3. Apple Crumble Pie

Prepare for the ultimate apple pie experience with this Apple Crumble Pie. It features an incredibly juicy filling, bursting with the fresh, crisp flavor of apples, all nestled within a tender, flaky butter crust. The grand finale is a perfectly crisp crumble topping that adds a delightful textural contrast. Remarkably easy to assemble with everyday ingredients, it’s a comforting dessert that everyone adores.

10. Dutch Apple Pie

Experience the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with a delightful Dutch Apple Pie. Crisp Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples, delicately spiced with cinnamon, create a rich and flavorful filling. This exquisite apple mixture rests in a flaky crust and is generously crowned with a buttery crumb topping, offering a warm, inviting dessert that’s ideal for any festive gathering.

16. Chess Pie

Elevate the humble chess pie with the deep, molasses-rich flavor of brown sugar in this exquisite Brown Sugar Chess Pie. Requiring only a handful of everyday ingredients and about 45 minutes, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Its sweet, rich, and dense custard filling is heavenly, especially when topped with a cloud of whipped cream, making it a comforting Southern classic perfect for any holiday table.

20. Caramel Pie

Indulge in a homemade Caramel Pie that would impress even the most discerning Southern grandma. This custard-style caramel pudding pie boasts a creamy, decadent texture that is nothing short of heavenly. Each spoonful delivers a rich, buttery caramel flavor that melts in your mouth, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion, especially your Thanksgiving feast.

21. Apple Slab Pie

For a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to serve, try an Apple Slab Pie. This innovative approach features an all-butter pie dough baked on a baking sheet, then cut into squares, perfect for sharing. It offers all the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie but in a more convenient format, ensuring every guest gets a generous piece. Prepare for a unanimous call for “dibs” on the last slice!

23. Kentucky Derby Pie

Imagine a decadent chocolate chip pecan cookie, but in pie form! That’s precisely what you get with a luscious Kentucky Derby Pie. This rich, nutty, and chocolatey dessert, encased in a flaky crust, is an absolute showstopper. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that will have everyone clamoring for a second helping.

30. Caramel Apple Pie

The timeless pairing of tart apples and rich caramel reaches new heights in this irresistible Caramel Apple Pie. Baked within a flaky crust and topped with a buttery crumble, this pie is divine. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top after baking. It’s a comforting, sweet, and slightly tangy dessert that’s utterly perfect for autumn celebrations.

31. Lemon Meringue Pie

Brighten your holiday table with the zesty freshness of Lemon Meringue Pie. This homemade delight features a vibrant, tangy lemon filling crowned with a lofty, cloud-like meringue. It’s a refreshing contrast to richer desserts and brings a burst of citrusy flavor that is welcome in any season. Surprisingly quick to prep, it’s an elegant addition that’s sure to satisfy.

Nutty Indulgences & Rich Flavors

5. Maple Pecan Pie

Experience pecan pie perfection with this exquisite Maple Pecan Pie. The combination of rich brown sugar and pure maple syrup creates a deep, complex flavor that is truly addictive. A sticky-sweet pecan filling, balanced beautifully with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt, rests on a tender, buttery crust. It’s a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic that promises pure indulgence.

9. Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie

For those who adore both pecans and chocolate, this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie is pure Thanksgiving dessert bliss. It takes the classic pecan pie and elevates it with an irresistible layer of rich chocolate. Whether you prefer dark, milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate, this recipe allows you to customize your perfect pie, creating a truly decadent and memorable holiday treat.

11. Bourbon Pecan Pie

Elevate your traditional pecan pie to extraordinary new heights with the addition of warm, spicy bourbon in this delightful Bourbon Pecan Pie. The mellow smokiness of the bourbon beautifully amplifies the sweet and salty notes of this old-fashioned classic. It’s a sophisticated dessert that delivers a complex flavor profile, ensuring it becomes a highly requested favorite for years to come.

19. Pecan Cream Pie

For a lighter, yet equally indulgent take on the classic, try this exquisite Pecan Cream Pie. It features a fluffy filling made with cream cheese, fresh whipped cream, and plenty of pecans, offering a delightful contrast to traditional pecan pie. With only the crust requiring baking, and the rest setting beautifully in the refrigerator, it’s a convenient and supremely satisfying no-bake option.

22. Maple Walnut Pie

While it might resemble its pecan cousin, Maple Walnut Pie boasts a distinctly delicious flavor profile all its own. By using rich maple syrup instead of corn syrup and a reduced sugar content, it achieves a creamy, subtly sweet filling with a wonderfully crunchy, nutty topping. This pie offers a beautifully balanced and sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for those seeking something a little different yet familiar.

Fruity Sensations & Zesty Twists

13. Spiced Pear Pie

Capitalize on the peak season for pears with this utterly delightful Spiced Pear Pie. Ginger and honey beautifully enhance the fruit’s subtle sweetness, while a crunchy, buttery black walnut crumb topping adds a wonderful textural contrast and balances the flavors. This elegant and aromatic pie is a fantastic way to showcase seasonal produce, making it a unique and memorable holiday dessert.

17. Cranberry Pear Pie

A harmonious blend of juicy pears and tart cranberries makes this Cranberry Pear Pie an instant holiday favorite. Sweetened with sugar and infused with warm spices, it’s a truly wonderful festive bake. Finished with an intricate braided top or classic lattice pattern and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this pie is a stunning showstopper that tastes as good as it looks.

18. Apple Butter Pie

For a unique autumnal treat, indulge in an exquisite Apple Butter Pie. This delightful custard-based pie features cozy apple butter and is topped with an irresistible layer of cinnamon sugar, creating a crackly, flavorful crust. Baked in a gluten-free pie crust that is every bit as delicious as a traditional one, it offers comforting flavors perfect for a crisp fall day.

25. Cranberry Orange Custard Pie

Seeking a uniquely festive pie? Discover the elegance of this Cranberry Orange Custard Pie. Silky sweet custard is delicately laced with bright orange zest and bursts of tart cranberries, all nestled in a perfectly flaky pie crust. It’s a visually stunning dessert that’s equally exquisite to eat, offering a refreshing and sophisticated flavor profile for your holiday spread.

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26. Apple Cranberry Pie

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Cranberry Pie. Sweet, juicy apples pair beautifully with tart cranberries, creating a dynamic filling encased in a crispy, flaky golden crust. For the ultimate enjoyment, serve this pie warm, topped with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. The combination of textures and temperatures is simply irresistible.

29. Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

Shake up your traditional holiday dessert menu with an irresistible Cranberry Cheesecake Pie. It features luscious layers of sweet, tangy cheesecake and a tart homemade cranberry filling, all crowned with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. This pie offers a fantastic blend of creamy and fruity textures, making it a festive and memorable indulgence that’s sure to impress your guests.

Creamy Dream Pies & Decadent Custards

4. Peanut Butter Pie

For the ultimate peanut butter enthusiast, this Peanut Butter Pie is an absolute dream. Its silky, melt-in-your-mouth filling is incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare. Simply whip everything together, pour it into your chosen pie crust, and prepare to watch this decadent dessert be devoured in mere seconds. It’s a rich, creamy, and wonderfully satisfying treat for any occasion.

6. Banana Cream Pie

Treat yourself to the classic comfort of a homemade Banana Cream Pie. This luscious dessert features a creamy custard pudding made from scratch, layered generously with fresh-sliced bananas and a rich vanilla embrace. Served over your favorite pie crust and crowned with mounds of fluffy whipped cream, it’s a light, sweet, and utterly delightful indulgence that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

7. Coconut Cream Pie

Unlock the secret to the most incredible Coconut Cream Pie you’ve ever tasted by using shredded coconut instead of stringy sweetened varieties. This simple change yields a pie with perfect coconut flavor—not too strong—and an amazingly luscious, smooth texture. Each bite is a tropical escape, making it a refreshing and delightful addition to any dessert table, especially for a holiday feast.

8. Salty Honey Pie

Prepare to be enchanted by the unique allure of Salty Honey Pie. The harmonious blend of honey and melted brown sugar transforms the creamy, custard-based filling into a caramelized dream. It’s scrumptiously sweet without being cloying, and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates it to sheer perfection. This pie offers a sophisticated and unexpected flavor journey that will surprise and delight.

14. Chocolate Cream Pie

For a quick and incredibly satisfying dessert, look no further than this delightful Chocolate Cream Pie. Crafted with a pre-made crust, instant chocolate pudding, and creamy whipped topping, it’s one of the fastest and easiest pie recipes you’ll ever make. Best of all, it requires no baking, freeing up your oven for the main Thanksgiving feast. It’s a decadent chocolate fix in minutes.

24. Butterscotch Pie

Indulge in the nostalgic warmth of Butterscotch Pie, a quintessential fall treat. It features a homemade, golden-sweet butterscotch pudding filling nestled within an easy spiced Biscoff cookie crust, all crowned with a generous layer of whipped cream. This delightful pie offers a rich, comforting flavor that you’ll undoubtedly find yourself craving throughout the year, making it a perfect holiday addition.

27. Gingerbread Cream Pie

Infuse your holiday dessert table with the festive spirit of Gingerbread Cream Pie. This remarkably simple pie, made with vanilla pudding and a blend of warm spices, is an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. Requiring only about 15 minutes of prep time, it can be easily refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, making holiday entertaining a breeze and a delightful treat.

28. German Chocolate Pie

Chocolate lovers, prepare for heaven on earth with this no-bake German Chocolate Pie. Featuring a decadent Oreo cookie crust and a rich German chocolate filling, it’s an absolute dream. Crowned with a classic coconut pecan topping, this sinfully sweet pie is so incredibly delicious, you’ll want to whip it up and enjoy it all year round, not just for special occasions.

Unique & Savory Surprises

12. Butternut Squash Pie

When fresh butternut squash is in season, this Butternut Squash Pie is an absolute must-try! Using fresh squash puree results in a pie that is brighter, naturally sweeter, and boasts an incredibly smoother texture. It genuinely knocks the socks off any canned pumpkin puree, offering a more vibrant and authentic flavor experience that will impress every guest at your Thanksgiving table with its freshness.

15. Snickerdoodle Pie

Unleash a burst of cinnamon-sugar delight with this inventive Snickerdoodle Pie. The secret lies in generously pouring a homemade cinnamon syrup over a cake-like filling, allowing the flavors to meld and swirl as it bakes. This creates a beautifully sugary, crunchy layer on top that perfectly mimics the beloved cookie, offering a wonderfully unique and comforting dessert experience that’s sure to be a conversation starter.

32. Sweet Onion Turkey Pie

Who said pies are exclusively for dessert? This remarkable Sweet Onion Turkey Pie is a fantastic savory option, especially perfect for utilizing leftover Thanksgiving turkey. A hearty mix of caramelized Vidalia onions, eggs, and seasoned turkey, with a touch of Tabasco for balance, all baked in a flaky crust. It’s a delicious and surprising addition that adds unexpected variety to your holiday spread.

33. Turkey Pot Pie

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting masterpiece with this incredible Turkey Pot Pie. Tender turkey, hearty potatoes, and a medley of vegetables are enveloped in a rich, from-scratch sauce, all baked between two layers of flaky, buttery homemade pie crust. It’s a warm and satisfying meal that the entire family will adore, perfect for the days following the big feast.

34. Spinach Ricotta Pie

Offer a delightful twist on your Thanksgiving sides with this flavorful Spinach Ricotta Pie. A savory filling of tender spinach and a generous blend of cheeses is encased in a golden, buttery crust. This Italian-inspired pie can serve as a wonderful appetizer, a versatile vegetable side dish, or even a satisfying vegetarian entrée, making it a thoughtful option for all your guests.

35. Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie

Reinvent a comforting classic with this savory Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie. Browned mushrooms, caramelized onions, garlic, and tomato paste, all seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and your choice of ground meat, are crowned with a luscious layer of mouth-watering brown butter potatoes. This hearty and flavorful pie offers a sophisticated and deeply satisfying main dish alternative for your holiday table.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Thanksgiving Pie

Baking pies for Thanksgiving can seem daunting, but with a few key tips, you can achieve picture-perfect, delicious results every time. Here’s how to ensure your holiday pies are nothing short of spectacular:

  • Master Your Crust: A flaky, tender crust is the undeniable foundation of a great pie. Whether you make it from scratch or use a good quality store-bought version, ensure it’s chilled before rolling to prevent shrinking. For fruit pies, consider a top crust that allows steam to escape, like a lattice design or decorative cut-outs.
  • Prevent a Soggy Bottom: No one enjoys a soggy pie crust! For custard and many fruit pies, blind baking (pre-baking) your crust before adding the filling is a crucial step. Line the raw crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake until lightly golden. Remove the weights and continue baking for a few more minutes until the bottom is set and firm.
  • Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling can lead to messy spills in the oven and uneven baking. Always leave a small amount of space at the top, especially for fillings that expand as they bake, such as pumpkin or sweet potato mixtures.
  • Cool Completely: Patience is truly a virtue when it comes to pies. Most pies, particularly custards and fruit pies, need ample time to cool and set properly. Cutting into a warm pie too soon can result in a runny, messy slice. Allow pies to cool at room temperature for several hours, or even overnight, before serving for the best texture and presentation.
  • Perfect Your Toppings: A beautiful topping can elevate any pie from good to extraordinary. For creamy pies, practice your whipped cream piping techniques. For fruit pies, a simple egg wash before baking imparts a golden, glossy finish, and a sprinkle of coarse sugar adds extra sparkle and a delightful crunch.
  • Smart Storage Solutions: Understand how to properly store your various pies to maintain their freshness. Most fruit pies can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, while custard, cream, and savory pies typically require refrigeration. Covering them loosely helps prevent them from drying out without trapping condensation.

More Holiday Recipes to Complete Your Feast

While these incredible pies will undoubtedly be a highlight, no holiday spread is complete without a few more festive treats. Explore these delicious recipes to further complement your Thanksgiving table and delight your guests:

  • Holiday JELLO Cake
  • Cranberry JELLO Salad
  • Eggnog Pie

With such an incredible array of options, the biggest challenge will be choosing which magnificent pie (or pies!) to add to your Thanksgiving table this year. Each recipe promises to bring warmth, rich flavor, and a touch of homemade magic to your holiday celebration. We hope this guide inspires you to create an unforgettable dessert experience. Happy baking!

Which pie will you be adding to your Thanksgiving table? Share your favorites with us below!