Thanksgiving isn’t complete without an array of delicious pies. From timeless classics like pumpkin and pecan to creative twists like chocolate cream or caramel apple, these Irresistible Thanksgiving Pies will satisfy every craving. Whether you’re a pie pro or a novice baker, this guide has something for everyone.
1. Classic Pumpkin Pie
Why It’s a Must:
A Thanksgiving staple, pumpkin pie is creamy, spiced, and perfectly sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, eggs, and evaporated milk until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggles in the center. Cool before serving.
2. Pecan Pie
Why It’s a Must:
Rich, nutty, and irresistibly sweet, pecan pie is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Stir in pecans and pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until the filling is set. Let cool before slicing.
3. Apple Pie with a Flaky Crust
Why It’s a Must:
A timeless dessert filled with tender, spiced apples and a buttery crust.
Ingredients:
- 2 unbaked pie crusts (top and bottom)
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Place one crust in a pie dish, add the apple mixture, and dot with butter. Cover with the second crust and seal the edges.
- Cut slits in the top crust and bake for 50–60 minutes until golden.
4. Chocolate Cream Pie
Why It’s a Must:
Decadent and silky, chocolate cream pie is a must for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 baked pie crust
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and milk over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour into the baked crust and chill for 4–6 hours. Top with whipped cream before serving.
5. Sweet Potato Pie
Why It’s a Must:
A Southern favorite with a creamy filling that rivals pumpkin pie.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, and spices until smooth.
- Pour into the pie crust and bake for 50–55 minutes until set. Cool before serving.
6. Cranberry Apple Pie
Why It’s a Must:
A tart twist on traditional apple pie with bursts of cranberry flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 unbaked pie crusts
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss apples, cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
- Place the mixture in the pie crust, cover with the second crust, and cut slits.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Caramel Pumpkin Pie
Why It’s a Must:
A decadent upgrade to classic pumpkin pie with rich caramel flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix pumpkin, sugar, caramel sauce, eggs, milk, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour into the pie crust and bake for 50–55 minutes. Cool and drizzle with extra caramel before serving.
8. Key Lime Pie
Why It’s a Must:
Bright and tangy, key lime pie is a refreshing choice for those who want something less sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 graham cracker crust
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 3 egg yolks
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together condensed milk, lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Pour into the crust and bake for 15 minutes. Chill before topping with whipped cream.
FAQs
1. Can I make pies ahead of time?
Yes! Most pies can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat or serve chilled as needed.
2. What’s the secret to a flaky crust?
Keep your butter cold and avoid overmixing the dough. Rest the dough in the fridge before rolling it out.
3. Can I freeze pies?
Yes, most pies, like pumpkin and apple, freeze well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
4. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for custard pies like pumpkin or use a metal pie dish to help crisp the crust.
5. Can I use store-bought crusts?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts are a convenient option and work well for any of these recipes.
6. How do I know when my pie is done?
Custard pies are done when the center jiggles slightly but isn’t liquid. Fruit pies are ready when the filling is bubbling.
7. Can I substitute sweet potatoes for pumpkin?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well in pumpkin pie recipes and add a slightly different flavor profile.
8. What’s the best way to serve pies?
Serve most pies at room temperature, but custard and cream pies are best served chilled.
9. How do I store leftover pie?
Cover and refrigerate leftover pies for up to 3 days. Fruit pies can also be stored at room temperature for 1–2 days.
10. Can I make gluten-free pies?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for the crust or buy pre-made gluten-free crusts to accommodate dietary needs.
These Irresistible Thanksgiving Pies offer something for everyone at the holiday table. From creamy classics to fruity favorites, they’re sure to be the highlight of your Thanksgiving feast. Happy baking!