Best Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

the best thanksgiving pie recipes
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Elena Veselova/Shutterstock
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Plus Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren't Pie!

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We’ve collected our ten best Thanksgiving pies for you to consider—from traditional pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie to a kid-friendly chocolate peanut butter cup pie and other favorites. Plus, discover a couple of Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie!

Here at the Almanac, we love to bake. Yes, there’s the turkey, but aren’t we all looking forward to the classic Thanksgiving pie? On the fruit side, we have a caramel apple pie, a maple cream pie, and a make-ahead cranberry cream pie. On the creamy side, we have a sweet potato pie, fluffy pumpkin cheesecake, and peanut butter pie. 

1. Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is the most popular pie eaten at Thanksgiving in the United States. (America’s top choice is apple for the rest of the year.) An estimated 50 million pumpkin pies are devoured in November! Were pumpkins eaten at the first Thanksgiving? Find out what the Pilgrims ate.

This pumpkin pie recipe won the blue ribbon at the Goshen (Connecticut) Fair. The filling is nice and firm, not too custardy. It’s a basic pie recipe, but the crust turns out well. After all, appearance and taste count most at the fair!

 

Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Pie
Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Pie
Photo by Brent Hofaker/Shutterstock

2. Sour Cream Apple Pie

One of the editors’ grandmothers made this pie every Thanksgiving; it was always a hit. Add a scoop of ice cream for pie Ă  la mode!

Sour Cream Apple Pie
Sour Cream Apple Pie
Photo by Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

3. Caramel Apple Crumb Pie

For those who love a crumb topping, we offer an apple pie with the autumn flavors and aroma of caramel, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla.

 

Caramel Apple Crumb Pie
Caramel Apple Crumb Pie
Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

4. Cranberry Pie

A simple Cranberry Pie brings beautiful color to the Thanksgiving or Christmas table. It’s similar to cherry pie but not too sweet, and it showcases the cranberry, an American native berry harvested in late fall. 

Cranberry Pie with lattice crust
Cranberry Pie
Credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

5. Maple Cream Pie

It doesn’t get much better than this maple cream pie (bacon topping optional!) It’s a silky smooth custard pie bursting with real maple syrup. 

Maple Cream pie with bacon
 Maple Cream Pie
Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie recipe is “the most delicious pie of all time,” according to our recipe tester. It’s a real head-turner and Thanksgiving favorite with kids (of all ages)!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie
Photo Credit: Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

7. Grandma’s Pecan Pie

This delicious pecan pie is sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Gran’s pie recipes are the best!

Grandma's Pecan Pie
Grandma’s Pecan Pie
Credit:  Elena Veselova/shutterstock

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Try this fluffy pumpkin cheesecake for a twist on the classic pumpkin pie. Make in advance!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
Credit: Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

9. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potatoes for dessert? Yes, please! This simple-to-make sweet potato pie recipe will perfectly complement your holiday dinner.  

Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Pie
Credit: Guy J. Sagi/Shutterstock

10. Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake

Who doesn’t love a creamy New York-style cheesecake? The texture of this sour cream cheesecake is like velvet on the tongue. Top with red berries for color, or make a quick cranberry-raspberry topping. In a saucepan: Combine 12 ounces of cranberries, 2 cups of raspberries, 1 lemon zested, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 1 cup water. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (from the lemon). Bring to a boil and then simmer 15 minutes. Let cool completely! You can prepare this cranberry topping in advance, store in fridge, and then add on the big day.

Creamy New York Style Cheesecake
Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pie!

1. Pumpkin Bread Pudding

This pudding is like pumpkin pie but with a firmer, denser texture. Skip making the crust and try this twist on the classic pumpkin pie. Once it’s done cooking, all you have to do is top it with whipped cream and serve! (Kids love this recipe, too!)

Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Photo by Istetiana

2. Indian Pudding

A classic New England dessert, Indian Pudding is made with cornmeal, milk, and molasses. The “Indian” refers to cornmeal, which was introduced to European colonists by Native Americans and is sometimes called “Indian flour.” Despite its messy presentation, this “pudding” tastes fantastic, especially topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

Indian Bread Pudding
Indian Pudding
Credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Are you looking for more recipes? Check out Thanksgiving Dinner ideas.

About The Author

Sarah Perreault

Managing editor, Sarah Perreault, works on all things Almanac, but is especially proud to be the editor of our Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids series. Read More from Sarah Perreault
 

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