The Ultimate Thanksgiving Pie Guide
Consider this the ultimate resource for all of your Thanksgiving pie needs. I’m sharing my top 20 Thanksgiving pie recipes, plus pie baking tips like making the perfect pie crust, how to plan ahead, and more!
With Thanksgiving just around the corner I thought I’d highlight a few pies that would be right at home on your holiday table. From Thanksgiving classics like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie, to slightly more to unique pies like apple pear praline pie and peanut butter marshmallow pie. And many, many more!
Plus I’m sharing my favorite pie crust recipe, and all of my best tips and resources so you can bake the perfect pie this holiday season.
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Start with the BEST flaky pie crust
The best pies start with homemade pie crust— NO EXCEPTIONS. Check out my foolproof all-butter pie crust recipe where I’ll walk you through it all step-by-step. I guarantee you’ve never made pie crust like this!
More help with pie crust:
- Try my favorite buttermilk pie crust variation, which I use for most of my pies. It has extra delicious flavor!
- Learn how to make pie crust in the food processor, which makes the whole process SO EASY.
- If you need a fully or partially baked pie crust (like for a cream pie or custard pie), here’s how to blind bake pie crust properly.
- View my photo tutorial on how to make a lattice pie crust.
Tips & resources for baking a perfect pie
Pies are too much work to have them not turn out right! I’ve learned from all of my pie mistakes and want to help you have success every time. So here are a few extra pie resources:
How to make pies ahead of time
Pie crust will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer (double wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using. I like to get my pie crusts done and out of the way a week or so before Thanksgiving.
For best results, I typically bake pies only 1-2 days in advance. All pies made with eggs and dairy products like milk, cream, cream cheese, sour cream need to be refrigerated. This includes pumpkin pie, cream pies, etc. Fruit pies made with fruit will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Fruit pies can be frozen either baked or unbaked for up to 1 month. Wrap pies in 2 layers of plastic wrap (make sure baked pies are cooled completely first). To bake a frozen pie, bake from frozen (do not thaw) and plan on additional baking time. To thaw a frozen pie, leave it in its wrappings and set on the counter overnight, or warm in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes (covering with foil if the topping starts to brown too much). Baked pecan pies can be frozen and thawed using the same instructions above. Pumpkin pies, custard, and cream pies unfortunately do not freeze well.
20 Thanksgiving pie recipes
Looking for the perfect holiday pie recipe? Look no further! Here are my favorite pies that would be perfect on your Thanksgiving table, organized by the following categories— pumpkin and sweet potato pies, fruit pies, nutty pies, and cream pies.
Pumpkin & sweet potato pies
Classic Pumpkin Pie
This recipe is smooth and creamy, with great pumpkin flavor and warm spices, all baked into a flaky butter pie crust.
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Take your pumpkin pie to the next level! This pie has a simple gingersnap cookie crust, traditional spiced pumpkin filling, and a topping of rich dark chocolate ganache.
Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue
This spiced sweet potato pie baked into a buttery pie crust and topped with a pillow of toasted marshmallow meringue is the perfect fall pie!
Pumpkin Pie with Nut Praline
A delicious twist on the classic, with a traditional creamy spiced filling and crunchy caramel nut topping.
Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Tart
Spiced pumpkin and dark chocolate swirled together inside a chocolate cookie crust is the ultimate holiday tart!
Apple & other fruit pies
“Mile High” Apple Pie
If you’re looking for the BEST apple pie, then this stunning deep-dish apple pie is for you!
Cranberry Blueberry Pie
This cranberry blueberry pie is a delicious combination of sweet and tart, with a hint of cozy spices, all inside a buttery flaky pie crust.
Sour Cream Apple Pie
A delicious non-traditional pie with a tart creamy filling and buttery cinnamon streusel topping.
Apple Pear Praline Pie
Apples and pears baked together with a caramel pecan topping make this apple pear praline pie the perfect fall and holiday dessert.
Cranberry Pear Pie
You’ll love the delicious combination of lightly spiced fresh pears and cranberries sandwiched between layers of flaky butter pie crust in this cranberry pear pie.
Apple Crumble Pie
Everything you want in an apple pie! With buttery flaky crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a delightfully crisp pecan and oat crumb topping.
Nutty pies
Classic Pecan Pie
You can’t beat a classic like pecan pie! It’s rich and full of flavor, and only requires 6 ingredients.
Chocolate Coconut Pecan Pie
Classic pecan pie gets a super delicious upgrade! With dark chocolate chips and toasted coconut.
Caramel Cranberry Hazelnut Tart
This unique tart filled with homemade caramel, fresh cranberries, and whole hazelnuts is one of my favorites!
Cream pies
Chocolate Banana Cream Pie
With layers of chocolate ganache, fresh bananas, vanilla pudding and whipped cream, this chocolate banana cream pie is one you’re sure to love.
Cranberry Mascarpone Tart
If you’re searching for a non-traditional pie for your holiday table, then look no further than this creamy cranberry mascarpone tart with pecan shortbread crust.
Key Lime Pie
Everyone’s favorite classic key lime pie is simple and easy to make! You’ll love the crisp graham cracker crust, creamy tart lime filling, and sweetened whipped cream topping.
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Pie
This light and creamy peanut butter mousse pie with marshmallow whipped cream and pretzel crust is the ultimate sweet and salty indulgence.
Creamy Caramel Pudding Pie
A light and creamy caramel pudding pie with a gingersnap pecan crust. It’s a perfect pie for fall!
Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Homemade salted caramel sauce is the perfect topping for silky smooth and creamy cheesecake.
Wow, 20 pie recipes! That’s amazing and just in time for Thanksgiving. I’m going to need to print some of these out.
a Thanksgiving pie guide! This is exactly what I need. I always struggle deciding which ones to make.
Wow, what an amazing roundup! 🥧 I love how you’ve covered everything from classic pumpkin to fruity twists like cranberry blueberry pie — perfect for any Thanksgiving table. Can’t wait to bake a few of these this season! Also, if anyone here loves pairing dessert with a cozy coffee, you might enjoy checking out the caffeneromenu.co.uk for some drink inspo
These recipes are absolutely wonderful—thank you for sharing your creativity! I always enjoy trying new ideas like this. Wishing you a cozy and delicious Thanksgiving! 🦃✨