9 Best Thanksgiving Pies to Bake This Year – Classic & Delicious Holiday Desserts

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather around the table and enjoy homemade desserts filled with warm spices, buttery crusts, and comforting seasonal flavors. From traditional pumpkin pie and classic apple pie to decadent chocolate cream pie and rich pecan pie, these 9 Thanksgiving pie recipes are guaranteed to make your holiday dessert table extra special.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, planning a Friendsgiving celebration, or simply looking for delicious fall baking ideas, this collection includes something for every dessert lover. You’ll find creamy custard pies, fruity favorites, crunchy pecan creations, and irresistible cheesecake-inspired treats.

The best part? Many of these homemade Thanksgiving pies can be prepared ahead of time, helping you enjoy a stress-free holiday while serving beautiful desserts your family and guests will love.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

• Perfect for Thanksgiving: Classic holiday flavors like pumpkin, apple, cranberry, cinnamon, and pecans.

• Easy homemade recipes: Straightforward ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

• Something for everyone: Chocolate, fruit, custard, and cheesecake-style pies.

• Make-ahead friendly: Several recipes can be prepared one or two days before Thanksgiving.

• Beautiful holiday presentation: Golden crusts, creamy fillings, whipped cream, and festive toppings.

• Great for gatherings: Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving, and fall parties.

Thanksgiving Pie Recipe Overview

Times are approximate. Additional cooling may be required.

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

Classic Pumpkin Pie is one of the most beloved Thanksgiving desserts. Its smooth, creamy pumpkin filling is perfectly seasoned with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a rich and comforting holiday flavor. Served in a buttery pie crust with fluffy whipped cream, this timeless recipe deserves a place on every Thanksgiving dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Whipped cream, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.

2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.

3. Fill the crust: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie shell.

4. Start baking: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

5. Reduce the heat: Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40–50 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.

6. Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and decorate with whipped cream.

Expert Tip: Avoid overbaking pumpkin pie. The filling continues to set as it cools, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

2. Classic Apple Pie

Nothing captures the warmth of Thanksgiving quite like a homemade apple pie. Filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, this traditional dessert is a favorite for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 pie crusts

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 egg, beaten

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the apples: Toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Assemble the pie: Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and add the apple filling.

4. Add butter: Dot the apples with small pieces of butter.

5. Create the lattice: Cut the second crust into strips and arrange them over the filling in a lattice pattern.

6. Brush and bake: Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30–40 minutes.

7. Cool before slicing: Let the pie rest for at least 3 hours so the filling thickens.

Serving Tip: Serve warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a classic Thanksgiving treat.

3. Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is a Southern Thanksgiving classic featuring crunchy toasted pecans suspended in a sweet, buttery, caramel-like filling. Its rich texture and nutty flavor make it an irresistible addition to any holiday dessert spread.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1½ cups pecan halves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the filling: Whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.

3. Add the pecans: Stir the pecan halves into the filling.

4. Fill the pie crust: Pour the mixture into the prepared crust, distributing the pecans evenly.

5. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

6. Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Expert Tip: Cover the edges of the pie crust with foil if they begin to brown too quickly.

4. Cranberry Pie

Bright, festive, and wonderfully sweet-tart, Cranberry Pie is a beautiful alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts. Its ruby-red cranberry filling pairs perfectly with a golden lattice crust, creating a dessert that’s as attractive as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 pie crusts

• 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup orange juice

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 egg, beaten

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the filling: Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Prepare the crust: Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.

4. Add the filling: Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly into the crust.

5. Create the lattice: Arrange strips of the second pie crust over the filling.

6. Bake: Brush the crust with beaten egg and bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and the filling bubbles in the center.

7. Cool: Let the pie cool completely before slicing.

Flavor Tip: Add one finely diced apple to the cranberry filling for extra sweetness and texture.

5. Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert for chocolate lovers. Featuring a silky chocolate custard filling, a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, and fluffy whipped cream, this decadent pie adds a luxurious touch to your holiday menu.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 24 chocolate sandwich cookies

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 2½ cups whole milk

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 3 large egg yolks

• 6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• Chocolate curls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the chocolate cookies and mix with melted butter.

2. Bake the crust: Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool completely.

3. Make the custard: Whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks together in a saucepan.

4. Cook the filling: Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling. Continue cooking for 1 minute.

5. Add chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth.

6. Chill: Pour the filling into the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

7. Decorate: Whip the cream with powdered sugar, spread over the pie, and finish with chocolate curls.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the pie one day before Thanksgiving and add the whipped cream shortly before serving.

6. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie is a comforting Southern dessert with a velvety filling made from mashed sweet potatoes, butter, warm spices, and vanilla. Its naturally sweet flavor makes it a wonderful alternative to pumpkin pie.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup evaporated milk

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.

3. Mix the filling: Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. Blend: Whisk until creamy and fully combined.

5. Fill the crust: Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell.

6. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.

7. Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before serving.

Expert Tip: Roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling them creates a richer, more concentrated flavor.

7. Caramel Apple Crumb Pie

Caramel Apple Crumb Pie combines tender cinnamon apples, buttery oat crumble, and rich caramel sauce. This delicious dessert offers all the flavors of traditional apple pie with an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅓ cup thick caramel sauce

For the crumb topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the apples: Toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt.

3. Fill the crust: Spoon the apples into the pie crust and drizzle with half the caramel sauce.

4. Make the crumble: Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form.

5. Add the topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.

6. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles.

7. Finish: Cool for at least 2 hours and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce before serving.

Serving Tip: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie brings together two beloved holiday desserts in one irresistible creation. A creamy vanilla cheesecake layer sits beneath a spiced pumpkin filling, all nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the cheesecake layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the pumpkin layer:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9-inch pie dish.

3. Make the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla.

4. Spread the filling: Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared crust.

5. Prepare the pumpkin layer: Whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, heavy cream, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.

6. Layer carefully: Gently spoon the pumpkin mixture over the cheesecake layer.

7. Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.

8. Chill: Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Expert Tip: Use room-temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth cheesecake filling.

9. Non-Alcoholic Bourbon-Style Pecan Pie

This Non-Alcoholic Bourbon-Style Pecan Pie delivers the deep caramel, vanilla, and toasted pecan flavors associated with traditional bourbon pecan pie without using alcohol. It’s a rich, festive dessert perfect for family-friendly Thanksgiving celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1½ cups pecan halves

• 2 teaspoons alcohol-free vanilla flavoring

• 1 tablespoon strong brewed black tea, cooled

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the filling: Whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, alcohol-free vanilla flavoring, black tea, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Add the pecans: Fold in the pecan halves.

4. Fill the crust: Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell.

5. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

6. Cool completely: Let the pie rest for at least 3 hours before slicing.

7. Serve: Enjoy with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Flavor Tip: The combination of maple syrup, black tea, and alcohol-free vanilla creates a complex flavor without adding bourbon.

Tips for Baking Perfect Thanksgiving Pies

Making beautiful Thanksgiving pies doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple techniques can help you achieve flaky crusts, creamy fillings, and consistently delicious results.

• Use cold butter for pastry: Cold butter helps create flaky layers in homemade pie crust.

• Avoid overmixing: Handle pastry dough gently to prevent tough crusts.

• Preheat the oven properly: A fully heated oven helps pies bake evenly.

• Protect the crust edges: Use foil or a pie shield if the edges brown too quickly.

• Allow enough cooling time: Custard, fruit, and pecan pies need time to set before slicing.

• Use fresh spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves add wonderful seasonal flavor.

• Plan ahead: Make pies in advance to reduce Thanksgiving Day preparation.

How to Store Thanksgiving Pies

Proper storage keeps homemade pies fresh and delicious throughout the holiday weekend.

Keep pies covered. Refrigerate pies containing eggs, dairy, custard, or cheesecake promptly, and don’t leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular pies for Thanksgiving?

Pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie are among the most traditional Thanksgiving desserts. Sweet potato pie, chocolate cream pie, and cranberry pie are also wonderful holiday options.

Can I make Thanksgiving pies ahead of time?

Yes! Pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, and chocolate cream pies are excellent make-ahead desserts. Most can be prepared one or two days before Thanksgiving and stored in the refrigerator.

How many pies should I make for Thanksgiving?

A standard 9-inch pie usually serves approximately 8 people. For a gathering of 12–16 guests, preparing three different pies provides a nice selection and enough servings for guests to try more than one flavor.

Which Thanksgiving pies are best served cold?

Chocolate cream pie and pumpkin cheesecake pie are especially delicious chilled. Pumpkin and sweet potato pies can also be served cold or at a cool room temperature.

What pies are best for a Thanksgiving dessert table?

A balanced Thanksgiving dessert table might include pumpkin pie for tradition, apple pie for a fruity option, pecan pie for a rich nutty dessert, and chocolate cream pie for chocolate lovers.

Thanksgiving desserts are about more than satisfying a sweet tooth. They’re part of the traditions, memories, and special moments shared around the holiday table.

Whether you choose a classic pumpkin pie, a buttery apple pie, a decadent chocolate cream pie, or a festive cranberry pie, these 9 homemade Thanksgiving pie recipes offer delicious ways to celebrate the season.

Prepare your favorites ahead of time, add a few beautiful toppings, and create a Thanksgiving dessert spread that everyone will remember.