Thanksgiving is synonymous with food, and at the heart of every Thanksgiving meal is a spread of delicious pies. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or bringing a dessert to a friend’s gathering, Thanksgiving pies are a staple that completes the holiday meal. From creamy, spiced pumpkin pies to rich, decadent pecan pies, these 12 traditional Thanksgiving pies are the classics that never disappoint. Perfect for any occasion, each one offers its own unique flavor and texture, making it a dessert everyone will eagerly anticipate. So let’s dive into these timeless recipes, each one guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your Thanksgiving table!
1. Classic Pumpkin Pie
You can’t have Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, and this classic version is a must-have on any holiday table. Made with a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling, this pie combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. The rich filling is nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, making every bite melt in your mouth. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, this pumpkin pie is the heart of Thanksgiving desserts. Get the recipe: Classic Pumpkin Pie
2. Pecan Pie
For those who love a rich, nutty, and caramelized dessert, pecan pie is a Thanksgiving favorite. This pie features a golden, sweet filling made from corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter, topped with crunchy pecans that provide a delightful contrast in texture. The flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted nuts create a decadent dessert that’s impossible to resist. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to make it even more indulgent. Get the recipe: Pecan Pie
3. Apple Pie
Apple pie is a classic American dessert that is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and stuffing. The combination of tart apples, cinnamon, and a buttery, flaky crust makes this pie a warm, comforting dessert everyone will love. Whether you choose a traditional double-crust or a lattice-top design, the sweet and spicy filling is sure to please. Serve it warm with a side of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. Get the recipe: Apple Pie
4. Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is another Southern favorite that’s gained popularity across the country, especially at Thanksgiving. Similar to pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie is made with a smooth, spiced filling, but with a slightly earthier, sweeter flavor. The rich orange filling is made with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and cinnamon, all nestled in a buttery crust. Top it off with whipped cream for a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Pie
5. Cherry Pie
Cherry pie is a fruit lover’s dream, bursting with sweet and tart cherries in every bite. This classic dessert is made with a juicy, fragrant filling that’s perfectly balanced with a buttery, flaky crust. The cherries bring a bright pop of color to the table, and their natural sweetness is enhanced by a hint of almond extract. This pie adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your Thanksgiving spread, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves a fruit- filled dessert.Get the recipe: Cherry Pie
6. Chocolate Cream Pie
For chocolate lovers, chocolate cream pie is the ultimate indulgence. This pie features a rich, velvety chocolate filling made with milk chocolate or dark chocolate, whipped into a smooth, creamy texture. The filling is poured into a graham cracker or traditional pie crust and topped with a generous layer of freshly whipped cream. Chocolate lovers will rejoice with every bite of this decadent dessert. Get the recipe: Chocolate Cream Pie
7. Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut cream pie is a tropical twist on the classic cream pie, perfect for those who enjoy the rich flavor of coconut. This pie features a creamy coconut custard filling made with coconut milk and shredded coconut, all tucked into a buttery pie crust. The topping is made from sweetened whipped cream and more coconut, creating a light and airy dessert with plenty of tropical flavor. Get the recipe:Coconut Cream Pie
8. Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon meringue pie is a refreshing, tangy dessert that adds a burst of citrus flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. The tangy lemon curd filling contrasts perfectly with the fluffy, lightly sweetened meringue topping. The combination of tart and sweet makes this pie a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of zing in their dessert. Its light, airy meringue is the perfect finishing touch to the smooth lemon filling. Get the recipe: Lemon Meringue Pie
9. Banoffee Pie
Banoffee pie, a British dessert made from bananas, toffee, and cream, is an indulgent and easy-to-make pie that’s sure to impress. The pie has a buttery biscuit base, layered with sweetened condensed milk caramelized into toffee, fresh banana slices, and whipped cream. The contrast of textures—crunchy, creamy, and smooth—creates a unique and irresistible dessert that will stand out at any Thanksgiving gathering. Get the recipe: Banoffee Pie
10. Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk pie is a Southern classic that’s often overlooked but absolutely delicious. With a custard-like filling made from buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, this pie is creamy and smooth with a slight tang from the buttermilk. The filling is set in a flaky crust, and the pie is baked until golden and firm. It’s a simple yet delightful dessert that’s sure to win over anyone who loves custard pies. Get the recipe: Buttermilk Pie
11. Peach Pie
Peach pie is a sweet, juicy dessert that’s perfect for the fall harvest season, especially when fresh peaches are in abundance. The filling, made from sliced peaches and a touch of cinnamon, is sweet and fragrant. Whether you use fresh or frozen peaches, this pie is guaranteed to have a warm, comforting flavor. Topped with a lattice crust or a simple single crust, peach pie is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread, offering a burst of sweetness and fruitiness. Get the recipe: Peach Pie
12. Pumpkin Cream Pie
Pumpkin cream pie combines the classic flavors of pumpkin pie with a lighter, creamier twist. Instead of the traditional spiced filling, this version features a velvety pumpkin-flavored cream filling that’s lightened with whipped cream. The crust is often made from a combination of gingersnap cookies or graham crackers, providing a crunchy contrast to the smooth filling. This pie is perfect for those who want the pumpkin flavor without the density of a traditional pumpkin pie.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Cream Pie
These 12 traditional Thanksgiving pies are the perfect way to end a festive meal, each offering a unique flavor and texture that guests will remember long after the meal is over. Whether you’re a fan of the classic pumpkin pie, the sweet and nutty pecan pie, or something more tropical like coconut cream pie, there’s a pie for everyone on this list. No Thanksgiving celebration is complete without pie, so make sure to bake up one (or more!) of these crowd-pleasers to share with your loved ones. Happy baking and happy Thanksgiving!
