Sam Merritt, a home baker and recipe contributor, has compiled a comprehensive list of 22 Thanksgiving pie recipes. The collection spans classic favorites to innovative twists, including no-bake and portable options.
Classic Thanksgiving Pies
These pies remain staples at Thanksgiving tables. They are widely enjoyed and represent traditional tastes.
Pumpkin Pie
Merritt shares that, despite initially being a fan of pumpkin, he was skeptical when developing this recipe. He notes that swapping evaporated milk with heavy cream results in a noticeably smoother texture—far superior to what evaporated milk typically provides. He describes this change as a ‘game changer’ and encourages readers to try it.
Pecan Pie
According to Merritt, toasting the pecans enhances their flavor significantly. The recipe does not require blind baking, and the filling sets well, resulting in a satisfying texture that many find appealing.
Apple Pie
A reader writes that they made the pie and said, ‘it was perfect – don’t change a thing.’ They praise the crust as easy to make and the overall recipe as simple and quick to prepare.
Shoofly Pie
This Amish-style pie features a distinct molasses flavor, a gooey filling, and a crumb topping. Merritt mentions a secret ingredient, though it is not specified in the original text.
Buttermilk Pie
It is designed to use leftover buttermilk from cornbread or biscuits. The pie has a light, custardy texture and a hint of nutmeg that gives it a flavor reminiscent of a sugar cookie.
Twists on the Classics
These recipes modify traditional pies with new ingredients or techniques. They appeal to those seeking variety without sacrificing appeal.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Adding dark chocolate transforms the classic pecan pie into a richer, more indulgent dessert.
Apple Slab Pie
Designed for large gatherings, this pie is made in a jelly roll pan. It is easier to assemble, slice, and serve than a traditional pie, making it ideal for parties or gatherings.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
This recipe combines elements of pumpkin pie and cheesecake with a swirled filling. It is described as ‘perfect’ and freezes well, offering both simplicity and versatility.
Dutch Apple Pie
It uses three pounds of apples and replaces the traditional top crust with a crumbly, buttery walnut topping. This twist adds depth of flavor and simplifies the preparation process.
Something Different
These pies avoid traditional ingredients like pumpkin or apple. They offer unique flavor profiles and stand out on a dessert table.
French Silk Pie
Merritt notes that this traditional French dessert uses a cooked egg filling instead of raw eggs, ensuring safety and consistency. The result is a velvety texture. A reader says everyone ‘RAVED’ about it, indicating strong user satisfaction despite the recipe’s complexity.
Peanut Butter Pie
Designed for those who love peanut butter, this no-bake pie features a creamy, peanut buttery filling and an Oreo crust. No gelatin or whipped cream is used, freeing the oven for other tasks during the holiday meal.
Banana Cream Pie
It is made entirely from scratch, with a crisp vanilla wafer crust and a creamy layer of banana and vanilla pudding. The recipe is described as classic and authentic.
Chocolate Pie
Merritt calls this one of his personal favorites. It uses a homemade chocolate pudding filling and is topped with a fluffy homemade whipped cream, adding a rich, indulgent finish.
Blueberry Pie
A first-time maker reports that the pie was ‘DELICIOUS’ and that their husband loved it. They followed the recipe exactly and say it is a ‘keeper.’ The recipe includes tips for creating a lattice crust, which is easier than many assume.
Key Lime Pie
As a tropical option, it offers a smooth, creamy texture with a balanced sweet-tart flavor. It is set in a crispy, crumbly graham cracker crust and completed with a homemade whipped cream topping.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Merritt has developed a recipe that significantly reduces the risk of a weepy filling. The filling is set, and the meringue is tall and stable. The recipe uses only 10 ingredients, making it both simple and effective.
Coconut Cream Pie
It features a macadamia nut crust and a coconut milk-based filling. A reader praises the balance of sweetness and saltiness, calling it ‘so tasteful.’ The pie is described as indulgent and refreshing.
Chocolate Chess Pie
It has a fudgy, brownie-like filling and a buttery crust. The texture is rich and satisfying, making it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy fudgy desserts.
Thanksgiving Pie Bars
Pie bars offer a portable alternative. They are easier to serve at large gatherings or when traveling.
Pecan Pie Bars
A reader says the bars are ‘delicious’ and ‘perfect.’ They highlight the buttery shortbread crust and the set pecan filling as standout features.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
It is a portable version of pumpkin pie. The rich filling is topped with whipped cream, offering a simplified and convenient alternative to a full pie.
Apple Pie Bars
These bars feature a walnut-infused crumb topping and a buttery shortbread crust. They are described as ‘irresistible’ and are noted for their ease of preparation.
Key Lime Pie Bars
They are simple, tart, and creamy. The recipe is egg-free and ready in minutes, with a homemade whipped cream topping that enhances the flavor.
Choosing the Right Pies
- Traditional Thanksgiving: Pumpkin, pecan, or apple pie are recommended.
- Chocolate lovers: Chocolate pie or chocolate chess pie are suggested. A chocolate pecan pie blends tradition with indulgence.
- Light and refreshing: Key lime or lemon meringue pie are ideal for those who want to avoid heaviness.
- For large gatherings: Apple slab pie or pecan pie bars are practical choices.
- Make-ahead options: Chocolate pie, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie are suitable. No-bake pies like peanut butter or chocolate also work well.
Some pies are less ideal when made far in advance. A reader notes that fruit pies such as apple, blueberry, or lemon meringue may become soggy over time. Banana cream pie is also less stable due to banana browning and crust softening when stored for long periods.
Merritt notes that many of these recipes are tested and shared with real user feedback. The collection includes tips on crust preparation, lattice crusts, and blind baking.
For more pie recipes and tutorials, readers are encouraged to visit Merritt’s full collection. A link to a related article on mini pies is available for those seeking a stress-free option.
For a variation on pumpkin pie with a pecan praline topping, see the pecan praline pumpkin pie bars recipe.
Original source: The BEST Thanksgiving Pies
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Square collage of Thanksgiving pies including chocolate pecan pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie, French silk pie, and pumpkin cheesecake pie.. Via original publisher. Image source
