55 Dazzling Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

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Updated on November 4, 2023

a slice of Kentucky Bourbon Pie - Southern Living — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The bird may take center stage for the main meal, but these beautiful Thanksgiving pies are sure to give a show-stopping sweet ending to your feast. From appetizers to dessert, Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather together over a delicious holiday spread. That may mean relishing sweet potato pies baked from beloved family recipes or baking up unfamiliar ones to create new memories.

For fresh takes on familiar classics and new ways to serve up sweet seasonal flavor, here's some delicious new approaches to Thanksgiving pies. While the ingredients are familiar—pumpkins, pecans, sweet potatoes, and apples, for starters—these pies stand out in flavor that's too good to have just one slice.

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Pear Pie

Southern Living Pear Pie in the pie dish with a slice out — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar complement pears for a pie that is just the right amount of sweet. Our Pear Pie is just as delicious whether served warm or chilled.

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Apple Cider Vinegar Pie

Southern Living Apple Cider Vinegar Pie in the pie pan to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Vinegar is sometimes used in pies in place of lemon juice, which was more difficult and expensive to source long ago. In this version, the apple cider vinegar gives the pie a hint of zing that's matched by the sweet, buttery sautéed apples.

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Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Nothing beats the classic pecan pie at Thanksgiving.

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Caramel Pie

Southern Living Caramel Pie sliced on plates to serve — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Not one to be a back-up singer, caramel takes the leading role in this pie. Once cooled, the caramel pie filling is rich, creamy, and ooey-gooey. It perfectly pairs with the light and fluffy whipped cream.

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Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Southern Living Pumpkin Chiffon Pie sliced on a plate to serve — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Instead of a baked pumpkin custard, this pumpkin pie's filling is a lighter-than-air meringue-based pumpkin mixture. It's chilled to set the mixture, not baked. Then whipped cream is piled high to add to the ethereal texture just before serving.

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Lemon Chiffon Pie

Southern Living Lemon Chiffon Pie cut in slices to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

Fruit, fresh lemon chiffon pie is sweet and tart and might be a great break from the rich, heavy dishes of Thanksgiving.

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Cranberry Chiffon Pie

Southern Living Cranberry Chiffon Pie in the pan, sliced to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

The tang of cranberry is a Thanksgiving must-have, but instead of a sauce or jelly, we're serving it up in this fluffy, light chiffon pie.

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Chocolate Silk Pie

Southern Living Chocolate Silk Pie with a slice cut out to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This airy pie is just the right amount of sweet. Chocolate-lovers will be thankful for this satiny addition to the holiday dessert spread.

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Ginger-Maple Amber Pie

Southern Living Ginger-Maple Amber Pie sliced on plates to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Give a traditional amber pie a rich maple syrup addition. With a cinnamon meringue topping, this pie is a star.

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Maple Pumpkin Pie

Southern Living Maple Pumpkin Pie sliced on plates — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Maple syrup, in the place of granulated sugar, is the perfect sweetener for pumpkin pie. It adds flavors of caramel and butter, and it doesn't make the pie-making process any more difficult.

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Southern Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk Pie — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

This pie is proof that "simple is best." Give this old-fashioned dessert a second look, and your Thanksgiving guests will appreciate you for it.

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Grape Pie

Southern Living - Grape Pie with a slice out — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Grape may not be the first fruit that comes to mind when you think of pies, but in the fall, the jewel-toned filling and juicy bite is the perfect finish to a meal.

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Coconut Cream Pie

Southern Living Coconut Cream Pie sliced and ready to serve — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Despite its highly impressive appearance, this pie is quite easy and can be made ahead so you're not worrying about dessert on Thanksgiving Day.

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Apple Slab Pie

apple slab pie in a baking pan with squares taken out — Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Not the traditional shape, but every bit as delicious as an circular version, the slab pie is meant to serve a big Thanksgiving crowd.

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Granny Smith Apple Pie

Granny Smith Apple Pie — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

The secret ingredient that upgrades this Thanksgiving pie is roasted Granny Smith apples. The apples can be prepared a day or two in advance to help the pie come together faster.

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Shoofly Pie

shoofly pie slices on individual plates — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

This pie became beloved and famous during a time when baking resources were so limited (The Great Depression), but it's stood the test of time for its unique flavor.

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Dairy-Free Coconut-Pumpkin Pie

Dairy-Free Coconut-Pumpkin Pie — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Coconut milk is an unexpected addition to the classic Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, but its ready to prove its dessert potential. This delicious, spiced pie also just so happens to be dairy free.

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Old-Fashioned Sour Cream-Raisin Pie

Sour Cream-Raisin Pie — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

We're pulling this old-fashioned pie out of the archives because it deserves a comeback. We've got the tips and tricks to guarantee a successful revival, but no need to let Grandma know that you prefer this recipe to hers.

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Texas Pecan Pie

Texas Pecan Pie — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

The pecans are the star of this no-fuss pie. It's the quintessential and straightforward Thanksgiving pecan pie. You don't mess with the classics just like you don't mess with Texas.

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Classic Chess Pie

slices of Classic Chess Pie on multi-color plates — Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Vintage recipes will always be worthy of a place on your holiday menu, especially this chess pie. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand to make this classic pie.

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Our Easiest Pumpkin Pie Ever

Our Easiest Pumpkin Pie Ever — Greg Dupree

Of all of our Thanksgiving dessert recipes, this might just be the easiest one yet. For a crisp crust (no more soggy bottom!), use a metal pie pan and pre-bake your crust with pie weights.

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Sliced Sweet Potato Pie with Molasses Whipped Cream

Sliced Sweet Potato Pie with Molasses Whipped Cream — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The more sweet potatoes you have on your Thanksgiving menu, the better, in our opinion. This double-crusted dessert gets even sweeter with a hefty dollop of molasses whipped cream.

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Fig Pie

Fig Pie — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Make the most of fresh figs by baking them into a sweet pie. This unique fruit pie deserves a spot among the greats.

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Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Southern Living Old Fashioned Apple Pie — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: MISSIE NEVILLE CRAWFORD; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX

You can't go wrong with this classic recipe that tastes just like the one Grandma whipped up in her kitchen. This double crust version is a must-have on the Thanksgiving table.

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German Chocolate-Pecan Pie

Green Tomato Mincemeat Pie — Alison Miksch

Instead of making a chocolate pie and a pecan pie, combine the two for one rich dessert. Giving credit where credit's due—to the Lone Star State—you'll be grateful you stumbled across this recipe.

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Kentucky Bourbon Pie

Derby Pie or Kentucky Bourbon Pie - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bring this pie to Thanksgiving dinner and everyone will be asking for the decadent recipe. Each layer of this pie is better than the last for the perfect forkful.

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Mini Pumpkin Pies

Mini Pumpkin Pies — Micah A. Leal

After a big Thanksgiving meal, mini pumpkin pies will allow you to still enjoy a bite of this classic holiday dessert. They're as tasty as they are adorable.

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Mini Apple Pies

Mini Apple Pies — Micah A. Leal

Crust-lovers will rejoice when they see these bite-sized apple pies that have no shortage of flaky crust. It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without apple pie, but these miniatures ensure that you'll have appetite to spare so you can try a variety of options in the dessert spread.

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Caramel Apple Blondie Pie

Caramel Apple Blondie Pie — Photo: Hector Sanchez

Buttery rich layers of tender cake and caramelized apples add up to one sweet combo. The secret to the crisp, flaky crust? Baking in a cast-iron skillet on a lower oven rack.

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Easy Skillet Apple Pie

Southern Living Easy Skillet Apple Pie ready to serve — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Making an apple pie has never been so easy. Simply toss apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, and spoon over a refrigerated pie crust in the cast-iron skillet. Top with the other crust and bake.

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Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie

Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie — Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Once you've made a pecan pie in a cast-iron skillet, you may never go back to a pie plate. Simply press a refrigerated pie crust into the skillet, sprinkle with sugar, top with the pecan mixture, and bake. Serving it in the skillet is also easy and makes the dish even more Southern.

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Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie — Hector Manuel Sanchez

If you have extra sweet potatoes on hand, this pie will put them to good use. Browning the butter with spices kicks this classic pie up a notch that we never knew we needed.

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Double-Chocolate Pecan Pie

Double-Chocolate Pecan Pie — Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Chocolate crust with a sweet and sticky chocolate-pecan filling is topped with a chocolate drizzle. Bring this pretty pie to this year's celebration and you be roped into promising it for next year too.

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Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie

Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie With Bourbon Whipped Cream — Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Torie Cox Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Baking the sweet potatoes is the secret step to this pie's amazing flavor. Orange zest and bourbon are the secret ingredients for a tasty pie that's not too sweet.

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Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie

chocolate-bourbon pecan pie — Katie Sikora/Southern Living

Give your go-to pecan pie a welcome upgrade with this recipe. This pie will satisfy everyone at your Thanksgiving table, and only takes 15 minutes of hands-on time.

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Apple-Bourbon Pie

Apple-Bourbon Pie Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Not your typical apple pie, this version amps up the seasonal, Southern flavors. Bourbon-infused raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, apricot preserves, and chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts are added to the filling.

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Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Purple Sweet Potato Pie — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

This classic dessert has a whole new look thanks to purple sweet potatoes. This colorful potato variety lends itself to creamy texture and subtle flavor.

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Double-Decker Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Double-Decker Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe Image — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Pecan pie and cheesecake come together to make this absolutely delicious fall pie. Layered desserts are our favorite way to build in sweet, seasonal flavor,

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Barbara Bush's Chocolate Pecan Pie

Chocolate Pecan Pie — bhofack2/Getty Images

Trust this former first lady when she says this chocolate-pecan pie is the best you'll ever have. This ooey, gooey take on a pecan pie is worthy of a presidential Thanksgiving feast.

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Cushaw Pie with Vanilla Bean Custard Sauce

Cushaw Pie with Vanilla Bean Custard Sauce — Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

If you've never had a cushaw, let us introduce you. This winter squash pie, best topped with custard sauce and a few candied pecans, will be a new must-have on your Thanksgiving table.

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Butterscotch Pie with Whiskey Caramel Sauce

Butterscotch Pie - Southern Living — Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Cat Steele; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hilegas

If you didn't think butterscotch pie could get any better, we've got the recipe for you. Make the spirited caramel sauce in advance and then drizzle over the pie before serving.

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Chocolate Pudding Pie

Chocolate Pudding Pie — Micah A. Leal

Homemade pudding and chopped dark chocolate bring rich flavor to this classic pie. Top with freshly whipped cream for an incredibly decadent slice.

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Egg Custard Pie

Egg Custard Pie — Antonis Achilleos

This old-fashioned pie is silky smooth with the perfect crunch from the crust. It's easy as can be to make and delightfully homey.

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Mini Chocolate-Pecan Pies

Mini Apple-Cinnamon Pies, Mini Cranberry-Cheesecake Pies, and Mini Chocolate-Pecan Pies — David Malosh; Prop Styling: Robyn Glaser; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

Bite-sized desserts are always a hit at Thanksgiving. Perfect for those who want to sample a range of pies on the table, these mini pies make up for their small size with big flavor.

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Persimmon Pie with Pecan Streusel

Persimmon Pie with Pecan Streusel - Southern Living — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Fresh persimmons star in this pie, but can easily be substituted for the pre-pureed kind to delicious effect. Top this pie with pecan streusel for the ultimate fall delight.

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Fudge Pie

Fudge Pie — Iain Bagwell

Semi-sweet chocolate and pecans make this pie irresistible. A healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream certainly won't hurt it either.

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Arkansas Black Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce

Arkansas Black Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This pie relies on the fragrant, tart, and tasty apples that hail from Benton County, Arkansas. A drizzle of Caramel Sauce and a scoop of ice cream are all you need to finish off this heirloom apple pie.

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Pumpkin-Pecan Cheesecake

Pumpkin-Pecan Cheesecake — Photo: Jennifer Davick

Combine your favorite Thanksgiving dessert recipes into one delicious cheesecake! A sweet Praline Topping sends this pie over the edge.

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Black Bottom Pumpkin Pie

Black Bottom Pumpkin Pie — Iain Bagwell

Buttery cinnamon graham cracker crust and lots of melted chocolate make a seemingly-perfect pie even better. With a moist, crumbly crust and a decadent, creamy filling, it's hard to say no to seconds of this pie.

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Pumpkin-Pecan Streusel Pie

Pumpkin-Pecan Streusel Pie — Photo: Helen Norman

Pumpkin and pecan are a flavor marriage in heaven on the Thanksgiving table. With flavor more than accounted for, create this pie's signature chunky texture by leaving those extra-big blueberry-size pieces in the Pecan Streusel Topping mix.

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Coconut-Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Coconut-Pumpkin Chiffon Pie — Hector M. Sanchez

Make and refrigerate this fluffy pie without the topping a day ahead. Whip and add the topping before serving and don't skimp on the toasted coconut.

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Bean Pie

Bean Pie — Antonis Achilleos

Hear us out. Navy beans combined with eggs, milk, sugar, warm cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, bake into a surprisingly delicious dessert that will hold its own alongside pumpkin and sweet potato pies.

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Disney World Apple Pie

Wilderness Lodge Apple Pie — Walt Disney World

Bring a little magic to the buffet spread. This buttery Disney dessert from the Whispering Canyon Café is absolutely delightful.

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Mini Pumpkin Pies with Maple Whipped Cream

mini pumpkin pies with maple whipped cream — David Malosh; Prop Styling: Robyn Glaser; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

Miniature and with a few unexpected twists, these apple pies are the bite-sized treats needed to spice up the dessert blowout. These pies replace typical crust options with flaky phyllo, topped off with elevated whipped cream.

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Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie — Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

We're convinced it's impossible to resist this tempting pie, sliced up to show off its chocolatey pumpkin filling. It has all the decadence of a chocolate torte with all of the well-loved seasonal flare of a pumpkin pie.

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