Best Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

Here at the Almanac, we love to bake. Yes, there’s the turkey, but aren’t we all looking forward to the classic Thanksgiving pie? On the fruiter side, we have a caramel apple pie, a maple cream pie, and a make-ahead cranberry cream pie. On the creamy side, we have a sweet potato pie, fluffy pumpkin cheesecake, and peanut butter pie. 

1. Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Pie

The pumpkin pie is the #1 pie eaten at Thanksgiving time in the United States. (America’s top choice is apple the rest of the year.) An estimated 50 million pumpkin pies are devoured in November! Were pumpkins eaten at the first Thanksgivings? Find out what the Pilgrims ate.

This pumpkin pie recipe won the blue ribbon at the Goshen (Connecticut) Fair. The filling is nice and firm, not too custardy. It’s a basic pie recipe, but the crust turns out very well. After all, appearance and taste count most at the fair!


Photo by Brent Hofaker/Shutterstock

2. Sour Cream Apple Pie

One of the editors’ grandmothers made this pie every Thanksgiving and it was always a hit. Add a scoop of ice cream for pie à la mode!

Photo by Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

3. Caramel Apple Crumb Pie

For those who love a crumb topping, we offer an apple pie that looks with the autumn flavors and aroma of caramel, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla.


Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

4. Cranberry Pie

A simple Cranberry Pie brings beautiful color to the Thanksgiving or Christmas table. It’s similar to cherry pie but not too sweet, and it showcases the cranberry, an American native berry harvested in late fall. 

Credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

5. Maple Cream Pie

It doesn’t get much better than this maple cream pie (bacon topping optional!) It’s a silky smooth custard pie bursting with real maple syrup. 

Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie recipe is “the most delicious pie of all time,” according to our recipe tester. It’s a real head turner and Thanksgiving favorite with kids (of all ages)!

Photo Credit: Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

7. Grandma’s Pecan Pie

This delicious pecan pie is sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Gran’s pie recipes are the best!

Credit:  Elena Veselova/shutterstock

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Try this fluffy pumpkin cheesecake for a twist on the classic pumpkin pie. Make in advance!

Credit: Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

9. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potatoes for dessert? Yes, please! This simple-to-make sweet potato pie recipe will perfectly complement holiday dinner.  

Credit: Guy J. Sagi/Shutterstock

10. Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake

Who doesn’t love a creamy New York-Style Cheesecake? The texture of this sour cream cheesecake is like velvet on the tongue. Top with red berries for color or make a quick cranberry-raspberry topping: In a saucepan: Combine 12 ounces cranberries, 2 cups of raspberries, 1 lemon zested, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 1 cup water. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (from the lemon). Bring to a boil and then simmer 15 minutes. Let cool completely! You can prepare this cranberry topping in advance, store in fridge, and then add on the big day.
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pie!

1. Pumpkin Bread Pudding

This pudding is like pumpkin pie, but with a firmer, denser texture. Skip making the crust and try this twist on the classic pumpkin pie. All you have to do once it’s done cooking is top it with whipped cream and serve! (Kids love this recipe, too!)

Photo by Istetiana

2. Indian Pudding

A classic New England dessert, Indian Pudding is made with cornmeal, milk, and molasses. The “Indian” refers to cornmeal, which was introduced to European colonists by Native Americans and sometimes called “indian flour.” Despite its messy presentation, this “pudding” tastes amazing, especially topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

Credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Looking for more recipes? Check out Thanksgiving Dinner ideas.