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Showstopping Pies for Thanksgiving

By: Melissa Coleman Last Updated: Nov 1, 2023 This post may contain affiliate links.

Indulge in the spirit of gratitude with one of these delectable showstopping pies for Thanksgiving! From classic pumpkin perfection to mouthwatering apple delights, savor the season's sweetness with every slice.



Elevate your holiday feast with our heavenly creations—because Thanksgiving without pie is just a meeting!

Collage of Pies for Thanksgiving



What's in this post?

  • Pie Making Tips
  • Pie Baking Must Haves
  • Showstopping Recipes
  • Frequently Asked Questions



As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds and golds, our thoughts naturally turn to one of the most cherished traditions of the season – Thanksgiving.


Beyond the warm gatherings and expressions of gratitude, there's a delightful culinary art that takes center stage on this festive occasion: the Thanksgiving pie.


Join us on a journey filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, the rich textures of pumpkin, and the flaky layers of crust that make this holiday treat an irreplaceable part of the Thanksgiving experience.


In this blog post, we'll explore the art of crafting the perfect Thanksgiving pie to add a touch of sweetness to your celebration.



Pie-Making Tips for Thanksgiving

  • Start with a Solid Foundation: The Crust
    Use cold ingredients: Keep butter, shortening, or lard chilled to ensure a flaky crust.

    Don't overwork the dough: Mix until just combined to avoid a tough crust.

  • Prevent a Soggy Bottom
    Blind bake the crust: Pre-bake the crust before adding the filling to create a barrier and prevent sogginess, especially for custard-based pies.

  • Perfecting the Filling
    Fresh is best: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. If using canned fruits or purees, choose those without added sugars or preservatives.

    Adjust sweetness: Taste your filling and adjust the sugar level accordingly. Some fruits may need more or less sweetness.

  • Spice it Up
    Experiment with spices: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a hint of cardamom to your fillings.

  • Creative Crust Designs
    Get decorative: Impress your guests by adding creative designs to your crust. Use cookie cutters for shapes or experiment with braided edges.

  • Chill Before Baking
    Let it rest: Allow your assembled pie to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps relax the gluten in the crust and sets the fats for a flakier texture.

  • Even Baking
    Rotate the pie: To ensure even baking, rotate the pie halfway through the baking time. This is especially important if your oven has hot spots.

  • Protect the Crust
    Use a pie shield: Cover the edges of your pie with foil or a pie shield during baking to prevent over-browning while the filling cooks.

  • Test for Doneness
    Jiggle test: For custard-based pies, gently jiggle the pie. The center should be slightly wobbly but not soupy.

  • Cooling and Setting
    Patience is key: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices.



Pie Making Must Haves

  • Pie Baking Essentials:
    • Rolling Pin
    • Pie Pans
    • Pastry Blender
    • Pie Weights for Blind Baking

  • Pie Servers and Utensils:
    • Elegant Pie Servers
    • Pie Cutter or Slicer

  • Decorative Pie Crust Tools:
    • Pie Crust Cutters/Shapers for Creative Designs
    • Personalized Pie Stamps

  • Baking Gadgets:
    • Digital Kitchen Scale for Precise Measurements
    • Pastry Mat for Mess-Free Rolling

  • Pie Dish Covers:
    • Decorative Pie Dish Covers for Presentation and Storage

  • Whipped Cream Dispenser:
    • For those who love a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream on their pie.

  • Baking Books:
    • Cookbooks with a variety of pie recipes for inspiration.

  • Pie-themed Decor:
    • Festive Pie-themed Aprons or Oven Mitts
    • Pie Dish Towels or Pot Holders



Showstopping Pies for Thanksgiving that Everyone Will Love!

Brown Sugar Pie



Banana Cream Pie



Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Slice of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie sitting on a white plate in the foreground of the entire pie.



Homemade Apple Pie

Via The Food Charlatan

Another classic, apple pie features sweet and tart apples baked in a cinnamon-spiced filling. The aroma of baking apple pie is synonymous with the holiday season.



Best Pumpkin Pie

Via Shurgary Sweets

A quintessential Thanksgiving treat, pumpkin pie is made with spiced pumpkin puree and a flaky crust. It embodies the essence of fall.



Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Pie

Via Small Town Woman

A Southern favorite, pecan pie is known for its gooey, sweet filling loaded with pecans. It adds a delightful richness to the dessert spread.



Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Via My Forking Life

A close relative to pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a smooth and creamy filling made from mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices.



Grandma's Coconut Cream Pie

Via Lady Behind the Curtain



Chocolate Pudding Pie

Via The First Year Blog



Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

Via Rock Recipes



Cranberry Pie

Via Recipe Girl

Perfect for Thanksgiving, cranberry pie showcases the tartness of fresh cranberries, often paired with orange zest and a buttery crust.



Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pies ahead of time for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! Many pies can be prepared in advance. Some, like pumpkin or pecan, benefit from a day of rest to allow flavors to meld. Just store them properly, either in the refrigerator or at room temperature depending on the filling.

Can I freeze pies for Thanksgiving?

Yes, you can freeze most pies for future enjoyment. Wrap them securely to prevent freezer burn, and don't forget to label them with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.



Even more Thanksgiving Foods

  • Cute Thanksgiving Desserts! Easy Recipe Ideas
  • Thanksgiving Side Dishes
  • Best Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
  • Beautiful Pumpkin Shaped Bread Recipe for Fall
  • Individual Mini Pumpkin Pies

More Thanksgiving

  • Cute Thanksgiving Desserts: Easy Recipe Ideas
    Cute Thanksgiving Desserts! Easy Recipe Ideas
  • This photo features a slice of homemade pumpkin cake on a white plate.
    Best Homemade Pumpkin Cake Recipe
  • Collage of Thanksgiving Side Dishes
    Thanksgiving Side Dishes
  • Thanksgiving Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Chelsea Olivia says

    November 20, 2013 at 3:50 am

    Drooooool. The pecan pie looks amazing. Pinning this for sure!

    Reply
  2. Chrissy Boerman says

    November 18, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    yum. checking out each recipe now!

    Reply

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Collage of Pies for Thanksgiving