Thanksgiving Pies: 8 Must-Make Homemade Pies

Discover 8 must-makeThanksgiving Piesincluding homemade pumpkin, pecan, apple pie recipes with flaky pie crust. From classic favorites to creative twists, these pie recipes will have your guests asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first slice!

🥧The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect Pie CrustandHow to Make a Lattice Pie Crust Topare excellent resources to round out your pie-baking adventure!

My Best Advice For Making Thanksgiving Pies

Ready to create your own holiday baking magic? I am! Making homemade pies for the holidays is one of my greatest joys in the kitchen shared with me by mymomand grandma, and I’m sharing some good info and tips in this holiday pie guide.

Here are the two biggest questions I get about making pies for Thanksgiving, and I’m sharing exactly how many pies you need and how to decide exactly which pies to make!

How many pies should I make for Thanksgiving dinner?

A good rule is one pie for every four guests. You’ll also need to take into consideration if you want to have extra pie pieces for enjoying as leftovers, or even whole pies to send home with guests as a holiday gift.

When in doubt, I always make an extra pie. If left whole, you can freeze most pies for the next holiday coming up!

Which pies are best for Thanksgiving?

Mix flavors and textures for the most impressive spread. Consider pairing a fruit pie (like apple or cherry) with a cream pie and a traditional holiday option (pumpkin or pecan).

For variety, consider making 2-3 different types—perhaps one fruit pie, one cream pie, and one traditional pumpkin or pecan. This ensures everyone finds something they love and accounts for those who want to try multiple desserts.

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Welcome to your holiday pie extravaganza! In this post, I have compiled 8 mouthwatering pie recipes that are perfect inspiration for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these recipes are simple, classic, and oh-so-delicious.

If you love baking as much as I do, you’ll find pure joy in spending an afternoon creating delicious pies from scratch.

And if you’re new to making pie, plan to take an afternoon to bake and see how grounding the whole process is. Bonus: you have a delicious dessert at the end!

My Favorites: Best Thanksgiving Pies

Classic Fruit Pies for Thanksgiving

Nothing says comfort like a warm fruit pie served with vanilla ice cream at room temperature. These traditional desserts showcase seasonal flavors through simple, time-tested recipes that let quality ingredients shine.

Whether you’re working with tart cherries, crisp apples, or creating a stunning lattice design, each slice delivers that perfect balance of sweet filling and buttery crust that makes Thanksgiving memorable.

Featured Recipes:

Traditional Holiday Favorites: Pumpkin and Pecan

No Thanksgiving dessert table feels complete without these iconic holiday pies! I feel like my kitchen has been a test kitchen over the years, getting these recipes just right to deliver consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.

From the smooth, spiced custard of pumpkin pie to the caramelized richness of pecan pie, these are the desserts that define the season and keep family members coming back year after year.

Decadent Cream Pies

For those who prefer silky-smooth textures over traditional fruit pies, cream pie recipes deliver pure indulgence.

These make-ahead wonders are perfect when you need to prep desserts in advance, and they’re always a hit with guests who appreciate something a little different.

The combination of rich filling, graham cracker or cookie crust, and fresh whipped cream creates an elegant finale to your holiday meal.

Thanksgiving Pies FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade pie crust offers superior flavor and texture, store-bought crusts work perfectly fine and save valuable time during busy holiday preparations. Focus your energy on creating an amazing filling, and no one will complain about a convenient shortcut.

Can I make pies ahead of time?

Yes! Fruit pies can be baked 1-2 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature. Cream pies should be made the day before and refrigerated. Some bakers even freeze unbaked fruit pies up to 3 months ahead—just bake directly from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to baking time.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Blind baking is your best defense—partially bake the crust before adding filling. For fruit pies, brush the bottom crust with beaten egg white before filling, or add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture. Baking on the lowest oven rack also helps create a crisp bottom.

What’s the secret to flaky pie crust?

Three factors create flakiness: cold butter (cut into pea-sized pieces), minimal handling (overworking develops gluten and makes crust tough), and proper hydration (add ice water gradually until dough just comes together). Refrigerating dough before rolling also helps maintain those butter layers.

Can I make pie dough in advance?

Pie dough freezes beautifully! Make it up to 3 months ahead, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Refrigerated dough keeps 2-3 days, making it perfect for preparing one day and baking the next.

How do I know when my pie is done baking?

Visual cues are your best guide. Fruit pies should have golden-brown crusts with filling that bubbles through vents. Custard pies (like pumpkin) are done when edges are set but centers still jiggle slightly—they’ll continue cooking as they cool. An instant-read thermometer should register 175°F for most custard pies.

A golden-brown cherry pie with a lattice crust and braided edge sits on a clear glass pie dish atop a white cloth, reminiscent of the classic charm found in a homemade coconut cream pie.

A whole pecan pie in a glass dish, featuring a golden, flaky crust and a decorative pattern of whole pecans on top of the filling, placed on a white cloth—perfect inspiration for your collection of 8 pie recipes.

Mastering the Perfect Pie Crust

Success with any pie recipe starts with mastering pie dough fundamentals. Whether you’re rolling out a double pie crust for apple or creating decorative edges for pumpkin, understanding proper technique transforms good pies into extraordinary ones.

A well-made crust should be flaky, tender, and golden—never soggy or tough—and serves as the foundation for whatever delicious filling you choose.

Essential Resources:

Seven pie crust varieties—like all butter, lard, gluten free, graham cracker, and more—are arranged in a circle on a white surface to showcase every unique pie crust option.

Essential Pie Baking Tips for Perfect Results

Before You Begin:

Plan Your Servings– Calculate one pie for every four guests to ensure everyone gets their favorites
Check Your Kitchen– Verify you have proper equipment including pie plates, rolling pins, and cooling racks
Time Management– Many pies can be made 1-2 days ahead, making holiday prep less stressful so plan on making ahead if possible

Four different pies on a blue surface, including a lattice-topped cherry pie, a pumpkin pie, an apple pie with a full top crust, and a pecan pie with a slice missing. A tub of ice cream is nearby.

During Preparation:

Use Fresh Ingredients– High-quality butter, real vanilla extract, and fresh spices make all the difference
Temperature Matters– Keep butter cold when making pie crust; bring eggs and dairy to room temperature for fillings
Don’t Rush the Dough– Refrigerate pie dough for at least one hour before rolling to prevent shrinkage
Measure Accurately– Baking is science—use proper measuring cups and level off dry ingredients

A golden-brown, homemade pie with a flaky crust sits in a glass pie dish on a light blue surface. A knife and pie server rest on top, with plates and a white napkin nearby.

Baking Success:

Preheat Thoroughly– Allow your oven a full 20 minutes to reach the correct temperature
Watch for Visual Cues– Golden brown crusts and set centers indicate doneness better than time alone
Protect the Edges– Use aluminum foil or pie shields if crust browns too quickly
Use a Deep Pie Plate– Nine-inch deep dishes prevent filling from bubbling over

A baked pie with a golden-brown lattice crust and braided edge, filled with dark red fruit filling, displayed in a glass pie dish on a white background—a delicious contrast to any Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe.

After Baking:

Cool Completely– This critical step (often taking 2+ hours) allows filling to set properly
Serve Smart– Fruit pies shine warm with ice cream; cream pies are best chilled
Store Properly– Cream pies need refrigeration; fruit pies can sit at room temperature for a day