Thanksgiving Pie Recipes
My favorite pie recipes for Thanksgiving: pumpkin pie, pumpkin-pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, all sorts of apple pies, blueberry-cranberry pie, and even lemon meringue pie with a graham cracker crust.
At my house we only ever had my mother’s pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, but as an adult I have been known to branch out and make a variety of pies. Below are some of my favorites.
Don't be afraid of making your own pie crust. It's easy! Four ingredients, four minutes. Here's how (complete with video lesson.)
Pumpkin Pie still has to lead the pack. This recipe uses an interesting spice mix and comes out richer and darker brown than most pies. I’ve tried lots of different pumpkin pies in my day, and this is still my hands-down favorite. You can even make it lactose-free.
Pecan Pie is also a traditional Thanksgiving dessert. It’s so rich sometimes it’s hard to justify eating it any other time! When I made my first Pecan Pie (here's the story!), I expected it to be complicated. Guess what—pecan pies are easy! As a chocolate lover, I actually prefer Chocolate Pecan Pie, which is also easy and just means adding some chocolate chips.
Pumpkin Pecan Pie is the answer if you can't decide whether to make pumpkin pie or pecan pie for Thanksgiving. Get the best of both worlds with this delicious combination! The pumpkin cuts the sweetness of the pecan, and the pecans add a lovely crunch to the pumpkin. A great hit at my house!
Apple Pies of all types also often grace the Thanksgiving table. Last year my desserts included the delicious Apple-Cranberry-Walnut Pie—Yum! There are lots of other apple options.
Maybe you’d like to bring an international ambiance to your turkey day dinner? If so, try a Clafouti or a Tarte Tatin. And Apple Crisp can provide nice variety if you’re looking for an alternative to pie.
Since Thanksgiving comes soon after elections, you might want to make a political statement with my Political Unity Pie, which brings blueberries and cranberries together with excellent results for all. If you’d rather not get into politics, then just call it Blueberry-Cranberry Pie. Either way, you and your guests will love it!
I have some friends whose traditional Thanksgiving pie is Lemon Meringue. Seems a bit odd to me, but why not? It’s tangy and perhaps a bit lighter than pumpkin or pecan after a big meal.
Let’s face it. You can’t go wrong with a delicious home made pie on Thanksgiving—or any other day, for that matter! Crank up your ovens!