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.
Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox.
Butterscotch pie is made easy by vanilla cook-and-serve pudding and melted butterscotch chips, with pinch of salt and vanilla to deepen the flavors. Pillowy toasted meringue complements the notes of molasses and brown sugar.
Dane Tashima; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Natasha Burton, the pastry chef and owner of Mixed Fillings Pie Shop in Jacksonville, Florida, shared with us her Harvest Sunrise Pie recipe. The stunning twist on a classic pumpkin pie was inspired by her favorite part of Thanksgiving: cranberry sauce.
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
These adorable mini pies will steal all the attention at Thanksgiving (or any fall gathering). They start with store-bought pie crusts to save time.
Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This Louisiana-born dessert is a real crowd pleaser, meaning it’ll impress even the pickiest of your Thanksgiving guests. With only 30 minutes of active time, it’ll fit seamlessly into your Turkey Day cooking plans.
Molly Bolton
All we have to say about this all-new apple pie recipe is, “Wow.” It is packed with more fall flavor and texture than any apple pie we’ve ever made before.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you have a family of chocolate lovers, this layered beauty should be on your Thanksgiving table.
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Pecans are usually home on the Thanksgiving table, but this new pie makes a case for adding walnuts to the mix.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Given all the other Thanksgiving cooking and baking to dos, we’re partial to this deliciously easy dessert, which calls for (shh!) store-bought pie crust.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you love classic pecan pie, then you will love this surprising twist. Our Test Kitchen added chocolate and cocoa powder to create the most rich and decadent holiday dessert.
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Layers of creamy chocolate and toasty coconut make this easy-bake pie a shoo-in for your Thanksgiving menu.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If Mama says to bring “anything but pumpkin pie,” this is a surprising dessert option that stars custard and coconut. Quite possibly the most easy and delicious Thanksgiving pie that will delight the whole family.
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford
For those who love to put a spin on a classic, this salted-caramel-and-pecan-topped take on chocolate chess pie is sure to please.
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford
The bright, citrusy notes of the orange zest and orange peel garnish strike a tasty balance with this pie’s rich chocolatey base.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
“When my daughter and sons were in college, I made them each a pie to take back to school after Thanksgiving break each year,” says reader Beth Lewis, who submitted this recipe from her mother’s collection. “I had to send them back with a fork as well, as they would often eat some (or all of it) before they got back to school!”
Victor Protasio, Chelsea Zimmer, Christina Dailey
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Editor At Large Rick Bragg’s mother’s Buttermilk Pie is extra-creamy from mixing buttermilk, whole milk, and a pinch of flour.
Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Inspired by old-fashioned Southern chocolate gravy and biscuits, this dessert version is even better. Chocolate gravy pie consists of creamy, rich chocolate custard baked in a flaky, buttery pie crust.
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Sally McKay; Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser
This fall pie will be a hit with kids and adults alike. A mixture of different sizes of marshmallows makes for fun presentation.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
“I lost my mom, Neddy Nokes, six years ago. I make this pie when I am missing her,” writes reader Beverly Thompson of Willis, Texas. “Because it is pure decadence, I don’t make it very frequently, but it’s a guaranteed treat when I do take the time to make it.”
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
For the cleanest cuts of this dreamy pie, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it off between cuts.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Even if you don’t make this recipe submitted by reader Cassie Tidwell Tramel of Columbia, Tennessee, you should absolutely read the sweet story behind it.
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Don’t let the name deter you: This classic layered chocolate pie is anything but reminiscent of its namesake.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
The only downside to making this dessert mashup for Thanksgiving is that everyone in the family might try to sneak a slice at breakfast that morning!
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.
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.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Nothing beats the classic pecan pie at Thanksgiving.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
Monica Farber / Southern Living
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.
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.
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.
Iain Bagwell
Semi-sweet chocolate and pecans make this pie irresistible. A healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream certainly won’t hurt it either.
Jennifer Davick
Combine your favorite Thanksgiving dessert recipes into one delicious cheesecake! A sweet Praline Topping sends this pie over the edge.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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.
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.