Thanksgiving Pies: 8 Must-Make Homemade Pies

Discover 8 must-make Thanksgiving Pies including 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!

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 my mom and 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.

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:

• Homemade Cherry Pie – A flaky crust filled with bubbling tart cherries
• Basic Apple Pie – The ultimate classic with cinnamon-spiced apples
• Easy Dutch Apple Pie – Featuring a crunchy cornmeal streusel topping

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.

Featured Recipes:

• Healthy Pumpkin Pie Recipe – Made with real cream and maple syrup
• The Best Pecan Pie Recipe – Featuring a secret browned butter technique
• Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie – A Southern classic with custard-like texture

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.

Featured Recipes:

• Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie – Dark chocolate pudding with Oreo crust
• Homemade Coconut Cream Pie – Tropical flavors with toasted coconut

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:

• Learn proper pie crust techniques and shortcuts
• The collection of magnificent pie crust recipes
• Plus how to get a bit fancy with a lattice top crust

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

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

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

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