This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Discover the best Christmas Pies recipes including traditional favorites like pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie, and cream pie desserts. Perfect holiday desserts with homemade pie crust and delicious fillings for your festive celebrations!
🥧 Nothing captures the spirit of festive celebrations quite like a beautiful homemade pie fresh from the oven!
My 2 Best Tips For Making Christmas Pies
Perfect Your Pie Crust: The foundation of any great pie starts with a flaky, buttery crust. Keep your ingredients cold, handle the dough minimally, and don’t skip the chilling time. A homemade pie crust made from scratch will always surpass store-bought versions in both flavor and texture.
Control Your Filling Consistency: Whether you’re working with pumpkin pie filling or apple pie filling, the right consistency prevents soggy bottoms and ensures even baking. For fruit pies, toss your filling ingredients with a bit of cornstarch or flour to absorb excess juices. For custard-based pies, avoid overbaking by removing them when the center still has a slight wobble.
🩷 Melissa
Whether you’re serving a classic pumpkin pie with whipped cream, a traditional apple pie, or a decadent chocolate creation, these Christmas pies will become the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table.
Pumpkin and apple are always on my holiday pie menu, but each year I try to work in two more pies, usually ones from this collection.
Most of these pies can be made ahead so that’s what I do starting in early November – make pies for enjoying all season long!
My Favorite Christmas Pies
The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and of course, incredible desserts that make Christmas memories sweeter.
From flaky pie crusts to luscious fillings made with brown sugar and warming spices, each recipe offers something special to delight your loved ones. Here are my most beloved pie recipes that will make your Christmas feast truly unforgettable!
Classic Holiday Pumpkin Pies
The pumpkin pie stands as one of the most beloved traditional Christmas desserts, gracing holiday tables with its warming spices and creamy filling.
These recipes showcase everything from miniature versions perfect for individual servings to healthy variations sweetened with maple syrup, plus a special recipe using fresh pumpkin for those who want to go completely from scratch.
Comforting Sweet Potato & Buttermilk Pies
Sweet potato pie delivers a creamier texture than pumpkin while offering that same cozy, spiced warmth we love in holiday desserts.
Combined with the rich custard-like filling of old-fashioned buttermilk pie, these recipes bring Southern charm and homestyle comfort to your Christmas celebration. Both feature buttery crusts that complement their smooth, sweet centers beautifully.
Timeless Apple Pie Variations
Nothing says “home” quite like the aroma of apple pie baking in the oven, its flaky golden crust, and its juicy apple filling bubbling with cinnamon and sugar.
Whether you prefer the classic American style with a double crust or the Dutch version topped with crunchy cornmeal streusel, these apple pie recipes deliver that perfect balance of tender fruit and buttery pastry.
Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate holiday dessert experience.
Luxurious Cream Pies
Cream pies bring elegance and indulgence to any holiday dessert spread with their silky fillings and billowy whipped cream toppings.
From tropical coconut nestled in a graham cracker crust to rich chocolate variations with Oreo cookie bases, these pies offer sophisticated flavors that impress guests.
The French silk pie stands out as particularly decadent, combining smooth chocolate with fresh cream for a truly special occasion treat!
Bright & Tart Lemon Pies
When you need a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday fare, lemon pies provide that perfect tangy brightness.
The fluffy meringue topping adds visual drama while balancing the tart lemony custard beneath. These citrus showstoppers cleanse the palate and offer a lighter option that still feels festive and special for Christmas gatherings.
Fruity & Festive Pies
Berry pies and cherry pies bring vibrant color and fresh fruit flavor to your holiday dessert table.
The mixed berry pie combines raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a medley of sweet-tart goodness, while the cherry pie with its lattice crust looks picture-perfect.
Decadent Nut & Chocolate Pies
Pecan pie represents Southern tradition at its finest, and when enhanced with browned butter, it reaches new heights of caramelized perfection.
The Toll House pie tastes like your favorite chocolate chip cookie transformed into pie form with a thick, fluffy filling.
These indulgent options satisfy anyone craving rich, sweet treats during the Christmas holidays!
A Note About Pie Crusts
Of course I’m going to pop in some info about pie crusts since you know I actually like making homemade crusts!
Once you make a few pie crusts, then it really does get easier. You just have to jump in and start practicing so you get used to the feel of a crust that you know will roll out nicely and not fall apart.
I have my homemade pie crust recipes gathered together for easy reference, as well as an in-depth article about how to make a pie crust—please review and ask any questions so I can help you succeed with making your own homemade crusts!
I also wanted to address some of the most common questions I see about pie crusts:
- Can I make pie crust ahead of time?
- How do I prevent a soggy pie crust?
- Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Can I make pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, pie crust dough can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to three months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling.
You can also roll out the crust, fit it into your pie plate, and freeze it unbaked for even more convenience during busy holiday preparations.
How do I prevent a soggy pie crust?
To prevent soggy bottoms, try blind baking your crust for custard and cream pies. For fruit pies, brush the bottom crust with beaten egg white before filling, which creates a moisture barrier.
You can also sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed cookies on the bottom crust before adding wet fillings.
Additionally, baking your pie on a lower oven rack ensures the bottom crust gets enough direct heat.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Of course you can! While homemade crusts offer superior flavor and texture, store-bought crusts work well when you’re short on time during the busy holiday season. You can enhance store-bought crusts by brushing them with melted butter and sprinkling with sugar before baking for a more homemade appearance and taste.
FAQs for Christmas Pies
The most traditional Christmas pies include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, mince pie (particularly in British holiday traditions), and apple pie. These classic recipes have graced holiday tables for generations and remain favorites because of their warming spices, rich fillings, and comforting flavors that perfectly complement the festive season.
Fruit pies (apple pie, cherry pie, mixed berry pie), nut pies (pecan pie), and some traditional recipes like mince pie can be served at room temperature or slightly warm. Many people prefer these pies warm with ice cream. However, any pie with dairy-based fillings like cream pies, custard pies, or pumpkin pie should be served chilled or refrigerated between servings for food safety.
For fruit pies, look for bubbling juices through the vents and a golden-brown crust. Custard and pumpkin pies are done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly—it will continue cooking as it cools. Nut pies should be puffed and set around the edges. Using an instant-read thermometer helps: custard pies are done at 175-180°F in the center.
Expert Tips For Making Christmas Pies
🥧 Enhance Flavors with Quality Ingredients: Using real whipped cream instead of artificial toppings, genuine vanilla extract, and fresh spices makes a noticeable difference. Brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes to pecan and apple pies, while real butter in your crust creates incomparable flakiness.
🥧 Master the Blind Baking Technique: For cream pies and custard pies, blind baking your pie crust prevents sogginess. Line your crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake until lightly golden before adding your filling.
🥧 Time Your Baking Right: Many pies can be made a day ahead, which reduces holiday stress. Fruit pies and pecan pies actually improve overnight as flavors meld. However, cream pies with whipped cream should be assembled closer to serving time for the best texture and presentation.
🥧 Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on apple pies, toasted coconut on coconut cream pie, or chocolate shavings on chocolate pies elevate presentation. These small details transform homemade pies into bakery-worthy desserts worthy of your holiday feast.
🥧 Let Your Pies Rest: Patience pays off when baking pies. Allow fruit pies to cool completely so fillings set properly, and let cream pies chill thoroughly in the refrigerator. This ensures clean slices and optimal texture when serving.
🥧 Serve with Complementary Additions: Vanilla ice cream alongside warm apple or pecan pie creates a delightful temperature contrast. Fresh whipped cream complements nearly every pie variety. Consider offering multiple topping options so guests can customize their dessert experience.
Storing & Make Ahead Tips for Christmas Pies
Storage: Room temperature & refrigeration
The type of storage depends on the pie type.
- Fruit pies can sit at room temperature for up to two days, covered loosely with foil.
- Cream pies and custard pies must be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.
- Pecan pie can be stored at room temperature for two days or refrigerated for longer storage.
Always cover pies with plastic wrap or foil, leaving whipped cream toppings exposed to air to avoid sogginess.
Make Christmas Pie in Advance
Most pies taste best within 1-2 days of baking, so I suggest making any and all holiday pies at least the day before you plan to serve them. This really helps with not having too much to do on the big meal day!
Fruit pies and nut pies can be made a day ahead and actually improve as flavors develop. You can freeze baked fruit pies (well-wrapped) for up to 4 months and thaw them at room temperature.
However, cream pies with fresh whipped cream should be assembled the day you plan to serve them for optimal texture and food safety. (Though you can make the pie the day before and just add the topping before serving.)
Now It’s Your Turn!
What’s your go-to Christmas pie that makes the holidays feel complete? Whether you’re team pumpkin, devoted to pecan, or love trying something new each year, I’d love to hear about your favorite holiday pie recipes and traditions.
Drop a comment below sharing which pie you’re most excited to bake this season, or ask any questions about perfecting your Christmas desserts!
More Delicious Pies, Crisps, & Tarts Recipes To Try
Pies, Crisps & Tarts
How To Make Pie Crust: Best Resources & Tips For Homemade Crust
Pies, Crisps & Tarts
Easy Cherry Cobbler Recipe
Pies, Crisps & Tarts
Peach Raspberry Cobbler
Pies, Crisps & Tarts
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
