Thanksgiving is synonymous with delicious food, and no Thanksgiving feast is complete without a selection of mouthwatering pies. From the classic pumpkin pie to the decadent pecan pie, there’s a pie for everyone to enjoy. This article will guide you through the recipes for the top 5 most popular Thanksgiving pies, providing detailed instructions, helpful tips, and baking secrets to ensure your pies are a smashing success this holiday season. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these foolproof recipes!
**Introduction: The Quintessential Thanksgiving Dessert**
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and indulging in a feast of traditional dishes. Among the culinary delights, pies reign supreme as the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. The aroma of freshly baked pie wafting through the air is enough to evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and holiday cheer. But with so many pie options to choose from, which ones are the most popular and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser? Let’s explore the top 5 Thanksgiving pies that deserve a spot on your dessert table.
**1. Pumpkin Pie: The Undisputed Champion**
No Thanksgiving pie lineup is complete without the iconic pumpkin pie. Its creamy, spiced filling and flaky crust make it a beloved classic that has stood the test of time.
**Recipe: Classic Pumpkin Pie**
*Yields: 8 servings
*Prep time: 30 minutes
*Cook time: 50-60 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* *For the Crust:*
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water
* *For the Filling:*
* 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
* 2 large eggs
**Equipment**
* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or food processor (optional)
* Rolling pin
**Instructions**
*Making the Crust:*
1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
3. **Add ice water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Shape and chill:** Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. **Roll out the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
6. **Pre-bake the crust (optional):** For a crispier crust, pre-bake it for 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up.
*Making the Filling:*
1. **Combine ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
2. **Add wet ingredients:** Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until smooth. Then, whisk in the eggs until well combined.
3. **Pour into crust:** Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
4. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
5. **Cool and serve:** Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
**Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie:**
* **Use good-quality pumpkin puree:** Choose a brand that is smooth and flavorful.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can cause the filling to crack. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
* **Let it cool completely:** This will allow the filling to set properly and prevent it from being runny.
* **Serve with whipped cream or ice cream:** A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the spiced flavors of pumpkin pie.
**2. Pecan Pie: A Nutty Delight**
Pecan pie is a Southern classic known for its rich, buttery, and nutty flavor. The combination of pecans, brown sugar, and corn syrup creates a gooey, decadent filling that is simply irresistible.
**Recipe: Classic Pecan Pie**
*Yields: 8 servings
*Prep time: 20 minutes
*Cook time: 50-60 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* *For the Crust:* (Same as Pumpkin Pie or use a store-bought crust)
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water
* *For the Filling:*
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
**Equipment:**
* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk
**Instructions:**
*Making the Crust:* (Same as Pumpkin Pie, or use store-bought)
1. Follow crust instructions as above.
*Making the Filling:*
1. **Combine ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
2. **Add eggs:** Gradually whisk in the lightly beaten eggs until well combined.
3. **Stir in pecans:** Stir in the pecan halves.
4. **Pour into crust:** Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust.
5. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
6. **Cool and serve:** Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
**Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie:**
* **Use good-quality pecans:** Fresh, high-quality pecans will make a big difference in the flavor of the pie.
* **Toast the pecans (optional):** Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling will enhance their flavor.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can cause the filling to become too firm. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
* **Serve with whipped cream or ice cream:** A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of pecan pie.
**3. Apple Pie: A Timeless Favorite**
Apple pie is a classic American dessert that is enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially popular during the fall and Thanksgiving. The combination of sweet, tart apples and warm spices creates a comforting and satisfying pie.
**Recipe: Classic Apple Pie**
*Yields: 8 servings
*Prep time: 45 minutes
*Cook time: 50-60 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* *For the Crust:* (Double Crust)
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/2 cup ice water
* *For the Filling:*
* 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Equipment:**
* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rolling pin
**Instructions:**
*Making the Crust:*
1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Add ice water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Divide and chill:** Divide the dough in half, form each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. **Roll out the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
6. **Roll out the top crust:** Roll out the other disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
*Making the Filling:*
1. **Combine ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss well to coat the apples.
2. **Add lemon juice:** Stir in the lemon juice.
3. **Pour into crust:** Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top with the butter pieces.
4. **Top with crust:** Carefully place the top crust over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges.
5. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
6. **Cool and serve:** Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
**Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie:**
* **Use a mix of apple varieties:** Combining sweet and tart apples will create a more complex and flavorful filling.
* **Don’t overfill the pie:** Overfilling can cause the filling to bubble over during baking.
* **Let it cool completely:** This will allow the filling to thicken properly and prevent it from being runny.
* **Serve with vanilla ice cream or cheddar cheese:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of cheddar cheese is a classic accompaniment to apple pie.
**4. Sweet Potato Pie: A Southern Tradition**
Sweet potato pie is a beloved Southern dessert that is similar to pumpkin pie, but with a unique flavor and texture. The sweet potatoes create a smooth, creamy filling that is spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
**Recipe: Classic Sweet Potato Pie**
*Yields: 8 servings
*Prep time: 30 minutes
*Cook time: 50-60 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* *For the Crust:* (Same as Pumpkin Pie or use a store-bought crust)
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water
* *For the Filling:*
* 1 1/2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup evaporated milk
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Equipment:**
* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixer
**Instructions:**
*Making the Crust:* (Same as Pumpkin Pie, or use store-bought)
1. Follow crust instructions as above.
*Making the Filling:*
1. **Combine ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, evaporated milk, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. **Pour into crust:** Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust.
3. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
4. **Cool and serve:** Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
**Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie:**
* **Use good-quality sweet potatoes:** Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin.
* **Cook the sweet potatoes until tender:** The sweet potatoes should be soft enough to mash easily.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can cause the filling to crack. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
* **Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows:** A dollop of whipped cream or a handful of mini marshmallows is the perfect complement to the sweet and spicy flavors of sweet potato pie.
**5. Chocolate Cream Pie: A Decadent Indulgence**
For chocolate lovers, chocolate cream pie is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. This pie features a rich, creamy chocolate filling topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s a decadent and satisfying treat that is sure to please.
**Recipe: Classic Chocolate Cream Pie**
*Yields: 8 servings
*Prep time: 30 minutes
*Cook time: 10 minutes (for filling), plus chilling time
**Ingredients:**
* *For the Crust:* (Use a pre-made graham cracker crust or a baked pie crust)
* Store-bought graham cracker crust, or your favorite baked pie crust
* *For the Filling:*
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups whole milk
* 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
* 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* *For the Topping:*
* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
* 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Chocolate shavings, for garnish
**Equipment:**
* 9-inch pie plate
* Saucepan
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk
* Electric mixer
**Instructions:**
*Making the Filling:*
1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. **Add milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
3. **Cook over medium heat:** Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Temper the egg yolks:** In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them. Then, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and whisk constantly.
5. **Cook for 1 minute:** Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the filling is thick and smooth.
6. **Remove from heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract until the chocolate and butter are melted and the filling is smooth.
7. **Pour into crust:** Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust.
8. **Chill:** Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
*Making the Topping:*
1. **Whip the cream:** In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. **Add sugar and vanilla:** Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. **Spread on pie:** Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled chocolate filling.
4. **Garnish:** Garnish with chocolate shavings.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
**Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cream Pie:**
* **Use good-quality chocolate:** The quality of the chocolate will greatly impact the flavor of the pie.
* **Don’t scorch the filling:** Cook the filling over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent it from scorching.
* **Chill thoroughly:** Chilling the pie for at least 4 hours will allow the filling to set properly.
* **Use fresh whipped cream:** Freshly whipped cream is always the best choice for topping chocolate cream pie.
**Conclusion: A Sweet Ending to a Perfect Thanksgiving**
These top 5 Thanksgiving pie recipes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re a fan of the classic pumpkin pie, the nutty pecan pie, or the decadent chocolate cream pie, there’s a pie for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some delicious pies this Thanksgiving. With these foolproof recipes and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a sweet ending to a perfect holiday feast. Happy baking!