21 No-Fail Thanksgiving Pies

Thanksgiving without pie just isn’t right. These 21 recipes give you everything from the classics everyone expects to some new twists that’ll surprise your family. Most of these can be made a day ahead which saves you stress on the big day. Even if you’re not great at baking, these recipes are designed to work every time so you don’t have to worry about disasters.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

This is the pie everyone expects at Thanksgiving and it’s actually pretty hard to mess up. Use canned pumpkin – it’s more consistent than fresh and nobody can tell the difference. The key is not overbaking it or the filling will crack. It’s done when the center still jiggles just a little. Make this the day before cause it tastes better after sitting overnight. Check out the recipe here.

Traditional Pecan Pie

This southern classic is basically candy in pie form. The filling is just eggs, corn syrup, and butter but it sets up perfectly every time. Arrange the pecans on top in a pretty pattern if you want to show off. Some people think it’s too sweet but that’s kinda the point. This keeps well for days and actually gets better as it sits. Check out the recipe here.

Apple Cinnamon Pie

You can’t go wrong with apple pie at Thanksgiving. Use a mix of apple varieties – some that hold their shape and some that break down for the best texture. Don’t skip the cinnamon or it’ll taste flat. The trick is pre-cooking the apples a little so they don’t shrink too much in the oven. Serve with vanilla ice cream or sharp cheddar if you’re feeling traditional. Check out the recipe here.

Sweet Potato Pie

This is like pumpkin pie’s Southern cousin and honestly I think it tastes better. The sweet potatoes give it a richer flavor and prettier color. You gotta cook and mash the sweet potatoes yourself – canned ones are too watery. Add a little bourbon if you want to make it fancy. Some people put marshmallows on top but that’s more of a casserole thing. Check out the recipe here.

Cranberry Apple Pie

The tart cranberries balance out the sweet apples really well. Use fresh cranberries if you can find them or frozen ones work too. The cranberries burst while baking and make the filling all jammy and pretty. This is a good choice if you want something different but not too weird for conservative family members. The red and white filling looks really festive. Check out the recipe here.

Bourbon Pecan Pie

Adding bourbon to pecan pie makes it taste more grown-up and fancy. The alcohol cooks off so don’t worry about getting anyone drunk. It adds a depth of flavor that regular pecan pie doesn’t have. Use good bourbon – not the bottom shelf stuff. This is perfect for adults who want something special after dinner. Check out the recipe here.

French Silk Chocolate Pie

This is basically chocolate mousse in a pie crust and it’s amazing. The filling is light and airy but super rich at the same time. You don’t bake this one – just chill it until it sets. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings to make it look fancy. Great for chocolate lovers who might be tired of all the fall flavors. Check out the recipe here.

Maple Walnut Pie

This tastes like fall in pie form. Real maple syrup makes a huge difference – don’t use the fake stuff. The walnuts add crunch and the maple flavor is warm and cozy. This is less sweet than pecan pie but still feels indulgent. Good for people who like nuts but think pecans are too rich. Check out the recipe here.

Caramel Apple Pie

Regular apple pie but with caramel sauce mixed into the filling. The caramel gets all gooey and coats the apples. You can make your own caramel or use store-bought to save time. This is kid-friendly and adults love it too. The caramel might bubble over so put a pan underneath to catch drips. Check out the recipe here.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

This combines two classics into one amazing dessert. The bottom layer is regular pumpkin pie filling and the top is cheesecake. It’s rich but not too heavy. You have to be careful not to overbake it or the cheesecake will crack. This looks really impressive when you cut into it and see the two layers. Check out the recipe here.

Apple Crumb Pie

The crumb topping on this is easier than making a top crust and tastes better too. The topping gets all golden and crunchy while the apples get soft underneath. Use cold butter for the crumbs and don’t overmix or it’ll get tough. This is more casual than a traditional double-crust pie but just as good. Check out the recipe here.

Honey Pecan Pie

Using honey instead of corn syrup gives this a more complex flavor. The honey makes it less cloying than regular pecan pie. Use good honey – the flavor really comes through. Some recipes add a little lemon juice to balance the sweetness. This feels a bit healthier even though it’s still basically candy in pie form. Check out the recipe here.

Spiced Pear Pie

Pears make a nice change from apples and they’re perfectly ripe in fall. The spices like cardamom and ginger give it a warm flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Pears can get mushy so don’t overbake this one. The filling won’t be as thick as apple pie but that’s normal. This is elegant and different without being too strange. Check out the recipe here.

Chess Pie

This old-fashioned Southern pie is super simple – just eggs, butter, sugar, and a little cornmeal. It sets up like custard and has a slightly grainy texture from the cornmeal. Some people add lemon juice or vanilla for flavor. It’s not fancy but it’s really good and uses ingredients you probably already have. Perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert. Check out the recipe here.

Buttermilk Pie

Another Southern classic that’s basically custard pie with a tang from the buttermilk. It’s less sweet than most pies and has a silky smooth texture. The flavor is subtle and old-fashioned. This is good for people who don’t like overly sweet desserts. It keeps well in the fridge for several days. Check out the recipe here.

Apple Bourbon Pie

The bourbon adds warmth and depth to regular apple pie. The alcohol cooks off but leaves behind great flavor. This feels more sophisticated than regular apple pie. Use good bourbon and don’t go overboard – a little goes a long way. The bourbon and apples are a classic combination that just works. Check out the recipe here.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

This combines pumpkin and pecan pie into one dessert. The bottom layer is pumpkin custard and the top is pecan filling. It’s rich but gives you two flavors in one slice. You gotta be careful with the timing so both layers set properly. This is perfect when you can’t decide between two classics. Check out the recipe here.

Cranberry Custard Pie

The tart cranberries in a sweet custard base make this really interesting. The cranberries soften while baking but still have some bite to them. This is pretty and festive with the red berries scattered throughout. It’s not as common as other Thanksgiving pies so it’ll stand out on the dessert table. Check out the recipe here.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie

Browning the butter before making the filling adds a nutty flavor that makes regular pecan pie taste boring. It takes a few extra minutes but it’s totally worth it. The brown butter smell while you’re making it is amazing. This tastes like gourmet bakery pie but isn’t any harder to make than regular pecan pie. Check out the recipe here.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie

The salted caramel takes apple pie to the next level. You can make caramel from scratch or doctor up store-bought sauce with some salt. The salt balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop. This is trendy right now and for good reason – the combination is addictive. Just don’t go crazy with the salt. Check out the recipe here.

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Using maple syrup along with the usual pumpkin pie spices gives this a deeper, more complex flavor. Real maple syrup is worth the extra cost. The maple and pumpkin flavors complement each other perfectly. This tastes more sophisticated than regular pumpkin pie but isn’t any harder to make. Great for maple lovers who want something different. Check out the recipe here.