Thanksgiving Pies: 7 Heartwarming Recipes to Make You Smile

november 20, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather, laughter fills the air, and the aroma of delicious food wafts through the house. One of my absolute favorite traditions is sharing *thanksgiving pies* with loved ones. There’s something so heartwarming about slicing into a beautiful pie, revealing that rich, spiced pumpkin filling. Trust me, it’s pure joy! This recipe is a cherished family favorite, passed down through generations. It’s not just about the taste, but the memories made while baking together. I love how easy it is to whip up these pies, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. So, let’s dive into this delightful experience together—your Thanksgiving table is about to get a whole lot sweeter!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Pies

Making *thanksgiving pies* is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the warm scents of spices and baked goodness. Let’s get started on creating these delicious treats!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial for making sure your crust gets that perfect golden brown color.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay if there are some butter chunks left; they’ll create a flaky texture!
Next, slowly add in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it—nobody wants tough pie crust!
Now, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully transfer it into a pie dish, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges. Crimp the edges with your fingers for that beautiful, homemade touch.
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth. This filling is where all the magic happens, so be sure to mix it well!
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust, filling it up to the edge. It’s okay if it looks a little full; it will settle as it bakes.
Pop the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Once baked, let your pie cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling firm up and makes for cleaner slices!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying *thanksgiving pies*, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values based on the ingredients I typically use. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on specific brands and measurements.

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g

So, as you savor each slice of these delectable *thanksgiving pies*, you can appreciate not just the flavor but also what’s going into your body. Enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
A deliciously spiced filling that captures the essence of fall.
Beautifully flaky crust that’s so satisfying to make and eat.
Perfect for sharing at family gatherings, bringing everyone together.
Customizable with your favorite toppings, like whipped cream or caramel.
Freezes well, so you can enjoy a slice any time of year!
It’s a classic recipe that brings back nostalgic memories of Thanksgiving.

Tips for Success

Making the perfect *thanksgiving pies* can be a breeze with just a few handy tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid any mishaps and elevate your pies to the next level.

Chill the Dough: After mixing your pie crust, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes rolling it out easier, plus it keeps the crust flaky!
Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients for the pie crust, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust, and nobody wants that!
Check for Doneness: To test if your pie is done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to be pulled from the oven. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes.
Let it Cool: Be patient! Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set up nicely, making for beautiful, clean slices that hold their shape.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices in the filling to suit your taste. A bit of ginger or allspice can add a delightful twist that makes your pie even more special!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. It adds a richer flavor and a fresher taste that truly shines in your *thanksgiving pies*.
Experiment with Crusts: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a bit of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to your crust for an extra flavor boost. You’d be amazed at how a simple addition can elevate the entire pie!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to impressing your family and friends with your *thanksgiving pies*. Happy baking!

Variations

One of the best parts about making *thanksgiving pies* is how easily you can customize them to suit everyone’s taste. Here are some fun variations to spark your creativity and make your pies even more special!

Maple Pumpkin Pie: Swap out some of the brown sugar for pure maple syrup. It adds a lovely depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness that’s just divine!
Chocolate Swirl: For a decadent twist, melt some chocolate and swirl it into the pumpkin filling before baking. Chocolate and pumpkin are a match made in heaven!
Nutty Crust: Change things up by using ground nuts like pecans or walnuts in your crust instead of flour. It adds a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the filling.
Spiced Apple-Pumpkin Pie: Mix in some finely chopped apples and a touch of additional cinnamon for a delicious apple-pumpkin fusion. It’s like getting two pies in one!
Vegan Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. You’ll still get a creamy texture without any animal products!
Cheesecake Layer: Create a cheesecake layer by mixing cream cheese into your pumpkin filling. This adds a rich, creamy dimension that’s simply irresistible.
Different Spices: Don’t be afraid to play around with spices! Add a pinch of ginger, cardamom, or even chili powder for a unique kick that surprises the taste buds.

These variations let you put your personal stamp on the classic *thanksgiving pies*. So, feel free to get creative and make it your own—your family and friends will love the exciting twists!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve indulged in your delicious *thanksgiving pies*, you might be wondering how to properly store those tempting leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! To keep your pies fresh and tasty, follow these simple steps:

Storing: Allow the pies to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make your crust soggy. Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. You can keep your *thanksgiving pies* in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to freeze pies without any toppings. Frozen pies can last up to 2 months. Just remember to label them with the date so you know when they need to be enjoyed!

Now, when you’re ready to enjoy those scrumptious leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:

Thawing: If your pie is frozen, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before reheating. This gentle thawing helps maintain the flavor and texture.
Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat the pie for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer a crispier crust, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your *thanksgiving pies*, keeping the flavors vibrant and the crust perfectly flaky. Enjoy your delicious treats!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve baked up those delicious *thanksgiving pies*, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them for a complete holiday experience! Trust me, the right accompaniments can elevate your pie game and create a memorable meal.

Whipped Cream: A classic pairing! Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy, creamy contrast to the rich pumpkin filling. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that extra festive touch!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Picture this: warm pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s pure bliss! The creaminess of the ice cream balances out the spices and makes every bite a delight.
Cranberry Sauce: For a tangy twist, serve a side of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. The tartness cuts through the sweetness of the pie and adds a pop of color to your dessert spread.
Pecan Pie: If you want to really impress your guests, consider offering a second dessert option! A rich pecan pie alongside your pumpkin pie provides a lovely variety of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Hot Beverages: Cozy up your dessert table with some hot beverages! Think spiced cider or a rich cup of coffee. These warm drinks are perfect for sipping while enjoying a slice of pie.
Cheese Platter: For something a bit different, consider a cheese platter with sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The savory notes of cheese can create a fantastic contrast to the sweet and spiced flavors of your pies.

So, mix and match these suggestions to create a delightful dessert experience that your family and friends will rave about. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every delicious bite of those pies!

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Over mij

Hoi, mijn naam is Julia. Ik ben het hart van Vihaad Recipes en een gepassioneerde liefhebber van lekker eten. Mijn liefde voor koken begon al in mijn kindertijd, geïnspireerd door de heerlijke maaltijden van mijn grootmoeder. Vandaag de dag deel ik smakelijke recepten die mensen samenbrengen door het gedeelde plezier van eten.