We're still finishing up the Peppermint Cheesecake, so rather than make something new, I've put together a list of our favorite Thanksgiving pies. Hope this is helpful!
This award winning pie has an outstanding buttery crust. We loved it, and it's received a lot of positive comments over the years. The secret ingredient in the crust is Danish or European style butter.
2. Pumpkin Pie Made With Condensed Milk
This is Fuzz's favorite pumpkin pie. It's made with Eagle Brand condensed, so it's creamy and smooth and doesn't taste too squash-y.
This one is exceptionally smooth and very good, thought a little more complicated (but not really).
If you've read this blog for a while, you know I make a lot of chocolate pies. This one from Michele Stuart is probably my all-time favorite.
5. White Chocolate Coconut Pie
And speaking of personal favorites, I'm pretty sure Todd would rather have this pie than just about any other.
Or this one. They're both at the top of the list, this being the slightly easier one. It calls for cream of coconut -- the kind you use for pina coladas.
7. Brown Butter Pecan Pies (There are two)
I used to be obsessed with finding the perfect pecan pie, but I gave up when I realized nobody in the family really cared. I think pecan pies were a bigger deal back when I was younger and had more family members to bake for, but these days everyone eats a bite and focuses on other pies. Anyway, if you know someone who really likes pecan pies and want to make something special, you can't go wrong with either of these.
8. Ritz Cracker Pie (aka Brownie Pie or Butternut Pie...and I don't know why some versions are called Brownie Pie because it doesn't taste like a brownie at all)
My mother loves this one. She always forgets about it until I bring it out on a holiday, at which point she mentions she used to eat a pie like this at Luby's Cafeteria and that it is her favorite. Make it if you want something a little unusual.
This isn't very Thanksgiving-ish, but it's easy and quick and has a little of everything -- cake, cream cheese filling, and chocolate glaze.
10. Key Lime Pie
In every crowd there's someone who really enjoys a good piece of Key Lime Pie. If you make this, that one person will be very happy. And hopefully everyone else, too.
Anna says
Hi Devin, that Danish butter is called Lurpak and it's kind of hard to find. If you can't find the Lurpak, try Plugra or another European style butter. Just make sure it's European style and you'll be fine. I also skipped the vanilla powder and used a bit of extract.
Devin says
Hi Anna,
My fiance and I will be making the apple pie in a few days. I know the recipe calls for a lot of special ingredients. My question was about the butter. I know it says Danish butter. Is this a specific brand, or type of butter, or what would you recommend? I'm just a little confused as to what to use, haha. Thanks for the help!
C L says
Fuzz's favorite pumpkin pie looks delicious! I am thinking about just baking the pumpkin custard in a 13 x 9 Pyrex and serving with bourbon or rum whipped cream. (No worries...no kiddos, just DH and I and some friends). 🙂
Anna says
Hi Carrie,
The filling is really good, so I think it would be fine with pre-made dough. It wouldn't be quite the same as the original (obviously), but it would be good.
Carrie says
Hi Anna!
I want to make the apple pie for the holiday, but my food processor is on the fritz. Could I (gasp!) buy pre-made dough? What are your thoughts? Can't wait to pick up your new book!
Katrina says
I need to try the chocolate cream pie. There are never enough cream pies at our Thanksgiving dinners, which usually have around 60 people! There's always way too many store bought pumpkin pies, except for my contributions. 😉 The kids and some adults are always so happy to have other choices, like chocolate.
Chewthefat says
I think it is about time I made my first pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, and Emma's favorite recipe looks perfect!
I never saw that Ritz pie before but when I was growing up, no family occasion would have been complete without a tray of Ritz crackers with chunks of cheddar cheese, slices of pepperoni and some creamy dip.
Sue says
This is a great collection of pie recipes!! Thank you!
I really want to make cranberry walnut this year but I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who would appreciate it.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I'm so hungry for pie right now I could reach through the screen. I think pie is my favorite type of dessert. I grew up in Maine so wild blueberry is my fave but I could be just as happy with any of the ones you posted above.
KAnn says
I love pie! I will email you my recipe for our family favorite pumkin ice cream pie in a ginger snap crust. I grew up with pumkin chiffon in a gingersnap crust because we were never fond of traditional pumkin pie and I came up with my adaptation of an BA recipe about 25+ years ago when I was in college and it has become a family tradition. I will also be doing a wild blueberry cranberry pie and still contemplating....love pecan, too! All the ones you have posted look fabulous!
AdriBarr says
Wow, Anna - it looks like you have Thanksgiving dessert covered. What a fab collection!
Gloria says
Glad to see the BB pecan pie!!! And the others too!!!