17 Classic Pie Recipes For The Ultimate Holiday Dessert

Even if you’re #teamcake, Thanksgiving is a time to put aside allegiances and accept that pie is the only way to go when it comes to holiday desserts. But if you need some convincing, the holiday pie recipes we’re about to bestow upon you are here to remind you that serving delicious filling inside flaky crust is, indeed, one of the most delicious things a cook can do.

Some people have boxes of old recipe cards, filled with generations-old recipes for pecan, pumpkin, apple and lemon meringue pies, among other things. But let’s face it, most of us are neither that organized nor that kitschy. If you need a little bit of help finding those classic pie recipes you know and love, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re looking to make a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving dessert or brainstorming things to bake for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s or any other holiday, there’s bound to be a pie recipe (or two, or three) here for you.

Browse our list below, bookmark your favorites and set aside an afternoon to get into the holiday spirit by baking a pie. Not to be cliché, but uh, ’tis the season!

Simply Recipes.

1. Pumpkin Pie

It isn’t Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. This obvious classic is always a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe is especially good for making the most of that rich pumpkin taste.

 

Cookies and Cups.

2. Pecan Pie

My personal fave! Everyone will go nuts for this pecan pie—yes, that nut pun was 100 percent intentional.

 

The Anthony Kitchen.

3. Apple Crisp Pie

Basic apple pie is fine, but this apple pie has a streusel-y topping that makes it about a thousand times more delicious.

 

Perfect is Boring.

4. Southern Fudge Pie

Holiday fudge just got the pie treatment—and we can’t get over this rich, chocolately Southern fudge pie recipe.

 

Pear Tree Kitchen.

5. Chess Pie

Don’t know what a chess pie is? It’s known for being especially sweet and rich, so while it isn’t a guaranteed hit for everybody, those who like it end up absolutely loving it. Worth the risk, IMO!

 

Baker by Nature.

6. No-Bake German Chocolate Pie

No oven space? No problem. This no-bake German chocolate pie has you covered, and it still tastes like you spent hours slaving over it.

 

Dinner at the Zoo.

7. Pear Custard Pie

This crustless pear custard pie will really hit the spot after a turkey dinner—plus, I mean, just look at it. It’s really pretty.

 

Lauren’s Latest.

8. Gingerbread Cream Pie

Gingerbread houses are great, but a gingerbread cream pie is much lower maintenance and beyond delicious. This is definitely the holiday pie underdog, and I’m 100 percent here for it.

 

Lil Luna.

9. Best Apple Pie

An all-American apple pie with a lattice design on top is just so classic in all the right ways, don’tcha think?

 

Graceful Little Honey Bee.

10. Kentucky Derby Pie

This pie might be pegged to another holiday, but the combination of pecans and chocolate makes derby pie totally Thanksgiving appropriate.

 

Something Swanky.

11. Snickerdoodle Pie

Love snickerdoodle cookies? Bake ’em into a pie for a totally new treat your whole family will love.

 

Butter Your Biscuit.

12. Chocolate Cream Pie

Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call and chocolate cream pie will be there.

 

Baker by Nature.

13. Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Because even apple pie can be improved upon with some caramel and a dash of salt! Here, a salted caramel apple pie recipe that’s sure to wow your guests.

 

The Domestic Rebel.

14. Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut cream pie is a little polarizing, but I’m firmly on the love it side of the debate. If you’re not, try making it with this recipe and just see if it doesn’t win you over.

 

The Recipe Rebel.

15. Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie is a year ’round classic, which means it works for Thanksgiving and every other holiday you can imagine as a refreshing dessert option.

 

Cincy Shopper.

16. Streusel Pumpkin Pie

Want to kick a classic pie up a notch? Cover your pumpkin pie with streusel for some extra texture and taste.

 

Averie Cooks.

17. Crack Pie

The secret ingredient in this crack pie is a little bit of milk powder mixed into the filling. (And not, like, the other thing you were thinking of. Get your head out of the gutter.)

A version of this article was published in November 2019.