Forget turkey. Everybody knows that the real star of any Thanksgiving feast is a hefty slice of pie for dessert. More often than not though, traditional Thanksgiving pie flavors can tend to feel a bit blah. Don’t get me wrong, I love a pecan or pumpkin pie as much as the next gal, but why not shake things up a bit? We’ve got you covered with 10 to-die-for pies that all put a tiny spin on the familiar favorites.
Rye Crust Heirloom Apple Slab Pie With Bay Leaf
Rye Crust Heirloom Apple Slab Pie. Say that three times fast. Don’t let the length of the name deter you; this pie from Brooklyn Supper is like the best of fall wrapped up in one flaky pastry package. Their apple pie takes a new turn with the addition of lovely floral bay leaves in the filling and a touch of rye flour in the crust, giving the final product a warming, toasty flavor. And, the best part of any slab pie — more crust! Get the recipe on Brooklyn Supper.
Sweet Potato Speculoos Pie
It’s hard to go anywhere these days without seeing something flavored with Speculoos cookie butter, that infamous gingery spread we just can’t seem to get enough of. Given its spicy, fall-like flavor, it serves as an excellent addition to a creamy sweet potato filling in Nothing in the House’s Sweet Potato Speculoos Pie. A great alternative to pumpkin pie that still maintains a festive, seasonal feel. Get the recipe on Nothing in the House.
Sweet Potato Pie With Toasted Marshmallow Topping
Sweet potatoes and marshmallows are a classic Thanksgiving combination. So why not apply that duo to dessert instead of just a side dish? The Sweet Potato Pie With Toasted Marshmallow Topping from Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe does just that, taking a simple sweet potato base and covering it in a thick layer of marshmallow fluff. Yes, you heard right, marshmallow fluff! The whole thing then gets a quick scorch from the blowtorch for that perfect photo finish. Get the recipe on Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe.
Pear Cranberry Pie
Everybody knows apple pie, but how many can say the same about pear pie? While unfortunately not as popular as their apple cohorts at Thanksgiving time, pears are definitely worthy of their moment in the dessert spotlight. Try them out in Taste of Lizzy T.’s Pear Cranberry Pie, which combines hearty chunks of pear with zippy fresh cranberries for a sweet-and-sour combo that will have your guests swooning. Get the recipe on Taste of Lizzy T.
French Silk Brownie Pie
It’s hard to go wrong with chocolate, even on Thanksgiving. Especially when it’s the French Silk Brownie Pie from Pinch of Yum. The recipe couldn’t be simpler and actually combines two desserts in one. It starts with a brownie base and then gets a healthy layer of fluffy, milk chocolate mousse filling and fresh whipped cream before getting sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings. Triple chocolate really does mean triple the fun. Get the recipe on Pinch of Yum.
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
It’s hard to beat a classic slice of pumpkin pie. But, when chocolate comes into the mix, it’s a real game changer. Exhibit A: Hummingbird High’s Chocolate Pumpkin Pie. This recipe uses a quick chocolate crumb crust and a basic pumpkin pie filling accented with cocoa powder and melted bittersweet chocolate. Besides the obvious flavor merit, this pie also gets high marks for ease since you don’t have to worry about pie dough. Winner! Get the recipe on Hummingbird High.
Apple, Cranberry and Quince Pie
Quince can be tricky to find here in the Midwest, but if you can track some down at your local Farmers Market, they are well worth the hunt. Especially so you can put them to use in this Apple, Cranberry, and Quince Pie from Apt. 2B Baking Co. Like its apple and pear cousins, the quince is a firm-fleshed fruit but with a slightly sour undertone. Paired with sweet apples and tart cranberries, you get the best of all the major flavor groups in one pie! Get the recipe on Apt. 2B Baking Co.
Shoo Fly Pie
Shoo Fly pie is an old recipe but with a timeless flavor. And what is Shoo Fly pie, you ask? It is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch pie featuring a dense molasses filling and flaky pastry crust. Our Heritage of Health puts their own spin on this classic by adding a crumble topping spiked with cinnamon and nutmeg, serving as the perfect foil to a super sweet and pleasantly bitter filling. Get the recipe on Our Heritage of Health.
Coconut Pecan Pie With Walnuts and Toffee
Pecan Pie can be a tricky beast to mess with around Thanksgiving. 17 and Baking’s Coconut Pecan Pie makes it easy though with a recipe that adds new dimension to the classic. Coconut, walnuts and toffee all make an appearance in the filling, adding even more crunch and decadence in each bite. Get the recipe on 17 and Baking.
Oatmeal Pie
Just to clarify, this isn’t a recipe for Little Debbie hand pies. This Oatmeal Pie from She Wears Many Hats bears a close resemblance to a Pecan Pie recipe but instead of nuts uses toasted rolled oats as the star of the filling. Understated yet insanely delicious. Be sure to add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to round the whole thing out. Get the recipe on She Wears Many Hats.
Maddie LaKind is a personal chef, caterer and writer living in Ravenswood. For more information about her services, visit her website, madonfood.com.
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