5 Iconic Thanksgiving Pie Recipes from Instagram
Let’s be honest, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the crowning glory of the meal: the pie.
This iconic dessert, deeply rooted in American culinary history, has become an indispensable part of Thanksgiving celebrations. It not only symbolizes the bounty of the harvest, but also the warmth of gathering and the spirit of gratitude that defines the holiday. From the flaky, buttery crusts to the luscious fillings of pumpkin, apple, pecan, and more, each pie is a testament to the enduring appeal of this simple yet sublime finale to a day of feasting, family, and football.
If you’re on the hunt for a decadent pie recipe that’ll impress your dinner guests, look no further. Here are five of the top Thanksgiving pie recipes we sourced from some of our favorite Instagram creators!
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1. “The best” pumpkin pie by @cookiesandcups
This recipe roundup would lose all credibility if we didn’t kick it off with a pumpkin pie recipe, surveyed as America’s most popular Thanksgiving pie.
Shelly Jaronsky’s pie recipe is easy to make with either a store-bought or homemade flaky pie crust. It’s filled with a silky, spiced pumpkin filling crafted from scratch, ensuring each bite provides an authentic pumpkin flavor.
Melted salted butter adds a subtle depth, balancing the sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk, which imparts a silky smoothness to the filling. Next, a quintessential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, and allspice, infuses the pie with all the warm, comforting flavors of Fall.
Baking this pie is a breeze. Simply whisk together the pumpkin and other filling ingredients, pour into the prepared crust, and bake until the edges are dry and the center has a slight jiggle. The result is a pumpkin pie with a perfectly baked crust and a filling that's creamy, yet firm.
Serve this homemade pumpkin pie warm or cold, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. It’s a versatile dessert that’s just as delicious straight from the fridge as it is slightly warmed, making it a perfect addition to any fall gathering or a Thanksgiving feast!
2. Old-fashioned pecan pie by @kimscravings
Pecan pie, especially popular in the Southern United States, is a Thanksgiving tradition that embodies the warmth and generosity of the holiday. Originating in Texas, pecan piece is a symbol of family gatherings and the joy of shared meals. This recipe from Kim’s Cravings features a unique, flaky crust made with oil (instead of butter or shortening), creating a melt-in-your-mouth base for the rich, gooey pecan filling. Composed of eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, butter, and pecans, the pie is a symphony of sweet, nutty flavors. Baked to a perfect golden brown, it can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or chilled, with or without whipped cream or ice cream.
3. Lattice apple pie by @cookwithmanuela
The secret to this apple pie recipe from Manuela Mazzocco lies in the crust. Made from scratch, it’s a labor of love that pays off in every bite. The key is using really cold butter and the right amount of cold water, ensuring the dough remains flaky and light. This crust is a testament to the beauty of homemade baking, offering a texture and taste that store-bought crusts simply can’t match.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The sliced apples used in this recipe are coated with lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar, and are left to sit and release their juices. Once released, the apples are transformed into a thick, golden syrup, mixed with a little butter and simmered to perfection. This syrup is then added back to the filling, creating a rich, dense flavor profile that elevates the pie to new heights.
Serving this apple pie is an experience in itself. Warm, with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect treat for all your Fall gatherings and a must-have for Thanksgiving. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the warmth and comfort that comes with each slice, the memories of family gatherings, and the joy of sharing a homemade treat made with love.
4. Apple hand pies by @blessthismessblog
These adorable and easy apple hand pies are perfect for Thanksgiving and a fun activity to do with the kids! This recipe from Melissa Griffiths simplifies the classic apple pie into handheld treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. All you’ll need to do is roll out pie crust, prepare a mix of chopped apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, and then assembling the pies. Kids can help with cutting the dough, filling, and sealing these mini pies. After a quick brush with egg and a bake to golden perfection, a drizzle of icing adds the final touch.
5. Sweet potato pie by @thatsavagekitchen
Sweet potato pie, with its rich, velvety texture and warm, spiced flavor, remains an underrated gem in the Thanksgiving dessert lineup. This particular recipe from Cole Roberson brings a unique twist to the classic, making it a must-try for the holiday season.
It starts with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with both white and brown sugar, creating a rich, caramel-like flavor. The unique addition of vanilla-flavored Jello pudding and a tablespoon of vanilla extract adds creamy consistency and aromatic depth. Spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, this pie perfectly captures the essence of Fall. The filling, enriched with melted butter, eggs, and evaporated milk, is smooth and custard-like, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Yielding 2-3 pies, it's an ideal treat for a festive gathering. Don’t go another Thanksgiving without giving this recipe a shot!
Bake your Thanksgiving pie today!
Connect Grocer’s List to your Instagram profile, for free.
Tag @grocerslist in the IG comments of a recipe you like.
We’ll email your recipe ingredients instantly, with an option to push them to Instacart.
Checkout and get everything you need to start baking the same day!
