Thanksgiving Pie Recipes To Make Ahead

ByCarlee Updated

This post may contain affiliate links

There is no better way to end a Thanksgiving feast than with a bounty of homemade pies. These Thanksgiving pie recipes are perfect for making a day or two ahead of time so that the oven can be free for the turkey. Pick out a couple of tasty pie recipes to make for your holiday celebration.

Collage of pie images including pumpkin pie, peanut butter pie, apple pie, and maple pecan pie.

While everyone’s Thanksgiving meal looks a little bit different, almost everyone’s Thanksgiving meal ends with a slice of pie. It is the sweet treat that really finishes the meal off nicely.

If your family is anything like mine, there needs to be a collection of pies. We like variety and multiples of each so everyone can have their favorite and eat their fill.

Luckily, all of these pies can be made at least a day in advance. In fact, most of them are better that way.

Generally you want your pies to cool or even be chilled before serving them. That way the filling has plenty of time to set up and everything can come together.

You don’t need a ton of baking experience to make these fabulous pies. So let’s get baking!

Pie Crust Recipes

A lot of traditional holiday pies have a pastry crust. Don’t feel bad if you don’t have the time to make your own pastry.

There is no shame in getting a premade pastry crust. However, making one from scratch really isn’t that hard.

Plus, you can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for several weeks before you assemble the pie. If you are in the mood to make your own dough, here are our favorite recipes:

Lard Pie Crust
This tender flaky lard pie crust recipe is straight from my great grandma's recipe box. It practically melts in your mouth.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Lard pie crust pastry fitted over apple pie filling with vent holes in the middle, ready to go in the oven.
MiMi’s Extra Flaky Pie Crust
The perfect extra flaky pie crust recipe to fill with your favorite fillings.  This is great for sweet or savory pies.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Flaky pie crust pastry in pie pan with fluted edges, ready for filling.
MiMi’s Chocolate Pie Crust
This pie crust pastry has chocolate baked right in. It is perfect for a variety of pie fillings, just imagine the possibilities.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Chocolate pie crust pasty in glass pie dish, ready for filling.
No Bake Oreo Pie Crust
Make a no-bake Oreo pie crust with just 2 ingredients. This recipe allows you to get a tasty chocolate crust without even having to turn on the oven.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
No bake Oreo pie crust in pie plate, ready for filling.
Foolproof Pie Crust
This pie crust has a few tricks up its sleeve. It helps even new bakers get a tender flaky crust. You are going to love how easy this dough is to work with.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Whole baked double crust pie with nice browning thanks to the foolproof pie crust recipe with an egg and vinegar.

Pumpkin Pie Recipes

Pumpkin pie is about as classic as it gets at Thanksgiving. That doesn’t mean there is only one way to make it though.

We love each of these recipes for different reasons. It is quite normal for at least 2 different versions to be at our pie station.

Pumpkin Pie With Condensed Milk
I love how easy this pumpkin pie made with sweetened condensed milk is to pull together with just a few simple ingredients. The sweetened condensed milk makes the filling extra smooth, creamy, and rich while keeping that classic pumpkin pie flavor everyone expects at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Piece of pumpkin pie topped with swirls of whipped cream next to remaining pie, ready to eat.
Layered Pumpkin Pie
This layered pumpkin pie is a great way to take a Thanksgiving classic up a notch. The smooth spiced pumpkin filling is topped with a sweetened sour cream layer that makes it feel extra special. Best of all, you don’t even have to worry about making whipped cream.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Piece of pumpkin pie with sour cream topping, ready to eat.
Maple Pumpkin Pie
Maple pumpkin pie is a simple twist on the classic that uses real maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for an extra warm, cozy sweetness. I love that it still has all the familiar pumpkin spice flavor, but brings something a little different to the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of maple pumpkin pie topped with maple whipped cream in front of remaining pie.
Easy No Bake Pumpkin Pie
This easy no bake pumpkin pie is perfect for Thanksgiving when there isn’t much room left in the oven. The fluffy pumpkin filling only takes a few ingredients and tastes wonderful in a graham cracker crust. If you like lots of whipped cream on your pumpkin pie, you are going to love this one.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of fluffy no bake pumpkin pie topped with swirl of whipped cream, ready to eat.
Pumpkin Pie With Condensed Milk
I love how easy this pumpkin pie made with sweetened condensed milk is to pull together with just a few simple ingredients. The sweetened condensed milk makes the filling extra smooth, creamy, and rich while keeping that classic pumpkin pie flavor everyone expects at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Piece of pumpkin pie topped with swirls of whipped cream next to remaining pie, ready to eat.
Layered Pumpkin Pie
This layered pumpkin pie is a great way to take a Thanksgiving classic up a notch. The smooth spiced pumpkin filling is topped with a sweetened sour cream layer that makes it feel extra special. Best of all, you don’t even have to worry about making whipped cream.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Piece of pumpkin pie with sour cream topping, ready to eat.
Maple Pumpkin Pie
Maple pumpkin pie is a simple twist on the classic that uses real maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for an extra warm, cozy sweetness. I love that it still has all the familiar pumpkin spice flavor, but brings something a little different to the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of maple pumpkin pie topped with maple whipped cream in front of remaining pie.
Easy No Bake Pumpkin Pie
This easy no bake pumpkin pie is perfect for Thanksgiving when there isn’t much room left in the oven. The fluffy pumpkin filling only takes a few ingredients and tastes wonderful in a graham cracker crust. If you like lots of whipped cream on your pumpkin pie, you are going to love this one.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of fluffy no bake pumpkin pie topped with swirl of whipped cream, ready to eat.

Pecan Pie Recipes

If pumpkin pie is the most classic Thanksgiving dessert, pecan pie has to come in second place. We love trying different versions of pecan pie.

Email Me The Link

I'll email this post to you, so you can easily find it later. Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!

Luckily, we don’t only eat them at Thanksgiving. My dad and brother also request them for their birthdays, so we get plenty of tasty pecan pie goodness throughout the season.

Condensed Milk Pecan Pie
I love how this condensed milk pecan pie puts a creamy twist on the classic Thanksgiving favorite. Brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk make the filling smooth and rich, while plenty of toasted pecans add the crunch everyone expects. It has a little of that pecan cheesecake feel without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of pie showing smooth sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar filling topped with toasted pecans.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Chocolate pecan pie is a fun twist on the classic, with a creamy condensed milk and cocoa filling topped with plenty of toasted pecans. I love how the rich chocolate flavor makes this gooey Thanksgiving favorite feel a little extra special.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Piece of fudgy chocolate condensed milk pecan pie on plate, ready to eat.
Classic Pecan Pie
I make this classic pecan pie with plenty of rich pecans tucked into a sweet, gooey filling that always disappears fast. It is an old-fashioned Thanksgiving favorite, but it is so simple and delicious that my family loves it for Christmas and birthday desserts too.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of classic pecan pie with golden crust, gooey filling and lots of pecans on top.
Caramel Pecan Pie
Caramel pecan pie is a wonderful choice for the pecan pie lovers at your table. Soft caramel candies replace the corn syrup for a filling that is richer, thicker, and oh so good. The gooey caramel and toasted pecans are an out of this world combination.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of caramel pecan pie with thick layer of pecans on top and rich caramel layer underneath.
Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars give me all the gooey, nutty goodness of classic pecan pie in an easy handheld dessert. I love that the shortbread-style crust gets patted right into a 9×13 pan, so there is no rolling or crimping involved. With a condensed milk filling and plenty of pecans, they can be ready for the oven in about 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Pecan pie bars piled up on a plate, showing cookie like crust, gooey insides, and pecan pieces.
Honey Maple Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup
This old fashioned honey maple pecan pie has the gooey filling and crunchy pecans everyone expects, with deep flavor from maple syrup and honey instead of corn syrup. I love that it comes from MiMi’s recipe collection, and the flaky crust makes it a beautiful choice for the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of honey maple pecan pie with fork, ready to eat.
Stupid Pie
Don’t let the funny name fool you, stupid pie is a delicious vintage dessert that deserves a comeback. The meringue, Ritz crackers, and pecans bake into a pie with crisp edges and a chewy, airy center. It is sure to be a conversation starter at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of stupid pie on plate showing meringue type base with bits of cracker and pecans in it and fluffy white whipped topping on top. ready to eat.
No Bake Pecan Cream Pie
No Bake Pecan Cream Pie is a great choice when you want pecan pie flavor without having to make room in the oven. I love the light, creamy filling with a hint of maple syrup, especially for the pecan lovers at the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of no-bake pecan cream pie with creamy maple filling topped with chopped pecans next to two pecan cream pies and a bottle of maple syrup.

Fruit Pie Recipes

Of course fruity pies are welcome too. There are so many fun ways to make apple and cherry pie.

We also have pies with cranberries and more. Be sure to pick one or two from this group to add some variety to the dessert table.

Red Hot Candy Apple Pie
I love bringing a little extra color to the dessert table, and this Red Hot candy apple pie does exactly that. It combines classic apple pie with old-fashioned red hot apples for a bright red filling and big cinnamon flavor that is sure to get people talking.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of red hot candy apple with with red apple filling on plate with remaining pie in the background.
Dutch Apple Pie
Grandma’s Dutch apple pie is full of tender apple slices and topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that makes the whole house smell like fall. I love serving it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic Thanksgiving dessert everyone will want a slice of.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Piece of old fashioned dutch apple pie with buttery crumb topping and softened apple slices in a pastry crust, ready to eat.
Deep Dish Apple Pie
Great Grandma’s apple pie is a deep-dish classic loaded with fresh apples, cinnamon, and just the right amount of sweetness. I love the tender fruit filling tucked into a flaky crust, and the fact that it comes from a treasured family recipe makes it even more special for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Piece of old fashioned apple pie with lots of tender cinnamon spiced apple slices and tender pie crust on top.
Sour Cherry Pie
Tart cherry pie is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and delicious, whether I make it with fresh-picked cherries or frozen tart cherries from the store. It is a classic fruity pie that feels right at home on a Thanksgiving dessert table, especially with a scoop of ice cream or plenty of whipped cream on top.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of homemade cherry pie topped with a scoop of ice cream with remaining pie in the background.
Cherry Berry Pie
I love serving this cherry berry pie when I want something bright and fruity alongside the classic Thanksgiving favorites. It is packed with sweet and tart cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries in a thick, sliceable filling, plus the homemade crust has a fun little surprise. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slices of homemade cherry berry pie topped with vanilla ice cream next to the pie plate and remaining pie.
Apple Butter Pie
I love serving apple butter pie when I want something a little different from the usual pumpkin pie. It has a silky, custard-like filling made with apple butter, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk, so every slice is full of cozy fall flavor. Add it to the Thanksgiving dessert table and watch everyone ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Lifting out first slice of apple butter pie showing smooth filling and whipped cream topping.
Streusel Topped Apple Custard Pie
I love this streusel topped apple custard pie when I want something a little different from classic apple pie. Tender apple slices bake in a creamy vanilla custard made with sweetened condensed milk, then get finished with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. It is like apple pie à la mode, with all that rich, creamy goodness baked right in.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Lifting a slice of apple custard pie out of the dish showing layers of apple slices surrounded by creamy vanilla custard topped with a golden brown crumb mixture.
Pineapple Sour Cream Pie
I love bringing a vintage pie like pineapple sour cream pie to the Thanksgiving table for something a little unexpected. The creamy pineapple filling has just the right tang from sour cream, and the fluffy meringue topping makes every slice feel like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Close up slice of pineapple sour cream pie with creamy yellow filling and a thick layer of fluffy meringue in a flaky pie crust.
No-Bake Banana Cream Pie
No cook banana cream pie is one of my favorite shortcuts when I need a homemade dessert without turning on the stove. It comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients, making it a great choice when the Thanksgiving oven is already full. The creamy banana flavor is always a welcome change alongside the classic fall pies.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of no cook banana cream pie with a pile of whipped cream on top on a yellow plate.

Other Pies For Thanksgiving

Of course there are more great pies that you should make for something different. These are some wonderful options that you should put on your list.

Virginia Peanut Pie
Peanut pie is a fun old-fashioned dessert with a gooey filling, plenty of crunchy peanuts, and a flavor that reminds me of peanut brittle. It is a great choice for anyone who loves pecan pie but wants to try something a little different on the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Close up of a slice of peanut pie with crunchy roasted peanuts in a gooey brown sugar filling.
Crumb Topped Carrot Pie
Cinnamon streusel topped carrot pie is a fun surprise for the Thanksgiving dessert table. The spiced carrot filling has flavors that are a little like pumpkin or sweet potato pie, while the buttery cinnamon crumb topping makes every slice feel extra special. It is a great choice when you want to serve something unexpected that still feels cozy and familiar.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of carrot pie with smooth orange filling topped with buttery crumble topping, ready to eat.
Sweet Potato Pie With Condensed Milk
This sweet potato pie with condensed milk has a smooth texture and rich flavor that is hard to resist. A little orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg make the filling extra special. It is a great alternative to pumpkin pie, or serve both and let everyone choose their favorite.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Close up of a piece of sweet potato pie with orange filling in a golden brown pie crust.
Grandma’s Oatmeal Pie
Grandma’s oatmeal pie is a gooey heirloom dessert that is reminiscent of pecan pie without the nuts. It is cozy, satisfying, and a wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving pie lineup. Grandmas know what they are doing in the kitchen, so you know it has to be good!
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Dessert plate with slice of oatmeal pie with thick golden filling with oatmeal and coconut inside plate with fork, ready to eat.
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie
Raisins get to be the star of the show in this old fashioned raisin pie. The rich, fruity filling is delicious tucked inside a flaky crust, especially with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. It is a vintage classic that adds fun variety to the pie table.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of raisin pie with flaky golden brown on top and thick plumped raisin filling inside.
Old Fashioned Sour Cream and Raisin Pie
Old fashioned sour cream and raisin pie is a creamy, tangy vintage dessert that tastes like something straight from Grandma’s kitchen. I love the combination of sweet raisins, sour cream filling, and a fluffy meringue topping, which gives it a flavor a little like lemon pie with a nostalgic twist.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of sour cream raisin pie with meringue on top on small dessert plate with fork, ready to eat.
Baked Peanut Butter Pie
This baked peanut butter pie is a fun change from the usual fluffy no-bake version, with a gooey, rich filling that peanut butter lovers will adore. I especially love it with a drizzle of hot fudge sauce for an extra decadent Thanksgiving dessert.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of gooey baked peanut butter pie on plate topped with a drizzle of hot fudge sauce.
Maple Cream Pie
Maple cream pie is one of my favorite choices for anyone who loves the deep, cozy flavor of real maple syrup. The creamy maple custard is smooth, rich, and surprisingly simple to make, especially with a homemade pie crust. I highly recommend piling on the optional maple whipped cream for an extra-special Thanksgiving dessert.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of maple cream pie with graham cracker crust, thick maple custard filling and whipped cream topping, ready to eat.
No-Bake Coffee Pie
Creamy no bake coffee pie is like a frozen Frappuccino in pie form, with cold brew blended into a smooth vanilla filling. I love that it is a fun make-ahead dessert for coffee lovers, especially when the Thanksgiving oven is already packed.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Slice of creamy frozen coffee pie drizzled with hot fudge sauce and topped with a little bit of whipped cream and a chocolate covered espresso bean.
Peanut Butter Pie With Chocolate Covered Pretzel Crust
This peanut butter pie with chocolate covered pretzel crust is a fun addition to the Thanksgiving dessert table, especially for anyone who loves that classic chocolate-peanut butter combination. I love the sweet and salty chocolate-covered pretzel crust paired with the light, creamy peanut butter filling. It is easy to make and brings something a little different to the usual pie lineup.
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
first bite of no bake peanut butter pie on fork and ready to eat.
Almost Apple Pie
Jan’s almost apple pie is one of those fun Thanksgiving desserts that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It tastes just like classic apple pie, but the secret filling is actually zucchini with cozy spices. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and see if anyone can guess what is really in it!
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Close slice of mock apple zucchini pie showing cinnamon filling and buttery crumb topping.
Old-Fashioned French Silk Pie
I love serving this french silk pie when I want to add something extra special to the Thanksgiving dessert table. The flaky crust is filled with a rich, creamy chocolate filling, then topped with plenty of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It is like taking a bite of a chocolate cloud!
Get the Recipe Pin the Recipe
Piece of homemade french silk pie with rich chocolate filling that is more solid than a pudding filling topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, ready to eat.

Round Out Your Thanksgiving Menu

If you still need to plan the rest of the meal, here are some recipe collections to get you started:

Collage of images including pumpkin pie, peanut butter pie, pecan pie, and apple pie with text saying "thanksgiving pie recipes."

Add us as a Google Trusted Source
Menu Suggestions

Categories:

,

Get social!

Recipes in your inbox

Carlee is a busy mom that loves to share family friendly recipes. There are a mix of quick and easy Midwest comfort food meals and plenty of sweet treats.

Whether you are looking for an old fashioned recipe from Carlee's grandma's recipe box or a new meal to feed your family, you are in the right place. There are plenty of delicious recipes for every cooking skill level and amount of time available.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *