Thanksgiving Pie Recipes: Pumpkin & Apple

No Thanksgiving table is complete without pie. Two classics — pumpkin and apple — anchor the dessert spread, and both are easier than their reputations suggest. Here are the Thanksgiving pie recipes that belong in your rotation, plus a few simple Thanksgiving desserts for a crowd.

Pumpkin Pie

A pumpkin pie recipe is the Thanksgiving standard. Whisk one can of pumpkin puree with 3/4 cup sugar, 2 eggs (or yolks for silkiness), 1 cup cream or evaporated milk, and pumpkin-pie spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves). Pour into a pie crust and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then lower to 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until just set. Cool fully before slicing; serve with whipped cream.

Apple Pie

For an apple pie recipe, toss 6–7 sliced apples (a mix of tart and sweet) with sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and a little flour or cornstarch to thicken. Pile into a crust, top with a second crust or a streusel, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour until the filling bubbles and the crust is golden. Let it set for at least an hour so the slices hold their shape.

Simple Thanksgiving Desserts

Beyond the classics, simple Thanksgiving desserts round out the table: a no-bake pecan or pumpkin pie, a baked apple crisp, or a tray of mini tartlets. Pecan pie and sweet potato pie join the lineup for a dessert spread that's easy to scale for a large family. Most Thanksgiving pie recipes are excellent make-ahead dishes — bake the day before and free up the oven.