Written for: Spice Station Silverlake by: Amanda Csolak
Thanksgiving brings many food favorites to the table year after year. Classics like roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, and stuffing are always appreciated, but what about the pie?
Pies have been a part of our Thanksgiving traditions for a long time. Matter of fact, pies have been enjoyed at Thanksgiving since the late 19th century.
Most everyone loves pie, but that doesn’t mean we all agree on what makes a good pie. Classics like pecan and pumpkin pie are expected to make the cut, but what other types of pie make my top five list? And which is my favorite? You will have to read on to find out.
Pie: Thanksgiving’s Best Dessert
If your like me, than you make sure to leave room for the pie. Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without a great pie to top off the meal. Sure, the turkey is the main event, but the pie is that sweet ending everyone looks forward to, often being the last thing guests enjoy before they start thinking about Black Friday deals and the busy holiday season ahead.
Some people don’t mind buying a pre-made pie from the local shop’s bakery, but I prefer to bake it myself. In fact, making dessert is my favorite part of cooking for Thanksgiving.
My Top Five Pies Perfect for Thanksgiving
I like all kinds of pie, but these particular pies are in my opinion the best pies for Thanksgiving.
#5 – Apple Pie
Taking the number five spot on my list is Apple Pie. With it’s spiced apple filling and flaky crust, this classic pie is perfect for fall. Baked until golden-brown this pie is often served while still warm with a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream on top. It’s a simple, homey dessert that’s a hit, especially during the holidays.
#4 – Sweet Potato Pie
Number four on my list of Thanksgiving pies is the sweet potato pie. If you grew up in the south, like I did than this classic pie likely graced your table more than once. A creamy pie made with mashed sweet potatoes, mixed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with butter and sugar. A southern favorite for sure, but still not my top favorite pie for Thanksgiving.
#3 – Chocolate Chess Pie
Another popular pie with southern roots is the Chocolate Chess Pie. It’s like the classic chess pie, but with a twist – it’s loaded with rich, gooey chocolate. The filling is super simple, just cocoa, sugar, butter, and eggs, but it’s incredibly delicious, especially in its flaky crust. It’s the kind of easy-going dessert that’s big on flavor and a favorite for anyone who loves chocolate. This pie is a down-home classic that’s all about comfort and indulgence, making it my third favorite pie for Thanksgiving.
#2 – Pumpkin Pie
My second favorite pie perfect for Thanksgiving is the infamous Pumpkin pie. A classic American treat that shines especially during Thanksgiving. The pie stands out with its creamy, spiced filling – a mix of pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, sweetened with sugar or molasses, all in a flaky crust. Baked until just right, it’s a smooth, comforting pie that brings the feel of autumn to any table and symbolizes family and holiday traditions. While I absolutely love a good pumpkin pie it isn’t my absolute favorite Thanksgiving pie. That title goes to:
#1 – Pecan Pie
My personal and absolute favorite pie I look forward to every Thanksgiving is the always popular Pecan Pie. Another southern classic dessert, the pecan pie combines sweet corn syrup with pecans surrounded by a warm flaky crust. This pie is my personal favorite for a few reasons. It can be served warm or chilled, we all have our preferred pie temp, but no matter what you know it will taste amazing. This pie is great served plain or adorned with sweet whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and can even be made into a chocolate version that is simply delicious!
Read more below for the perfect chocolate pecan pie.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Prepare to challenge Thanksgiving purists with this unconventional pie. Chocolate and pecan might raise a few eyebrows, but trust us on this one. The bittersweet chocolate introduces complexity to a pie that’s known for its extreme sweetness, while the bourbon imparts a sophisticated touch to elevate your dessert experience.
Ingredients
Cook Time: 1.5 hrs | Total Time: 6.5 hrs | Yeild: 8 servings
For the Crust:
1¼cups all-purpose flour (150 grams), plus more for dusting
¼teaspoon fine sea salt
10tablespoons unsalted butter, preferably high-fat, European style, chilled and cubed
2 to 4tablespoons ice water, as needed
For the Filling:
- 1½cups pecan halves (170 grams)
- 6tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (56 grams)
- ¾cup dark corn syrup
- 4large eggs
- ½cup packed light brown sugar (100 grams)
- 1tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (5 grams)
- 2tablespoons bourbon
- ¼teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
Step 1
Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse together the flour and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture forms chickpea-size pieces. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough just comes together. It should be moist but not wet. On a lightly floured surface, gather the dough into a ball. Flatten into a disk with the heel of your hand. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
Step 2
On a lightly floured surface, after removing plastic wrap, roll out dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer crust to a 9-inch pie plate. Fold over any excess dough, then crimp edges. Prick crust all over with a fork. Chill crust for 30 minutes.
Step 3
While the dough chills, heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line chilled crust with aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until very pale golden, 5 to 10 minutes longer.
Step 4
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Spread pecans on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast nuts, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool.
Step 5
Make the filling: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth; cool.
Step 6
In a large bowl, whisk together cooled chocolate-butter mixture, corn syrup, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, bourbon and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Arrange pecans over filling. Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the filling is just set when the pan is jiggled, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove pie from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
