What does your family make for Thanksgiving? Do you have any traditions that seem to make the holiday and would cause hysterics if they weren’t presented on that feast’s table? For some, it’s the turkey. For others, it is a special side dish. And then there is that certain group of people that nibble on the savory but live by the sweet. Thanksgiving pies. They come in all sizes and flavors, some traditional, some with a more modern spin. And, you never know what you may find from those avid foodies who watch all the cooking shows and follow all the latest fads. So, as you circle that table all decked out with delicious indulgence, here are 9 traditional Thanksgiving pies you need to try this year. 1. Apple Pie Apple pie is an all-American pie but it is always found during the holidays because it’s apple season! Warm cinnamon apples with a delicate crust served alongside vanilla ice cream that slowly melts into the pie. Yum! The great thing about this classic is that there are so many different versions. You’ve got dutch apple pie, caramel apple pie, salted caramel apple pie, apple pie cake, apple streusel, and more. Nearly everyone likes apple pie - or has at least tried it. If you haven’t, this is your year. 2. Pumpkin Pie What do you do with all those leftover Halloween pumpkins? You make pumpkin pie, of course! Ok, really, don’t use your molding, month-old pumpkin and instead opt for the can of pumpkin puree that you buy at the grocery store. While apple pie may represent the country, pumpkin pie represents Thanksgiving. It’s creamy with all the right spices, and it is simple to make. Throw on a little (or a lot) of whip cream on top to give it that extra touch of flavor. It won’t disappoint. 3. Sweet Potato Pie If you don’t pay attention, you can very easily confuse a sweet potato pie with a pumpkin pie. They look a lot alike and even taste similar. Though you will find that sweet potato pies tend to be a little lighter on the spices and have a little more texture. While you will mostly find these pies as a staple on Southern tables, they shouldn’t be shunned from Thanksgiving everywhere else. Haven’t tried one? This could be your go-to Thanksgiving pie you never knew you needed. 4. Pecan Pie Another Southern favorite - pecan pie - is a sweet, sugary, gooey dessert that will keep you coming back for more. The pecans are sweetened and placed on top of an inside that has a caramel-like texture all backed in a flakey pie crust. Some who enjoy it will tell you that it reminds them of a candy bar in pie form. 5. Coconut Cream Pie Coconut-haters seem to be hardcore, not letting their fork get anywhere near a coconut cream pie. But, truth be told, they are the ones who are missing out. It’s more of a creamy dessert with some toasted coconut on top rather than a heavily flavored coconut filling. Sometimes it may be made with coconut milk but other times, the bakers just throw it together using vanilla pudding. This year, try to get your hands on a real coconut cream pie - or try making one on your own - and see what a hit it is. Even if you are not a fan of the nut, you may just find yourself with a new favorite pie if you give it a chance. 6. Cranberry Streusel A little sweet and a little tart - just like some people you know. That’s what you will find here with a cranberry streusel. And, it is best when made with fresh cranberries. The sweet, streusel crumble on top creates a perfect flavor combination. What’s even better is pairing it with good vanilla ice cream. There isn't much to not love here. So let this pie find its way to your plate this year. 7. Chocolate Cream Pie Chocolate lovers unite. There is a chocolate cream pie that, if you look close enough, may even have your name on it. Or, so you will wish. It’s that good. Super simple to make, too. It is creamy and chocolatey with a layer of whip cream on top. Those who want to look like they just won a bake-off award may want to add some chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on top. 8. Lemon Meringue Pie If there was ever a pie that did a balancing act with flavors, this is it. The lemon base of the pie is smooth and creamy and oh-so-lemony. It may even cause an unintentional pucker. But when paired with a meringue light, sweet flavor, you get a fluffy, well-balanced dessert. Oddly, lemon meringue pie is slowly making its way into the Thanksgiving feast around the country. Soon, it may even become a staple! Will it be in yours? 9. Buttermilk Pie The South really makes an impact on Thanksgiving pies. Buttermilk pie is another we will add to that list. It is a simple custard-like dessert poured into a pie crust. Most people find it simple to make because all it involves is pantry staples that you have already - a combination of eggs, flour, sugar, and butter. Some even say it has a creme brulee flavor. It may sound a little different than the other pies, but it is a huge hit among those who have tried it. So, maybe they are on to something -- and maybe you should try it, too. Well, there you have it - 9 traditional Thanksgiving pies to try this year. Are you going to try all 9? Pick a few that stand out to you? Why not fire up your oven and make a new family tradition -- try a new pie every year. Keep the ones you like, ditch the ones you don’t. When you branch out beyond your own family’s traditions and learn about those of others, you may just be surprised about what you find.
