• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Home
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Pies, Cobblers & Crisps » Best Holiday Pies

    Best Holiday Pies

    Published: Oct 16, 2021 · Modified: Oct 9, 2022 by Barbara Curry · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    A collage of pies for Thanksgiving.

    Are you ready to wow your friends and family with a showstopper pie this Thanksgiving or Christmas! I’ve gathered together some of my favorite holiday pies from traditional Thanksgiving pie recipes to some that are a little more non-tradtional that will be talked about long after the meal.

    A cherry being added to the top of a slice of black forest pie.

    I think everyone has a favorite holiday dessert but when it comes to the holidays whether it’s Christmas or Thanksgiving dessert recipes, most stick to a traditional apple pie. While your guests may claim they love the sides and fluffy dinner rolls, they always have room for Thanksgiving pie.🥰

    Try changing it up this year with a cream pie or fruit pie. Or maybe you’ll be having a large gathering and need more than eight pieces, a slab pie is so much easier that making two pies and you can cut it into smaller pieces if you have additional guests or are serving multiple desserts.

    Chocolate Thanksgiving desserts are always favorites, I’ve got a peppermint chocolate pie, a chocolate pecan pie and a rich chocolate pie covered with marshmallow frosting.

    Maybe you’ve been tasked with bringing dessert to the holiday potluck, try some apple pie bars that taste just like apple pie but can be eaten with with your hands.

    Table of contents

    • The Pie Crust debate
      • How to make a traditional pie crust
      • How to pre-bake a pie crust
      • How to make a pretzel crust
    • Tips on how to plan ahead for making a holiday pie
    • FAQs and tips
    • More holiday desserts

    The Pie Crust debate

    Don’t worry about the crust this year, a homemade butter crust is my favorite and I’ve given you simple and easy to follow steps for the perfect pie crust. But I get it, sometimes you need something quick, so go with a pretzel crust, or if you’re in a hurry grab a prepared graham cracker crust from the grocery.

    How to make a traditional pie crust

    Step 1: A food processor works great for making pie crust, but you can also use a pastry cutter. Combine the dry ingredients into the food processor and then add very cold butter. Process so that the butter is a little smaller than a pea.

    Step 2: Add very cold water and vinegar and process until it’s shaggy, it should not be smooth.

    Step 3: Form into a disc and wrap in plastic and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use but at least for an hour.

    Step 4: Roll out and place over pie dish, crimp the edges if desired and refrigerate for 30 minutes before filling or baking.

    Butter chunks in the dough for a pie crust.
    Pie crust when it has come together in a food processor.
    A pie crust with fluted edges in a pie pan.

    Pro tip: if you roll out the pie crust onto plastic wrap, it’s easier to pick up the dough and place it in the pie dish. Once you have it situated, you just peel off the plastic.

    How to pre-bake a pie crust

    For cream pies that aren’t baked like Coconut Cream Pie or Lemon Chiffon Pie, you’ll need to either bake a pie crust or use a graham cracker or pretzel crust. If you’re making a fruit pie or chess pie, it helps to partially bake the pie crust to keep the bottom from getting soggy. Here are some simple steps to keep your pie crust looking beautiful before you add the filling.

    For a partially baked pie crust: Place the pie crust in the pan, prick it with a fork and place a piece of parchment inside, then add pie weights. Pie weights keep the crust from falling down the sides of the pan. Bake at 400º for 15 minutes.

    Pie weights in parchment paper in a pie crust.

    For a fully baked pie crust: Follow the above directions but remove the pie weights and cook an additional 12-14 minutes.

    A Fully baked homemade pie crust.

    How to make a pretzel crust

    I love the salty crunch a pretzel crust adds to a cream pie and they are so easy to make. All you have to do is smash about 3 cups of pretzels in a ziplock with something hard like a rolling pin or a wine bottle. Add ¼ cup of sugar and 12 tablespoons of melted butter and place it in the pie pan. Let it refrigerate until the butter firms up and add your filling. It couldn’t be easier.

    A slice of lemon chiffon pie with pretzels on the side.

    Of course you can skip the crust altogether and make hand pies using puff pastry.

    Show Stopper Sides

    5 Tips to make your next meal Spectacular!

      We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Tips on how to plan ahead for making a holiday pie

      Whatever you have planned for your holidays, whether it’s cooking at home, bringing dessert, or taking a pie to your holiday potluck, it helps to plan ahead when it comes to pies. Here are some tips to make your holiday meal a little less stressful.

      • Try making the pie crust up to a month ahead of time. Traditional butter pie crust dough can be frozen. When you’re ready to make your pie you just have to thaw it. If your pie calls for a pre-baked pie crust, this can be done a day ahead of time. Once it’s cooled, place in a ziplock or wrap in plastic wrap and leave on the counter until you’re ready to fill.
      • Prepare any cooked fillings in advance, like the cherries for Black Forest pie or the filling for Cherry Hand pies. These can be done days in advance.
      • If making a cream pie, check to see how long it takes for it to set, most need to refrigerate for several hours. You can make these the night before and just add the cream or topping the day you are serving.
      • Fruit pies and pecan pies can be made a day ahead and then reheated before serving. Try putting them in the warm oven while you sit down to dinner.
      • Pies like a chocolate pie or chess pie are served at room temperature, so make them in the morning and you don’t even have to think about dessert.

      Here are 14 of some of my favorite pies to serve for the holidays. So grab your favorite pie dish and start baking!

      Cherry Pie with Crumb Topping

      A slice of cherry pie with a scoop of ice cream.
      Cherry Pie with Crumb Topping
      This all American cherry pie with crumb topping has fresh cherries, and a buttery crust. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
      Get the Recipe

      Apple Crumb Pie Recipe with Walnuts

      A slice of homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
      Apple Crumb Pie Recipe with Walnuts
      My mom's amazing apple crumb pie is a must for Thanksgiving. An easy make ahead dessert that everyone loves. Delicious fall apples baked in a flaky crust topped with a walnut filled crumble.
      Get the Recipe

      Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

      A pecan slab pie cut into squares.
      Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
      This chocolate pecan pie recipe made into a slab pie is a fabulous way to feed a crowd. You get all the tasty flavors without the hassle of a pie. Cut this into small squares for a bite-size treat or into larger squares and top with ice-cream. A holiday or potluck favorite!
      Get the Recipe

      Apple Crumb Bars

      A clear glass platter filled with apple bars.
      Apple Crumb Bars
      If you love apple pie, wait until you try Apple Crumb Bars. Start with a buttery shortbread crust that is covered with both sweet and tart apples. A crumb topping makes them easy enough to eat with your hands and just as scrumptious as an apple pie.
      Get the Recipe

      Peppermint Chocolate Pie

      A peppermint chocolate pie next to holiday decorations.
      Peppermint Chocolate Pie
      Peppermint Chocolate Pie Recipe (from Grandbaby Cakes) – A melt in your mouth decadent chocolate creamy peppermint hinted filling offset by a buttery flaky crust topped with whipped cream!
      Get the Recipe

      Cherry Hand Pies

      A plate with two cherry hand pies with a glaze drizzled on top
      Cherry Hand Pies
      Cherry Hand Pies are simpler than they look with fresh or frozen cherries and puff pastry.  An easy dessert or breakfast treat that's hard to resist, even better with a drizzle of icing.
      Get the Recipe

      Coconut Cream Pie

      A slice of coconut cream pie with a fork.
      Coconut Cream Pie
      This is the best coconut cream pie recipe (from Pip and Ebby) you’ll ever taste and you will WOW guests at any gathering. A creamy homemade custard filling is topped with fresh, sweet whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes. This is the perfect light dessert to enjoy any time!
      Get the Recipe

      Chocolate Pie Recipe

      Chocolate pie with a marshmallow topping in a pie dish.
      Chocolate Pie Recipe
      Just one bite of this Chocolate Pie recipe will be filled with a rich chocolate dessert with a marshmallow type frosting. Much better than a meringue with just one additional step.  Don't forget to add some cayenne to the crust for a bit of spice and enjoy a decadent dessert! 
      Get the Recipe

      Lemon Chiffon Pie with Pretzel Crust

      A slice of Lemon Chiffon Pie with a bite on a fork
      Lemon Chiffon Pie with Pretzel Crust
      This no-bake Lemon Chiffon Pie is light as a feather with a crunchy salty pretzel crust. Ricotta cheese gives it the richness of a cheesecake, but egg whites keep it light and fluffy for a fabulous dessert.

      Pecan Praline Pumpkin Pie

      A slice of pumpkin pie with a fork on top.
      Pecan Praline Pumpkin Pie
      There is nothing like pumpkin pie for the fall, particularly around the holidays. If you’ve never had the chance to try a Pecan Praline Pumpkin Pie (from A Red Spatula), you will be amazed at just how great it tastes! It’s a wonderful twist on two old classics.
      Get the Recipe

      Lemon Chess Pie Recipe

      A bite of chess pie on a fork next to a slice of pie.
      Lemon Chess Pie Recipe
      A Southern classic Lemon Chess Pie is tangy with a smooth custard like filling. It’s an exceptional citrus dessert perfect for any occasion.
      Get the Recipe

      Key Lime Pie

      An entire key lime pie topped with whipped cream.
      Key Lime Pie
      The absolute best Gluten Free Key Lime Pie (from Mama Gourmand) beats out all other recipes in taste, affordability, and ease! This effortless recipe will bring you back to Key West with a traditional creamy lime pie flavor and easy substitution for graham cracker crust!
      Get the Recipe

      No-Bake Strawberry Pie

      Strawberry chiffon pie with whipped cream and a strawberry on top.
      No-Bake Strawberry Pie
      Give No-Bake Strawberry Pie a try if you're looking for a light and airy dessert made with fresh strawberries.  This sweet fruit flavored pie is the perfect ending to a summer day. Made in a pretzel crust for a salty crunchy twist.
      Get the Recipe

      Black Forest Pie

      A slice of Black Forest pie with a cherry on top.
      Black Forest Pie
      A chocolate lovers Black Forest Pie has a creamy chocolate filling between a layer of ganache and a layer of cherries. A chocolate crust adds even more chocolate to this decadent dessert.
      Get the Recipe

      FAQs and tips

      Can you use frozen fruit in a fruit pie?

      If you are making an apple pie, you should use fresh apples. However for cherry and most fruit pies, you can use frozen fruit. Frozen fruit might have more water then fresh, so you might need to add a little more flour or cornstarch depending on the recipe.

      Can you freeze pie?

      Yes, almost all pies will freeze, even pies topped with meringue. If your pie is topped with whipped cream, the whipped cream can get watery when it thaws. It’s best to wait to add the whipped cream until you are ready to serve it.

      Can you freeze a pie crust?

      Pie crust dough freezes perfectly. I always make enough pie crusts for two pies and freeze one for later. Just form it into a disc and place in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for at least a month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator so that it’s cold when you roll it out.

      What can you do if your pie dough is too sticky?

      As you roll out your pie dough if it gets too warm, it will be hard to work with. Roll it out on parchment paper or plastic wrap and just slide a cookie sheet under it and if it gets to sticky, put it in the refrigerator until it firms up again.

      More holiday desserts

      • Buttermilk Cake with Pecan Praline Topping!
      • Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
      • Blackberry Crumble with Pralines
      • Fresh Strawberry Cake
      A cherry streusel pie with a slice removed.

      Butter Pie Crust

      Author: Barbara Curry
      Are you ready to wow your friends and family with a showstopper pie this Thanksgiving! You'll need to start with an awesome pie crust.
      5 from 3 votes
      Print Pin
      PREP: 15 minutes
      COOK: 0 minutes
      Servings: 16

      Ingredients
       

      • 2 ½ cups flour
      • 2 teaspoons sugar
      • 1 teaspoon salt
      • 20 tablespoons cold butter 2 ½ sticks cut into cubes
      • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
      • ¼ cup cold water
      Prevent your screen from going dark

      Instructions
       

      • In a food processor, add flour, sugar and salt and pulse to combine. Add cold butter, cut into 1 inch pieces, and pulse until you have pea size chunks of butter. Add vinegar and water and pulse until the dough starts to come together. Place on floured surface and knead until all flour is incorporated, it won’t be smooth. Divide in half and pat into two flat disks about 1 inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
      Barbara’s Tips + Notes
      • Roll out the dough onto plastic wrap, this makes it easier to place in the pie dish.
      • If the dough gets too hard to handle, place it back in the refrigerator
      • You can freeze this dough for at least a month.
      • Use ice water and keep the butter very cold.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 437IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
      Follow Me On SocialDid you make this recipe? Mention @ButterandBaggage or tag #ButterandBaggage on Instagram!

      Explore Recipes

      Pies, Cobblers & CrispsFallChristmasEntertainingThanksgiving
      « Best Cookies for a Cookie Exchange
      How to Reheat Dinner Rolls »

      Reader Interactions

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

      Recipe Rating




      Primary Sidebar

      Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

      More about me →

      Subscribe

      Game Day Favorites

      • Baked Buffalo Wings
      • Homemade Chex Mix
      • Spicy Roasted Nuts
      • Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer with Mushrooms

      Popular

      • Puff Pastry Pockets for Breakfast
      • Steak Marsala
      • Queso Chicken
      • Mini Croque Monsieur

      Footer

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      COPYRIGHT © 2023 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
      BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

      17 shares