23 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Pies to Try This Year

By Melanie Fincher

Updated October 14, 2020

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Credit: blackfootprincess

Who's to say what's "traditional" anyways? These Thanksgiving pie recipes go beyond the basics to combine classic flavors and introduce new ones to your Thanksgiving table. Spice things up this year with new takes on traditional pies like pumpkin, apple, pecan, sweet potato, and more. Give these non-traditional Thanksgiving pies a try, and what was once unconventional will soon become your tradition.

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Apple Crumble Pie

Credit: House of Aqua

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Bye bye boring apple pie! The crumb topping on this apple pie is so easy to make, not to mention delicious. Reviewer cookiequeen says, "AND let me tell you with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top — I was in heaven eating this!"

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Mini Apple Pies

Credit: footballgrl16

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Perfect for feeding a crowd, these mini desserts will make your guests say, "Awww!" Reviewer Lesli Neel says, "I made these for Thanksgiving using muffin pans instead of mini pie pans."

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Crustless Cranberry Pie

Credit: Blair Blanks

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This crustless pie will satisfy both pie and cake lovers alike! Reviewer LYNN LUKE says, "This was so easy to make and a perfect balance of sweetness against the tart cranberries."

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Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Credit: My Hot Southern Mess

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Traditional pecan pie gets a makeover. Reviewer ANGELGIRL94 says, "I can describe this pie in two words: rich and sinful...This is one pie you will make over and over."

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Peanut Butter Pie

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You might not associate peanut butter with Thanksgiving, but it really makes sense, doesn’t it? This pie can be made ahead of time and chilled overnight, saving your energy for the main event. "This is the one! My coffee crew devoured this in less than 30 minutes! Extremely quick to make. It was the best," says reviewer nrgizrbune41.

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Honey Crunch Pecan Pie

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The honey topping truly puts this pie a step above the rest. Reviewer anelastar says, "The HIT of Thanksgiving at my house, and my best friend's house! Puts other pies to shame."

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Glazed Apple Cream Pie

Credit: Marsha Drews

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"All I have to say about this pie is YUM! The custard filling and spiced apples combine to make something so wonderfully delicious, and the plain old pie crust could be a dessert by itself when you add that delicious sugary glaze on top," says reviewer Nicole.

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Easy Pumpkin Pie Squares

Credit: Alberta Rose

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These individually portioned pumpkin pie squares don’t require rolling out any crust. Reviewer Kathya says, "It's about as close as you can come to pumpkin pie without all the laborious steps it takes to achieve a great pie."

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Better Than Pumpkin Pie

Credit: SunFlower

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As recipe creator Barbara puts it, it tastes like pumpkin, looks like pumpkin, but it’s butternut squash! Reviewer damitWS6 says, "Also made real pumpkin to compare. The squash was so smooth, the pumpkin still had some strings. Everyone enjoyed the squash better than the pumpkin — but do wait until they are enjoying it to tell them it's not pumpkin!"

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Vanilla Pumpkin Pie

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If you love pumpkin but don’t like all the spice, this take on tradition is perfect for you! Recipe creator AB70 says, "It's less spicy than traditional pumpkin pies so you can really taste the pumpkin flavor!"

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

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"My family doesn't care for pumpkin pie but loved this smooth, creamy version of it...Unlike a cheesecake, you don't really taste the cream cheese, but I'm sure that's what makes this pie a cut above the traditional pumpkin pie," says reviewer sadie.

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Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Credit: Stephanie

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Can’t decide on what pie to make? This two-for-one is not a compromise — it's an upgrade! Recipe creator LISACAS1 says, "This is the perfect Thanksgiving Day dessert! This recipe gives you the best of both worlds, pecan pie and pumpkin pie in one. It's delicious, rich, and mouthwatering! It will look like you spent hours, but it's really very easy to make."

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Whipped Pumpkin Pie

Credit: Christina

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After all those hearty casseroles, this lighter take on traditional pumpkin pie will be more than welcome. Reviewer Deb C says, "The pie is light and creamy, perfect for after a heavy meal."

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Praline Pumpkin Pie II

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This take on pumpkin pie has a spicy custard filling and a nutty praline crust. "I don't think I'll make a traditional pumpkin pie again," says reviewer TARAWVU.

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Apple Crunch Pie with Vanilla Sauce

Credit: blackfootprincess

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Recipe creator Cynthia Clark says, "Not your typical apple pie! Cinnamon chips are scattered throughout the pie and in the streusel, giving the apples the cinnamon flavor they deserve."

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Spicy Pumpkin Pie II

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If traditional pumpkin pie is too mild for your taste, try this spicy version with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. "The flavor of this recipe is perfect," says reviewer AngieM. "This is what pumpkin pie is supposed to taste like! I tried this once with canned pumpkin and again another time with fresh pumpkin, and it turned out terrific both ways!"

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Pineapple Pecan Pie

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It’s a combination that no one will expect, but everyone will love. Reviewer LISAMICH says, "I made this for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. The pineapple taste is very refreshing. I served it right along-side ordinary pecan pie and it wasn't redundant at all."

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Butternut Squash Pie

Credit: Deb C

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Get creative with seasonal squash! Recipe creator blaze says, "My grandmother taught me how to make this recipe while I was a teenager working on her farm in the summers. For people that find the taste of pumpkin a little strong or just want a change this is a milder but still delicious pie."

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Pumpkin Maple Pie Supreme

Credit: ChristinaW

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This pumpkin pie uses real maple syrup as a sweetener, and reviewers can tell the difference! "It has now replaced my traditional pumpkin pie recipe that I was making for more than 10 years. If you expect strong maple flavor, you will be disappointed. The maple syrup simply replaces sugar as the sweetener, but conveys a smooth texture that I find pleasing," says reviewer LCDSDad.

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Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

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Recipe creator Joyce Lowe says, "A delightful combination of two Autumn standards - apple and pumpkin - in this lightly spiced pie with a streusel topping." Why settle for just one classic pie when you can get two in one?

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Sweet Potato Pecan Pie

Credit: atomeve

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Another pie hybrid makes this list — this one has a caramelized pecan topping! Reviewer TAMBREY1 says, "I no longer fix 'regular' sweet potatoes in the casserole with marshmallows on top...this is the only way my family will eat them now. The best one I have found yet!"

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Chef John's Easy Apple Pie

Credit: Sabrina Hernandez Miller

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"Not your traditional apple pie, this filling is caramelized apples held together with a very glossy, just-thick-enough apple syrup," says Chef John.

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Honey-Poached Quince Pie

Credit: Doughgirl8

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"Quince is a very aromatic, almost floral-tasting fruit that resembles a cross between an apple and a pear. It's quite tart, and when cooked it turns a lovely blushing pink," says recipe creator Doughgirl8.

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By Melanie Fincher