6 Pies So Good, You’ll Want to Skip Dinner

[ad_1] Go straight to the great things this Thanksgiving: apple and cream, chocolaty espresso, honeyed cranberry, and extra.

By Sue Li

Pictures by Johnny Miller

Styled by Sue Li and Sarah Sensible

Revealed Nov. 19, 2025 Up to date Nov. 19, 2025

On this planet of baked items, it’s stated that individuals normally fall into considered one of two camps: cake lovers or pie lovers. However we shouldn’t be so prescriptive. You possibly can dream of each fluffy layer desserts and showstopping pies. You'll find your self craving a chunk of chocolate cake sooner or later, whereas craving for apple pie the following.

You possibly can like to eat cake and nonetheless bake pie.

Credit score... Matthew Younger

That’s the place my ardour lies. I didn’t develop up having pie. As an alternative, my household and I ate cake: vanilla sponges from Chinese language bakeries, sandwiching recent whipped cream and sliced fruit, that had been simply candy sufficient. It wasn’t till I used to be as an grownup working at meals magazines that I started making and consuming pies. I got here to search out the entire course of extremely rewarding.

In contrast to a cake, which requires cooling after which frosting, a pie is able to eat quickly after you pull it from the oven, as soon as it has taken a second to chill — and in a few of the circumstances beneath, it’s prepared immediately.

You don’t must be a pie knowledgeable — or perhaps a die-hard pie lover — to make the recipes on this assortment. The pies beneath channel basic Thanksgiving flavors, however they’re additionally fruity, tangy and creamy just like the desserts of my youth. (And, critically, they aren’t too candy.) They’re additionally all gorgeous and scrumptious, and, most essential, they’re simple, each streamlined for fulfillment. For freshmen, gingery-sweet crumb crusts and crunchy phyllo step in for trickier pie crust. The one pie that does name for dough has a easy twist: The highest is shingled slightly than woven right into a lattice, creating a shocking outcome with little effort, so you possibly can have your pie and eat it, too.

<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-whole-vertical-mgbj/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-whole-vertical-mgbj-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="An overhead shot of a pie with a crumbly brown crust, topped with layered rings of delicata squash." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-whole-vertical-mgbj/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-whole-vertical-mgbj-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-whole-vertical-mgbj/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-whole-vertical-mgbj-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> This pie takes inspiration from basic pumpkin pie, nevertheless it makes use of almost the complete squash — flesh and pores and skin — for each filling and garnish. The custard rests in a graham cracker crust, which I consider is the perfect alternative for a pumpkin pie, for the reason that crumbs truly profit from absorbing a few of the custard’s moisture. Garnished with candied squash slices, this pie is each a visible deal with and a scrumptious one.

Recipe: Delicata Squash Pie <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-slice-vertical-jqgh/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-slice-vertical-jqgh-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="A slice of pie topped with rings of delicata squash sits on a yellow plate that has a fork resting on it." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-slice-vertical-jqgh/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-slice-vertical-jqgh-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-slice-vertical-jqgh/18FD-pies-TG-delicatapie-slice-vertical-jqgh-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-whole-vertical-vpmq/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-whole-vertical-vpmq-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="An overhead shot of a pie with a golden shingled crust that sits against a dark orange background." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" style="object-fit:cover;object-position:48.675079107284546% 55.196717739105225%" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-whole-vertical-vpmq/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-whole-vertical-vpmq-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-whole-vertical-vpmq/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-whole-vertical-vpmq-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> If I needed to choose a favourite of this batch, it will be this one. The pie dough is forgiving, simple to work with and, better of all, requires no crimping. I encourage you to experiment along with your top-crust design after which merely let the dough do its magic within the oven. A contact of heavy cream provides an unexpectedly good silkiness to the apples.

Recipe: Apple and Cream Pie <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-slice-vertical-fqzt/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-slice-vertical-fqzt-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="A slice of apple pie sits on a white plate, with the full pie half in frame behind it." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-slice-vertical-fqzt/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-slice-vertical-fqzt-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-slice-vertical-fqzt/18FD-pies-TG-applesandcreampie-slice-vertical-fqzt-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-whole-vertical-napkin-ghwt/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-whole-vertical-napkin-ghwt-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="An overhead shot of a pie with marbled swirls of dark and light custard sitting on a light yellow background." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-whole-vertical-napkin-ghwt/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-whole-vertical-napkin-ghwt-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-whole-vertical-napkin-ghwt/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-whole-vertical-napkin-ghwt-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> Hojicha, a toasted inexperienced tea from Japan with a smoky sweetness, is included right into a cream cheese custard with a refined cream cheese swirl, guaranteeing that this pie would be the star of Thanksgiving. (Fortunately, this pie additionally travels effectively wherever you're taking it.) Baked in a shortbread crust, it feels virtually like a chic tart.

Recipe: Hojicha Cheesecake Pie <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-slice-vertical-qglh/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-slice-vertical-qglh-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="Two slices of pie with a swirled black and white top sit on white plates against a yellow background." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-slice-vertical-qglh/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-slice-vertical-qglh-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-slice-vertical-qglh/18FD-pies-TG-hojichapie-slice-vertical-qglh-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-whole-vertical-tjkb/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-whole-vertical-tjkb-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="An overhead image of a banana pie with a phyllo crust." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-whole-vertical-tjkb/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-whole-vertical-tjkb-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-whole-vertical-tjkb/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-whole-vertical-tjkb-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> The best of the bunch (no pun meant) with elements which might be out there year-round, this sweet-tart banana pie skips the standard crust in favor of phyllo dough, making a dramatic, ruffly edge. The custard has a slight tang from the bitter cream, which fantastically balances out the typically overly candy banana.

Recipe: Banana Phyllo Pie <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-slice-vertical-hbzp/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-slice-vertical-hbzp-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="A three-quarter image of a banana pie with a phyllo crust." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-slice-vertical-hbzp/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-slice-vertical-hbzp-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-slice-vertical-hbzp/18FD-pies-TG-bananamilkpie-slice-vertical-hbzp-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-whole-vertical-noprops-fkwc/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-whole-vertical-noprops-fkwc-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="An overhead shot of a pie with a dark, crumbly crust and a mountain of whipped cream topping against a yellow background." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1367" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-whole-vertical-noprops-fkwc/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-whole-vertical-noprops-fkwc-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 684w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-whole-vertical-noprops-fkwc/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-whole-vertical-noprops-fkwc-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1367w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> Constructed on a chocolate graham cracker crust with wealthy layers of chocolate and espresso pudding, this silky deal with feels just like the fanciest model of a diner-style pie. Every slice is gorgeous, with contrasting pudding layers and a tall cap of unsweetened whipped cream.

Recipe: Chocolate-Espresso Pie <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-slice-group-vertical-hbgm/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-slice-group-vertical-hbgm-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="A slice of creamy chocolate and espresso pudding pie with a thick whipped-cream topping sits on a white plate, with the rest of the pie sitting half in frame behind it." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-slice-group-vertical-hbgm/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-slice-group-vertical-hbgm-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-slice-group-vertical-hbgm/18FD-pies-TG-chocolateespressopie-slice-group-vertical-hbgm-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-whole-vertical-vzwc/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-whole-vertical-vzwc-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="An overhead shot of a pie with a crumbly brown crust and dolloped-in swirled pink and white mouse sitting on a yellow and white background." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1367" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-whole-vertical-vzwc/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-whole-vertical-vzwc-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 684w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-whole-vertical-vzwc/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-whole-vertical-vzwc-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1367w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> This dreamy creation combines lush cranberry and vanilla-honey mousses to create mesmerizing swirls of pink and white. It remembers the flavour of Yakult, a preferred yogurt-like drink in East Asian cultures, and every chunk melts in your mouth. A small quantity of gelatin helps the mousses set and retains them picture-perfect on the Thanksgiving desk.

Recipe: Cranberry Mousse Pie <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-slice-vertical-ckmp/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-slice-vertical-ckmp-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="A side view of a tall slice of pie with swirled white and pink mouse on a white plate against a yellow background." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-slice-vertical-ckmp/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-slice-vertical-ckmp-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-slice-vertical-ckmp/18FD-pies-TG-cranberryhoneypie-slice-vertical-ckmp-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-group-slices-vertical-qmhz/18FD-pies-TG-group-slices-vertical-qmhz-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="An image of a bunch of slices of pie on brightly colored plates." decoding="async" class="ResponsiveImage_image__zGSfP" width="1366" height="2048" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-group-slices-vertical-qmhz/18FD-pies-TG-group-slices-vertical-qmhz-jumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 683w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18FD-pies-TG-group-slices-vertical-qmhz/18FD-pies-TG-group-slices-vertical-qmhz-superJumbo.jpg?format=pjpg&quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1160px"/> Observe New York Occasions Cooking on Instagram, Fb, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest. Get common updates from New York Occasions Cooking, with recipe recommendations, cooking suggestions and buying recommendation.