Just in Time for Thanksgiving! All the Fall Pies, Ranked
Here's our unofficial ranking of all the pie you're bound to see at your Thanksgiving dessert table this year.
MSPhotographic
Move over pumpkin spice lattes, we all know fall is reserved for pies. Devouring flaky, buttery crust, filled with fresh fruit, chocolate, nuts and pumpkin is as natural as the changing leaves. From your grandmother’s famous apple pie to that terrible cranberry concoction your aunt brings around and everything in between, these are the tastiest pies from our least- to most-favorite.
9. Cranberry
bhofack2
This is like getting raisins in your trick-or-treat bag. You slice it open to discover the tart berries you smothered all over your turkey. It’s not all bad though, there are plenty of variations on the pie that actually taste good — like this one.
8. Cherry
DebbiSmirnoff
Often a difficult pie to perfect, the cherry is a hit or miss. During the fall they are out of season, so many bakers used canned or frozen cherries when a fresh fruit pie is always preferred. Cherry pie can also be cloyingly sweet and soggy — not the most appetizing combo.
7. Sweet Potato
MSPhotographic
Pies are supposed to be sweet, right? For those looking to indulge in dessert, nutmeg and cinnamon mashed together with a root vegetable doesn’t quite hit the spot. Others swear by it and eat it every year.
6. Strawberry
Consisting of little more than sugar, water, cornstarch and gelatin, this pie can be incredibly light and tasty if the strawberries are ripe. Peak strawberry season is over by the time fall rolls around. Otherwise, it might rank higher on the list.
5. Pumpkin
J-Roman
A divisive pie, it's one you either love or hate. Some would rather not eat a mushy version of a vegetable for dessert; others can’t get enough of the creamy, spiced orange filling. So whether you’re into the OG version of pumpkin spice or not, it’s earned a spot on the list.
4. Lemon Meringue
Jennifer A Smith
The higher the meringue, the closer to God. Isn’t that how the saying goes? But seriously, we’re only in it for the baked meringue and its fluffy burst of sugar mixed with the slightly tart lemon custard it's piled on. But this pie can go south real quick if it has a soggy bottom.
3. Pecan
John Block
Whether you pronounce it pee-can or puh-CAHN, this pie has a spot on everyone’s dessert table come fall — and for good reason. A Southern classic, everyone’s family has a variation including a whiskey addition or a corn syrup substitute. The texture of the crunchy nuts is what makes it so high up on the list, plus it’s pretty sweet too.
2. Chocolate
Samere Fahim Photography
Who doesn’t like chocolate pie? The answer: no one. Its rich, creamy, sugary filling goes perfectly with the crispy texture of the buttery crust. It’s a hit with both kids and adults for Thanksgiving, major fall holidays and family functions.
1. Apple
bhofack2
Few things are more American than apple pie. Fall is peak apple season, and the Granny Smiths are perfect for baking with. This warm, gooey, sugary treat is always a crowd-pleaser. Now whether you like a slice of cheddar cheese or a scoop of vanilla bean on the side is another debate. But no matter which way you slice it, apple is the best fall pie.
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