Make Any Situation Better by Baking up a Pie

Beth Branch

September 9, 2024 at 9:58 a.m.·19 min read

Is there anything better than a slice of freshly baked pie with a flaky crust and a scoop of ice cream on top? We love a good pie recipe because they're truly an all-year-round kind of dessert. And we'll never say no to a savory pie for brunch or dinner! No matter the season or the occasion, a homemade pie is sure to bring a smile to any face.

In the summertime, we love fruit pies, a cool custard pie, and even creamy no-bake pies. Or maybe you're all about the chocolate pies, which are always a good option for all kinds of special events. And, while we're obviously fans of classic Thanksgiving pies (is there really a time when it’s not pecan pie or pumpkin pie season?), we’re certainly not picky!

A homemade pie takes even the most humble of gatherings and turns it into an event. Read on and scroll through our best and favorite pie recipes for any occasion and any day of the year!

More Perfectly Delicious Pie Recipes:

Brown Butter Apple Pie

Brown butter pairs with a mix of baking apples in this double-crust dish to evoke a nostalgic, caramel apple-like flavor. Here, it's used to great effect in both the filling and the crust, taking that most American of pies and making it into a caramel-apple flavored masterpiece.

Get the recipe for Brown Butter Apple Pie.

double crust brown butter apple pie in a red pie dish with a slice removed to show the inside — Hector M. Sanchez

Cranberry-Fudge Pie with Candied Cranberries

Chocolate? Fruit? When it comes to pie, why choose? The bright tart cranberry is tempered by dark fudge in this absolutely decadent holiday pie. Make it for Thanksgiving. Make it for Christmas. Make it because you can't stop eating slices.

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Fudge Pie with Candied Cranberries.

Blackberry Sour Cream Pie

One of our favorite summer activities is to go berry picking—especially for blackberries. The juicy, dark flavor of the blackberries get a chance to really shine in this pie, complemented by some mild fattiness in the sour cream. It’s a flavor that always reminds us of summer sunshine.

Get the recipe for Blackberry Sour Cream Pie.

Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust

Inspired by the great state of Pennsylvania, this apple butter pie is a sweet alternative to both apple and pumpkin pies. Apple butter, if you're unfamiliar with the jam-like sauce, was brought to Colonial America (and later Appalachia) by German settlers known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. For a star turn on the holiday sideboard, this version features a striking “Ribbon Star” quilt block top crust.

Get the recipe for Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust.

Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping

Naturally sweet and flavorful, sweet potatoes are easy to cook, easy to purée, and make a simply astounding dessert. Topped with toasty marshmallow? Well. This is the fall flavor combination we deserve.

Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping.

Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce

This celebration of Pacific Northwest pears is a fall pie delight! Serve with spiced caramel sauce for the ultimate treat.

Get the recipe for Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce.

Cocoa Puffs and Banana Pie

This no-bake pie is a chocolate lover's delight. This pie receives a major facelift with the help of Oreos and Cocoa Puffs.

Get the recipe for Cocoa Puffs and Banana Pie.

cocoa puffs and banana pie in a white pie dish with whipped cream and cocoa puffs on top with a slice removed — Brian Woodcock

Maple-Apple Tarte Tatin

Think of this as almost an upside-down pie. The sweet apples caramelize in a pan, then the crust is placed on top, before the whole thing is baked, and then flipped over to serve. It's easier than you think, and guaranteed to impress.

Get the recipe for Maple-Apple Tarte Tatin.

Mixed Berry Flag Pie

This patriotic pie is inspired by the red, white, and blueberry pastry at Noble Pies in Warwick, New York. It's perfect for any summer celebration!

Get the recipe for Mixed Berry Flag Pie.

Grapefruit Custard Pie with Saltine Crust

Pro tip: Saltine crackers make a phenomenal pie crust. Think of it as the graham cracker crust's less sweet, more elegant cousin. The mild flavor pairs especially well with a big, in-your-face flavor like grapefruit custard. This pie will wow you with the first bite, and then have you wishing you hadn't waited until you were today years old to finally try it.

Get the recipe for Grapefruit Custard Pie with Saltine Crust.

Fried Apple Hand Pies

Inspired by Woodruff’s Pie Shop in Monroe, Virginia, a family-owned café where the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Their apple pie is renowned, including this handy eat-on-the-go version. A hint of lemon renders a fruity filling that tastes as crisp as a sun-dappled afternoon.

Get the recipe for Fried Apple Hand Pies.

best pie recipes fried apple hand pies — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Southern Tomato Pie with Bacon

This may be the hands-down best way to use heirloom tomatoes. Tomato pie is traditionally made with mayo, cheese, onions, and homegrown heirlooms, and ours adds a salty kick with bacon.

Get the recipe for Southern Tomato Pie with Bacon.

RELATED: The Best Tomato Recipes Ever!

southern tomato pie with bacon on a wooden serving board — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie

This classic mid-century American dessert is, as Jocelyn Delk Adams puts it, "like a reverse lemon meringue pie." Instead of a traditional crust, the sweet meringue, baked until crispy, takes its place. This makes it exceedingly light and sweet—and also gluten-free!

Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie.

RELATED: Our 55+ Best Strawberry Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dessert

strawberry lemonade angel pie with a meringue crust and whipped cream and strawberries on top — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Meyer Lemon Shaker Pie

This delightful citrus pie is a classic Ohio staple! We used Meyer lemons and suggest serving it with black coffee and a scoop of ice cream.

Get the recipe for Meyer Lemon Shaker Pie.

shaker meyer lemon pie — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Sugar Cream “Hoosier” Pie

This Indianan sugar cream pie came out of the Shaker and Amish communities, as a treat in winter months when fruit was unavailable. Dusted with nutmeg, it's a delicious treat!

Get the recipe for Sugar Cream “Hoosier” Pie.

Apricot-Almond Slab Pie with Brandy Caramel Sauce

Make this stunner of a fruit pie the next time you're feasting a crowd. We recommend this crumbly confection topped with a heavy pour of the accompanying Brandy Caramel Sauce.

Get the recipe for Apricot-Almond Slab Pie with Brandy Caramel Sauce.

apricot almond slab pie with brandy caramel sauce in a rectangle pan with a corner piece on a plate with a fork — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Mixed Berry Pie with Rye Crust

Bake this delicious pie for your next potluck—or whenever!

Get the recipe for Mixed Berry Pie with Rye Crust.

mixed berry pie with rye crust in a colorful patterned pie plate with light blue trim — Hector M. Sanchez

Tar Heel Pie

North Carolina is known as the Tar Heel State, referring to its pine forests that produce large quantities of tar products. This pie's rich brownie filling is just as thick and dark as the state's namesake resource.

Get the recipe for Tar Heel Pie.

best pie recipes tar heel pie — Iain bagwell

Peanut-Salted Caramel Slab Pie

Is there a better combination of flavors than salty and sweet? We didn't think so either. This simple slab pie will give fans of the flavor pairing everything their hearts could want: salted caramel packed with snacky cocktail peanuts for a dessert that's just about as rich as you could hope for.

Get the recipe for Peanut-Salted Caramel Slab Pie.

peanut salted caramel slab pie in a matte gold rectangle pan with a pie server and a slice of pie on a green plate — Hector M. Sanchez

Pecan-Brownie Pie

Bring a little taste of Texas — brownie style — to the dessert table.

Get the recipe for Pecan-Brownie Pie.

pecan brownie pie in a metal pie plate with a slice removed and on a plate next to it — Hector M. Sanchez

Our Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie

The secret to this super-homey chicken pot pie? Cooking it in cast-iron. The stove-to-oven versatility and meat-searing qualities of cast iron make it the ideal vessel for every step of this dish.

Get the recipe for Our Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie.

our best ever chicken pot pie baked in a cast iron pie plate — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Salted Caramel-Apple Slab Pie

Feeding a crowd? This impressive-looking centerpiece dessert guarantees everyone gets a slice.

Get the recipe for Salted Caramel-Apple Slab Pie.

caramel apple slab pie with apple shaped cut outs in the top crust and served on a wooden serving board — Brian Woodcock

Butternut Squash Pie

Surprise everyone at the Thanksgiving feast with this much-better-tasting version of pumpkin pie.

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Pie.

roasted butternut squash pie with toasted meringue topping — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Meyer Lemon Pie

Don't ditch the lemon after baking the pie! Instead, garnish with remaining lemon zest.

Get the recipe for Meyer Lemon Pie.

meyer lemon pie in a light green pie dish with whipped cream and lemon zest on top — Brian Woodcock

German Chocolate Pie

Lovers of the classic cake take note: Now you can have it in pie form. This version—deconstructed with a chocolate crust—takes the cake.

Get the recipe for German Chocolate Pie.

german chocolate pie in a white pie dish with german pecan filling on top — Hector M. Sanchez

Cherry-Berry Jumble Pie

Indulge in this pie, inspired by the winning pie at the 2006 North Carolina State Fair.

Get the recipe Cherry-Berry Jumble Pie.

cherry berry jumble fruit pie with a lattice pie crust in a metal pie dish — Romulo Yanes

Rhubarb Custard Pie

If you haven't tried a classic rhubarb pie, then this is the moment to drop what you're doing, order any ingredients you don't have, and start cooking as soon as possible. Tart and delicious, rhubarb makes an ideal pie filling.

Get the recipe for Rhubarb Custard Pie.

rhubarb custard pie in a pie plate with a slice removed to show the inside — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Strawberry Slab Pie

A strawberry pie dessert so pretty, it doubles as a centerpiece.

Get the recipe for Strawberry Slab Pie.

best pie recipes strawberry slab pie — Brian Woodcock

Peppermint Icebox Pie

We love a no-bake pie! Making this minty treat doesn't even require turning the oven on. Peppermint lovers will adore this easy dessert!

Get the recipe for Peppermint Icebox Pie.

Key Lime Slab Pie with Candied Lime Zest

If you're looking to feed a crowd, you can never go wrong with a slab pie. This pie, with tart and tangy Key lime filling, whipped cream, and candied lime zest on top, will be gone in no time!

Get the recipe for Key Lime Slab Pie with Candied Lime Zest.

key lime slab pie with whipped cream and candied lime zest on top — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Mini Stars Berry Pies

Serve up these starry sweets on the 4th of July or Memorial Day. Of course, they're just as good any other day of the year too!

Get the recipe for Mini Stars Berry Pies.

seven mini stars berry pies arranged on a metal serving tray with a scoop of ice cream on two of them — David Tsay

Spiced Peach Hand Pies

These picnic-ready hand pies combine fresh peaches with warm cinnamon and a lemon-sugar glaze. They’re the ultimate summer treat.

Get the recipe for Spiced Peach Hand Pies.

spiced peach hand pies drizzled with glaze and arranged on a wire rack — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Double-Strawberry Pie with Classic Crust

The secret to the pie's amazing flavor? A mountain of jam-coated berries. Wait for peak strawberry season and then break the recipe out. This one is worth it.

Get the recipe for Double-Strawberry Pie with Classic Crust.

double strawberry pie with whipped cream — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Blackberry and Pear Pie

This late-summer pie is ideal when both fruits are perfectly ripe. The combination is absolute heaven.

Get the recipe for Blackberry and Pear Pie.

blackberry and pear pie with a lattice crust on top in a pie dish on a table outside with a slice on a white plate next to the pie and a small container of blackberries — Hector M. Sanchez

Rocky Road Pie

You'll feel like a kid again after the first forkful of this pie. It's loaded with chocolate, peanuts, and marshmallows.

Get the recipe for Rocky Road Pie.

a slice of rocky road pie on a white plate with whipped cream and chocolate curls and chopped peanuts on top — Brian Woodcock

Cranberry-Apple Hand Pies

Craving a sweet treat on the go? These handhelds can be enjoyed just about anywhere!

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Apple Hand Pies.

cranberry apple hand pies in little parchment paper envelopes — Brian Woodcock

Orange-Buttermilk Chess Pie

This citrusy spin on buttermilk chess pie from the Texas State Fair inspired us to make this treat.

Get the recipe for Orange-Buttermilk Chess Pie.

orange buttermilk chess pie with candied orange slices on top and pie crust leaves around the border — Romulo Yanes

Salted Maple Syrup Pie

This creamy, custardy dessert is an absolute-must for maple fans! Inspired by the start of the annual spring maple tree sap harvest in forests dotting the Northeast, this rich custard pie has all the distinctively sweet flavor of maple candy.

Get the recipe for Salted Maple Syrup Pie.

salted maple syrup pie with a slice cut out an on a plate to the side with a fork — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie

Get your strawberry fix courtesy of this crowd-pleasing pie featuring a jamlike filling.

Get the recipe for Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie.

strawberry almond crumble pie in a white pie plate with three scoops of vanilla ice cream on top — Hector M. Sanchez

Double-Crust Apple-Cheddar Pie

Combine sweet and savory flavors in this double-crusted dessert that'll become one of your go-to recipes for years to come.

Get the recipe for Double-Crust Apple-Cheddar Pie.

double crust apple cheddar pie in a white pie dish on a windowsill with a pie cutter and next to a metal vase of flowers — Dana Gallagher

Blueberry Crumb Pie

When this blueberry crumb pie comes out of the oven, it will boast a light, golden-brown crust, and the blueberries inside will be warm and bubbly.

Get the recipe for Blueberry Crumb Pie.

a woman in a red gingham dress holding a blueberry crumb pie — Cedric Angeles

Fried Peach Pies

Relish restaurant in Roswell, GA, fries these individual pies, which call for dried peaches and peach nectar instead of fresh fruit.

Get the recipe for Fried Peach Pies.

fried peach pies arranged in a parchment lined box — Marcus Nilsson

Shaker Lemon Pie

This sweet yet tart citrus pie is named after 19th-century Shakers. The settlers had the idea to fill a tender crust with thinly sliced lemons marinated in sugar.

Get the recipe for Shaker Lemon Pie.

shaker lemon pie in a white pie dish with red trim with a slice removed — Marcus Nilsson

Key Lime Pie

The ginger-molasses crust is a surprisingly flavorful contrast to the zesty lemon.

Get the recipe for Key Lime Pie.

key lime pie on a light teal plate with a slice taken out and on a plate next to it — Marcus Nilsson

Mississippi Mud Pie

According to folklore, the Delta's beloved chocolate pie was so named because its fudgy base resembles the muddy bottom of the Mississippi River. At Indianola, MS's popular Crown Restaurant, owners Tony and Evelyn Roughton offer a scrumptious version on their dessert bar. "I'll be honest," says Evelyn, "most people would be hard-pressed to pass it up."

Get the recipe for Mississippi Mud Pie.

mississippi mud pie in a light teal colored pie dish with a large portion removed to show the inside — Marcus Nilsson

Shoofly Pie

Back in the late 18th century, enterprising Pennsylvania-Dutch cooks baked this rich molasses pie whenever fruit was in short supply. Today, the family-owned Bird-in-Hand Bakery in Lancaster County, PA, carries on the tradition, having served its own delicious version to fans for nearly 40 years.

Get the recipe for Shoofly Pie.

shoofly pie in a metal pie plate with a slice removed and a pie server next to it — Marcus Nilsson

Thanksgiving Pies, 4 Ways

If you're the kind of person who loves making a whole swath of pies for Thanksgiving each year, don't miss out on these! You might just find a new yearly tradition.

Apple-Raspberry Pie
Ginger Apple-Walnut Crumble Pie
Brown Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust
Caramelized Apple Cheesecake

best pie recipes thanksgiving — Brian Woodcock

Chess Pie

A store-bought crust helps this custardy and classic Chess Pie come together in minutes.

Get the recipe for Chess Pie.

chess pie in a white pie dish with a slice removed — Ed Anderson

Braided Cranberry-Orange Pie

Does it get more New England than cranberries and cable-knit sweaters? This delicious pie evokes the best of both things with a holiday pie worth saving room for.

Get the recipe for Braided Cranberry-Orange Pie.

braided cranberry orange pie in a white pie dish with a pie server next to it and a green plate with a slice on it — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Grape Slab Pie

Feed a crowd with this rustic, sweet-and-savory pie.

Get the recipe for Grape Slab Pie.

grape slab pie in a gold rectangle pan with lattice crust on top — Brian Woodcock

White Chocolate–Peppermint Pie

Inspired by Doscher’s Candy Company in Cincinnati, Ohio (which has been making handcrafted candy canes since 1871), this no-bake pie uses peppermint extract in a white chocolate–cream cheese filling and candy cane pieces as stripes on top, for absolutely stunning flavor.

Get the recipe for White Chocolate–Peppermint Pie.

white chocolate and peppermint pie — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Boozy Pecan Pie

Carrie Morey, the owner of Callie's Charleston Biscuits, improved on a good thing—her family's pecan pie recipe—by adding dark rum.

Get the recipe for Boozy Pecan Pie.

boozy pecan pie with a pie server and a bowl of whipped cream for serving — Christopher Testani

Maple-Nut Pie

This spin on the classic pecan pie includes a decadent chocolate drizzle and maple syrup.

Get the recipe for Maple-Nut Pie.

maple nut pie in a metal pie dish with a slice removed — Brian Woodcock

Hot Chocolate Ice Box Pie

Frothy, creamy, chocolatey, and covered in little marshmallows, this pie is best served alongside a cup of the drink that inspired it.

Get the recipe for Hot Chocolate Ice Box Pie.

hot chocolate ice box pie in a metal pie plate with two mugs of hot cocoa and a pie server next to it — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Bourbon Pecan Pie

Give this classic Southern pie a boozy boost with a splash of your favorite bourbon.

Get the recipe for Bourbon Pecan Pie.

bourbon pecan pie in a metal pie dish and topped with whipped cream chocolate curls and chopped pecans — Brian Woodcock

Pecan Slab Pie

For a pie loved by all that can feed a crowd, try this large pecan slab pie for your Thanksgiving feast.

Get the recipe for Pecan Slab Pie.

nancy fullers pecan slab pie in a rectangle pan on a navy blue gingham kitchen towel — Dana Gallagher

Gingery Sweet Potato Pie

Fresh ginger offers a hint of spice to every slice of this pie. But don't worry—the dessert is still plenty sweet.

Get the recipe for Gingery Sweet Potato Pie.

gingery sweet potato pie topped with whipped cream in a metal pie dish with a slice on a plate next to it — Brian Woodcock

Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie

Try our take on the winning pecan pie from the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie.

old fashioned pecan pie with a braided pie crust around the edges — Romulo Yanes

S'mores Galette

S'mores in pie form? Sign us up!

Get the recipe for S'mores Galette.

smores galette in a metal pie dish with toasted marshmallows and graham cracker pieces on top — Brian Woodcock

Lemon-Buttermilk Tart

This lemon tart is an excellent alternative to typical Thanksgiving desserts.

Get the recipe for Lemon-Buttermilk Tart.

lemon buttermilk tart in a metal pie tin with powdered sugar on top — Brian Woodcock

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Fudge Pie

Salted caramel, peanut butter, and fudge? Oh my! Combine three rich ingredients in this outstanding pie.

Get the recipe for Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Fudge Pie.

salted caramel peanut butter fudge pie in a white pie plate with small cups of coffee or tea — Johnny Miller

Ginger Pumpkin Pie

If you find that traditional pumpkin pies just don't have enough bite, then this peppery-sweet recipe is your solution. With three different kinds of ginger, plus a gingersnap crust, it's incredibly satisfying.

Get the recipe for Ginger Pumpkin Pie.

a slice of ginger pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream and candied ginger on a white plate with a fork — Brian Woodcock

Cranberry-Cherry Cobbler Pie

This dessert is two in one: cobbler and pie at the same time!

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Cherry Cobbler Pie.

cranberry cherry cobbler pie in a metal pie tin with cranberries and cherries on top — Brian Woodcock

Mocha Cream Pie

After-dinner coffee just got a whole lot sweeter. With a chocolate cookie crust and plenty of whipped cream on top, this pie is perfect for chocolate and coffee lovers.

Get the recipe Mocha Cream Pie.

best pie recipes mocha cream pie with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top — Brian Woodcock

Pear, Date, and Sesame Pie

This unexpected flavor combo is so good, it will have your guests asking for seconds.

Get the recipe for Pear, Date, and Sesame Pie.

pear date and sesame pie with a double crust and sesame seeds on top — Brian Woodcock

Maple Granola Pecan Pie

Looking for a classic dessert with a twist? Try out this decadent pecan pie recipe.

Get the recipe for Maple Granola Pecan Pie.

maple granola pecan pie with pie crust leaves baked on top — Johnny Miller

Buttermilk Pie with Pecan Crust

This classic buttermilk pie gets a delicious update with a flavorful pecan crust that can be made ahead and frozen.

Get the recipe for Buttermilk Pie with Pecan Crust.

a slice of buttermilk pie with pecan crust on an antique plate with powdered sugar and pecans on top as garnish — Paulette Tavormina

The Best, Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Nothing beats homemade pumpkin pie for a festive holiday—or any time—treat! This recipe is a classic with a little bit of a modern twist: bruléed sugar on top.

Get the recipe for The Best, Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe.

easy pumpkin pie in a metal pie plate with bruleed sugar on top and a slice removed and on a green plate with a fork — Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cranberry Pie

Six simple ingredients, included fresh cranberries, are all you need to create this festive and flavorful holiday pie.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Pie.

cranberry pie in a metal pie plate with a slice removed — Kana Okada

Pretzel-Chocolate-Pecan Slab Pie

Sometimes you want that tantalizing mixture of salty and sweet flavors. That's exactly why you should whip up this slab pie: It's the best of both worlds.

Get the recipe for Pretzel-Chocolate-Pecan Slab Pie.

pretzel chocolate pecan slab pie in a rectangle pan and cut into squares to serve — Brian Woodcock

Chocolate-Coconut-Pecan Pie

Sure, pecan pie is great on its own, but the addition of coconut and chocolate adds layers of delicious flavor.

Get the recipe for Chocolate-Coconut-Pecan Pie.

chocolate coconut pecan pie in a metal pie plate with a slice removed — Brian Woodcock

Sweet Potato Pie

This ethereal adaptation of conventional sweet-potato pie relies on fresh lemon juice and buttermilk for its tangy, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Pie.

a slice of sweet potato pie on a white plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — Dana Gallagher

Concord Grape Pie

This fresh grape pie is packed with classic jam flavor! The recipe follows tradition with a filling of fresh-from-the-vine fruit topped with a buttery crust. We add just a few ingredients — lemon juice, cornstarch, a touch of vanilla — choosing to let the flavor of the grapes take center stage.

Get the recipe for Concord Grape Pie.