Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food, with pie often taking center stage as the quintessential holiday dessert. For those who prefer to leave the baking to the experts, there are numerous options available to procure the perfect Thanksgiving pie.
From classic pumpkin and pecan to innovative flavor combinations, many bakeries and specialty shops offer an array of mouthwatering pies for the holiday season. These establishments pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes to create pies that taste homemade. Whether you’re looking for traditional favorites or unique creations, there are plenty of amazing places to source your Thanksgiving pie.
1) Four & Twenty Blackbirds, New York
Four & Twenty Blackbirds is widely regarded as one of the best pie shops in New York City. This Brooklyn-based bakery has earned a reputation for crafting exceptional pies with unique flavor combinations.
Their Thanksgiving menu features classic favorites alongside innovative creations. Customers can choose from traditional options like pumpkin or apple pie, as well as more adventurous flavors.
The bakery uses high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients to ensure freshness and support local farmers. Their pies are made from scratch daily, resulting in a consistently delicious product.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds offers convenient pickup options for Thanksgiving orders. Customers can place their orders in advance and select a pickup time that suits their schedule.
The bakery’s popularity means that Thanksgiving pies often sell out quickly. Early ordering is recommended to secure your preferred flavors for the holiday feast.
Address: 439 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Website: www.birdsblack.com
Phone: (718) 499-2917
2) Dangerously Delicious Pies, Washington D.C.
Dangerously Delicious Pies offers a unique twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts. This rock and roll-inspired pie shop has gained a devoted following in Washington D.C.
Their menu features both sweet and savory options, catering to a variety of tastes. The Baltimore Bomb, a signature pie, combines chocolate Berger cookies melted into chess pie.
Other popular flavors include pumpkin, pancake batter, and chocolate peanut butter. Vegan pies are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
The pies are baked in 10-inch deep dish tins, serving 6-10 people. Whole pies can be purchased, or customers can opt for individual slices.
Dangerously Delicious Pies has two locations in Washington D.C., as well as a food truck for added convenience.
Contact: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Friday and Saturday open at 9:00 am)
Website: www.dangerouslydeliciouspies.com
3) Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, Chicago
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits is a beloved Chicago establishment known for its Midwest comfort food with a twist. The bakery specializes in homemade pies and biscuits, crafted with culinary expertise.
Their pie menu features at least six rotating options daily, reflecting seasonal flavors. For Thanksgiving, they offer delectable choices like caramel apple crumble pie, chocolate pecan pie, and classic pumpkin pie.
Visitors can also enjoy their famous take-and-bake biscuits, perfect for complementing a holiday meal. The bakery’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned it a spot among Chicago’s top pie destinations.
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits operates two locations in Chicago. Their Logan Square shop provides a cozy atmosphere for enjoying freshly baked goods.
Contact details:
Logan Square: 2051 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Ravenswood: 4947 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
Hours: Wed-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Mon 9am-3pm
Website: bangbangpie.com
4) Little Pie Company, New York
Little Pie Company has been a beloved New York institution since 1985. This bakery specializes in creating handmade pies from scratch using only the freshest, all-natural ingredients.
Located in Hell’s Kitchen, Little Pie Company offers a variety of pie flavors to satisfy every palate. Their signature Sour Cream Apple Walnut pie is a customer favorite, featuring a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Other popular options include Southern Pecan, Mississippi Mud, and Three-Berry pies. The bakery takes pride in its commitment to quality, never using artificial preservatives in their products.
Little Pie Company offers pies in three different sizes, making it easy to choose the perfect dessert for any gathering. They also provide shipping services for those unable to visit the bakery in person.
With almost four decades of experience, Little Pie Company continues to delight New Yorkers and visitors alike with their delicious, homemade pies.
Little Pie Company: 424 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036. Phone: (212) 736-4780. Website: littlepiecompany.com
5) Sweet Lady Jane, Los Angeles
Sweet Lady Jane is a beloved bakery in Los Angeles known for its delectable pies and cakes. Founded by Jane Lockhart, this establishment has become a go-to destination for Thanksgiving desserts.
The bakery offers a variety of pie flavors perfect for the holiday season. Their Triple Berry Cake is particularly popular among customers.
Sweet Lady Jane has multiple locations throughout the Los Angeles area, making it convenient for residents to pick up their Thanksgiving pies. The bakery also provides delivery options for added convenience.
Customers appreciate the high-quality ingredients and skilled craftsmanship that go into each pie. The bakery’s commitment to excellence has earned it a loyal following over the years.
For those looking to order a Thanksgiving pie from Sweet Lady Jane, it’s advisable to place orders well in advance due to high demand during the holiday season.
Sweet Lady Jane
Multiple locations in Los Angeles
Website: sweetladyjane.com
Phone: (424) 457-0016 (Larchmont location)
History of Thanksgiving Pies
Thanksgiving pies have evolved from simple colonial offerings to diverse holiday staples. Their journey reflects changing tastes and cultural influences in American cuisine.
Origins and Traditions
Pies did not feature at the original 17th century Pilgrim feast. They arrived later with British immigrants in the late 18th century. Early American pies often contained savory fillings like meat, lobster, or vegetables. Open-hearth cooking and cast-iron stoves allowed colonists to bake a variety of pies.
Sweet fruit pies gradually gained popularity. Apple, pumpkin, and sweet potato became Thanksgiving favorites. Regional specialties emerged, like Southern pecan pie.
Popular Flavors Over Time
Pumpkin pie rose to prominence as the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. Its simple filling of pumpkin, eggs, cream, and spices captured the essence of autumn. Apple pie claimed the title of “most American” dessert year-round.
Other flavors have cycled in and out of fashion:
- Mincemeat (popular in the 19th century)
- Cranberry (tart complement to rich dishes)
- Pecan (Southern tradition spreading nationwide)
- Chess pie (simple custard, Depression-era favorite)
Modern Thanksgiving tables often feature multiple pies, blending traditional and innovative flavors. Families may serve heirloom recipes alongside trendy varieties like salted caramel apple or chocolate bourbon pecan.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Pie
Selecting the ideal Thanksgiving pie involves considering flavor preferences, dietary needs, and how it complements the meal. A well-chosen pie can elevate the entire holiday dining experience.
Considerations for Dietary Preferences
When choosing a pie, consider guests’ dietary restrictions. Many bakeries now offer gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free options.
For those avoiding gluten, look for pies with almond flour or coconut flour crusts. Vegan pies often use plant-based fats instead of butter and egg substitutes.
Fruit pies like apple or cherry can be naturally lower in sugar. For diabetic-friendly options, seek out pies sweetened with alternatives like stevia or monk fruit.
Some bakeries offer mini pies, allowing guests to sample multiple flavors without overindulging. This approach caters to varied tastes and dietary needs.
Pairing Pies with Meals
The right pie can complement the flavors of the main course. After a rich, savory meal, a tart fruit pie can provide a refreshing contrast.
Pumpkin pie is a classic choice that pairs well with traditional turkey dinners. Its warm spices echo the flavors often found in Thanksgiving side dishes.
For a ham-based meal, consider a sweet potato or pecan pie. These desserts offer a sweet counterpoint to the saltiness of the ham.
Apple pie, with its blend of sweet and tart, is versatile enough to pair with most main courses. It’s especially fitting for meals featuring roasted poultry or pork.
Chocolate pies can be an indulgent finish to lighter meals. They pair well with red wines often served at holiday gatherings.
How to Store and Serve Thanksgiving Pies
Proper storage techniques and serving suggestions are key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of Thanksgiving pies. These practices ensure your pies stay delicious from preparation through enjoyment.
Proper Storage Techniques
Store fruit pies at room temperature for 1-2 days if consuming quickly. Cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent drying out. For longer storage, refrigerate fruit pies for up to 4 days.
Custard-based pies like pumpkin or pecan require refrigeration. Store these in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap.
For extended storage, freeze pies. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pies keep for 3-4 months.
Thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This gradual thawing helps maintain texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Freshness
Serve room temperature pies within 2 hours of removing from refrigeration or freezer. This allows flavors to develop fully.
Warm fruit pies in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving. This enhances aroma and texture.
For custard pies, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This takes the chill off without compromising texture.
Slice pies with a sharp, clean knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for neat slices. Serve on individual plates with appropriate utensils.
Consider offering whipped cream or ice cream as accompaniments. These complement both warm and chilled pies nicely.