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.

A whole sweet potato pie on an artistic set with autumn leaves, squash and gourds.

A whole sweet potato pie on an artistic set with autumn leaves, squash and gourds.

Photo by: MSPhotographic

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

Sweet Homemade Cranberry and pear Pie for Fall

Sweet Homemade Cranberry and pear Pie for Fall

Photo by: bhofack2

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

An overhead extreme close up shot of a freely baked whole cherry pie and several fresh cherries sitting on an old weathered wood  table.PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE DELICIOUS PIES

An overhead extreme close up shot of a freely baked whole cherry pie and several fresh cherries sitting on an old weathered wood table.PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE DELICIOUS PIES

Photo by: DebbiSmirnoff

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

A whole sweet potato pie on an artistic set with autumn leaves, squash and gourds.

A whole sweet potato pie on an artistic set with autumn leaves, squash and gourds.

Photo by: MSPhotographic

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

A pumpkin pie with a wedge cut out and sitting on a plate for serving.More homemade pies:

A pumpkin pie with a wedge cut out and sitting on a plate for serving.More homemade pies:

Photo by: J-Roman

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

A view of a lemon meringue pie with a piece missing to reveal the delicious inside.

A view of a lemon meringue pie with a piece missing to reveal the delicious inside.

Photo by: Jennifer A Smith

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

Pecan pie on tablecloth

Pecan pie on tablecloth

Photo by: John Block

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

Photo by: Samere Fahim Photography

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

Homemade Organic Apple Pie Dessert Ready to Eat

Homemade Organic Apple Pie Dessert Ready to Eat

Photo by: bhofack2

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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