Pumpkin Pie, Who? These Are the Best Pecan Pie Recipes for Thanksgiving (2024)

FAQs

What's better, pumpkin pie or pecan pie? ›

If you're looking for a dense and chewy crunch, pecan is your target. If you're looking for a smooth and custard-y bite, pumpkin is the winner. But if you're looking for the most decadent and dessert-y pie of them all, pecan probably comes out on top. It's just RICH.

It does not require a scoop of ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream, or, God forbid, something like a slice of cheddar (another knock against apple pie). Pecan pie is a pie that stands on its own. It has the gooeyness of a candy bar, the crunchy texture and warm flavor of toasted nuts, and that flaky, buttery crust.

This orange-golden-crusted pie is more than just a staple of the Thanksgiving table. Pumpkin pie, which has been growing in the Americas for centuries now, symbolizes the gratitude and appreciation our ancestors once experienced each harvest season.

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

Apple pie is arguably one of the most popular pie flavors. A symbol of America, the apple pie was actually invented by the British. Apple pie is simply made with sliced apples on double-crusted pastry dough.

In the pumpkin pie, calories, carbs and sodium are lower, while protein is higher. But the apple pie takes the cake when it comes to fiber and potassium, and it has less added sugar.

In terms of serving, you have options. You can eat pecan pie cold, let it come to room temperature (for no more than two hours, of course), or warm it the oven until heated through. And, obviously, don't forget the ice cream or whipped cream!

Blind Bake

The most common way to ward off a soggy pie crust is by a process called blind baking. Blind baking means you pre-bake the crust (sometimes covered with parchment or foil and weighed down with pie weights to prevent the crust from bubbling up) so that it sets and crisps up before you add any wet filling.

While pumpkin pie reigns supreme in the majority of American households, sweet potato pie is still the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert in the South.

Both the Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag tribe ate pumpkins and other squashes indigenous to New England—possibly even during the harvest festival—but the fledgling colony lacked the butter and wheat flour necessary for making pie crust.

Do Americans prefer apple pie or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving? ›

Thanksgiving pies are a traditional part of Americans' modern-day feast, with harvest flavors dominating the country's favorite pies. Pumpkin pie is Americans' top choice for a Thanksgiving pie — with pecan pie, apple pie, and sweet potato pie right behind it.

Karo^® Light Corn Syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor and color are desired, such as in fruit sauces, jams and baked goods.

The pumpkin pie wins on calories, saturated fat, protein and calcium. But the apple pie takes the cake when it comes to fiber, sugar (both total and added) and sodium.

"A slice of pumpkin pie is about 300 calories, which is 100-200 calories less than the alternatives," Gray says. In addition, she notes that pumpkin pie is full of Vitamin A, which helps support healthy skin and nails.

Pumpkin Pies

Using the right ingredients, you can make a mouthwatering pumpkin pie. Additionally, they contain less sugar and calories than sweet potato pie. This makes them an ideal choice for those who are looking for a low-calorie option.