5 Unique Pies to Add to Your Holiday Dessert Table this Season
The holidays are all about tradition, but why not make things a little more exciting with a twist on classic desserts? Sure, pumpkin pie is a staple, but why not try a White Chocolate Cranberry No-Bake Cheesecake, or even a Bruleed Pumpkin Pie that combines creamy pumpkin with a crispy, caramelized topping? These five unique pies are sure to add a little flair to your holiday dessert table, and trust me, they’re just as delicious as they are beautiful. If you're looking to impress your guests (or just satisfy your own sweet tooth), these pies are your new best friends. Let’s dive in!
1. White Chocolate Pumpkin Pie with a Gingersnap Crust
Get the recipe [here]!
Key Qualities:
This pie is EVERYTHING if you’re a pumpkin lover. The roasted pumpkin adds a warmth to the filling that a typical pumpkin pie lacks. Mix that with the silky smooth texture of white chocoalte ganache, and you’ve got a melt-in-your mouth pumpkin pie that will have your guests talking all night!
The gingersnap crust ups the ante the perfect amount and adds just one more layer of sweet, warm spice.
Tips for Success:
This pie is very easy to put together. The biggest things to watch out for are making sure your white chocolate ganache doesn’t seize up, and that your roasted pumpkin thickens up enough. This is the perfect pie for beginner bakers.
Why It’s Perfect for the Holiday Table:
This pie is a stunning twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, appealing to white chocolate lovers and those seeking something a bit different for the holiday table.
2. Brown Butter Streusel Apple Pie
Get the recipe [here]!
Introduction to the Pie:
What sets this pie apart from a tradition apple streusel pie is the addition of brown-butter toasted oats in the crumb topping. You’ll be shocked just how much warmth, richness, and nuttiness it adds to your pie.
The combination of granny smith and honeycrisp apple is the PERFECT mix for pie filling. The apple soften without turning into mush or being overly-sweet. Put that all into an all-butter crust, and you’ve got a hit with your classic apple pie lovers!
Tips for Success:
Make sure to watch your butter as it browns to ensure it doesn’t burn. Apart from that, it’s smooth sailing the whole way through!
Why It’s Perfect for the Holiday Table:
A seasonal favorite, this pie brings a comforting and elevated touch to the dessert table, perfect for cozy gatherings.
3. Cranberry Custard Pie
Get the recipe [here]!
Introduction to the Pie:
This pie is full of perfectly complementing flavors. It’s just beautiful. A lightly citrusy egg custard base, baked full of bright, tart cranberries. It’s all sweet and tart and elegant. Add homemade whipped cream to the top, and it just tastes like the holidays.
Apart from tasting delicious, this pie is absolutely beautiful and festive with the bright red cranberries on top. It’s the holidays in a pie pan!
Tips for Success:
This pie is as easy as it gets! Just whip together a quick custard and pour it over fresh berries. It’s so hard to mess up!
Why It’s Perfect for the Holiday Table:
This pie is not only visually stunning but also a great way to use fresh seasonal cranberries in a creative and festive way.
4. White Chocolate Cranberry No-Bake Cheesecake
Get the recipe [here]!
Introduction to the Pie:
This no-bake cheesecake combines the sweet, creamy texture of white chocolate and the tartness of cranberries, perfect for a rich yet refreshing dessert.
The no-bake nature makes this pie easy to prepare ahead of time, saving you time during holiday festivities.
Tips for Success:
The biggest tip for this pie is to make sure you give it enough time to set up in the fridge to achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why It’s Perfect for the Holiday Table:
It’s an elegant, no-bake dessert that feels festive and indulgent, perfect for those who prefer a lighter yet still decadent option.
5. Bruleed Pumpkin Pie
Get the recipe here [here]!
Introduction to the Pie:
A twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, this pie has a crispy, caramelized sugar top, like a crème brûlée, adding a fun texture and depth of flavor.
With heavy cream as the dairy ingredient instead of evaporated milk, and the addition of extra egg yolks, this pie has an exceptionally smooth pumpkin custard with a similar texture to creme brulee.
Tips for Success:
The biggest steps to watch out for in this recipe are making sure your pumpkin filling isn’t underbaked or overbaked. Pumpkin pie requires precision when baking to ensure it doesn’t either crack, or turn into soup in the middle. But, if you pay attention and follow the directions, you should be golden!
You will also want to be cautious when torching your sugar on top to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Why It’s Perfect for the Holiday Table:
This is a showstopper pie that’s sure to impress your guests with its elegant appearance and delicious, unique flavor combination.
These five unique pies are sure to stand out on your holiday dessert table and impress your guests. Whether you're into creamy custard pies or decadent no-bake cheesecake, there's something here for everyone. And if you're craving even more pie inspiration, be sure to check out my other pie recipes on the blog [here] for more delicious ideas.
Not a fan of these? Don't worry! I’ve got a whole digital pie cookbook packed with all of my most popular recipes from my pie shop days, available for purchase [here]. It’s the perfect way to take your holiday desserts to the next level, no matter your pie preferences. Happy baking, and I hope these pies bring as much joy to your table as they’ve brought to mine!
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