This Map Shows Each State’s Favorite Thanksgiving Pie—Did It Get Yours Right?
Updated: Nov. 20, 2020
From pumpkin to pecan, this is what Thanksgiving pie your state prefers to bake.
We’re less than a week away from Thanksgiving, and that means we’re making room for all the turkey, gravy, stuffing and green bean casserole we can handle. As much as we love all Turkey Day dinner, though, we can’t help but look forward to indulging in a slice of pie while we watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
You might think pumpkin pie is the go-to, but that may not be the case for everyone. GE decided to test the theory by surveying more than 1,500 people in all 50 states to answer one simple question: what’s your favorite Thanksgiving pie? Here’s what your state had to say.
Drumstick, Please…
No matter how you handle dessert, there’s probably a pie on the dinner table before the end of the night, and that could vary, depending on which state you live in. The overall consensus is that pumpkin pie reigns supreme—but not in every state.
According to GE’s survey, the bulk of the Midwest and West (as well as parts of the Southwest) covet a traditional pumpkin pie. Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, however, tend to lean the way of pecan pie, while states in the Northeast, like Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Delaware favor a crisp apple pie instead. (We can’t say we’re opposed.)
What might be the most interesting part about this survey is that Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama really couldn’t decide, tying up the race between apple and pecan pie, with pumpkin nowhere in sight. Is that even allowed?!
Finish Dinner with Dessert
No matter which way you lean, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a slice of something sweet and a dollop of whipped cream. Don’t have your dessert plans ready yet? Don’t worry—we’ve got all the recipes you need to get an unforgettable Thanksgiving dessert on the table this year. (And if you’re not too keen on cooking, Costco has more than enough pumpkin and apple pie to go around.)
Wave your apple, pumpkin or pecan flag high this Thanksgiving, and dig in!
Craving Something Different? Try These Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Pies
Gingersnap Sweet Potato Praline Pie
This luscious mix of sweet potatoes, spices and nuts is like serving pecan pie and sweet potato pie together. Bake it and watch everyone devour it. —Emily Hobbs, Ozark, Missouri
Cranberry Chocolate Walnut Pie
For a showstopping holiday pie, I mix cranberries, chocolate and walnuts. A little touch of rum makes it even happier. —Lorrie Melerine, Houston, Texas
Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake Pie
In fall or any time of year, this nutty, rich and delicious pecan pie recipe is one I am proud to serve. While it seems very special, this caramel pecan cheesecake is a snap to make. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
Contest-Winning German Chocolate Cream Pie
I've won quite a few awards in recipe contests over the past 10 years, and I was delighted that this luscious pie sent me to the Great American Pie Show finals. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nantucket Cranberry Tart
While everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it's a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut
Autumn Surprise Pie
What better way to welcome fall than with a homemade pie? This one calls for apples, pears and raisins flavored with rum extract. —Karen Gauvreau, Portage, Michigan
Mama Arnold's Honey Pie
This sweet, custardy pie could not be simpler to make but will have your guests asking for more. The boiled honey gives it a caramel-like flavor that's divine. —Ruth Arnold, Pearsall, Texas
Homemade Pear Pie
I entered this pie in a local baking contest and ended up winning! Bartlett pears hold up well when baked, adding a nice layer of texture. —Darlene Jacobson, Waterford, Wisconsin
Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
When my fiance first made this chocolate bourbon pecan pie for me, I declared it to be the best pie ever! Creamy chocolate combines with crunchy nuts in a great, gooey filling. We can't get enough of this recipe inspired by Kentucky Derby bourbon chocolate pecan pie. —Tanya Taylor, Cary, North Carolina
Citrus Cranberry Pie
To showcase abundant fall cranberries, make this beautiful lattice-topped cranberry pie. A dollop of orange cream complements the slightly tart flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Classic Sweet Potato Pie
This simple but special deep-dish pie provides a down-home finish to hearty autumn meals. Pecans and pumpkin pie spices make this a comforting seasonal classic. —Paul Azzone, Shoreham, New York
Maple Syrup Pie
Folks in New Hampshire apparently appreciate maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire, we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version. —Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont
Buckeye Pie
Everyone who eats this pie raves about it! You can cover the whole top with ganache, but leaving part of the filling bare is the traditional way to make it. —Mary Northrup, Alpine, New York
Sweet Potato Coconut Pie with Marshmallow Meringue
My grandmother's sweet potato casserole contains coconut and marshmallows. I thought it would be even better as a pie. —Simone Bazos, Baltimore, Maryland
Buttermilk Pecan Pie
This is the treasured "golden oldie" that my grandmother made so often whenever we'd come to visit. Grandma grew her own pecans, and we never tired of cracking them and picking out the meat when we knew we'd be treated to her special pie! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Orange Chocolate Ricotta Pie
A traditional Italian dessert served during the holidays and for special occasions, this pie features the classic pairing of orange and chocolate. The result is rich and tangy—a perfect finale to a Mediterranean-style dinner. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Rustic Pear Tart
I saw a recipe for this rustic tart in a cookbook and wanted to try my own version of it. I changed the spices and chose my own fruits. It is a great dessert for the fall.—Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina
Fudge Pecan Brownie Tart
I love inventing my own recipes and entering contests—I won a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for this one! —Gloria Kratz, Des Moines, Iowa
Walnut-Cranberry Pie
After this ruby-red pie got rave reviews on Thanksgiving, I was happy to bake it again for Christmas dinner. The naturally tart cranberries are perfectly sweetened and accented with walnuts, raisins and lemon. — Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Butterscotch Pie
This pie's filling is like creamy pudding and is crowned with golden peaks of meringue. —Cary Letsche, Brandenton, Florida
Fruitcake Pie
This recipe came from a friend who knows how much we love fruitcake. The pie has similar flavors, but it’s more manageable to make than a large batch of fruitcake. I usually serve it with whipped cream. It’s excellent with ice cream, too. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Cherry Pear Pie
Two of my family's favorite fruits appear in this splendid pie with a nutty streusel topping. I like to serve slices with cherry-vanilla frozen yogurt.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cranberry Cheese Crumb Pie
My mind works overtime to plan treats that surprise the family. They give this cranberry pie a “wow” and invite friends over to share it. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Shoofly Chocolate Pie
If you like traditional shoofly pie, the chocolate version is even better! I sometimes serve it with vanilla ice cream, but it is just as good on its own. —Gwen Brounce Widdowson, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Pear Tart
This homey tart looks and tastes like apple pie, except it uses pears! Each serving has half the calories of an average pie slice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Vermont Maple Oatmeal Pie
This yummy pie has old-fashioned appeal, but is so easy to prepare. Serve it with ice cream drizzled with maple syrup or top it with maple- or cinnamon-flavored whipped cream. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Caramel Nut Tart
My mom loves caramel, nuts and cream cheese, so when I found this tart recipe I knew I had to try it. Now the dessert is a family favorite and it is served at every get-together. —Donna Urban, Glenolden, Pennsylvania
Cranberry-Cherry Nut Pie
This delightful, stress-free pie combines cranberries with convenient cherry pie filling for a fresh, fun flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry Pear Crisp Pie
Filled with a bubbling combination of cranberries and pears, this crumb-topped dessert is a wonderful change of pace from traditional pies. — Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Double Peanut Pie
I created this recipe for a national pie contest and won second place for my state. Many peanuts are grown in Virginia, and I always look for ways to use local products. —Vivian Cleeton, Richmond, Virginia
Meringue Cranberry Pie
Folks who favor the tartness of cranberries will fall for this pretty pie. The crimson berries look so beautiful under the airy meringue topping. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Fried Sweet Potato Pies
With my dad being a farmer who grew sweet potatoes, they have graced our table for as long as I can recall. These, however, resulted from an experiment at a church bake sale when we had excess pastry. People couldn't get enough! —Marilyn Moseley, Toccoa, Georgia
Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato Pie
One of my first entries in the National Pie Championship was this impressive pie with coffee flavor and cool chocolate curls on top. —Amy Mills, Sebring, Florida
Creamy Hazelnut Pie
I've always been a big fan of peanut butter. Then I found chocolaty Nutella hazelnut spread and I was hooked! I even changed one of my all-time favorite pie recipes by substituting that ingredient. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Lemony Sweet Potato Pie
For a finger-licking finale to any holiday meal, I turn to this light and luscious sweet potato pie laced with just a hint of lemon. Funny how folks always seem able to find room for this delectable dessert! —Peggy West, Georgetown, Delaware
Chocolate Pear Hazelnut Tart
As a teenage foreign exchange student in the south of France, I was horribly homesick. Then my host family's Grandmother Miette arrived and asked if I'd like to help her bake this nutty tart from scratch. It turned my trip around and inspired my lifelong passion for baking. Weighing ingredients, roasting nuts, kneading dough—the art of baking transcends language. —Lexi McKeown, Los Angeles, California
Originally Published: November 20, 2020
