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What Is America’s Favorite Thanksgiving Pie?

Author Bob Bronson
jenifoto/ Getty Images

If you ask anyone what the best Thanksgiving Pie, there’s are a few candidates in the mix, apple, blueberry, pecan, chocolate and a lot more, but does any pie beat pumpkin?

Nope, when it comes to the pie for the big turkey day, you can’t beat good old pumpkin. No other pie evokes the warm feeling for the season and matches the desires of people of all ages. Have you ever met someone who doesn’t like pumpkin pie? If so, they’re a rare breed or perhaps they have never had a really good homemade one.

When it comes to toppings on a pumpkin pie, it’s hard to beat a good whipped cream or a nice spoonful of vanilla ice cream.

Here’s the Thanksgiving Pie Americans Crave the most

A new poll asked people for their favorite Thanksgiving pie . . . and not surprisingly, pumpkin pie was #1 with 29% of the vote.  Although that is not a landslide win, it is a pretty big margin when you consider the amount of options that were available.

Apple was second with 20% which is not surprising when you think of Fall, you think of apples, of course it makes a nice 4th of July desert too because it’s All-American. The next is pecan (14%), followed by sweet potato (9%), chocolate (9%), and cherry (5%).

Pumpkin was most popular with women . . . and in the West and Midwest.  And it’s much more popular with older adults, than Gen Z’ers and Millennials.

The difference is so stark that apple pie could be the most popular Thanksgiving pie in the future.  (There have also been signs that our obsession with pumpkin spice is waning.)

Gen Z’ers and Millennials also don’t dig pecan pie.  Apple pie is their favorite . . . but they’re also more likely to prefer chocolate pie and sweet potato pie.

Let’s face it, the best part of Thanksgiving is the big dinner and dessert is a close second. Now you know what are the most popular pies to serve up.

Bob is a native New Englander, growing up (sorta) in Maine where his love for radio started at a young age. While in high school he hosted radio shows on a local radio station, and he has never looked back. Bob joined the US Navy and served onboard the Sixth Fleet Flagship as a radio and TV host. After serving for 3 years, it was off to Emerson College in Boston. Bob hosted shows in Boston on WMEX, WVBF and WSSH in the 80’s and 90’s before heading to radio stations in Raleigh, NC, Manchester, NH, and New York City. Bob has been married for almost 25 years to Carolyn, a Woburn gal and they have 3 daughters, Nicole, Taylor, and Bridget. Bob and Carolyn are proud first-time grandparents to baby Caroline, who they plan to spoil every chance they get! “I started my career in New England and could not be happier to come back to Boston where I can root for all the Boston sports teams and eat lots of lobster rolls and clam chowder (okay not lots)… It is an honor to host the WROR morning show with LBF and wake up the World’s Greatest City!” Bob writes about recipes and restaurants, pop culture and trending topics.

Where To Get The Best Pies In Every New England State

Some like them sweet. Some like them savory. Others like them a little on the bitter side. However you slice it, people LOVE pie. If you’ve been hankering for a slice, you’re in luck. No matter which New England state you are looking, there are plenty of sweet spots to choose from.

New England Today has conveniently put together a list for us pie lovers. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and most of us could use a little comfort on these long winter days. So dig into this list. And feel free to share where you’re favorite places are.

  • Connecticut

    Best Pie in Connecticut: Michele’s Pies in Norwalk

    New England Today says, “Michele Stuart, a recent winner in Yankee’s Food Awards for her excellent blueberry pie, has also earned blue ribbons at the National Pie Championship for her apple, blackberry crumb, pumpkin, and chocolate pecan bourbon pies. We love her very buttery, very flaky crust; the just-sweet-enough fillings; and the sheer variety of her offerings. On any given day, you can place an order for more than two dozen sweet and savory pies, from apple caramel crumb to butterscotch pecan to Australian-style beef pie. Stuart learned to bake at her grandmother’s elbow, and her pies have a delightfully homespun, made-with-love feel.

  • Maine

    Best Pie in Maine: Two Fat Cats Bakery in Portland

    According to New England Today, this pie heaven was founded by the ownersof another beloved bakery, Standard Baking Co. Two Fat Cats Bakery’s mission is to make “elevated homey desserts.” They serve up American classics for all occasions. Their blueberry pie is said to be the best in Maine!  And as the article shares, “their all-butter crusts puff up enviably, and the fillings are perfectly balanced.”

     

  • Massachusetts

    Best Pie in Massachusetts: Petsi Pies in Somerville

    Salted caramel apple pie, anyone? Yum! New England Today reports: “Renee McLeod, aka Petsi, has been making delicious things from sugar, butter, and flour since childhood. One favorite: her grandmother’s sweet potato pie, which is warmly spiced, sweetened with condensed milk, and very creamy. Salted caramel apple pie is the stuff of gourmet carnival-food dreams, and the chocolate bourbon pecan is heady, fudgy, and addictive. While you’re there, don’t miss the bacon, leek, and Gruyère quiche, or the sweet and savory scones. In 2021, Renee turned Petsi Pies over to operations manager Jill Remby, but don’t worry – both the name and the recipes are the same.”

  • New Hampshire

    Best Pie in New Hampshire: Woodstock Pie & Coffee Company in North Woodstock

    Described as a “cozy small-town café near Loon Mountain” and  “a pie lover’s dream,” NET says, “One look at the carefully crimped crusts and frothy meringues and you know you’re in good hands.” Woodstock Pie & Coffee is owned by Jody Ann Saulnier goes the extra steps, decorating her pies with “cutout hearts, apple appliqués, and pastry leaves — a time-added step that most commercial bakers skip but which gives her pies the feel of something like affection.” She also uses local sources for her ingredients. Favorites include her fall blackberry pear ginger pie and the raspberries in the raspberry cheesecake oat bars and mouth-watering chicken potpies to keep you warm in winter. 

  • Rhode Island

    Best Pie in Rhode Island: Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown

    Pies at Sweet Berry are made right from their 100 acre farm featuring fruits, flowers, pumpkins and Christmas trees. The bakery/cafe/market is right there on the farm. So you know it’s as fresh as can be. NET says, “The apple, strawberry rhubarb, and blueberry pies are terrific, and the farm’s own homemade ice cream is the ultimate topper.” Unfortunately, this popular spot is closed for the season. Come back in May! 

     

  • Vermont

    Best Pie in Vermont: Poorhouse Pies in Underhill

    This sweet spot got it’s name because in the beginning of the business the the owners Jamie and Paula Eisenberg thought this venture might just land them in the poorhouse. Poorhouse Pies is located ina remote Vermont town. But has no problem attracting customers from all over. According to New England Today, “it operates entirely on the honor system: Pies are kept in a shed outside the home bakery and money goes into a lockbox. The Eisenbergs stock a rotating menu of fruit and cream pies in flavors such as apple, blueberry streusel, OMG (berries and lemon curd in a shortbread crust), and creamsicle. Trust us: They’re all excellent. Just don’t tell anyone else about it.” 

Author Bob Bronson
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