15 Healthy Pie Recipes to Serve on Thanksgiving (2024)

"We must have a pie," wrote David Mamet. "Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie." Clearly, he's never been to my house, especially during the holidays. If you're used to leaving the dinner table feeling bloated, heavy, and overstuffed after dessert, you're not alone. Pie is one decadent treat that's hard to pass up. And, unfortunately, pies are often filled with a long list of sugary, fatty ingredients that turn that comforting bite into discomfort.

But with a few simple swaps, it's easy to make your pies with foods you can feel good about. Whether you're craving warm or chilled, sweet or savory, there's a pie out there for you to enjoy—without any guilt! Choose from one of these healthy pie recipes that use better-for-you ingredients so you can crush those cravings without regret.

And for more, check out these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

Apple pie

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Let's start with a classic! Apple pie is a quintessential American dessert for a reason. Our apple pie recipe features a crunchy topping that's healthier than a double-crust layer would be.

Get our recipe for the Best-Ever Apple Pie.

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Key lime pie

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Key lime pie is a classic treat, and everyone should have a go-to recipe on hand. Ours uses sweetened condensed milk and a graham cracker crust for the perfect dessert.

Get our recipe for Key Lime Pie.

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Triple coconut cream pie

15 Healthy Pie Recipes to Serve on Thanksgiving (3)

Coconut cream pie can be rich without derailing your diet goals! Our recipe has just 10 grams of fat per serving.

Get our recipe for Triple Coconut Cream Pie.

Chocolate avocado banana pie

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Chocolate, banana, and avocado may sound like an interesting combo at first glance, but the creamy texture of avocado and the rich taste of chocolate go together so well with the sweetness of the banana that you'll forget this recipe is even healthy. Plus, these are all pretty mighty ingredients that are filled with a mix of healthy fats and loads of vitamins. This pie is sure to keep you away from that over-bloated feeling you might be used to!

Get the recipe from Petite Allergy Treats.

Oatmeal cherry crumble pie

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This pie tastes just as good as it looks! With fiber-filled cherries and nutrient-rich oats, it's a perfectly healthy way to end your meal and satisfy your sweet tooth. An entire cup of cherries has only about 100 calories and is a natural source of melatonin that can help put you to sleep after a long day.

Get the recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie.

Vegan purple sweet potato pie

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Have you ever seen a pie so pretty you almost feel bad eating it? This naturally vibrant purple sweet potato pie is both vegan and paleo, so there aren't any funky ingredients that aren't straight from the earth. While the color makes this pie extra pretty, you can still make this recipe with its more well-known orange cousin that still reaps all the major nutrients.

Get the recipe from The Endless Meal.

Paleo banana cream pie

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A five-ingredient pie that has no dairy, refined sugar, or cooking involved, this recipe is one of the best. Don't be scared of the 24 grams of fat—it's from the natural fat found in coconut. Coconut milk and coconut oil, used in moderation, both have vitamins that help fight bad bacteria and promote glowing skin.

Get the recipe from Elana's Pantry.

Three-layer strawberry cream pie with chocolate mousse

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This pie is three layers of nutritional goodness. It's one that may take a little more prep time, but with only clean ingredients, this pie is totally the extra investment.

Get the recipe from Running on Veggies.

Peanut butter pie

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If you love peanut butter as much as I do, you're going to love this peanut butter pie! Stick to peanut butter without any extra ingredients and Greek yogurt to make sure you're reaping maximum protein intake.

Get the recipe from The Gracious Pantry.

Lemon meringue pie

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Here's a go-to recipe when you're looking for something refreshingly delicious that won't break your diet. It's low in carbs and completely free of any grains with a fluffy meringue and citrus-bursting filing.

Get the recipe from All Day I Dream About Food.

Paleo pecan pie

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Pecans are an ultra-healthful nut with a buttery texture and amazing flavor, and this pie uses pecans as the main ingredient. Along with sweet dates and maple syrup, the pecans are sure to satisfy that sugar craving without any of the icky refined stuff.

Get the recipe from The Healthy Foodie.

Skinny pumpkin pie

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Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving tradition that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, especially when it's loaded with pumpkin and tons of spices. No one would guess this skinny version of pumpkin pie isn't sinful. You can use pumpkin pie straight from the can or go for a homemade purée!

Get the recipe from Skinny Taste.

Mini banoffee pies

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These mini pies are perfect for portion control! Grab one as an after-dinner dessert or take it on-the-go for breakfast. The sweet crust and creamy filling make for a handheld treat sure to satisfy those cravings.

Get the recipe from Nutritionist In The Kitch.

Snickers pie

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If you're a candy bar lover, this recipe is for you! The classic chocolate candy is transformed into a pie with some amazingly healthy ingredients. It's a bit higher on the calories but is also packed with fiber and good-for-you fats. This is a perfect slice to go to when you're ready to indulge after a day of eating lighter.

Get the recipe from Liz Moody.

Blueberry pie

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As far as fruit pies go, blueberry pie is seriously underrated. This healthy version will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Get the recipe from My Whole Food Life.

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15 Healthy Pie Recipes to Serve on Thanksgiving (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest Thanksgiving pie? ›

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.

What type of pie is the healthiest? ›

Pumpkin Pie: This one is our winner! When in doubt, choose pumpkin pie. In competition with those mentioned above, it offers the fewest calories, and least fat and added sugar. It's also loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, phosphorous, calcium, and iron.

What are the 10 most popular pies? ›

Some of the most popular pie flavors are:
  • Key Lime Pie.
  • Apple Pie.
  • Pecan Pie.
  • Pumpkin Pie.
  • Cherry Pie.
  • Coconut Cream Pie.
  • Boston Cream Pie.
  • Berry Pies.
Jul 6, 2023

What is the most popular pie eaten on Thanksgiving? ›

While pumpkin pie reigns supreme in the majority of American households, sweet potato pie is still the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert in the South. According to one theory, it was Henry VIII's love of sweet potato desserts that kicked off the popularity of yams in a pie.

Are any pies healthy? ›

Healthy Pie Tips:

Go for totally fruit-filled pies as opposed to those filled with higher-calorie ingredients like nuts and raisins. Choose pies with crust on the bottom only. Try these tips to lighten up your next pie. Try a galette (a.k.a. crostada), open-faced tart or turnovers made with lower calorie phyllo dough.

What is the unhealthiest food for Thanksgiving? ›

Worst: Sausage Stuffing

It's often made with fatty processed meat, butter or margarine, and refined bread or rice. It's a high-calorie food that packs a load of fat, carbs, and nitrates, which are cancer-causing. If you add dried cranberries, there's a good chance they're sweetened and add sugar to your stuffing.

Which is healthier sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie? ›

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.

What are the five most popular pies? ›

The Top 5 Most Popular Pies in America, Just-In-Time for Pi Day
  1. Cherry Pie.
  2. Pumpkin Pie. ...
  3. Apple Pie. ...
  4. Pecan Pie. Is it pi-ˈkän or pē-ˌkan? ...
  5. Blueberry Pie. With wild blueberries hailing from Maine, it's only fair that the New England states would claim blueberry pie as their top flavor. ...
Mar 8, 2022

What is a high quality pie? ›

Crust is uniformly browned and golden brown around the side, somewhat lighter brown on bottom. Crust is flaky and tender. Filling is firm, smooth, and sufficiently cooked. Flavor is well-blended, with the filling characteristic for that kind of pie.

What is the unhealthiest pie? ›

Marie Callender's Chocolate Satin Pie

This pie is the winner for the highest calorie, sugar, and fat content of all the pies we reviewed.

What is the number one pie in the USA? ›

The clear winner for the United States as a whole was (not surprisingly) apple pie with more than 27% of sales going to the traditional flavor.

What is the #1 pie in the US? ›

The most popular variety in the US is probably apple pie à la mode, invented in Minnesota in 1885, and served with a scoop of ice cream on top. Regardless of the regional varieties and endless debates, apple pie is an American dessert like no other, best paired with a sweet Riesling wine.

Which president refused to recognize Thanksgiving? ›

While Thanksgiving technically isn't a religious holiday, the “giving thanks” part of it struck Jefferson as being far too religious for his tastes. As our nation's third president, he stirred controversy by refusing to recognize Thanksgiving.

What was the first Thanksgiving pie? ›

A 1653 French cookbook contained one of the earliest recipes of a “pumpkin pie” where milk-boiled pumpkins were strained and baked in a crust. While recipes in the late 17th century in both England and New England described filling a hollowed-out pumpkin with sweetened milk or sliced apples and cooking it in a fire.

What is the most eaten meat on Thanksgiving? ›

The consumption of turkey on Thanksgiving is so ingrained in American culture that each year since 1947, the National Turkey Federation (and, as far back as 1873, commercial turkey farmers) has presented a live turkey to the president of the United States prior to each Thanksgiving.

Is apple pie or pumpkin pie healthier? ›

Winner: Pumpkin Pie

The single crust keeps calories light, while the star of the show, pumpkin, pushes the nutrition of this pie way beyond apple.

Which pie is healthier pumpkin or sweet potato? ›

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.

Which is healthier pecan pie or pumpkin pie? ›

Pecan pie contains more calories but offers you plenty of nutrients that you can't find in any other pie. On the other hand, pumpkin pies have a lower calorie content. But pumpkins contain fewer nutrients compared to pecans. Hence, both of these pies are healthy in their own way.

What is healthier than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Try it out on Thanksgiving by substituting tofu for your turkey. Tofu can be cooked in a variety of flavorful ways and comes with a ton of nutritional benefits including a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, and protein.

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