From turkey and cranberry sauce to casseroles and stuffing, Thanksgiving meals feature many delicious and hearty dishes. However, no feast is complete without delicious sweets to round out the savory sides and entrees. In addition to cakes and cookies, pies are among the most popular desserts served on this holiday. Here are several options you can pick up at a bakery and bring to your family gathering.

What Are the Best Pies for Thanksgiving?

1. Pumpkin

Pumpkin pie is a must-have at any holiday celebration. Featuring a filling of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, its sweet flavors and warm finish capture the flavors of Thanksgiving. The creamy inside also creates a delicious textural contrast with the crispy crust, making each bite satisfying. You can take pumpkin pie to the next level by serving slices with whipped topping for an extra boost of sweetness and creaminess.

2. Pecan

Pecan pie is a seasonal confection that's practically synonymous with Thanksgiving. The filling typically includes pecans, eggs, milk, and sugar. Chefs pour the filling into a crust and bake the dessert until the top and edges turn golden brown. These pies have a nutty flavor that provides a delectable balance between the sweet filling and crispy crust. This is another dessert that tastes even more delicious with whipped topping or even a scoop of ice cream, which may give it a sweet and milky finish.

3. Apple

While this option is enjoyable any time of year, apple pie pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving feasts. The filling consists of freshly sliced apples, eggs, and sugar that are blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This dessert has a fruity flavor profile that blends deliciously with the warm spices and crisp, buttery crust. This complements Thanksgiving perfectly, as the fruit is a relaxing dessert after a large, savory plate of turkey and stuffing. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make the end of your Thanksgiving dinner even more decadent.

4. Chocolate Cream

Chocolate is one of the most popular treats, and making it into a pie provides a light, rich dessert. Chocolate cream pies often feature a cookie-based crust topped with layers of cocoa custard and fluffy whipped cream. This pie is sure to please the chocolate fanatics at your Thanksgiving dinner. Additionally, since cocoa contains caffeine, eating a slice after your meal may keep you from feeling sleepy after enjoying a spread of hearty holiday foods.

When you need delicious pies to take to a Thanksgiving feast, visit Emerson's Bakery. Located in Florence, KY, this bakery also offers donuts, cakes, and cookies baked on-site from scratch. They have locations throughout Cincinnati and northern Kentucky, so you can always find a delicious treat. Call (859) 371-9228 to place an order for holiday pies or pastries, and visit the website to learn more about this bakery.