10 Classic Fall Pies For Beginners That Will Warm Your Soul
There’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of cooler weather and the beauty of fall than with some baked classic fall pies! Fall pies are the ultimate comfort food, filled with seasonal ingredients like apples, pumpkins, pecans, and pears, and spiced with warm, cozy flavours like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. These pies not only taste delicious, but also fill your home with the irresistible aromas of fall baking. Who needs a Bath and Bodyworks candle when you can have the real deal?
When I first started learning to bake, I was completely intimidated by the idea of making pies from scratch. But I quickly realized that pie baking doesn’t have to be complicated, and nothing beats the feeling of pulling a warm, homemade pie out of the oven on a chilly fall day.
So whether you’re a pie-baking newbie like me or just looking to expand your fall baking repertoire, these 10 classic fall pie recipes are sure to warm your soul. Don’t worry- each one is beginner-friendly and packed with the cozy flavours that make fall so special!
Why Fall Pies are Perfect for New Bakers
Fall pies are the perfect gateway to baking for beginners. They may look impressive, but they are surprisingly forgiving. Even if your crust isn’t perfect, or if your filling bubbles over a little bit, these pies still deliver amazing flavour. They rely on simple, seasonal ingredients, which are easy to find and affordable. Bonus points if you can get fresh ingredients from a local market or food stand!
Many fall pie recipes use basic techniques like mixing ingredients for a filling or rolling out pre-made dough. The recipes featured in this post are designed to be beginner-friendly while still delivering the cozy flavours of fall. Whether you’re baking for a holiday dinner or just a weekend treat, these classic pies will bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen!
Essential Tips for First-Time Pie Bakers
Before you start baking, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind, especially if you’re new to pie-making. These tips will help ensure that your pies come out beautifully, even if it’s your first time trying your hand at baking!
Using Store-Bought Pie Crusts
If you’re new to baking, one of the easiest ways to simplify your pie-making process is by using a store-bought pie crust. Many grocery stores carry high-quality pie crusts that work just as well as homemade, without the hassle of making dough from scratch! Using a pre-made crust allows you to focus on mastering the fillings and baking times, making it a great option for beginners.
Making Homemade Pie Dough
If you’re ready to try making your own pie crust, the key is to keep everything cold- especially the butter. Cold butter creates steam pockets as the pie bakes, leading to a flaky, tender crust. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. Rolling out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper will also prevent it from sticking to the counter and rolling pin.
Pre-Cooking Fillings
For fruit pies, pre-cooking the filling can make a big difference in the final texture. Apples, pears, and other fruits release a lot of liquid as they bake, which can lead to a soggy crust if they aren’t pre-cooked. By lightly cooking the filling on the stovetop before adding it to your pie, you reduce the moisture and enhance the flavours.
10 Classic Fall Pies That Will Warm Your Soul
1. Classic Apple Pie
When you think of fall pies, apple pie is likely the first one that comes to mind. This timeless dessert has been a fall favourite for generations, and for good reason. The combination of sweet, tender apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, encased in a flaky, golden crust is pure perfection.
Apple pie is an ideal starting point for beginner bakers because it uses simple ingredients that are easy to work with. You can use a variety of apples depending on your taste- Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter filling. Many recipes recommend a blend of apples to balance the flavours. The filling is easy to prepare by tossing sliced apples in sugar and spices, and the result is a comforting, homey pie that’s perfect for any occasion.
For an extra touch, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast between the warm pie and the cold ice cream creates a heavenly desert that never disappoints!
2. Pumpkin Pie
No fall pie collection would be complete without the iconic pumpkin pie. Rich, creamy, and spiced with the flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, pumpkin pie is a quintessential autumn dessert. It’s a staple at Thanksgiving dinners, but its simplicity makes it a great choice for any fall gathering.
Pumpkin pie is one of the easiest pies to make, which is why it’s perfect for beginners. The filling is essentially a custard made from canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), eggs, sugar, and spices. After mixing the ingredients together, you simply pour it into a pre-made or homemade pie crust and bake. The pie sets into a silky, smooth filling that’s packed with cozy fall flavours.
One of the best things about pumpkin pie is its versatility. You can adjust the level of spices to your liking or experiment with different toppings like whipped cream or candied pecans. It’s a straightforward pie that delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort, making it a must-bake during the fall season.
3. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is one of the best classic fall pies, known for its rich, buttery filling and crunchy, caramelized pecan topping. This pie is especially popular in the Southern US, but it has become a staple of holiday dinners all over the country. The sweetness of the filling combined with the nuttiness of the pecans makes for an irresistible dessert that feels indulgent yet simple.
Despite its luxurious flavour, pecan pie is surprisingly simple to make. The filling is made from just a few ingredients: eggs, sugar, butter, and corn syrup (or maple syrup for a more elevated taste). The mixture is poured over a layer of pecans and then baked until the filling is set and the pecans are toasted. The result is a gooey, caramel-like filling with a crisp, crunchy top.
Pecan pie is rich, so it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Its impressive appearance and bold flavour make it a crowd-pleaser at any fall or holiday gathering.
4. Sweet Potato Pie
Often overshadowed by its pumpkin counterpart, sweet potato pie is classic that deserves a spot in every baker’s repertoire. Similar in texture to pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a unique, earthy sweetness that comes from the sweet potatoes themselves. Combined with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, sweet potato pie is a creamy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall.
Sweet potato pie is easy to prepare, and it’s a great introduction to custard-style pies. The filling is made by pureeing cooked sweet potatoes and mixing them with eggs, sugar, milk, and spices. Once blended, the filling is poured into a pie crust and baked until set.
While sweet potato pie is often enjoyed plain, it can be elevated with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkling of toasted pecans, or a layer of marshmallows toasted under the broiler for a sweet and crunchy topping. The depth of flavour in sweet potato pie makes it a standout dessert that feels familiar yet special.
5. Cranberry Apple Pie
If you’re looking for some classic fall pies that combine sweet and tart flavours, cranberry apple pie is the perfect choice. This pie takes the classic apple pie and gives it a vibrant twist by adding fresh or dried cranberries to the filling. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples, creating a balanced dessert that feels both traditional and fresh.
Cranberry apple pie is just as easy to make as a classic apple pie. The process is the same- prepare the apples by peeling, slicing and tossing them with sugar and spices, then mix in the cranberries. The cranberries add a pop of colour and a bright, tangy flavour that cuts through the richness of the apples.
This pie is particularly festive, making it a great choice for holiday dinners or fall parties. It’s also a visually stunning pie, thanks to the ruby-red cranberries peeking through the lattice crust. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
6. Pear and Ginger Pie
For a pie with a slightly more sophisticated flavour profile, pear and ginger pie is a fantastic option. The combination of sweet, juicy pears and the warm, spicy bite of ginger creates a pie that feels both cozy and refined. This pie is perfect for those who want to try something a little different from the usual apple or pumpkin pies.
Pears are a great fall fruit to bake with because they become incredibly tender and sweet when cooked. In this pie, the pears are thinly sliced and mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and fresh ginger for a hint of spice. The ginger adds warmth and depth to the pie without overpowering the delicate flavour of the pears.
Pear and ginger pie is elegant enough for a special occasion but simple enough to make on a cozy weekend. It pairs beautifully with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a dessert that’s sure to impress!
7. Maple Custard Pie
Few flavours are as synonymous with fall as maple, and this maple custard pie captures the essence of autumn in every bite. With a rich, creamy filling sweetened with real maple syrup, this pie is a decadent treat that feels luxurious yet comforting.
Custard pies like this one are surprisingly easy to make, as they don’t require a top crust or complicated techniques. The filling is made from simple ingredients- eggs, cream, sugar, and maple syrup- whisked together and poured into a pie crust. As the pie bakes, the custard sets into a smooth, velvety texture that’s perfectly complemented by the deep, caramelized flavour of the maple syrup.
Maple custard pie is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings or fall dinner parties. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a few toasted pecans for added texture and flavour.
8. Caramel Apple Pie
Caramel apple pie takes classic fall pies to a whole new level by adding a layer of rich, buttery caramel to the filling. This pie combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of caramel, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting.
The process for making caramel apple pie is similar to traditional apple pie, but with the added step of making or using caramel. You can either make your own caramel sauce from scratch or use store-bought caramel for convenience. The caramel is drizzled over the apples before baking, infusing the filling with its sweet, buttery flavour.
This pie is perfect for those who love caramel apples but want a more sophisticated version. It’s also a great way to elevate a traditional apple pie without adding too much complexity. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an extra drizzle of caramel for a truly decadent dessert.
9. Chocolate Chess Pie
For chocolate lovers, chocolate chess pie is a must-try. This classic is rich, fudgy, and deeply satisfying, making it the perfect pie for fall. Chess pie is known for its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, and the chocolate version adds a decadent twist to this traditional dessert.
The filling is made from cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and butter, resulting in a rich, custard-like texture that’s somewhere between a brownie and a pie. The chocolate flavour is intense and satisfying, making this pie a hit with anyone who loves a rich chocolate dessert.
Chocolate chess pie is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavours to fully develop. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to complement the rich, chocolatey filling. It’s a simple yet impressive pie that’s sure to become a fall favourite!
10. Butterscotch Pie
Last but certainly not least is butterscotch pie, a creamy, caramel-flavoured dessert that’s perfect for fall. Butterscotch is a classic flavour that evokes feelings of nostalgia, and this pie delivers all the sweetness and warmth you crave during the cooler months.
The filling is made by cooking brown sugar and butter until they caramelize, then mixing in cream and eggs to create a smooth, luscious custard. Once baked, the pie sets into a silky, rich filling that’s both sweet and buttery with a deep caramel flavour.
Butterscotch pie is best enjoyed chilled, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for fall gatherings. Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sophisticated touch that balances the sweetness of the filling. This pie is the perfect way to end a fall meal on a sweet note. One of my favourite classic fall pies!
Pie-Baking Tips to Build Your Confidence
Even as a beginner, you can bake a beautiful, delicious pie with a few simple techniques and tricks. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Troubleshooting Crust Problems
If your crust cracks or shrinks, don’t panic. Pie dough can be temperamental, especially when you’re just starting out. If cracks appear, simply patch them with extra dough. And if the dough shrinks, just remember that the pie’s flavour is the most important part. Imperfections add character!
Easy Pie Decorating
If you’re not confident in making elaborate decorations, don’t worry! A simple lattice top is an easy way to make your pie look beautiful, or you can cut out small shapes from extra dough to place on top for a decorative touch. A sprinkle of sugar before baking also adds a lovely sparkle and crunch.
Time to Start Baking!
There’s nothing quite like some classic fall pies to welcome the holiday season! Whether you’re new to baking or looking for new recipes to try, these 10 classic fall pies are sure to warm your heart and soul. From the iconic apple pie to the rich, indulgent chocolate chess pie, each of these desserts celebrates the best flavours of autumn.
So grab your rolling pin and preheat your oven- it’s time to bake a pie that will fill your home with warmth, comfort and delicious smells! Which pie will you bake first? Let me know in the comments below!
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