What Dessert Is the Most Popular at Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday centered around gratitude and family gatherings — it’s also one of the most food-focused days of the year. Across kitchens in the United States, the aroma of roasted turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes fills the air, culminating in a grand finale: dessert. While every family may have its own tradition, one treat consistently rises to the top of the table in popularity and cultural significance — pumpkin pie.

But is it truly the most beloved Thanksgiving dessert? How does it compare to apple pie, pecan pie, or newer contenders like sweet potato pie or cheesecake? In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the historical roots, regional preferences, cultural symbolism, and recent trends to determine the most popular dessert at Thanksgiving. You’ll also discover why certain desserts have endured over time and what might be shaping the future of post-Thanksgiving meals.

The Reign of Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Staple

Historical Origins of Pumpkin Pie

The story of pumpkin pie begins long before modern ovens and refrigerated pie crusts. Native Americans utilized pumpkins and other squashes in their diets for centuries — roasting them, drying strips, or incorporating them into stews. When European settlers arrived in the 17th century, they encountered these native gourds and adapted their culinary traditions accordingly.

Early colonists didn’t bake pies as we know them today. Instead, they created “pumpion pie” by hollowing out a pumpkin, filling it with spiced milk, honey, and perhaps eggs, then baking it directly in the ashes of a fire. By the 18th century, cookbooks like Amelia Simmons’ American Cookery (1796) included recipes for baked pumpkin pies with crusts made of flour, butter, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — ingredients that remain central to the modern version.

Why Pumpkin Pie Became a Thanksgiving Icon

Pumpkin pie’s rise as the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert wasn’t accidental. Several factors contributed to its dominance:

Seasonal availability: Pumpkins ripen in the fall, making them a natural choice for harvest celebrations. Thanksgiving, traditionally held in November, aligns perfectly with peak pumpkin availability.

Cultural symbolism: The pie embodies key elements of American heritage — humble ingredients, agricultural abundance, and self-sufficiency. It represents both the old world (European pie-making) and the new (American-grown produce).

National narratives: 19th-century reformers and writers like Sarah Josepha Hale — the woman who campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday — emphasized dishes like turkey and pumpkin pie in their descriptions of the ideal Thanksgiving. These portrayals helped cement the pie in the public imagination.

Pumpkin Pie’s Popularity Today

Recent surveys and consumer data consistently place pumpkin pie at or near the top of Thanksgiving dessert preferences. For example, a 2023 survey from the American Pie Council found that pumpkin pie was selected by 80% of respondents as one of their top three favorite Thanksgiving desserts — surpassing both apple and pecan pies.

Additional supporting data include:

• Google Trends shows consistent annual spikes in searches for “pumpkin pie recipe” leading up to Thanksgiving.
• Grocery store sales data indicate that canned pumpkin sees a dramatic surge during November — a clear sign of pie preparation.
• Restaurants and bakeries frequently offer limited-edition pumpkin pies or lattes, creating a cultural “pumpkin season” that begins as early as September.

Competitors on the Dessert Table: How Other Pies Stack Up

While pumpkin pie enjoys widespread acclaim, it’s far from the only option gracing Thanksgiving tables. Regional tastes, family recipes, and evolving eating habits have led to a diverse range of desserts making an appearance.

Apple Pie: A Classic American Favorite

Apple pie often challenges pumpkin for the top spot. Its deep roots in American culture — encapsulated in the phrase “as American as apple pie” — make it a strong contender. However, it leans more toward a year-round dessert rather than a holiday-specific delicacy.

Apples are available throughout much of the year, but their harvest also peaks in the fall, particularly in northeastern and midwestern states. Traditional apple pie, with its flaky crust and cinnamon-laced filling, appeals to a broad demographic. According to the same American Pie Council survey, 78% of Americans named apple pie as a favorite Thanksgiving option — just behind pumpkin.

Still, apple pie is often viewed as a versatile dessert for any occasion, which may contribute to its slightly lower holiday-specific association.

Pecan Pie: Southern Charm in a Crust

Pecan pie holds a dominant place in Southern kitchens. Rich, gooey, and sweet, it’s made with the native pecan nut, corn syrup (or maple syrup in healthier versions), and often bourbon for depth. The dessert is especially popular in states like Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana.

One reason pecan pie stands out is its regional significance. Southern families often consider it an essential part of their Thanksgiving lineup. A 2022 poll by OnePoll found that in the South, pecan pie outranked pumpkin pie among respondents aged 35 and above.

However, its high sugar content and richer profile may limit its appeal to those health-conscious or seeking lighter options.

Sweet Potato Pie: A Soulful Alternative

Sweet potato pie is especially cherished in African American communities and shares many similarities with pumpkin pie. Both use a boiled or mashed vegetable base, similar spices, and a custard-like texture. Yet sweet potato pie often includes brown sugar and a more pronounced molasses flavor, giving it a unique taste.

Some food historians view sweet potato pie as a close relative to pumpkin pie, evolved through Black culinary traditions during slavery and post-emancipation. Enslaved Africans in the South adapted European pie techniques using locally grown sweet potatoes, which were already cultivated in the Americas.

Despite its cultural richness, sweet potato pie receives less national recognition. That said, it consistently ranks in the top five Thanksgiving desserts, particularly in the southeastern United States.

Modern Innovations and Rising Contenders

As palates evolve, so do Thanksgiving desserts. Bakers and chefs now experiment with new ingredients, dietary preferences, and fusion twists:

Pumpkin Cheesecake

A creamy blend of classic pumpkin pie and rich cheesecake, this hybrid dessert maintains the traditional spices while adding luxury and texture.

Turducken-inspired Desserts?

While not literal, layered desserts like “Thanksgiving trifles” — combining pumpkin, apple, and pecan elements — are gaining popularity in gourmet circles.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Pies

With increased awareness of dietary restrictions, many households now serve dairy-free pumpkin pies using coconut milk or almond-based crusts. These options make the dessert accessible to more guests without sacrificing flavor.

Regional Differences in Thanksgiving Desserts

The United States is vast, and dessert choices vary significantly by region. Here’s a breakdown of what tends to dominate across areas:

Despite these regional differences, pumpkin pie remains the most universally accepted dessert across state lines, making it the most common denominator in Thanksgiving celebrations.

Cultural and Marketing Influence on Dessert Popularity

The Role of Media and Advertising

Pumpkin pie’s dominance isn’t just due to taste — it’s also shaped by decades of cultural reinforcement. From vintage holiday advertisements to modern food branding, pumpkin pie is often depicted in Thanksgiving scenes:

• Norman Rockwell paintings frequently featured pies on the table — pumpkin being the most visible.
• TV commercials for canned pumpkin, pie crusts, and spices flood airwaves in October and November.
• Brands like Libby’s have become synonymous with pumpkin pie; their cans are found in 90% of U.S. supermarkets in November.

This repeated exposure has created a psychological link between Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie — a phenomenon marketers call “seasonal cueing.”

Social Media and the “Pumpkin Spice” Boom

In the 21st century, pumpkin spice has transcended the pie. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves — originally meant for pumpkin pie — now flavors lattes, yogurt, candles, and even ice cream.

The rise of “pumpkin spice season” on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest has helped keep the flavor in the public eye throughout the fall. While not all pumpkin spice products contain real pumpkin, they keep the aesthetic and association with fall festivities alive.

In fact, a 2021 report by Nielsen indicated that pumpkin spice-related products generated over $100 million in retail sales in the three months leading up to Thanksgiving alone.

Consumer Surveys and Data: Who’s Winning?

To determine the most popular dessert scientifically, let’s examine recent survey results and consumption data.

Key Survey Highlights (2020–2023)

While Apple pie occasionally ties or surpasses pumpkin in general popularity, pumpkin pie leads in the context of Thanksgiving-specific dessert preferences.

Store Sales and Ingredient Trends

Grocery sales data further supports pumpkin pie’s dominance:

• Canned pumpkin sales spike by over 500% in November compared to other months.
• Whipped cream, pie crusts, and pumpkin pie spice see similar surges.
• In contrast, sales for pecans and sweet potatoes are high but more gradual and spread throughout the fall.

These spikes suggest that Thanksgiving is the primary driver for pumpkin pie ingredient purchases.

Taste and Nostalgia: The Emotional Component

Beyond tradition and marketing, why do so many people return to pumpkin pie every year? The answer lies partly in emotional memory.

Taste Profile and Sensory Appeal

Pumpkin pie offers a comforting balance:

• The smooth custard filling melts in your mouth.
• Classic warm spices evoke coziness and home.
• The buttery crust provides texture contrast.
• When served with whipped cream, the experience becomes indulgent yet not overly sweet.

This sensory harmony is particularly appealing during colder months and emotionally charged gatherings.

Nostalgia and Family Traditions

For most Americans, Thanksgiving dessert isn’t just a treat — it’s a ritual. Generations of families have baked pumpkin pies together, using handwritten recipes passed down from grandmothers.

74% of Americans say they prefer homemade desserts over store-bought ones on Thanksgiving (Pew Research, 2022), and pumpkin pie tops the list of homemade favorites. This dedication to do-it-yourself baking underscores its emotional value.

Even for those who don’t bake, the smell of pumpkin pie warming in the oven or the sight of a whole pie cooling on the counter brings a sense of holiday continuity and warmth.

Is Pumpkin Pie’s Reign in Jeopardy?

With growing interest in diverse cuisines, health-conscious eating, and plant-based diets, could pumpkin pie be losing ground?

Emerging Alternatives

Newer desserts are gaining traction:

• Chocolate bourbon pecan tart: A refined version of pecan pie with a more sophisticated flavor profile.
• Banana cream pie: Loved by children and adults alike, increasingly seen at modern gatherings.
• Cranberry-apple crisp: A lighter, warmer alternative with less sugar and a crunchy topping.
• Pumpkin roll: A rolled sponge cake with pumpkin filling, often served chilled.

Still, these alternatives rarely replace pumpkin pie — they usually complement it.

Dietary Restrictions and Inclusivity

One challenge facing traditional pies is dietary inclusivity. Many people now avoid gluten, dairy, or refined sugars. Yet this has not diminished pumpkin pie’s popularity — it has instead inspired innovation.

Gluten-free pumpkin pies, dairy-free versions using oat milk, and low-sugar renditions with erythritol or monk fruit sweeteners maintain the spirit of the original while adapting to modern needs.

The Verdict: Pumpkin Pie Reigns Supreme

After reviewing history, cultural influence, consumer data, regional trends, and emotional attachment, the evidence overwhelmingly supports one conclusion: pumpkin pie is the most popular dessert at Thanksgiving.

It is not merely a dish — it is a symbol of American tradition, seasonal celebration, and familial warmth. Its versatility, nostalgic appeal, and widespread availability ensure it remains a cornerstone of holiday meals.

While apple, pecan, and sweet potato pies each hold special places in certain regions and communities, none achieve the same universal recognition or consistent preference on Thanksgiving Day.

Why This Matters

Understanding the popularity of Thanksgiving desserts reveals more than just taste preferences — it reflects shared values, historical continuity, and cultural storytelling. The pumpkin pie on your table today is part of a culinary lineage stretching back centuries, enriched by immigrant traditions, agricultural abundance, and collective memory.

So, whether you’re stirring a can of Libby’s pumpkin into a boxed crust or hand-baking from a family recipe, know that you’re participating in a grand, delicious tradition. And as the pie is passed around the table, with laughter filling the room and plates being refilled, it’s clear: no other dessert captures the spirit of Thanksgiving quite like pumpkin pie.

The next time someone asks, “What’s for dessert?” at your Thanksgiving dinner — and you open the oven to reveal a golden, steamy pumpkin pie — you won’t just be serving a dessert. You’ll be serving history, comfort, and a timeless American tradition.

What is the most popular dessert served at Thanksgiving in the United States?

The most popular dessert served at Thanksgiving in the United States is pumpkin pie. This classic dish has become synonymous with the holiday, frequently gracing tables across the country. Made from a spiced pumpkin-based custard filling, pumpkin pie is traditionally baked in a single crust and often served at room temperature or chilled, sometimes accompanied by whipped cream. Its deep roots in American culinary history, particularly in New England, have helped solidify its status as a Thanksgiving staple.

Pumpkin pie’s popularity is also fueled by cultural traditions and media representations of Thanksgiving. It frequently appears in holiday-themed television shows, advertisements, and family gatherings, reinforcing its iconic status. Surveys conducted by food companies and polling organizations consistently report that pumpkin pie ranks at or near the top of preferred Thanksgiving desserts, surpassing alternatives like apple pie and pecan pie. The combination of its seasonal ingredients, comforting flavor profile, and nostalgic appeal makes pumpkin pie the quintessential Thanksgiving treat.

Why is pumpkin pie considered a traditional Thanksgiving dessert?

Pumpkin pie’s connection to Thanksgiving dates back to the 17th century, when early American colonists began experimenting with native ingredients like pumpkins. Although the pies of that era looked different—often more like a savory pumpkin pudding baked inside a crust—they laid the foundation for the modern version. By the 1800s, pumpkin pie had become a beloved part of autumnal celebrations, especially in the northeastern U.S., and was gradually incorporated into Thanksgiving menus as the holiday itself became more formalized.

The deep association between pumpkin pie and Thanksgiving was further cemented by cultural and literary influences. Writers like Sarah Josepha Hale, who campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday, promoted pumpkin pie in their publications as a symbol of American domesticity and harvest abundance. Over time, schools, cookbooks, and family traditions passed down the recipe from generation to generation, ensuring its enduring presence on Thanksgiving tables. Today, it’s as much a symbol of the holiday as turkey and cranberry sauce.

Are there regional variations in Thanksgiving dessert preferences across the U.S.?

Yes, regional differences significantly influence Thanksgiving dessert choices across the United States. While pumpkin pie is the most popular nationwide, other desserts take precedence in specific areas. For example, in the South, pecan pie is often a favorite, thanks to the region’s abundance of pecan trees and long-standing tradition of crafting rich, syrupy pies. In the Midwest and parts of New England, apple pie is a close contender, made with locally harvested apples and served with ice cream or cheddar cheese.

In coastal regions, especially near the Pacific Northwest, desserts featuring berries or nuts like hazelnut may appear more frequently due to local agriculture. Additionally, areas with large Hispanic populations might include flan or sweet tamales as dessert options, reflecting cultural diversity. Even within families, regional heritage can shape the dessert menu—German-American households might serve streusel, while Italian-Americans may add tiramisu. These regional and cultural flavors enrich the American Thanksgiving experience and diversify the dessert landscape beyond the classic pumpkin pie.

How has Thanksgiving dessert popularity changed over time?

Thanksgiving dessert preferences have evolved over the decades, reflecting changes in American lifestyles, dietary trends, and cultural influences. In the mid-20th century, pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies dominated family tables, with Jell-O molds and banana cream pies also making appearances. However, in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift toward lighter, health-conscious options, including fruit-based desserts, vegan pies, and gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

Despite these changes, pumpkin pie has maintained its leading position, adapting to modern tastes with updated recipes—such as dairy-free versions or spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in varying proportions. Social media has also introduced creative twists, like pumpkin cheesecake or pumpkin pie bars, which appeal to younger generations while still honoring tradition. Polls and supermarket sales data from the last decade continue to show pumpkin pie as the top choice, demonstrating both its resilience and versatility in the face of changing food trends.

What are some popular alternatives to pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving?

While pumpkin pie reigns supreme, several alternatives are widely enjoyed during Thanksgiving. Apple pie is a top contender, loved for its flaky crust and warm, cinnamon-infused filling. Pecan pie, particularly popular in the Southern states, offers a decadent, gooey texture and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with vanilla ice cream. Sweet potato pie, a staple in many African American households, shares similarities with pumpkin pie but features a deeper, earthier sweetness and often a more tender crust.

Other frequently served options include cherry pie, especially in areas like Michigan known for cherry production, and cranberry-based desserts that complement the meal’s traditional flavors. For those seeking variety, no-bake options like chocolate silk pie or cheesecake increasingly appear on dessert tables. Additionally, modern celebrations include international treats such as pumpkin flan or maple custard, blending global influences with seasonal ingredients. These alternatives provide balance and choice, ensuring that Thanksgiving desserts cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.

Do children and younger generations prefer different Thanksgiving desserts than older adults?

Yes, younger generations and children often show a preference for sweeter, more indulgent Thanksgiving desserts compared to traditional pies. Kids may gravitate toward chocolate-based treats, ice cream sundaes, or festive cookies shaped like turkeys or pumpkins. Teenagers and young adults, influenced by food trends on social media, sometimes favor modern or fusion desserts such as pumpkin roll, s’mores bars, or even Thanksgiving-themed milkshakes over conventional baked pies.

However, many younger individuals still enjoy traditional pies, especially when introduced to them in creative or comforting ways—such as mini handheld pies or à la mode servings. Family traditions play a big role in shaping taste preferences, and efforts to involve kids in baking can increase their appreciation for classics like pumpkin pie. While generational differences exist in dessert choices, the Thanksgiving meal often becomes a bridge between old and new, where innovation coexists with time-honored favorites around the family table.

How do dietary restrictions affect Thanksgiving dessert choices today?

Dietary restrictions have significantly influenced the evolution of Thanksgiving dessert menus in recent years. With increasing awareness of allergies, diabetes, and lifestyle choices such as veganism or gluten-free diets, families are adapting their recipes to be more inclusive. This has led to a rise in alternative desserts made with almond milk, coconut sugar, gluten-free flours, or egg substitutes, allowing everyone to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising health needs.

Many bakeries and grocery stores now offer pre-made allergy-friendly Thanksgiving desserts, from vegan pumpkin pies to sugar-free apple crisps, making it easier for hosts to accommodate diverse dietary requirements. Home cooks are also exploring ingredient substitutions—like using flaxseed meal instead of eggs or dates as a natural sweetener. These adaptations ensure that the spirit of togetherness central to Thanksgiving extends to the dessert course, allowing all guests, regardless of dietary constraints, to partake in the celebration’s culinary joys.