Of course, with Thanksgiving comes pies: pumpkin, pecan, apple, chess, and the list goes on. When we asked our readers what they love to serve for the holiday, they shared hundreds of responses that included layer cakes, cobblers, pound cakes, and, yes, pies. Here are the most popular Thanksgiving desserts, according to Southern Living readers.
Many readers said it just isn’t Thanksgiving without pecan pie. One commenter said that when she tried a new recipe (not the one above), her children knew immediately. She has not swayed from the beloved family classic since.
Many said it isn’t Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. Plus, many noted it needed to also have lots of real whipped cream to finish it off.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
German Chocolate Cake came up often on the list. Many note that it was an essential dessert for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: MISSIE NEVILLE CRAWFORD; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX
Many responded that apple pie is a must-have. They also said to be sure to have vanilla ice cream to top it off.
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Persimmons flourish in late fall, just in time for the holiday season. A few readers mentioned how they love to bake and take persimmon pie to their Thanksgiving celebrations.
Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Sweet potato pie was definitely one of the most popular responses. Many of you noting that it would not be Thanksgiving, without this classic.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
While the pies were the most popular responses, we had lots of comments about cakes. And many of you mentioned it would not be any holiday without the classic Hummingbird Cake at the celebration.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Made with buttermilk, coconut, and a cream cheese frosting, this decadent layer cake was also a popular response. It comes together in just 40 minutes.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Many of you said your buffet tables were filled with pies, cobblers, and cakes. One reader noted that their birthday was on Thanksgiving this year, and she was requesting Carrot Cake, because it’s that good.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
While the classic pies–pumpkin, pecan, apple–are required, many of you said it’s nice to have a pie that’s a little unexpected, too. This tropical cream pie is a reader favorite.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A coconut lover’s dream, this dessert has a spot on many of your Thanksgiving tables. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a bit of texture and crunch.
Many of you noted that you love to have something a little more decadent–but with a seasonal flair. Cue the Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake for the just-right dessert.
Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly
Many of you said Chess Pie is what reminds you of family members. Its ooey, gooey texture is always welcome at the holiday table.
“A Southern specialty” said one reader. On a table filled with many pies and cookies, make room for a beautiful cake.
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Many of you noted that “anything pumpkin” is welcome. This moist, delicately-spiced cake is perfect for slicing into.
