Everyone knows that pie is the traditional dessert of choice on Thanksgiving. I mean seriously, who can resist a nice big slice of homemade pumpkin pie? Not me! Since this is the case, let’s look at 11 Creative Ways to Serve Pie this Thanksgiving.
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A SLICE OF PIE!
With the holidays right around the corner, I started thinking about my own Thanksgiving menu. One thought led to another and soon I was pondering diverse and clever ways that I could serve pie to our guests this year. Instead of serving pie in the traditional way, why not change things up a bit?
DISPLAY STANDS
First of all, a pretty display stand will quickly turn an ordinary pie into an elegant dessert! My mother owns several different styles of dessert display stands including two beautifully exquisite crystal cake stands, a lovely ceramic pedestal cake stands, and several different dessert platters. She also owns a tiered serving platter that works well for individualized or bite-size morsels.
DECORATIVE DESIGNS
Let your creative juices flow and turn a traditional pie into an amazing work of art! One of the newest and hottest trends is to use fondant or mini cookie cutter to cut adorable patterns out of pie crust and arrange them on top of a pie, or around the edges.
A traditional lattice topping is always fun, as well as a pie that is monogrammed using alphabet letters cookie cutters. Let your imagination soar and surprise your guests by creating your very own original pie design! Who knows, perhaps your creation will be featured on the cover of a magazine someday!
Blessed Beyond Crazy was honored to have Frozen Butter Pecan Pumpkin Pie featured in the 2015 November edition of Bella Magazine.
VINTAGE INSPIRATION
Create a nostalgic presentation by incorporating a few vintage pieces. All things retro, old-fashioned, and vintage are also trending right now. Although the picture above is showcasing cakes instead of pies, you still get a visual of how an heirloom can create a great presentation for desserts.
I love the idea of using a retro pie display stand, an antique sideboard, or a cabinet to showcase a variety of freshly baked pies. In addition, incorporating a few vintage pieces into your presentation may also spark some great conversations over your Thanksgiving dinner.
PIE-ON-A-STICK
What could be more fun than eating pie-on-a-stick? Children of all ages will enjoy this special and creative way of serving pie this Thanksgiving. Not only is pie-on-a-stick truly a unique way to serve pie, but the serving size is also a kid-friendly portion.
Here’s how to make pie-on-a-stick:
- Roll out pie crust to approximately 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut out circles with a biscuit cutter.
- Place one large tablespoon of your favorite pie filling in the center.
- Gently push one end (approximately 1-inch) of an oven-safe cake pop stick into the bottom portion of the dough (be careful not to push it all the way through the dough).
- In a small bowl, place 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, mix together. With a small pastry brush, “paint” the egg mixture around the inside edges of the pie dough.
- Make fun designs in the centers of the top crust by using fondant or mini cookie cutters. Place top crust onto the bottom crust that has the pie filling and cake pop stick.
- Crimp the edges together with a fork and brush with the remaining egg mixture and a sprinkle of granulated sugar.
- Place on a cookie sheet lined with a non-stick baking mat or parchment paper.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool completely.
- To serve, place pie-on-a-stick into a fun container.
CAST IRON SKILLET PIES
Last fall I made a Six Mini Cast Iron Skillet Fruit Pies. Not only did these scrumptious pies taste amazing, but they also looked amazing! I shared our family’s easy No-Fail Pie Crust recipe, along with a Basic Fruit Filling recipe. I also shared tutorials showing how to make a mini cast iron skillet apple, peach, blueberry, cherry, blackberry, and an apricot pie. These rustic pies are a handsome way to add a touch of country charm and another creative way to serve pie to your guests this Thanksgiving.
PIE-IN-A-JAR
Nowadays, Mason jars seem to be used for nearly everything. If you do a search on Pinterest you’ll find that salads, dips, breakfast oats, smoothies, bread, pasta, parfaits, and more can be served in Mason jars. Pies certainly are no exception! Refrigerator pies, such as Banoffee pie (pictured above), and banana or coconut cream are great to make beforehand.
HANDHELD PIES
Individualized handheld pies are yet another creative way to serve pie. Set up a dessert station displaying a wide variety of individualized pies and let your guest select their favorites. Consider displaying handheld pies in wicker baskets lined with colorful napkins. To help with the ambiance, place flickering autumn-scented candles, a few mini pumpkins, and a vase of wildflowers nearby.
NATURAL ELEMENTS
Consider implementing several natural elements such as rustic wooden cake stands in your pie display. For an added touch, tuck fall foliage and sunflowers around the pies for a finishing touch. A granite or slate cheese board also work well and result in an amazing display for mini pies.
BITE-SIZE PIES
Every Thanksgiving my mother makes the most delicious tiny bite-size pecan pies. Smaller portions mean your guests can try a variety of flavors. Basically, nearly any pie recipe can be turned into darling bite-size pies by adjusting the recipe a bit.
HEALTHY BITES
Just because you serve pie doesn’t mean it has to be unhealthy. Create delicious and tantalizing healthy bites using mini nonstick tart pans to make a shallow bottom crust. Once cooled, fill them with low-fat, sugar-free pudding or yogurt and top with a variety of fresh fruits.
What is your favorite pie to serve at Thanksgiving?
Linda
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