Fall is undeniably pie season. The farmers' markets overflow with gorgeous apples, pumpkins sit proudly on every doorstep, and there's a collective yearning for cozy comfort foods that warm us from the inside out. It doesn’t matter whether you're a seasoned baker or someone who's never rolled out pastry dough; those 15 fall pies will inspire you to embrace the season's bounty and create something truly special for your table.

Sweet Fall Pies That Celebrate the Season

1. Classic Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust

Nothing says fall quite like apple pie, but this version elevates the traditional recipe with a surprising cheddar cheese crust that adds a subtle sharpness to complement the sweet-tart apples. Using a mix of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn apples creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The key to preventing a soggy bottom crust is blind baking for 10 minutes before adding the filling. For busy weeknights, you can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The cheddar crust can also be made ahead and frozen for up to three months.

Serve with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate fall dessert experience.

2. Bourbon Pecan Pie

This sophisticated take on the Southern classic incorporates a splash of bourbon that deepens the flavor profile without overwhelming the buttery pecans. The secret is using a combination of light and dark corn syrup, which creates a more complex sweetness than traditional recipes.

Make sure your pecans are fresh—stale nuts can ruin an otherwise perfect pie. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to enhance their flavor before arranging them in the crust.

3. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Pie

Combining the best of both worlds, this hybrid dessert features a creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake filling nestled in a gingersnap crust. It's lighter than traditional pumpkin pie but more indulgent than plain cheesecake.

The trick to preventing cracks is to bake at a lower temperature (325°F) and allow the pie to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This can be made up to three days in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.

4. Maple Walnut Tart

This elegant tart showcases pure maple syrup in all its glory. Unlike corn syrup-based pies, the maple flavor is clean and sophisticated. California walnuts provide the perfect crunch, and a hint of vanilla enhances the maple without competing with it.

Look for Grade A Dark Robust maple syrup for the most intense flavor. The tart shell can be partially baked the day before, making assembly quick for busy schedules.

5. Cranberry Apple Crumble Pie

Fresh cranberries add a tart pop of color and flavor to traditional apple pie, while the crumble topping provides textural interest. This is perfect for Thanksgiving when you want something familiar yet special.

The cranberries should be fresh or frozen (not dried) to maintain their tartness. If fresh cranberries aren't available, frozen work perfectly—just don't thaw them first.

6. Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue

A Southern comfort classic that's often overshadowed by pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a silkier texture and more complex flavor. The marshmallow meringue topping adds a playful twist that's sure to delight both kids and adults.

Roast your sweet potatoes rather than boiling them for a more concentrated flavor. The natural sugars caramelize slightly, adding depth to the filling.

7. Chocolate Silk Pie with Salted Caramel

Sometimes you need something rich and decadent to balance out all those wholesome fruit pies. This chocolate silk pie gets an autumn update with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

The key to silky texture is tempering the eggs properly and using high-quality chocolate. Don't skimp on the chocolate—it's the star of this show.

8. Spiced Pear and Almond Frangipane Tart

This French-inspired tart combines buttery almond cream (frangipane) with perfectly spiced pears. It's sophisticated enough for dinner parties but simple enough for a cozy Sunday afternoon.

Bosc or Anjou pears work best as they hold their shape during baking. The frangipane can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Savory Fall Pies for Hearty Comfort

9. Butternut Squash and Sage Galette

This rustic free-form tart celebrates the earthy sweetness of butternut squash paired with crispy sage leaves. The galette format is forgiving for novice bakers and creates an impressive presentation with minimal fuss.

Pre-roast the squash to concentrate the flavors and remove excess moisture. The galette is best served warm and can be reheated successfully for meal prep.

10. Mushroom and Gruyere Tart

Perfect for autumn entertaining, this savory tart features a medley of seasonal mushrooms—cremini, shiitake, and oyster—bound together with cream and topped with nutty Gruyere cheese.

Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel rather than washing them to prevent excess moisture. Sauté them in batches to ensure proper browning.

11. Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche

This classic French quiche gets an autumn upgrade with deeply caramelized onions that bring out their natural sweetness. The bacon adds a smoky element that complements the custard-like filling perfectly.

Take your time caramelizing the onions—it should take at least 30 minutes for them to develop their full flavor. This can be done days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

12. Roasted Vegetable Tart with Herbed Goat Cheese

Showcase fall's vegetable bounty with roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts nestled in herbed goat cheese. This colorful tart works beautifully as a vegetarian main course or an impressive side dish.

Cut the vegetables uniformly for even roasting, and avoid overcrowding the pan. The vegetables should be tender yet retain some texture.

Modern Twists on Fall Favorites

13. Brown Butter Chess Pie

This Southern classic gets an upgrade with brown butter, which adds a nutty depth that elevates the simple custard filling. The result is simultaneously familiar and surprising.

Brown the butter until it's fragrant and golden, with brown bits at the bottom of the pan. These browned milk solids add incredible flavor to the filling.

14. Apple Cider Vinegar Pie

Don't let the name scare you—this traditional Appalachian pie is tangy-sweet and incredibly refreshing after a heavy meal. The vinegar provides brightness that cuts through the richness of the custard base.

Use a good-quality apple cider vinegar for the best flavor. Bragg's or similar unfiltered varieties work beautifully.

15. Honey Lavender Pear Tart

This elegant tart combines floral lavender with sweet honey and delicate pears for a sophisticated finish to any fall meal. The lavender should be food-grade and used sparingly—a little goes a long way.

Infuse the honey with lavender by gently heating them together, then strain out the flowers before using.

The Essential Pie-Making Tips

Make-Ahead Strategies

We know you are busy and probably reading this while at work or commuting, but don’t let your busy life discourage you from baking: most pie doughs can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated, or frozen for up to three months. Many fillings can also be prepared ahead of time, making assembly quick on busy days.

Temperature Matters

Cold butter and ice water are essential for achieving a flaky crust. Keep ingredients cold and work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.

Blind Baking Success

For custard pies and tarts, partially baking the crust prevents sogginess. Use pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing.

Storage Solutions

Most fruit pies can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, while custard pies should be refrigerated. Savory pies are best consumed within 24 hours, but can be reheated successfully.

We often feel pulled in multiple directions, trying to balance career demands with personal fulfillment. Baking pies offers a meditative break from our busy schedules—a chance to slow down, work with our hands, and create something beautiful and nourishing.

These 15 fall pies are an opportunity to connect with seasonal rhythms, share love through food, and create memories around your table. Whether you choose a classic apple pie for Sunday dinner or an elegant tart for entertaining colleagues, each pie tells a story of comfort, tradition, and the simple pleasure of homemade goodness.

Don't feel pressured to master every recipe immediately. Start with one that resonates with you, and gradually expand your repertoire. And what we’ve learnt so far, even imperfect pies made with love taste better than store-bought perfection.

This fall, prepare your essentials and embrace the season's bounty, along with the meditative ritual of pie baking. Your kitchen will smell incredible, your family and friends will be impressed, a pie can elevate even the simplest autumnal event, and you'll have created something truly special with your own hands. After all, when everything goes fast, there's something deeply satisfying about the slow, intentional process of creating a perfect pie.

Photos from recipes' websites