# Apple pie or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving: which should you bake?

**Verdict (Apple pie vs Pumpkin pie), as of November 4, 2026: Pumpkin pie wins.**

Pumpkin pie takes Thanksgiving: it is the pie of the day, it can be made ahead, and it tastes like late November.

## Why Pumpkin pie wins

Apple pie is the better all-year pie, but on Thanksgiving pumpkin is the expected finale. It is simpler to bake, holds up a day ahead, and its spice fits the meal better than another fruit dessert.

## Head-to-head

| Category | Apple pie | Pumpkin pie | Edge |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Thanksgiving fit | Always welcome, but it is the pie of the Fourth of July as much as November. | The signature Thanksgiving dessert. The table feels incomplete without it. | Pumpkin pie |
| Flavor | Tart-sweet fruit, cinnamon and a flaky top crust. Hard to argue with. | Creamy, warmly spiced custard. Comforting, though some find it one-note. | Apple pie |
| Ease | Peeling, slicing, a lattice or top crust, and a risk of a soggy bottom. | Mix the filling, pour, bake. Canned pumpkin makes it nearly effortless. | Pumpkin pie |
| Make ahead | Best warm on the day, or reheated. | Better after chilling overnight, which frees the oven for the turkey. | Pumpkin pie |
| Toppings | Vanilla ice cream or a slice of cheddar, depending on your family. | Whipped cream is mandatory, and a dollop does a lot of work. | Even |

## The case for Apple pie

- Crowd-pleasing in any season
- Flaky double crust
- Great warm with ice cream

## The case for Pumpkin pie

- The classic Thanksgiving pie
- Easy filling, hard to mess up
- Made a day ahead, frees the oven

## FAQ

### Apple pie or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving: which should you bake?

Pumpkin pie. Apple pie is the better all-year pie, but on Thanksgiving pumpkin is the expected finale. It is simpler to bake, holds up a day ahead, and its spice fits the meal better than another fruit dessert.

### Should I pick Apple pie or Pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie. Apple pie is the better all-year pie, but on Thanksgiving pumpkin is the expected finale. It is simpler to bake, holds up a day ahead, and its spice fits the meal better than another fruit dessert.

### Is Apple pie better than Pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie comes out ahead overall. Apple pie is the better all-year pie, but on Thanksgiving pumpkin is the expected finale. It is simpler to bake, holds up a day ahead, and its spice fits the meal better than another fruit dessert. That said, Apple pie still has real strengths — see the pros lists above.

### What's the difference between Apple pie and Pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie takes Thanksgiving: it is the pie of the day, it can be made ahead, and it tastes like late November.

---

- Canonical URL: https://disordat.org/vs/apple-pie-vs-pumpkin-pie
- Verdict as of: 2026-11-04
- Debate hub: [Food & drink](https://disordat.org/debates/food)
- Cite (APA): disordat. (2026, November 4). Apple pie or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving: which should you bake? [Apple pie vs Pumpkin pie verdict]. https://disordat.org/vs/apple-pie-vs-pumpkin-pie
- Cite (MLA): “Apple pie or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving: which should you bake?” disordat, 4 Nov. 2026, disordat.org/vs/apple-pie-vs-pumpkin-pie.
- Agree or disagree? Vote at https://disordat.org/vs/apple-pie-vs-pumpkin-pie

Published by disordat (https://disordat.org): honest, dated verdicts on "X vs Y" debates. No ads, no sign-up.