Fall Ins-PIE-ration: A Dazzling Array of Autumn Pie Recipes

Cool weather calls for cozy food, and nothing satisfies quite like perfect autumn pie recipes. A warm, buttery homemade pie crust paired with any number of fillings, from baked apples and creamy pumpkin to cranberry-pecan and creamy pomegranate, is comfort food at its very best.

Photo via Bluprint instructor Evan Kleiman

Looking for some inspiration to kick-start a fall pie-baking bonanza? Here’s a collection of beautiful and delicious fall pies is bound to inspire, delight, and work up an appetite.

Photo via Ashley Rodriguez

Classic apple pie:

It’s not fall without an apple pie. This one is the complete pie package: apple slices are stacked high and encased in a buttery hug of warm, flaky crust. Baked to perfection, the crust is lightly crispy and the apple slices warm and yielding. Recipe here.

Photo via Family Feedbag

Fall apple pie:

For an apple pie with an artistic flair, consider a decorative crust. This one is expertly created with pie crust leaf cutouts tinted with milk and food coloring for a festive fall leaf color motif.  The pie, featured on the blog Family Feedbag, features vinegar in the crust, which prevents “gluten strands from forming and making the pastry tough,” according to blogger Amy Bronee. Recipe here.

Photo via Bluprint member mila-cat

Apple rose pie:

Dress up your apple pie in a clever way. Instead of a decorative pie crust, top the pie with rolled apple slices for a lovely presentation of this quintessential fall treat. View project here.

Photo via Lauren Weisenthal for Serious Eats

Butternut squash pie:

Mellow squash flavor has a decadent and creamy texture in this pie, which takes a “less is more” approach with spices, according to blogger Lauren Weisenthal, with a light melange of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. A perfect pairing with a pumpkin spice latte. Recipe here.

Photo via Lauren Weisenthal for Serious Eats

Pumpkin pie:

Sometimes, plain ol’ pumpkin pie is just the perfect choice. Here’s a particularly nice version of it, with pumpkin puree, evaporated milk and, of course, all those tasty spices that make this pie nice. Recipe here.

Photo via Minty Chai

Fig mascarpone tart:

Technically, this one isn’t a pie — it’s a tart — but it’s so tasty that it deserves a spot. Cream cheese, honey and mascarpone make up the creamy center of this tart, which is anchored by an almond-scented crust and a topping of fat, fresh figs. A fresh but subtle taste of fall. Recipe here.

Photo via CakeSpy for Peanut Butter & Co.

Pecan-cranberry pie in a maple-peanut-butter crust:

Pecan pie, cranberry sauce, peanut butter cookies are all tasty vittles, but they’re even better when all combined together in pie form. A pecan pie filling is studded with tart cranberries and encased in a peanut butter cookie crust. Oh, is it ever good. Recipe here.

Photo via CakeSpy

Pomegranate mousse pie:

You probably don’t think of cold and creamy pies right away when you think of fall desserts. Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate, though, because pomegranate mousse pie is a cool and creamy taste of fall. The creamy mousse is somewhat startling in its delightful tartness, which is a wonderful contrast to the creaminess. Recipe here.

Photo via Blondie and Brownie

Gruyère-pear pie:

Inspired by the adorable gone-but-not-forgotten show Pushing Daisies, this Gruyère-pear pie is not only fun to say but highly tasty to eat. Delicate poached pairs are paired with thick, gooey cheese for a sweet-savory mixture that is warming and cozy. Recipe here.

Now that we’ve covered perfect pie flavors for fall, here are some creative ways to elevate your pies this season!

Leaf Edge photo via Bluprint member Quiltedwings

Decorative leaf edge:

Regardless of what your favorite fall pie recipe is, it’s bound to look adorable with a decorative crust. This leaf edge is made from layering cutouts of crust along the edge, making for a simple but very sweet way to make your pie as lovely as it is delicious.

Photo via CakeSpy

Pie pops:

They are easy to make: cut the pie crust into small circles, and spear half of them with skewers or lollipop sticks on top. Fill in the center with any pie filling that would normally be baked, and adhere a second circle on top. Bake until golden. Recipe here.

Note: They will take considerably less time to bake than a full pie.

Pie shake:

If you have the unusual problem of leftover pie (hey, it could happen), why not make a pie shake? It’s an easy dessert to make, and it’s bound to delight. Recipe here.

Or, If you prefer the taste of cake…

Photo via Sweet on Cake

Cake that looks like pie:

Of course, if you like the look of pie but prefer the taste of cake, you could always use your cake decorating skills to create a cake that looks like a pumpkin pie! This tricky trompe-l’oeil treat, created by Sweet on Cake, is guaranteed to fool many eyes!

It’s no secret that a perfect crust is the foundation for an outstanding pie. Learn how to make light and flaky crusts in the Bluprint class Perfecting the Pie Crust. For more fall cooking inspiration, see our posts on fall canning recipes.

What is your favorite fall pie?