With Thanksgiving around the corner, families across the U.S. are preparing to gather and celebrate with classic holiday dishes—and for many, dessert is the main event.
But although pumpkin pie is often seen as the quintessential Thanksgiving treat, it doesn't top the list in every state.
A survey by GE Appliances of more than 1,500 people across all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. has found each states' favorite flavor of Thanksgiving pie.
The findings revealed a range of tastes, from classic pumpkin to pecan, and highlighted a few surprises.
Newsweek has compiled the findings into a map, so you can find out what the most popular Thanksgiving pie is in your state.
The Top Pies Across the Country
Why does pie popularity differ from state to state? Newsweek spoke to Lucy Long, who holds a Ph.D. in folklore and folklife from the University of Pennsylvania and who runs the nonprofit Center for Food and Culture, who said: "Pies in different regions would have used the natural resources found there and would reflect the ethnic and cultural identity of the people there.
"We still see some regional pie traditions that connect to those histories—pecan and peach pie in the South since pecans and peaches tend to grow there, berry pies in areas where wild berries are prevalent, and so on. Apple pie tends to be "all-American" and found throughout the country because apples were brought by early Western European colonists and spread with them, initially for use as hard cider, but also became a symbol of civilization."
Long said colonists in New England found pumpkin being grown by indigenous groups. She said: "Pumpkins were versatile as sweet or savory and could be stored easily (usually dried in strips) so became a staple of the early diet.
"When Thanksgiving was being invented as a national meal in the mid-1800s, New England was presented as the origin of the nation, helping establish the myth of the nation being founded by white European Protestants looking for religious freedom. The pumpkin would most likely have been stewed, possibly with meat, but pies reflected British heritage and were a common staple in better-off households."
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie continues to be the preferred Thanksgiving dessert in many parts of the U.S., especially across the Midwest and Western states, and is the most popular Thanksgiving pie across the country.
This pie features a creamy filling seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, often evoking nostalgic fall flavors. Its smooth texture and mildly spiced taste make it a popular choice for Thanksgiving gatherings, and it's a frequent favorite both for homemade and store-bought holiday treats. Pumpkin pie's ease of preparation and compatibility with whipped cream or ice cream make it a reliable choice for many families.
Speaking to why pumpkin is so popular, Long said: "I think it's a continuation of the association of New England traditions as the foundation of American culture as well as some other factors.
"It tends to be seasonal, which makes it special and automatically evokes the feasting that goes along with this time of year. It tends to be fairly bland, but can be "dressed up" to be very special and to fit different tastes."
Long added: "It possibly seems like a healthier choice than some of the other more sugary pies available—particularly, the Snickers or Mars bars pies and ones of that sort that can be found where I live in the Midwest."
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is the leading dessert choice in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Known for its gooey filling made with brown sugar, corn syrup, and a layer of crunchy pecans, this pie is both sweet and nutty.
The popularity of pecan pie in these states is closely tied to the region's pecan harvest, with many families using locally sourced pecans for a rich holiday dessert. Its deeply sweet flavor and caramelized texture make pecan pie a staple in Thanksgiving celebrations throughout the South.
Apple Pie
In the Northeast, states including Maine, New York, and Massachusetts favor apple pie as their go-to Thanksgiving dessert. Apple pie brings a balance of tart and sweet, with spiced apples encased in a flaky, buttery crust.
Traditionally flavored with cinnamon and sometimes a hint of nutmeg, apple pie is often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Its broad appeal and versatility make it a popular option, particularly in the fall when many states enjoy apple harvest season, making this dessert a natural choice for Thanksgiving tables in the Northeast.
A Tie for Apple and Pecan Pies in the Southeast
Some states in the Southeast, such as Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, showed a close preference for both apple and pecan pies, with pumpkin pie notably less popular. This divide underscores regional traditions where both apple and pecan flavors are well-established in holiday baking. Families in these states often enjoy a mix of sweet apple and rich pecan flavors with pies that reflect the South's culinary heritage.
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