Thanksgiving Pies Without Nuts

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing comforting dishes, and ending the meal with something sweet and special. But when you or someone at the table has a nut allergy, dessert can quickly go from delightful to dangerous. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out on the season’s most iconic treat.

These nut-free Thanksgiving pie recipes are every bit as delicious and decadent as their nut-filled counterparts — just safer and more inclusive. Whether you’re baking for a child with allergies, avoiding nuts yourself, or simply want an allergy-conscious menu, these pies deliver all the flavor, texture, and festive spirit without a single nut in sight.

From classic pumpkin to caramel apple and silky chocolate, this guide brings you creative, safe, and satisfying nut-free pies that everyone at your holiday table can enjoy.

---

Why Go Nut-Free?

Nut allergies are among the most common and severe food allergies, especially in children. Even trace amounts of nuts can trigger reactions, so it’s crucial to avoid cross-contamination and choose recipes that are truly nut-free — including crusts, toppings, and fillings.

But even beyond allergies, nut-free baking offers:

• Peace of mind at gatherings and potlucks

• Kid-safe dessert options

• Simplicity and easy-to-find ingredients

• Lighter, cleaner flavors that focus on seasonal ingredients

So whether you’re planning an allergy-friendly Thanksgiving from scratch or just need safe dessert options, these nut-free pies are your go-to.

---

Classic Nut-Free Pumpkin Pie

A creamy, spiced classic that never goes out of style — and doesn’t need nuts to shine.

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) nut-free pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup evaporated coconut milk or dairy milk of choice

• Whipped topping (nut-free)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar, eggs, spices, salt, and milk until smooth.

3. Pour mixture into unbaked pie crust.

4. Bake for 50–60 minutes until filling is set and slightly puffed.

5. Cool completely before topping with whipped cream.

Why it works:
Pumpkin’s natural richness doesn’t need nuts to feel satisfying. The warm spices and silky texture make this a forever favorite.

---

Nut-Free Caramel Apple Pie

Sweet, sticky, and fragrant with cinnamon — with a golden crumble topping made without nuts.

Ingredients for Filling:

• 6–7 apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), peeled and sliced

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Ingredients for Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter or vegan butter (cubed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Toss apples with filling ingredients and let sit 10 minutes.

3. Pour into pie crust.

4. In a separate bowl, combine topping ingredients and cut butter in until crumbly.

5. Sprinkle over apples and bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Why it works:
The oat topping gives a perfect crunch without any nut-based flour or nuts. The caramelized apples are the real star here.

---

Silky Chocolate Silk Pie (No Nuts, No Eggs)

Rich, decadent, and completely nut-free — a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Crust:

• 1½ cups crushed graham crackers (check nut-free) or crushed plain cookies

• ¼ cup melted unsalted butter or coconut oil

• 2 Tbsp sugar

Filling:

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate (nut-free brand)

• 1 block (14 oz) silken tofu (trust us!)

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Whipped topping for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill.

2. Melt chocolate chips and allow to cool slightly.

3. Blend tofu, chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until creamy.

4. Pour into crust and refrigerate at least 4 hours or until set.

5. Garnish with whipped topping and chocolate shavings (optional).

Why it works:
Tofu gives an unbelievably smooth texture with no soy aftertaste. It’s rich, chocolatey, and allergen-friendly.

---

No-Bake Nut-Free Coconut Cream Pie

Fluffy, creamy, and tropical — without the need for nuts.

Crust:

• 1½ cups crushed graham crackers or cookies

• ¼ cup melted butter or oil

• 2 Tbsp sugar

Filling:

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch

• ½ tsp vanilla

• Pinch of salt

• Toasted coconut flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare crust and press into pie plate. Chill.

2. In a saucepan, whisk coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Heat until thickened, whisking constantly.

3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.

4. Pour into crust and chill at least 4 hours.

5. Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut (ensure nut-free facility if store-bought).

Why it works:
It’s light and luscious, with a creamy coconut custard that’s totally nut-free and gluten-optional depending on the crust.

---

Cranberry Pear Pie with Lattice Crust

A sweet-tart pie perfect for adding color and brightness to the dessert table.

Ingredients:

• 3 pears, peeled and sliced

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Nut-free double pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix fruit, sugar, lemon, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Let sit 10 minutes.

3. Roll out crust and place in pie pan. Add filling.

4. Add lattice top crust or full top with slits.

5. Bake 45–50 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool.

Why it works:
The tangy cranberries and sweet pears balance each other beautifully. No nuts needed to make this pie shine.

---

Apple Butter Chess Pie (Nut-Free Southern Favorite)

Custardy, spiced, and surprisingly simple — this nut-free pie is pure comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust

• ¾ cup apple butter (ensure no nut oils used)

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup melted butter

• 2 Tbsp cornmeal

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

3. Pour into pie shell and bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.

4. Cool completely before slicing.

Why it works:
It’s creamy and sweet with an old-fashioned texture — and zero nuts in sight.

Tips for Safe Nut-Free Pie Baking

• Check every label: Even crusts, chocolate, or store-bought whipped cream can be processed in facilities with nuts.

• Clean surfaces thoroughly: Avoid cross-contamination if you’ve used nuts previously in your kitchen.

• Avoid nut flours and nut milks: Stick to oat, rice, soy, coconut, or dairy options.

• Inform your guests: If you’re serving a nut-free menu, let others know to avoid bringing dishes with allergens.

• Make whipped topping from scratch: Blend coconut cream with a splash of vanilla and maple for a safe, delicious topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pies safe for tree nut and peanut allergies?
Yes, all recipes are written without peanuts or tree nuts. Always check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination if allergies are severe.

What can I use instead of almond flour in crusts?
Use oat flour, all-purpose flour, or crushed graham crackers. They make excellent crusts without any nut products.

Can I use store-bought crusts?
Yes, but check that they are certified nut-free. Some brands offer allergy-friendly options made in nut-free facilities.

Can these pies be made ahead of time?
Definitely! Most of them taste better after chilling. Pumpkin and chocolate silk pies can be made 1–2 days in advance.

Are these pies dairy-free too?
Many can be adapted. Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk options like coconut, soy, or oat milk.

---

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving dessert should be joyful, not stressful. With these nut-free pie recipes, you can offer a dessert table that feels just as festive and indulgent — without compromising on safety or flavor.

From silky chocolate pies to spiced pumpkin classics and bright fruit fillings, these allergy-conscious bakes are inclusive, impressive, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re accommodating allergies or just simplifying your menu, these pies prove that you don’t need nuts to make your holiday sweet.

So roll out that crust, turn up the oven, and bake a dessert that everyone can say yes to.

🥧🍂 Happy (Nut-Free) Thanksgiving!