8 Healthy Pie Recipes to Serve on Thanksgiving

8 Healthy Pie Recipes to Serve on Thanksgiving

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8 Healthy Pie Recipes to Serve on Thanksgiving: Why not make this Thanksgiving a little lighter on the calories but just as rich in taste? These healthy pie recipes offer the perfect balance, ensuring you don’t miss out on the festive fun. With a few simple swaps and tricks, you can enjoy the sweetness of the holiday without compromising your health goals.

Why Opt for Healthy Pies?

  • Accommodate dietary needs: Cater to guests with specific dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance or diabetes.
  • Reduce guilt: Enjoy your favorite desserts without the usual post-meal guilt.
  • Increase nutritional value: Incorporate more nutrients and fiber into your festive feasts.

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

A Thanksgiving Staple

You can’t have Thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie. This version is not only delicious but also light on calories.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole wheat pie crust
  • 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix pumpkin puree, honey, eggs, almond milk, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
  4. Bake for about 45-50 minutes until the filling is set.
  5. Cool before serving.

2. Heart-Healthy Apple Pie

Full of Fiber and Flavor

Apples are a fantastic source of fiber, and this pie lets their natural sweetness shine through.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole wheat pie crust
  • 5-6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Method:

  1. Toss apples with lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
  2. Arrange apple slices into the crust.
  3. Cover with a lattice top if desired.
  4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 minutes.
  5. Cool and serve.

3. Decadent Vegan Chocolate Pie

A Rich, Guilt-Free Treat

This creamy, chocolatey pie is completely vegan and incredibly rich in taste.

Ingredients:

  • 1 premade oat-based pie crust
  • 2 cups cashews, soaked for 4 hours then drained
  • 1 cup coconut cream
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Method:

  1. Blend cashews, coconut cream, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  2. Pour into the crust.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
  4. Serve chilled.

4. Gluten-Free Pecan Pie

Nutty and Naturally Sweet

Pecans are packed with healthy fats and vitamins, making this pie a nutritious option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 gluten-free pie crust
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups pecans
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Method:

  1. Combine maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla, and salt.
  2. Stir in pecans.
  3. Pour into the pie crust.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes.
  5. Cool before serving.

5. Low-Sugar Blueberry Pie

Bursting with Antioxidants

Blueberries are a superfood, and this pie is a great way to enjoy their health benefits.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole wheat pie crust
  • 4 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch

Method:

  1. Toss blueberries with honey, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
  2. Pour into the crust.
  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 50 minutes.
  4. Cool before serving.

6. Refreshing Key Lime Pie

Light and Zesty

This lighter version of the classic Key lime pie is refreshing and easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 graham cracker crust (whole wheat if available)
  • 1/2 cup Key lime juice
  • 2 tsp lime zest
  • 1 can (14 oz) of fat-free sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

Method:

  1. Mix lime juice, lime zest, condensed milk, egg whites, and Greek yogurt.
  2. Pour into the crust.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
  4. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

7. Spiced Pear Pie

Aromatic and Sweet

Pears are another excellent source of fiber and a perfect base for a fall-themed pie.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole wheat pie crust
  • 4-5 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Method:

  1. Combine pears with maple syrup, spices, and cornstarch.
  2. Arrange in the pie crust.
  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
  4. Cool and serve.

8. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

Simple and Sweet

This no-bake option is perfect for those looking for a lighter, fresher alternative.

Ingredients:

  • 1 premade graham cracker crust
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Method:

  1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla, and beat until combined.
  3. Pour into the crust and chill for 3-4 hours.
  4. Top with fresh strawberries before serving.

Conclusion: A Thanksgiving to Remember

These healthy Thanksgiving pie recipes are proof that you can indulge in the holiday’s decadence without straying from your health goals. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free, low-sugar, or vegan options, there’s a pie on this list that will delight any palate and dietary need.

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