Posted by Tastefully Simple on December 13, 2022
When it comes to the holidays, I don’t think there’s a more popular – or more beloved – dessert than fresh-baked pie.
Pumpkin. Pecan. Apple. French silk. Banana cream. Blueberry. Coconut cream. There are so many delicious varieties, and it’s safe to say that we all have our personal favorites. When I was a kid, my Norwegian grandma would even make an old-fashioned sour cream raisin pie every year for the holidays. (It was seriously delicious, though my kiddos still look at me in horror whenever I try to explain it.)
My point: pie is a wonderful tradition. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take a few time-saving shortcuts this holiday season or put your own modern spin on the classics. In fact, here are seven of our favorite ways to make a decadent dessert that’s as easy as – well – pie!
7 Delicious Pie-Inspired Desserts
1. Banoffee Pie Parfaits. I’m looking at you, Great British Baking Show fans! Inspired by a British favorite, these pretty parfaits are stacked with oatmeal crumbles, rich caramel, whipped cream and ripe bananas. Dust ‘em with cocoa powder, or grate a dark chocolate bar over the top for the perfect finishing touch.
Tip: For easy yet elegant entertaining, try serving your parfaits in wine glasses or small Mason jars.
2. Great Pumpkin Dessert. Is it pie? Is it cake? It’s honestly the best of both worlds.
You’ll love this comforting dessert filled with creamy pumpkin, cinnamon-kissed cake, crunchy walnuts and spiced whipped cream.
Tip: Since it’s baked in a 13×9-inch pan and transports easily, it’s great for holiday potlucks, too!
3. Peach Almond Dump Cake. All the deliciousness of warm peach pie – without all the fuss!
Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it bubble and bake for 3-4 hours on low. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream.
Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can bake it in a greased 13×9-inch dish at 350°F for 40-45 minutes instead. However, I love to make it in the slow cooker for entertaining, since it stays warm and doesn’t require any space in the oven.
4. Butterscotch Banana Cream Pie. Luscious salted butterscotch mousse. Buttery caramel. Fresh bananas. Topped with crunchy bits of chocolate covered-toffee, this silky layered pie is such a fun twist on traditional banana cream pie. And it’s so simple to make!
Tip: If you can’t find toffee bits in the baking aisle of your grocery store, just roughly chop a Heath® candy bar. It works perfectly!
5. Creamy Caramel Nana’s Apple Pie. Love a Dutch apple pie? Layered with juicy apples, rich caramel and a crumbly cinnamon-spiced streusel, this delightfully rustic version is ready with only five ingredients.
Tip: Not sure what type of apples to use? Try a mix of sweet and tart. Braeburn, Honeycrisp and Gala are my personal faves, but I love to mix in a Granny Smith apple or two for extra tartness.
6. Almond Boston Cream Pie. Fun fact: Boston cream pie dates back to 1856. But why is it called … well, pie … when it’s clearly a cake? Prior to the 20th century, cake pans weren’t widely available, and bakers often used pie pans when baking cakes. In some cases like this one, the name simply stuck!
So decadent and delicious, this simple version is made with rich layers of buttery pound cake and vanilla pudding, all topped with sinful chocolate ganache.
Tip: Use high-quality chocolate chips to ensure even melting for your ganache – it’s worth the splurge! My personal recommendation: Ghirardelli® milk chocolate chips.
7. French Silk S’mores Pie. If you love French silk pie but don’t love the idea of making a no-bake pie with raw eggs, welcome to a heavenly – and stress-free – alternative.
Decadent. Velvety-smooth. Filled with the rich taste of hot cocoa, pillows of whipped cream and shaved chocolate, this decadent pie is downright dreamy.
Tip: I used a graham cracker crust, but feel free to substitute a chocolate cookie crust or traditional baked shell if you’d like.
And remember, you can browse hundreds of additional dessert recipes on Tastefully Simple’s website for the holidays, too. From pies to cakes to tarts, you’re sure to find something simple and delicious – no matter how you slice it!
Happy baking, and happy holidays to you and yours!
– Jen