Where to Find the Best Thanksgiving Pies in Vermont

I have a confession to make: If I’m responsible for bringing dessert to Thanksgiving dinner, there’s a pretty good chance I’m not baking it myself.

Not when Vermont has so many talented bakers making pies that are infinitely better than anything coming out of my oven.

And while I love a traditional apple or pumpkin pie, I’m always tempted by something a little different. Maple cream? Absolutely. Pumpkin cheesecake? Yes, please. Apple cranberry crumb? Now we’re talking.

Over the years, I’ve developed some pretty strong opinions about where to find a great pie in Vermont. I’ve driven out of my way for a slice, planned stops around bakery hours and made more than a few visits to the Poorhouse Pies shed in Underhill. I have absolutely no problem admitting that their maple cream pie is one of my favorite desserts in the entire state.

If you’re looking to outsource Thanksgiving dessert this year (a decision I fully support), I’ve rounded up a handful of Vermont pie shops and bakeries worth checking out. From traditional holiday favorites to some more unusual flavors, there’s plenty to bring to the table.

One word of advice: Don’t wait until the last minute. Thanksgiving is a busy time for Vermont’s small bakeries, and popular pies tend to sell out.

Where to Find the Best Thanksgiving Pies in Vermont

Poorhouse Pies | Underhill, Vermont

If you’ve followed Travel Like a Local® Vermont for any length of time, you probably know how I feel about Poorhouse Pies.

I’m a big fan.

Tucked along Route 15 in Underhill, Poorhouse operates a self-serve pie shed where you can stop in, pick out a pie and pay using the honor system. It’s one of my favorite little Vermont traditions, and the pies are worth making a special trip for.

The Maple Cream Pie is my personal favorite and a serious contender for the best pie in Vermont. It’s rich, creamy and full of maple flavor without being overwhelmingly sweet. I’m also partial to the Pumpkin Cheesecake and Apple Cranberry Crumb, especially around Thanksgiving.

Poorhouse has historically offered a combination of Thanksgiving preorders and first-come, first-served pies during the days leading up to the holiday. If you miss the preorder window, keep an eye on their announcements for additional availability.

And if you see someone waiting for the pie shed to be restocked, there’s a decent chance it’s me.

My pick: Maple Cream Pie, followed closely by Pumpkin Cheesecake and Apple Cranberry Crumb.

Le Marché | Shelburne, Vermont

Shelburne’s Le Marché is worth considering if your Thanksgiving shopping list includes more than dessert.

The café and market has offered holiday baked goods ranging from traditional favorites to options for guests with dietary restrictions. Past Thanksgiving menus have included vegan apple pie, gluten-free pumpkin-cranberry loaf, cornbread and Parker House rolls.

I appreciate having a place where you can pick up a few things for the holiday table rather than making separate stops for dessert, bread and other baked goods.

If you’re hosting guests with different dietary needs, it’s worth checking their current holiday offerings.

What to look for: Vegan apple pie, seasonal loaves and Thanksgiving breads.

Sweet Simone’s Local favorite: Sweet Simone’s | Richmond, Vermont

Richmond’s Sweet Simone’s is another bakery to have on your Thanksgiving radar, especially if you like your holiday desserts with a little creativity.

Their past Thanksgiving selections have included Apple Cranberry, Blueberry Lemon Curd, Pumpkin Pecan Praline and Coffee Custard pies.

I love seeing bakeries put their own spin on traditional flavors. Pumpkin and pecan are Thanksgiving staples, but add praline to the mix and you’ve got my attention. And Coffee Custard is a pretty compelling alternative for anyone who isn’t particularly enthusiastic about fruit pies.

Sweet Simone’s has also offered take-and-bake buttermilk biscuits with maple butter, which might be reason enough to add a second bag to your order.

Check their holiday preorder schedule early, since Thanksgiving pickup dates and ordering deadlines can fill up quickly.

What to look for: Pumpkin Pecan Praline Pie, Coffee Custard Pie and those buttermilk biscuits with maple butter.

The Apple Barn of Vermont | Bennington, Vermont

If your family has strong opinions about which pies belong on the Thanksgiving table, The Apple Barn of Vermont in Bennington is a good place to start.

Their pie selection has included plenty of traditional favorites, along with flavors such as Fruit of the Forest, Strawberry Rhubarb, Peach, Blueberry and Cherry.

There’s something to be said for a bakery that gives you more choices than apple, pumpkin and pecan. Not everyone wants a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, and a good fruit pie is welcome at my table any time of year.

The Apple Barn is also a fun stop if you’re spending time in southern Vermont and want to pick up other locally made treats.

What to look for: Fruit of the Forest Pie, Strawberry Rhubarb and classic fruit pies.

Allen Brothers Farm | Westminster, Vermont

Allen Brothers Farm in Westminster is another great option for Thanksgiving dessert shopping, particularly if you’re feeding a crowd or need several different options.

Their bakery has offered an extensive assortment of fruit pies, cream pies, cakes, tortes and gluten-free selections.

They’ve also offered miniature fruit pies, which I think are a pretty clever solution if you’re having a smaller Thanksgiving gathering or want to sample a few flavors without committing to multiple full-sized pies.

Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from buying several full-sized pies either. Thanksgiving leftovers are hardly a bad thing.

Allen Brothers is a convenient stop in southeastern Vermont, and I’d recommend checking their holiday ordering information before making the drive.

What to look for: Fruit pies, cream pies, gluten-free options and miniature pies.

Southern Pie Cafe | Chester, Vermont

For something a little different from the usual New England pie lineup, take a look at Southern Pie Cafe in Chester.

Their Southern-inspired pie selections have included Chocolate Pecan, Sour Cream Fruit Pie and Chess Pie.

If you’ve never had chess pie, it’s a traditional Southern dessert with a sweet, rich custard-like filling. It’s a fun addition to a Thanksgiving table, particularly if you’re looking to serve something guests might not already be expecting.

I’m also a fan of the idea of Chocolate Pecan Pie. Pecan pie is already pretty decadent, so adding chocolate seems like a perfectly reasonable decision.

Chester is one of my favorite southern Vermont villages to wander around, so picking up a pie is a good excuse to spend a little extra time in town.

What to look for: Chocolate Pecan Pie, Sour Cream Fruit Pie and Chess Pie.

A Few Tips for Ordering Thanksgiving Pies in Vermont

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from shopping at Vermont’s small bakeries, it’s that you shouldn’t assume you can show up the day before Thanksgiving and find exactly what you’re looking for.

Many of these businesses make their pies in small batches, and the most popular flavors can sell out well before the holiday.

Check ordering deadlines, pickup locations and available flavors directly with the bakery. Some businesses offer preorders, while others reserve a portion of their inventory for walk-in customers.

And if you have your heart set on a particular pie, especially something like Poorhouse’s Maple Cream, I’d make a plan sooner rather than later.

Holiday menus, ordering deadlines and availability change from year to year, so be sure to confirm the current details before placing an order or making a special trip.

Give Yourself a Break This Thanksgiving and Buy the Pie

I love Thanksgiving. I love gathering around the table, eating far too much and having an excuse to enjoy a little bit of everything.

What I don’t particularly love is the idea that every single dish needs to be homemade.

Vermont is full of bakers who have spent years perfecting their recipes, and I can’t think of a better excuse to support them than Thanksgiving.

Buy the pie. Pick up the rolls. Order the biscuits. Spend the extra time with the people you’re celebrating with.

And if you happen to bring home an extra Maple Cream Pie from Poorhouse, I certainly won’t judge.

Where do you buy your Thanksgiving pies in Vermont? I’m always looking for another bakery to add to my list, especially if they make a great maple cream, apple or pecan pie.