Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when we gather with loved ones, cozy up by the fireplace, and indulge in all things delicious. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother in her sunny kitchen, the atmosphere rich with the aroma of sweet spices and buttery crusts. She would always have a pie cooling on her windowsill, and I could hardly wait for it to be sliced. From pumpkin to pecan, every pie held a special place in our hearts and on our tables. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful twist on classic holiday pies that will elevate your festive gatherings to new heights.
Introducing my Holiday Pie Recipes with a Twist! This collection is all about mixing traditional flavors with unexpected ingredients, creating pies that are comforting yet adventurous. Whether you’re looking to impress your holiday guests or simply enjoy a slice (or two) on a cozy evening at home, these recipes will become your new favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique flavor combinations that will surprise and delight your taste buds!
- Easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Great for any occasion, from holiday parties to intimate family dinners.
- Fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas.
- Good for sharing (and we all know sharing is the best part of the holidays!).
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for your Holiday Pies with a Twist:
For the Spiced Apple Sage Pie
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (fresh is key for flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 store-bought pie crust (or your favorite homemade crust)
- 1 egg for egg wash
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Hazelnut Pecan Pie
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 store-bought pie crust (or your favorite homemade crust)
- Sea salt for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Spiced Apple Sage Pie
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is so important for a perfectly baked crust!
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples, sugar, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and salt. Make sure every apple slice is coated in that glorious mixture. It should smell heavenly!
- Fill the crust: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a bit heaped; the apples will shrink while baking.
- Top it off: If you like, you can place a second crust over the filling and cut vents for steam to escape. If you’re feeling fancy, cut out some shapes with cookie cutters for a festive touch!
- Brush the pie: Beat the egg and use it to brush the top crust for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake away: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it! If the edges start browning too much, cover them with foil.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the pie sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This is the hardest part — the smell will drive you wild!
Making the Chocolate Hazelnut Pecan Pie
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) — you’re going to want it toasty for this pie!
- Combine the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until it’s nice and smooth. Then, stir in the hazelnut spread until fully combined. Next, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, adjusting the pecans as needed so they’re evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle with salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt over the filling adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness!
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set. You want it to have a slight jiggle but not be overly liquid. A toothpick should come out relatively clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour. This pie is equally delicious served warm or at room temperature, especially with a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tips & Variations
Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists you can try:
- Spiced Apple Sage Pie: Add a touch of caramel sauce drizzled over the top after baking for an extra indulgent experience. You can also try swapping in pears for a different flavor!
- Chocolate Hazelnut Pecan Pie: For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in the filling. You can even add mini chocolate chips for an extra decadent bite!
- For a gluten-free crust, try using almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free pie crust. It’ll add a lovely nutty flavor!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your holiday pies, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing a slice of the Spiced Apple Sage Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing it to melt slightly and soak into the warm pie. For the Chocolate Hazelnut Pecan Pie, a dollop of freshly whipped cream topped with a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts is nothing short of divine.
These pies are perfect as a stand-alone treat or served as the grand finale of a festive meal. They look stunning on any dessert table, and your guests will be talking about them long after the last bite has been savored.
Storage Tips
I know the struggle of wanting to keep your delicious creations fresh. Here are my go-to storage tips:
- To refrigerate: Cover your pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld together beautifully during this time!
- To freeze: If you plan to enjoy your pie later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil; it’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Just remember to label it, so you won’t forget what delightful surprise is waiting for you!
- To reheat: When it’s time to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will refresh that crispy crust and get those flavors singing again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for the Spiced Apple Sage Pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and structure, feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for added sweetness and texture!
What if I don’t have hazelnut spread for the Chocolate Hazelnut Pecan Pie?
No worries! You can substitute with almond butter or peanut butter for a different nutty flavor, or leave out the nut spread altogether and just go old-school with a classic pecan pie.
Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Yes! Both pies can be made one day ahead. Just store them properly in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests when the time comes.
Are these pies suitable for dietary restrictions?
Great question! For the Spiced Apple Sage Pie, you can easily use a gluten-free crust. The Chocolate Hazelnut Pecan Pie can be made gluten-free as well by choosing a gluten-free crust option, and both can be adjusted for lower sugar by using natural sweeteners if that’s a concern. Always read labels to be sure they meet your dietary needs!
Conclusion
There you have it, my lovely friends! Two delightful Holiday Pie Recipes with a Twist that are sure to make your holiday gatherings a little more special. I can’t wait to hear how your baking adventures go! Share your creations in the comments, and let’s spread the joy of delicious pies together. Wishing you all a warm and joyous holiday filled with love, laughter, and, of course, pie!
Print
Delicious Holiday Pie Recipes with a Twist for Unique Celebrations
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover unique holiday pie ideas that add a twist to your celebrations Try these tasty recipes for unforgettable festive desserts Celebrate with flavor
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Delightful holiday pie recipes stirring classic flavors with unique ingredients for a festive twist, perfect for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: holiday pie, spiced apple pie, chocolate pecan pie, dessert recipes, festive baking





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