When Thanksgiving rolls around, dessert is the grand finale everyone looks forward to. While traditional pies often rely on butter, cream, and eggs, there’s no reason a vegan feast can’t end on a sweet and satisfying note. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, vegan Thanksgiving pies and tarts can be just as indulgent, flaky, and flavorful as their non-vegan counterparts—without any animal products.
This guide brings together inventive and comforting vegan desserts that will make your guests forget all about butter and cream. From creamy pumpkin and pecan pies to fresh fruit tarts, each recipe balances nostalgia with plant-based innovation.
Why Vegan Pies and Tarts Deserve a Spot on Your Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving is about abundance, family, and gratitude—and dessert is the moment that ties it all together. Vegan desserts embrace the same spirit while honoring kindness toward animals and the planet.
Here’s why you’ll love vegan pies and tarts this holiday season:
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They’re inclusive: Vegan recipes are perfect for guests with dairy or egg allergies and those avoiding animal products.
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They taste amazing: Plant-based ingredients bring natural sweetness, richness, and depth of flavor.
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They’re healthier: Many vegan versions use nuts, oats, and fruits in place of heavy cream or butter.
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They align with your values: You can celebrate gratitude while being kind to animals and the environment.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply exploring plant-based baking, these recipes will win hearts (and stomachs).
The Secret to Perfect Vegan Pie Crust
Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk crust—it’s the foundation of every great pie.
Vegan Pie Crust Basics:
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Fat: Use coconut oil, vegan butter, or chilled vegetable shortening. They provide flakiness without dairy.
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Liquid: Ice-cold water helps bind the dough without making it tough.
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Texture: Keep the fat in small, pea-sized chunks when mixing for a flaky crust.
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Chill before baking: Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to prevent shrinking.
A great vegan crust can rival (or even outshine) traditional versions—crisp, golden, and perfectly tender.
1. Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is the soul of Thanksgiving dessert tables. This vegan version keeps everything you love about the original—smooth, spiced filling and a buttery crust—without eggs or dairy.
Ingredients:
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1 vegan pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
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1 15-oz can pumpkin purée
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½ cup full-fat coconut milk
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp ginger
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¼ tsp cloves
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½ tsp salt
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Pour into the pie crust and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50–55 minutes until set around the edges.
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Let cool completely before slicing.
Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a perfect holiday finish.
2. Pecan Pie with a Maple Twist
Rich, sticky, and indulgent—pecan pie gets a plant-based upgrade here with maple syrup instead of corn syrup and a creamy base made from coconut and flaxseed.
Ingredients:
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1 vegan pie crust
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1 ½ cups chopped pecans
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¾ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut cream
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2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water
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2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Mix flaxseed and water, let sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
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In a bowl, whisk maple syrup, coconut cream, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
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Stir in flax mixture and pecans.
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Pour into crust and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until set.
The result? A gooey, nutty pie that feels decadent but aligns with your vegan lifestyle.
3. Apple Cranberry Tart with Oat Crumble
If you love fruit-forward desserts, this tart combines classic Thanksgiving flavors in every bite. Sweet apples and tart cranberries complement a crisp oat crust and crumble topping.
Ingredients:
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2 large apples, thinly sliced
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1 cup fresh cranberries
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp cinnamon
Crumble Topping:
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½ cup rolled oats
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¼ cup flour
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3 tbsp coconut oil
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2 tbsp brown sugar
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Mix fruit filling ingredients and set aside.
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Press pie dough or oat crust into a tart pan.
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Pour in fruit mixture and sprinkle crumble on top.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
This dessert is as beautiful as it is flavorful—perfect for a centerpiece dish.
4. Vegan Chocolate Silk Pie
Creamy, rich, and totally indulgent, this chocolate pie will make even non-vegans swoon. Silken tofu gives the filling a smooth, mousse-like texture.
Ingredients:
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1 prepared vegan pie crust (graham or chocolate)
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12 oz silken tofu, drained
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1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
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Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave.
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Blend tofu, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
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Add melted chocolate and blend again.
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Pour into crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Top with coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.
5. Rustic Pear and Almond Tart
This elegant dessert is deceptively simple. The natural sweetness of ripe pears meets the nutty richness of almond cream in a flaky vegan crust.
Ingredients:
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1 vegan pie crust
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3 ripe pears, thinly sliced
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½ cup almond flour
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3 tbsp maple syrup
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2 tbsp vegan butter
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1 tsp almond extract
Directions:
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Mix almond flour, butter, syrup, and extract to form a paste.
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Spread almond filling onto the crust.
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Arrange pear slices in a circular pattern.
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Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes until golden.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style finish.
6. Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Streusel
If you’re looking for a Southern-inspired twist, sweet potato pie is a must. This version adds a crunchy pecan topping for extra texture and warmth.
Ingredients:
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1 vegan pie crust
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2 cups mashed sweet potato
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½ cup coconut milk
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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2 tbsp cornstarch
Pecan Streusel:
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½ cup chopped pecans
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¼ cup flour
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3 tbsp coconut oil
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2 tbsp brown sugar
Directions:
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Blend filling ingredients and pour into crust.
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Mix streusel and sprinkle over top.
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Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
The soft, spiced filling and crunchy topping make it unforgettable.
Tips for the Best Vegan Pie Results
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Chill before slicing: Vegan pies often need a few hours to set, especially custard-style fillings.
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Use high-fat coconut milk or cream: It adds richness to replace heavy dairy.
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Don’t overwork your crust: Keep it cold and handle it gently for that perfect flake.
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Bake until golden: A golden crust and set filling mean the flavors are concentrated and balanced.
These tips ensure your vegan Thanksgiving desserts look and taste like something from a professional bakery.
Creative Serving Ideas
Turn your pies and tarts into a dessert spread that will wow guests:
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Mini Pies or Tartlets: Great for portion control and variety.
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Whipped Toppings: Offer coconut or almond whipped cream options.
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Fruit Garnishes: Add fresh berries, citrus zest, or sugared cranberries for decoration.
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Mix and Match: Serve slices of pumpkin, chocolate, and apple tarts so everyone can try a bit of everything.
The key is balance—mix flavors, textures, and colors to create visual and culinary harmony.
Make It Ahead: Stress-Free Thanksgiving Baking
Planning a big meal can be overwhelming, so make your desserts early.
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Pie crust: Can be made and frozen weeks ahead.
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Fillings: Prepare the day before and refrigerate.
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Fully baked pies: Most can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days or frozen for longer.
Doing this means you can focus on enjoying your guests—and your dessert—without last-minute stress.
Pairing Ideas: Drinks That Complement Vegan Desserts
To round out the evening, offer beverages that highlight your pies’ flavors.
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Pumpkin or sweet potato pie: Pair with spiced chai or oat milk latte.
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Chocolate silk pie: Perfect with strong coffee or red wine.
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Fruit tarts: Try sparkling cider or herbal tea.
Each pairing enhances the cozy, festive vibe of the holiday.
Keep the Celebration Compassionate
A vegan Thanksgiving isn’t just about food—it’s about gratitude and mindful choices. Baking these pies and tarts reflects care for both people and the planet. It’s about tradition reimagined through kindness and creativity.
If you love expressing your vegan values year-round, check out The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. They’re soft, stylish, and a great reminder that living compassionately can look and feel good too.
Final Thoughts: Vegan Sweetness That Everyone Will Love
Thanksgiving desserts don’t need butter or cream to feel luxurious. These vegan Thanksgiving pies and tarts deliver all the warmth, nostalgia, and indulgence of the season—flaky crusts, silky fillings, and bold flavors that celebrate nature’s bounty.
Whether you’re hosting your first vegan Thanksgiving or just looking to add a few dairy-free options, these recipes prove that compassion and flavor belong together. So preheat the oven, roll out that crust, and get ready to serve sweet traditions reinvented—plant-based, inclusive, and absolutely delicious.