OOver the weekend, I bought myself a pumpkin spice candle. And even though the temps are still pushing 90 here in Austin, when I’m sitting at my desk with those warm, spicy scents keeping me company, I’m fully in a fall state of mind. Which is why it felt like the perfect time to share one of my favorite seasonal rituals: the pie-baking party.
Since my mom happens to be an expert pie baker, I called her over a few years ago to get all her best Thanksgiving pie tips so I’d be ready for baking success. With Phoebe by my side, our first annual pie party—and a new family tradition—was born.
This concept is such a fun excuse to gather a few family members before the holidays—or rally your girl gang for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen. All you need is a couple of great family recipes (my mom’s famous buttermilk pie and maple pecan are linked below), a few simple ingredients, and a good playlist. Oh, and maybe some mulled wine.
Scroll on for our favorite tips for baking success, plus a few ways to make your pie party extra special.
1. Set the Scene
Think of your pie baking party as a fall gathering that’s as much about the atmosphere as the baking itself. The goal? Create a space where everyone feels relaxed, inspired, and ready to make a (little) mess together.
Start by setting a warm tone the moment guests walk in: light a few candles, cue up a jazz or acoustic playlist, and let the scent of cinnamon or apple simmer on the stove. Clear your counters so there’s plenty of workspace, and if you have an island or dining table, turn it into a shared prep zone with mixing bowls, rolling pins, and floured surfaces.
For a beautiful but low-effort touch, drape a linen tablecloth and set out aprons in coordinating tones—earthy neutrals or deep autumn hues feel instantly inviting. Add small bowls of pre-measured spices, and maybe a few jars of dried flowers or branches for a simple fall centerpiece.
- Light candles or simmer a pot of cider with cinnamon sticks.
- Queue up a mellow playlist (jazz, acoustic, or classic fall tunes).
- Set out aprons, rolling pins, and prepped crusts at each station so everyone can dive in.
Tip: I love serving mulled wine or spiced tea—it keeps the vibe festive without feeling fussy.
2. Choose a Mix of Recipes
The best pie-baking parties strike a balance between nostalgic favorites and new discoveries. Think of your menu as a mix of classics and creative twists, so there’s something for every baker’s skill level.
Start with one signature pie that everyone can bake together—pumpkin, apple, or pecan are all perfect fall options. Then, invite guests to bring a family recipe or a personal favorite to share. It sparks storytelling (“this one’s from my grandmother’s handwritten cookbook”) and lets each person shine.
If you’re hosting a larger group, divide pies by type so there’s variety—fruit-based, custard, nut, and even a savory option like butternut squash galette or tomato tart. Print or handwrite recipe cards for each pie so guests can follow along and take one home.
And don’t forget to plan for downtime: while pies bake, set out small bites like nuts, cheese, or spiced popcorn, and create a cozy spot to gather with drinks and chat.
- Choose one signature pie (like gingersnap pumpkin or maple pecan) for everyone to make together.
- Invite each guest to bring one family recipe to share—it sparks conversation and nostalgia.
- Print or handwrite recipe cards so everyone can take one home.
My mom’s buttermilk pie is always on our list—it’s foolproof and tastes like home.
3. Simplify the Crust
My mom’s secret is… just use store-bought! After many attempts, we’ve realized that store-bought crust can be just as good as homemade. It’s totally delicious and so much easier. Just make sure to thaw the crust in the fridge before you’re ready to use it, then keep it chilled.
4. Stock Up on Baking Essentials
Before you invite friends to bake together, grab your flour, sugar, and more butter than you think you’ll need—plus whatever filling (hello, 100% pure canned pumpkin) and frozen crusts you’re planning to use.
Tip: Make the day smooth and stress-free by setting up your kitchen in stations.
- Ingredient bar: flour, sugar, spices, eggs, butter, pie fillings.
- Rolling station: cutting boards, rolling pins, pastry brushes.
- Topping zone: cookie cutters, stencils, and zesters for garnish.
Some basics can be surprisingly hard to find right before the holidays, so buying them early ensures you’re prepared for spontaneous pie-baking sessions all season long.
5. Master the Blind Bake
If you’re making a custard-based pie (like pumpkin or buttermilk), blind baking the crust first helps keep it flaky and crisp. It sounds fancy, but “blind baking” just means baking the crust before adding the filling.
Here’s how to do it:
- Fit your unbaked pie crust into your pie dish.
- Line it with parchment or foil.
- Fill it with something heavy to weigh it down—like dried beans.
- Bake until the edges start to turn golden, then remove the beans and bake for a few more minutes so the bottom browns slightly.
In about 15 minutes, you’ll have a perfectly prepped crust ready for filling.
Blind baking prevents soggy bottoms and ensures your pie looks (and slices) perfectly.
6. Make It Beautiful
My mom always keeps fresh nutmeg on hand and adds a fine dusting of it to her pies using a microplane grater. Ditto for orange zest on a pumpkin pie or lemon zest tossed with apples before baking—it’s that touch of brightness that makes the warm flavors of fall really sing.
Use small cookie cutters to make decorative leaves or hearts for topping your pie. Brush with egg wash and bake separately until golden.
You can also use cookie cutters to create seasonal shapes from extra dough—think leaves, pumpkins, or stars. Brush them with a little egg wash, bake until golden, and use them to decorate your pies. It’s a simple way to make your dessert feel festive (and they make great snacks while you bake).
Create Fall Memories That Last
Memory-making is really the whole point of a pie-baking party. Spending an afternoon every year with my mom and my daughter is one of those multigenerational moments that made me so grateful for family—and a reminder that it’s up to me to create traditions for my kids.
There’s something special about being in the kitchen together: making something delicious to share, swapping pie tips, telling stories. Go ahead and bust out the matching aprons, find your grandmother’s old cookbook, and lean into every tradition you can remember—or create new ones. And don’t forget to take a few photos. It’s a simple ritual that just might become a family tradition for you, too.
This post was last updated on October 29, 2025, to include new insights.
