15 Pies You've Never Heard Of

Flapper Pie
Photo: Sharon D. Riddell

Pie may seem straightforward, but it's one of the most versatile and creative foods out there. Pie can take on a number of flavor profiles and celebrate all kinds of ingredients, from cognac to crackers and even crawfish. Best of all, pies can take the simplest of ingredients and alchemize into rich, unforgettable tastes. Check out these lesser-known and unique pie recipes and get inspired to make one on your own.

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Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Rhubarb Pie

Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Rhubarb Pie
Alber

Saskatoon berries, also known as serviceberries, are native to North America and grow in Alaska, across western Canada, and in the western and north-central U.S. They look like blueberries but are more closely related to apples and have a sweet, nutty flavor. This pie recipe deviates from traditional Saskatoon berry pie because it incorporates rhubarb, but the addition gives the pie a nice dose of juiciness and color.

02 of 16

Cracker Pie II

Cracker Pie II
lutzflcat

Cracker pie, a non-crust pie made with meringue, nuts, and crackers originated as a "make-do recipe" during the Great Depression. It's usually made with Ritz or saltine crackers and takes on a chewy, brownie-like texture thanks to the combination of egg whites and nuts. Cracker pie may not be the prettiest pie, but it's easy, simple, and most importantly, delicious.

03 of 16

Doug's Crawfish Pie

Doug's Crawfish Pie
Rikki

Crawfish pie is a Cajun classic that usually incorporates Louisiana crawfish, celery, garlic, bell pepper, butter, and onions — in other words, it's a savory spectacle. If you've never made crawfish before, this pie is a great place to start, especially since it incorporates puff pastry shells.

04 of 16

Brandy Alexander Pie

Brandy Alexander Pie
Melanya7

The Brandy Alexander is a classic cocktail, and cognac and creme de cacao translate beautifully to the creme pie format. The result is a light, fluffy, and sweet dessert that's slightly boozy — in other words, a crowd-pleaser. Make this advance so the pie has ample time to chill and settle.

05 of 16

Carrot Pie

Carrot Pie
Photo by Tulapearl.

Carrot pie is an old-school alternative to the sweet potato and pumpkin pies that usually populate holiday spreads. It's also a great way to use up carrots that are past their prime or an abundant garden bounty. Since it has a similar flavor profile to pumpkin pie, you could also use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon.

06 of 16

Flapper Pie

Flapper Pie
Sharon D. Riddell

Despite what its name may suggest, flapper pie, a vanilla custard pie with meringue and a cinnamony graham-cracker crust, wasn't conceptualized during the 1920s — that's just when it became popular. In fact, the classic Canadian dessert dates back to the 19th century.

07 of 16

No Fail Bean Pie

No Fail Bean Pie
Barb

This traditional Muslim pie is made with navy beans, evaporated milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, and has a flavor and texture profile that's similar to sweet potato pie. Refrigerating the pie overnight will darken its color and enrich its flavors.

08 of 16

Ricotta Pie (Old Italian Recipe)

9328 Ricotta Pie Old Italian Recipe
Allrecipes

Ricotta pie is an old Italian recipe, with a super-indulgent custard filling and a sweet crust, that's traditionally served for Easter. This particular recipe yields a lot of filling, so if you're not making pie for a crowd you will probably want to half it.

09 of 16

Brown Sugar Pie I

Brown Sugar Pie decorated with leaf pastries
hncraig2011

Also known as tarte au sucre blun and Quebec sugar pie, brown sugar pie is a traditional French Canadian dessert. It has the same flavor profile as pecan pie, just without the pecans and is extremely rich despite only requiring six ingredients.

10 of 16

Old-Fashioned Cushaw Pie

Old-Fashioned Cushaw Pie

Cushaw pie looks and tastes like a pumpkin pie, but it's made with cushaw squash, which grows throughout the American south. Cushaw squash originally appeared in southern Mexico and was frequently utilized by indigenous Americans for their flesh, seeds, and flowers.

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South African Melktert (Milk Tart)

South African Melktert (Milk Tart)
Sybilann Williams

Melktert, a traditional Afrikaner dessert, is easy to prepare and is similar to buttermilk pie and flan. However, it has a higher ratio of milk to eggs, resulting in a light texture and stronger milk flavor.

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Mock Coconut Pie (Spaghetti Squash Pie)

Mock Coconut Pie (Spaghetti Squash Pie)
Linda Romens

If you've never thought to use spaghetti squash in a dessert before, we don't blame you. But don't knock it before you try it. "I thought this recipe was a joke - with a bunch of pre-teen kids giggling at the thought of somebody actually preparing it and serving it to their family," says community member Tracy L. "But I had some spaghetti squash left over from dinner and figured, what the heck. What do you know, it's delicious. I will definitely make this again and pass it along to my friends."

13 of 16

Upside-Down Apple Pecan Pie

Upside-Down Apple Pecan Pie with Caramel Drizzle
Ricky Merritt

Apple pie is anything but unusual, but serving it face-down is a great twist. For easier execution, line your pan with foil or wax paper — that way, the pecans won't stick.

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Black Bean Pie

Black Bean Pie

Meet your new favorite go-to weeknight dinner: it's easy, super affordable, and delicious — how can you not love pie for dinner? Serve with a dollop of sour cream to each slice to add richness.

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Amish Custard Cottage Cheese Pie

Amish Custard Cottage Cheese Pie
Allrecipes Trusted Brands

Don't let the cottage cheese fool you — this traditional Amish pie is shockingly easy and surprisingly sweet. This recipe is simple and versatile, and truthfully can be enjoyed anytime.

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More Inspiration:

pumpkin pie with pastry leaf cutouts on top
Pictured: Chef John's Pumpkin Pie. Vanessa Greaves
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