Beyond Pumpkin Pie — Where To Find Creative Thanksgiving Desserts

Virginia peanut pie, Trickling Springs buttermilk pie, chocolate pumpkin bread pudding and more this way.

by Eater Staff Nov 19, 2014, 3:04pm EST

View as Map

Bayou Bakery Virginia peanut pie

| Courtesy of Bayou Bakery

by Eater Staff Nov 19, 2014, 3:04pm EST

Anyone with a serious sweet tooth knows that digging into thick slices of pie is a reward for entertaining family and dutifully eating green bean casserole during the holidays.

So here's a round up of some of the area's more mouthwatering and distinctive desserts this Thanksgiving. Buttermilk, bourbon and cayenne all make an appearance on this list. Some are sold only sold via carryout, while others are part of prix-fixe Thanksgiving meal or available a la carte. In any case, be prepared to let out the belt up a couple of notches and don't expect to find the usual pumpkin or pecan pie here.

—Julekha Dash

Bayou Bakery

Copy Link

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington is offering carryout pies that appeal to dessert lovers who like a blend of sweet and savory flavors. The bacon & cayenne pie ($24) is made with Benton's Bacon from Tennessee, Georgia pecans and cayenne in a cream cheese pie crust. The pecans are from Pearson Farm, which also supplies Per Se and The French Laundry. The Virginia peanut ($20) pie roasts local peanuts and blends with salt, vanilla and cayenne.

1515 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 243-2410

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cork Market & Tasting Room

Copy Link

The Thanksgiving carryout menu at Cork Market & Tasting Room in Logan Circle features several desserts that can be purchased separately. They include the salted caramel pecan shortbread tart ($32), apple crostata with cinnamon crème fraiche ($28) and a bourbon pumpkin cheesecake with graham cracker crust ($40). The cheesecake is made with pumpkins that are roasted with spices and mixed with cream cheese, goat cheese and bourbon.

Open in Google Maps

1805 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 265-2674

Visit Website

Northside Social - Coffee & Wine

Copy Link

Northside Social is offering two 9-inch pies that don’t contain a whiff of pumpkin or pecan. There’s the pear and sour cherry pie with walnut crumb topping, and a Trickling Springs buttermilk pie, made with buttermilk from the Pennsylvania creamery. Both are $24.

Open in Google Maps

3211 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 465-0145

Visit Website

Pinea at W Washington D.C.

Copy Link

If you’re dining out on Thanksgiving, The W Washington DC hotel’s Pinea restaurant is offering a chocolate bombe as one of its three dessert options. It features a pistachio mousse inside and a cocoa nib and feuilletine crust and tangerine crust and is part of its $85 Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu.

Open in Google Maps

515 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 661-2400

Visit Website

Ardeo + Bardeo

Copy Link

Cleveland Park’s Ardeo+Bardeo is serving several non-traditional desserts on Thanksgiving as part of its $45, three-course menu. Highlights include buttermilk doughnuts with bourbon-apple butter and maple mascarpone, a pumpkin Arborio rice pudding with fruit compote and candied walnut, as well as a Meyer lemon cake with citrus olive oil and dark chocolate ice cream.

3311 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

(202) 244-6750

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar

Copy Link

For diners who just want eat dessert on its own, Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar in Capitol Hill offers a la carte options. Sonoma is serving a chocolate pumpkin bread pudding, served warm and drizzled with a sweet walnut maple glaze and with a cinnamon-star anise gelato ($9).

223 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 544-8088

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Lyon Hall

Copy Link

For another a la carte option, try Lyon Hall. Desserts at the restaurant include chocolate maple pot de creme with candied pecans and orange blossom Chantilly cream ($7.95) and a pear hazelnut torte ($7.50) with Nutella ice cream and bittersweet chocolate sauce. Guests can also order the desserts as part of a three-course meal for $44.95.