Thanksgiving prep is officially underway in New Jersey, and while pumpkin pie dominates tables across much of the country, Garden State families are doing things quite differently. Across the U.S., apple pie, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie round out the top picks—but in New Jersey, one specific pie rises above the rest.
New Jersey’s Favorite Pie Revealed
Cream pie takes the win for New Jersey. Its filling is smooth, rich, and pudding-like, made from milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, and then poured into a pre-baked crust to chill and set—unlike a custard pie, where the filling bakes in the crust. On top, a light layer of whipped cream adds sweetness and a soft, airy texture that makes each bite feel special. There are classic flavors like banana, chocolate, coconut, and lemon, as well as creative twists such as pistachio, peanut butter, or even Nutella and key lime. It’s lighter than pumpkin, sweeter than pecan, and perfectly creamy.
The numbers back it up. Using purchase data from 2024, Instacart tracked which pies sold the most during Thanksgiving week. Sweet potato, pumpkin, and pecan pies see some of the biggest jumps nationwide. But in New Jersey, cream pie is the real winner. While sweet potato pie orders elsewhere can jump nearly 2,700 percent on Thanksgiving Day, New Jersey families are busy snagging their cream pies well before the holiday. The day before Thanksgiving, the frenzy hits, and Garden State shoppers make sure this creamy classic lands on the table.
What Are Other States Serving Up This Thanksgiving?
Look across the country and you’ll see the contrasts right away. Out West, pumpkin pie still holds the spotlight. In the South, pecan and sweet potato are the go-tos, while the Midwest can’t get enough of French silk. Among New Jersey’s neighbors, Pennsylvania leans toward peanut butter pie, and both New York and Delaware go for coconut custard. Even within the Northeast, dessert trends shift from table to table. But here in New Jersey, we’ve carved out our own flavor lane. While most stick to the classics, we go for something with a little more personality—creamy, light, and just how we like it.
A Slice of Tradition
Part of what makes cream pie a Garden State favorite is tradition. For many families, it brings back memories of diners, Italian-American dessert tables, and holiday gatherings passed down through generations. Some households still use Grandma’s handwritten recipe—flour smudges and all. Its smooth custard, buttery crust, and whipped topping satisfy sweet cravings without overpowering turkey, stuffing, or cranberry sauce. It’s a dessert that truly brings everyone together.
Cream pie also wins for practicality. It slices easily, travels well, and holds up through long meals. Many families serve it with a little extra whipped cream or alongside a warm cup of coffee. Its light-yet-indulgent texture makes it perfect for pairing with heavier sides and keeps the dessert table feeling balanced.
Thanksgiving in New Jersey comes down to the same thing every year: family, good eats, and a few sweet treats that complete the meal. Cream pie may surprise the rest of the country, but here in the Garden State, it’s the dessert everyone looks forward to.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.