Let's face it, as the Thanksgiving holiday swiftly approaches, so does the anxiety of crafting the perfect homemade dessert. Whether you're bringing it to the annual "Friendsgiving" celebration or home to see the family, there's a lot of pressure to deliver a truly sweet ending to the day's massive meal.
That's why this year, we encourage you to scrap the insipid freezer-aisle pie crust and canned filling and instead snag an elegant Thanksgiving confection that will wow your guests — and save your sanity.
Local restaurants, chefs, and bakeshops are rolling out delectable Thanksgiving treats, from whimsical pecan pastries to traditional pumpkin pie. Here are the best in Miami for decorating your holiday dinner table:
Chug's has a variety of holiday-themed pies available to go from its Coconut Grove restaurant.
Chug's Diner photo
Bachour Miami
2020 Salzedo St., Coral Gables305-203-0552
antoniobachour.com Dollops of Chantilly cream topped with chocolate mushroom-like caps garnish Antonio Bachour's stunning pumpkin tart, which boasts a pâte sablée crust. Another option is a whimsical pecan tart crowned with maple panna cotta and powdered sugar. Each tart feeds about eight to ten people. Order online for pickup through Thursday, November 23.
Beauty & the Butcher
6915 SW 57th Ave., Coral Gables305-665-9661
beautyandthebutchermiami.comJeremy Ford's Beauty & the Butcher will have a selection of holiday pies, including orange pecan, pumpkin with toasted meringue, and salted caramel apple crumble pie. They're available on the restaurant's website for preorder all month. Order online for pickup starting at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22.
Chug's Diner
3444 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove786-534-8722
chugsdiner.com For traditionalists, Chug's in Coconut Grove is offering an array of classic pies, including pumpkin with a Speculoos cookie crust, a passionfruit cream, and pecan bourbon sporting a shortbread crust and topped with Bulleit bourbon-soaked pecans. Whole pies cost $40-$80. Orders must be placed two days in advance, so call ahead for pickup. Order online and pick up at Chug's before Wednesday, November 22.
Fireman Derek's Bake Shop
2818 N. Miami Ave., Miami786-703-3623
3435 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove
786-502-2396
firemandereks.comFireman Derek's is a one-stop shop for all of your pie needs. The beloved bake shop, with locations in Wynwood and Coconut Grove, offers a slew of holiday pies. Top picks are the Miami-inspired guava berry pie, bursting with fresh fruit filling, and an outrageous pumpkin pie, made with a flour crust, spiced pumpkin filling, whipped cream, and a caramel streusel topping. Order online or in store before Thursday, November 23.
Madruga Bakery
1430 S. Dixie Hwy., Coral Gables305-262-6130
madrugabakery.com Located in the heart of Coral Gables, the rustic-bread shop Madruga Bakery offers wholesome riffs on classics. Pie options include brown butter pumpkin adorned with puff pastry leaves, a crumb-topped apple, rum-scented pecan pie brimming with toasted pecans and brown sugar, and their famous lemon polenta cake for something out of the ordinary. Pies are priced $20-$40 apiece. Order online for pickup starting Wednesday, November 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday, November 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Neighbors at 1 Hotel South Beach
2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach305-604-1000
1hotels.com/south-beach/taste/neighborsElevate your Thanksgiving feast with all your favorite flavors of the season with specialty pies to go from Neighbors, the cafe in the lobby of 1 Hotel South Beach. Options include spiced pumpkin, chocolate pecan, and apple crumble. Pies are $36 apiece. Order online through November 20, with pickup available starting at noon November 22-23.
Stubborn Seed
101 Washington Ave., Miami Beach786-322-5211
stubbornseed.comElevate your Thanksgiving dessert game with the help of Miami chef Jeremy Ford, whose Stubborn Seed has unveiled a trio of holiday pies. A choice of chocolate pecan, pumpkin, and a Parisian-style flan are available on their website for preorder. Each 9-inch pie is priced at $32. Order online and pick up at the restaurant.
Tablé by Bachour
180 NE 40th St., Miami786-842-0551
tablebachour.comFrench-trained chef Antonio Bachour, known for his visually appealing and equally delectable desserts, will also be offering fans of Tablé by Bachour in Miami's Design District neighborhood a new Thanksgiving to-go option. The modern French brasserie is preparing some delicious desserts for the holiday, including pumpkin and pecan tarts priced at $35 apiece that serve up to six slices. Pre-orders can be made by calling 786-842-0551.
