The Unexpected Ingredient That Will Take Your Pie Crust Up A Notch

Whenever the weather turns cooler and the leaves begin to change color, you know that it's pie season. Whether you prefer the classic fall flavor of pumpkin pie or like to visit an orchard and pick your own apples to bake into a fresh, homemade apple pie, there is no denying that autumn is one of the best times of the year for pies. After all, Thanksgiving just wouldn't be the same without finishing it off by cutting into a slice of this fall staple.

According to a poll by Premise, pumpkin is the most popular holiday pie in America, with 34% of the vote. Apple pie and pecan pie nearly tied for the second most popular. No matter what kind of pie you and your family plan to bake this holiday season, there are so many different pie recipes to choose from. But with the help of some extra ingredients, you can take your pie to the next level.

While Thanksgiving tradition might mean you serve your crowd-pleasing pumpkin pie every year, you can still find a way to upgrade your desserts, using different tasty, seasonal ingredients. One such seasonal favorite is the cozy, comforting gingersnap cookie. Gingersnaps, like their famous gingerbread man cousin, combine all the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season with ginger, molasses, and winter spices like cinnamon and clove, via Gourmet Sleuth. Adding a layer of these crunchy gingersnap crumbs to your pumpkin pie crust will add a crumbly texture and deeper flavor.

However, gingersnaps are far from the only way to step up your pie crust game this holiday season. Just about any other cookie crumbs sprinkled over your crust will add some additional texture and sweetness, so don't be afraid to get creative. Nilla Wafers, Graham crackers, shortbread, and even animal crackers could all make a great pie crust crumble.

Sweet cookie crumbles aren't the only way to add a little something extra to your homemade pie crust. Salty snacks, such as pretzels, crackers, and even cereal, can add a satisfying crunch along with the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Chef and Food Network Star Jason Smith suggests adding a boozy, buttery wash to pie crusts before baking for a rich, hearty, one-of-a-kind flavor. Smith mixes ¼ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ tablespoon bourbon together, and then brushes the inside edges and bottom of the crust before baking or filling the pie shell, he told Allrecipes.

Of course, if you want to get really creative with your holiday baking, you can always upgrade your pie filling as well. According to MyRecipes, substituting classic pumpkin for spiced sweet potato, adding pears to your apple pie for some more complex flavor, or making the most of other seasonal favorites with a cranberry walnut filling, could be a great way to turn your ordinary pies into a holiday dessert that no one will be able to resist.