Thanksgiving Cream Cheese Pecan Pie and a Messy Memory
- Lisa Kelley, Native Floridian
- Nov 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 30, 2025
Thanksgiving at our home wouldn't be the same without a delightful selection of desserts, including a scrumptious cream cheese pecan pie. Despite the messy incident I'm about to share, I encourage you to give this dessert a chance - it's truly worth it and the recipe is below.
Remembering Dad's Thanksgiving Pie Story
It’s been years since my dad passed away in 2008, but his funny stories continue to bring joy to our family each year. One memorable tale comes from November 22, 2000, when he was stationed in Japan.
The Pie Incident
Determined to celebrate with a Thanksgiving tradition, he decided to make my mom's famous pie. This pie combines the best of two favorites, cheesecake and traditional southern pecan pie. He shared the experience with us via email, recounting his humorous mishaps. His story reminds us not only of his love for family but also of the laughter that can be found in even the most unexpected situations. Each Thanksgiving, we share this story, keeping his spirit alive and honoring his memory with a smile.
"OK, I tried the pecan pie thing and boy did I make a mess! I noticed we happened to have 2 pie shells so I decided to make 2 pies. Got all the ingredients mixed up and everything was going great. I put both pies on a cookie sheet and put 'em in the oven. Okay so far! I thought about the pies being on a cookie sheet and had the bright idea to take them off and just put 'em on directly on the oven rack. Great idea, don't you think? I pulled the cookie sheet out of the oven and set the pies on top. I preceded to put the pies directly onto the oven rack one at a time. The first one went in perfectly - like an experienced baker. I grabbed the second pie and as it was headed into the over - that's when it happened!!!!!! The pie folded in half and spilled all over the oven and kitchen. No worries, I'll get this cleaned up - let me get the mop and bucket.
As I took my first few steps away from the kitchen, I was laughing at my mess. But, then it happened again! Since I live in a Japanese manor style home, no shoes are allowed in the house. Well, do you know how slippery Karo syrup, cream cheese, sugar, and pecans become when they are mixed together and suddenly on the bottom of your feet? After two steps toward the laundry room, I slipped and hit the floor. Don't worry, nothing hurt this big ole baker (that's right baker, not biker). The saving thought was that one good pie was in the oven and its gonna taste so good.
No need to worry about the kitchen mess right away, I need to take a quick shower to get this pie off of me. Once I was cleaned up, I tip-toed around the mess in the kitchen which seems to have spread in size and is everywhere. Good news is the one pie in the oven smells so good, but cleaning up syrup, sugar, and pecans is a tough job . While cleaning the floor, things start smelling different. Nonetheless, I finished up and took the cleaning supplies to the laundry room. When I returned, the kitchen it was filled with smoke! I was shocked to find that sweet pie in the oven had been cooking on the highest temperature the oven would go. You got it, I forgot to turn the knob down to 350 degrees after I lit the oven. There was nothing left to do but open the windows and doors to clear the smoke. After this experience I think it's time to give up on baking. Denise, I hope one day you'll make me a cream cheese pecan pie so I can pay close attention and take good notes.
I love you and hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving. My heart is with you all. Signed the ex-baker, Dan."
Although my Dad didn't end up with a perfect Thanksgiving Pie, I'm sure you'll do just fine with this recipe. However, maybe bake your pies on a cookie sheet. Here are some amazon affiliate links that might help you avoid my dad's mistakes.
Comments