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Who doesn’t love that satisfying crack of a crisp crust followed by a burst of fruit, custard, or nutty goodness? Pies and tarts have a way of feeling both nostalgic and modern at once, like your grandma’s recipe wearing a chef’s toque. Whether you’re chasing flaky butter layers or a glossy fruit glaze, pies and tarts are versatile, shareable, and perfect for nearly any occasion — from backyard barbecues to fancy dinner parties.
If you want a show-stopping pie or a delicate, perfectly glazed tart, artisan bakeries are where technique and ingredients meet. Here are several US bakeries known for elevating these classics.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds made a name with hand-crafted, seasonal pies that often spotlight farm-fresh fruit and bold flavor combos. Expect 9-inch pies that feed 6–8 people and signature offerings like salted caramel apple or cherry with a flaky, butter-forward crust that snaps when you cut into it.
Tartine is a pastry legend for a reason: their tarts and fruit galettes highlight impeccable crust work and impeccable produce. If you’re chasing a tart with jammy fruit and a tender, cookie-like base, Tartine’s small-format tarts are worth the trip. Their approach is almost scientific — precision and patience yield an airy, buttery bite.
Small but mighty, Petee’s Pie Company specializes in classic American pies with a focus on seasonal fruit, especially cherries and peaches. Their pies are roughly 9 inches and are beloved for dense, intensely flavored fillings and a golden, hand-laminated crust that holds up slice after slice.
The Pie Hole blends comfort with creativity — think sticky-sweet maple bourbon pecan or more savory rotations. Many locations offer individual hand pies and whole pies that are ideal for single-serve indulgence or a casual party platter. Their well-balanced fillings and sturdy crusts make for easy transport and gifting.
B. Patisserie leans French in technique while staying true to seasonal American flavors. Their custard tarts, fruit tarts, and plated pastries show off a crisp shell, silky crème pâtissière, and immaculate fruit placement. If you want tart finesse rather than rustic pie charm, this is a go-to spot.
Not everyone has access to an artisan storefront, and national retailers fill that gap with consistent, crowd-pleasing options. These stores are reliable for last-minute celebrations or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Costco’s bakery pies are famous for a reason — massive 18-inch party pies and 9-inch favorites come at a price that feeds a crowd. Their seasonal pumpkin and apple pies are dense and sweet, perfect for feeding 10–12 people. If you need volume, Costco gives you size and value.
Whole Foods offers a balance of quality and convenience, with seasonal fruit tarts, pecan pies, and gluten-friendly options at many locations. Their pies often use organic ingredients and come in both whole and slice formats, making them suitable for health-minded dessert seekers who still want real flavor.
Trader Joe’s rotates seasonal pies and tart-like treats that punch well above their price point. Their mini tarts and frozen pie shells are great for DIY bakers who want a shortcut. Expect surprising flavor combos and consistent quality that’s wallet-friendly.
Walmart and Kroger stock a wide range of ready-made pies — from classic apple to key lime and chocolate cream — that are convenient, widely available, and budget-conscious. They’re ideal when you want a familiar dessert you can pick up while grocery shopping.
Choosing a pie is like picking the right song for the moment — mood matters. For large family dinners, a 9-inch pie typically feeds 6–8 people; a 10-inch will stretch to 8–10. Mini tarts and individual hand pies are the party-mixers of dessert. Think about temperature and texture: fruit pies often sing at room temperature or slightly warm, while cream and custard tarts are best chilled. And don’t forget dietary needs — look for gluten-free or vegan options if a guest has restrictions.
Summer begs for berry and peach tarts; fall leans into apple, pumpkin, and pecan. Lemon and key lime tarts feel brighter in spring and summer, while chocolate and custard pies fit cozy winter vibes. Seasonal fruit not only tastes better but often costs less and is more sustainable.
There are pies that never go out of style and tarts that turn heads. Here’s a quick cheat sheet of crowd-pleasers and why they consistently deliver.
Classic, comforting, and endlessly variable — apple pie works because its texture balances tender fruit with a crisp top crust. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a timeless match.
Pecan pie is pure indulgence: sticky, nutty, and often richly boozy. A small 9-inch pie packs a lot of calories and flavor, so a little goes a long way.
Lemon tart offers acid and brightness that cuts through heavy meals. The custard-like filling sits in a thin, crisp shell, giving you a clean finish that wakes the palate.
Fruit tarts are visual showpieces. A thin pastry base, a layer of pastry cream, and meticulously arranged seasonal fruit create a dessert that’s light and elegant — perfect for brunch or a bridal shower.
Want a showstopping pie but don’t want to be the baker for the night? Here are practical tips to make ordering painless. First, order at least 2–3 days in advance for popular bakeries — weekend slots fill quickly. If you’re ordering for a holiday, aim for a full week ahead. Ask whether the pie is best served warm or chilled so you can plan reheating or refrigeration. And when in doubt, request a half-and-half option if the bakery offers it; that way, you can please multiple palates with one 9-inch pie.
Customization is fun but can complicate logistics. If you want an unusual filling or a decorative top crust, chat with the bakery early; many bakeries are happy to accommodate but need lead time and may suggest size adjustments, like moving from a 9-inch to a 10-inch, to account for extra toppings.
Storage makes the difference between a pie that dazzles and one that’s “meh.” Fruit pies usually keep well at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4–5 days. Cream, custard, and meringue pies should be refrigerated right away and eaten within 2–3 days. To freeze a whole pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 300°F oven for 15–25 minutes to revive the crust and warm the filling.
Oven reheating at 300–325°F for about 15–20 minutes works wonders for most pies; it refreshes the crust without burning the top. For single slices, a toaster oven is a great substitute. Avoid microwaving whole pies unless you want a soggy bottom — microwaves heat unevenly and can make pastry limp.
Pie trends evolve like fashion. Right now, expect to see savory-sweet twists (think bourbon-cherry), floral accents (like lavender or rose on fruit tarts), and globally inspired fillings — imagine a matcha custard tart or a spiced cardamom pear pie. Bakeries are also experimenting with alternative crusts, such as nut-based or oat blends, to accommodate texture preferences and dietary needs.
Not every occasion requires a pastry chef. For weeknight dessert or feeding a crowd, national grocers and chains like Costco or Trader Joe’s offer solid, wallet-friendly options that deliver consistent flavor and massive value. For anniversaries, milestones, or when you want to impress, artisan bakeries — the ones that layer, chill, and proof their dough with care — are worth the splurge. Think of it like buying shoes: sometimes sneakers will do, and sometimes you want handmade leather.
If you’re traveling or ordering online, here’s a quick hit list of places to try in key markets. In New York, head to Four & Twenty Blackbirds or Petee’s Pie Company for classic, seasonal pies. In San Francisco, Tartine and B. Patisserie offer refined tarts and fruit-forward creations. Los Angeles’ Pie Hole balances comfort with innovation. For nationwide accessibility, check Costco, Whole Foods, or Trader Joe’s for dependable options that ship or are available in-store. These spots cover a range of tastes, budgets, and occasions.
Before you click “order” or walk into the bakery, ask yourself a few fast questions: How many people am I serving? Do I need a pie that travels well? Is the filling best warm or chilled? Does anyone have dietary restrictions? If you can answer those, you’re already halfway to dessert victory.
Discovering the right pie or tart is a fun mix of taste, occasion, and a little bit of planning. Whether you choose an artisan bakery masterpiece or a reliable in-store option, the goal is the same: a dessert that makes people smile and nudges conversation toward “Who made this?”
Next time you need dessert for a gathering or just crave a slice, use this guide to pick a place, size, and flavor that match the moment — and don’t be afraid to try something new. A great pie or tart is like a good joke: it lands best when shared.
Enjoy your search for the perfect crust, and happy slicing!
| Pies & Tarts | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Katz Gluten Free Mini Pies - Cherry Gluten Free Dairy Free Nut Free Soy Free Kosher 1 Pack 5 | $ 5,29 |
