Kowalski’s Markets offers whole or half pies, plus slices, in a variety of flavors. Consider bringing a new flavor to the table: Cherry Pie. Photo: Kowalski’s Markets
Thanks to local bakeries, the pie is the limit this holiday season.
Turkey might take center stage during the holidays, but one might argue that pie is the real star of the show. Woodbury Magazine has previously suggested ideas for taking stress off the table—such as plans for outsourcing the main dishes of a holiday feast—but why should dessert be excluded? This year, we keep it classic and invite readers to discover delicious pie options from local cottage bakers, dining establishments and grocers.
Dorothy Ann Bakery’s TCL Pumpkin Pie is one of 15 flavors offered. Photo: Dorothy Ann Bakery & Cafe
“Thanksgiving is one of our busiest holidays; we literally make thousands of pies for order,” says Mara Martens of Dorothy Ann Bakery & Cafe. The bakery features nearly 15 flavors during the holiday season, including its TCL Pumpkin Pie, which was “featured on Twin Cities Live [and is] our pumpkin pie frosted in cinnamon whipped cream, drizzled with caramel and garnished with crushed Grandma Vickie’s Ginger Snaps, and finished with a gingersnap and fondant tree,” Martens says. Thanksgiving and Christmas orders open around October 1, and pick-ups are available from November 23–24 and December 23–24; place orders online at shop.dorothyannbakery.com.
Stick with the traditional pumpkin pie or discover an array of unique flavors at Keys Cafe & Bakery. “Our pies stand out because they are all made in-house and from scratch, using only the best local ingredients,” co-owner Amy Mahowald says. Aside from pumpkin, options include three apple varieties (caramel, Dutch or regular), Banana Cream, Blueberry, Cherry, Coconut Cream, Candy Pies, French Silk, Key Lime, Mince Meat, Rhubarb, Straw/Rhubarb and Pecan. Thanksgiving orders open mid-October and continue until the week prior to the holiday or once its quota is reached; pick-up is available November 23–26. Christmas orders are from November 30–December 20 or once its quota is reached; pick-up is from December 21–24. Call the Woodbury location at 651.731.5397 to place an order.
Visit Kowalski’s Markets for from-scratch pies. Whole pies, half-pies and slices are available in flavors such as Blueberry, Cherry, French Silk, Honeycrisp Apple, Key Lime, Lemon Meringue, Pecan, Pumpkin and Strawberry Rhubarb pies. “We’ve been making the same recipe for pumpkin pie for 25 years, and it’s fantastic,” says Sarah Stevenson, bakery merchandiser. Look toward its pastry case for mini pies that serve 1–2. Stevenson notes that it’s currently working on two gourmet pie options that elevate any holiday meal. As December rolls in, it offers a Merry Mint Pie—a cream pie, featuring chocolate and mint. Orders can be placed online at kowalskis.com, by calling 651.313.6870 or visiting local Kowalski’s Markets. Place Thanksgiving orders by November 22 to be picked up between November 23–25. Place Christmas orders by December 20 to be picked between December 23 and 4 p.m. December 24.
The French Silk Pie is a favorite for Lunds & Byerlys customers. Photo: Lunds & Byerlys
The classics are on deck at Lunds & Byerlys. “All of our pies are 9-inch round and are made without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives,” director of bakery Amy Fouks says. There are more than 15 flavors, including Apple or Pumpkin pies and Caramel, French or Mint French Silk pies; “Our single-crust pies are made with old-fashioned lard, which is the way Grandma used to make them—it makes for a perfect crust to hold the sweet fillings,” she says. Pumpkin tops the list for Thanksgiving, while French Silk takes the cake in December. Customers can call ahead to set aside a specific flavor; otherwise, pies are available in store for purchase. Lunds & Byerlys is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and closes at 4 p.m. Christmas eve.
Mama Bear’s Sweets only offers pies in November. The Apple Pie is a popular choice. Photo: Chris Emeott
Katie Hill of Mama Bear’s Sweets might be known for her cakes and cookies, but the in-home cottage baker offers pies for a few limited weeks in November. “I really love creating homemade pies bursting with flavor to go with holiday meals,” Hill says. “It’s been a tradition of mine to have pies at holiday gatherings in November. I am blessed to be able to help others offer pies at their special events.” Flavors include Apple Pie, Caramel Apple Crumble, various hand pies, Key Lime Pie and Pecan Pie. Pies are available to order at mamabearssweetsmn.com from November 9–24, and prices range from $25–$35. All orders must be picked up by November 25.
Pie is the name of the game for Kenneth Haberman of North Star Pie Company. Haberman started his in-home cottage bakery about five years ago. “Prior to that, I baked and sold pies for 10 years at an apple orchard that my wife and I owned,” he says. Consider Apple or Apple Streusel pies, or switch it up with an Apple Bar Pie. Dazzle guests with a Bumbleberry With Rhubarb Pie, and fulfill fruit requests with Blueberry Lemon or Cherry pies. Additional flavors are also available. Thanksgiving or Christmas orders should be placed at least one week prior to the holiday, and prices range from $25–$30. Orders can be placed online at northstarpie.com, by emailing info@northstarpie.com, or by calling or texting 651.757.8179.
Consider the Pumpkin or Pecan pies—or a Mini Banana Cream Pie—from yum! Kitchen and Bakery. Photo: yum! Kitchen and Bakery
yum! Kitchen and Bakery is no stranger to fresh-baked pastries and desserts. But in November, it specializes in the icons—Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie—while Banana Cream Pie takes the spotlight in December. “Our pies are a crowd favorite ‘easy-button’ to finish your celebration and, if you are a guest, bring a yum! holiday dessert and get invited back next year,” says Robbie Soskin of yum! Kitchen and Bakery. Pecan and Pumpkin pies come with a full pint of homemade whipped cream; its Banana Cream Pie, available in full or mini sizes, features a fresh banana vanilla pastry filling in a graham cracker crust, topped with homemade whipped cream. Thanksgiving orders open no later than November 1; Christmas orders open no later than December 1. Place orders at yumkitchen.com, in-person or by phone at 651.603.4444.
