Incredible bakeries abound in Missouri – you’ll find plenty of made-from-scratch cakes, cookies, pastries, breads, bagels and rolls. But today, we’re talking pie. From all-American apple to rich French silk, you’re sure to discover a favorite (or three or four) at these Show-Me State bakeries and pie shops:
Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery, Kimmswick: This spot is home of the famous Levee High Caramel Pecan Apple Pie. You may think that’s all you need to know, but it’s not the only sweet creation you’ll find here. The restaurant and bakery makes two dozen kinds of pie, a handful of cheesecakes, several layer cakes and a selection of other pastries – including “pie pops” – tiny treats on a stick.
A Slice of Pie, Rolla: Bring your appetite because the pies here are big – some of the crème and meringue varieties weigh more than five pounds. In addition to their regular selections, the shop offers a pie of the month – often something a little out of the ordinary such as the Mud Slide or Tahitian Cream. They’ll also put together a sampler platter that’s perfect for parties.
Peggy Jean’s Pies, Columbia: Gourmet pies are made daily by a mother-daughter team. The menu includes more than three dozen fruit, cream and nut varieties. If you’re looking for a little something extra, try the Boozy Blueberry, Drunken Apple or Chocolate Bourbon Pecan. Choose from 3-inch tarts, 5-inch baby pies or full-size 9-inch or 12-inch pies.
Ashleigh’s Bake Shop, Kansas City – This small bakery uses a secret recipe and lots of butter for its flaky pie crust. The shop owner and her dad bake more than 40 kinds of pie including several flavorful combinations such as the Berry Patch, a mixture of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry, and the Apple Cranberry.
Spring Creek Tea Room, Ozark: This combination eatery and antique shop makes dozens of cakes and pies daily – but they go fast, so arrive early. The Coconut Crème Pie comes highly recommended.
Sugarfire Pie, St. Louis: The pie at Sugarfire Smokehouse became so popular, the co-owner and pastry chef needed more space to keep up with the demand so she opened a separate pie place two doors down. In addition to traditional pie, the shop offers “pie cakes,” cobblers, stack pies, hand pies and pie shakes. Its namesake Sugarfire Pie is actually old-fashioned Chess Pie made with butter, sugar, cream, eggs and yellow cornmeal.
Sugar Momma’s, Hermann: The shop owner learned her pie-making skills from her mom, known as the “pie queen” in nearby Rhineland, where she baked pies for a local restaurant. Housed in a historic building that was once home to the Ewald Bakery, Sugar Momma’s makes more than 40 kinds of pie, including Bacon Apple and White Chocolate Peppermint.