Some folks will tell you that the best part of Thanksgiving is the turkey. Others will say it’s the stuffing. If you have a sweet tooth like ours, however, you know that the absolute best part of the holiday dinner is dessert.
We’re talking about pie: apple pie, pecan pie, chocolate pie, blackberry pie and — of course — pumpkin! This is the season to indulge in all your favorites.
The best part is that you aren’t even required to do any baking. Instead, you can take a trip to one of the places below, because they’re the best places in or around Indianapolis when you want good, homemade pie for your feast:
Pots and Pans – Indianapolis
Pots and Pans is an artisan bakery with some of the most delectable creations you’ll ever find, and they’re already taking orders for Thanksgiving. You can pick up all the traditional holiday favorites here, including Apple Crumble, Maple Pecan and Sweet Potato. We’d highly recommend their Caramel Pumpkin, too, which is only available during this season. Pots and Pans also has savory pies — including one they call “Thanksgiving Dinner.”
Shapiro’s – Indianapolis
Shapiro’s has been serving up kosher-style sandwiches and thick, hearty soups for more than 110 years — long enough to be considered an Indy institution by locals. They also have some amazing desserts, like their Devil’s Food Cheesecake and their traditional German Chocolate Cake. They have all the varieties of pies that your family may want for Thanksgiving, including Cherry, Rhubarb and Chocolate Cream.
Jazzy Doris’ Pies – Indianapolis
Known as “The Pie Lady of City Market,” you have to catch Jazzy Dorris on Wednesdays when she’s there with her newest batch, but her made-from-scratch confections are a must-have. The Kentucky Bourbon Pecan pie she makes has a rich, boozy flavor that’s compelling, but her sugar cream and blueberry pies are also amazing.
The Cake Bake Shop – Indianapolis, Carmel
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers found fame and fortune several years ago — even making an appearance in Oprah’s “O Magazine.” It recently opened a second location in Carmel, but you can find all the cakes, cookies and pies you dream about at either shop. If you’re uncertain what to try, we’d highly recommend either the Peanut Butter Mousse pie or the French Cherry Lattice pie — but you can’t go wrong with Key Lime or Georgia Pecan, either.
Tuttle’s Cafe & Sweet Shop – Greenfield
Okay, it’s a bit of a trip to get there, but no list of great places for pie would be complete without mention of Tuttle’s Cafe & Sweet Shop. Many of their pies are made with produce that’s taken right off the farm, including their famous Honeycrisp Apple, Blueberry Lemon and others.
Taylor’s Bakery – Fishers & Indianapolis
For more than a century, the family that owns Taylor’s Bakery has been crafting baked goods of all kinds to delight area residents. The selection of fresh-baked pies available varies daily, but you can always order Apple, Cherry, Pumpkin and Pecan ahead of time for your Thanksgiving table. You probably should also check out the array of bread products and cookies they have available, all of which would make a graceful addition to your table.
Locally Grown Gardens – Indianapolis
You may be tempted to think that Locally Grown Gardens is a mere produce stand, but you’d be sorely mistaken — and you’d miss out on a great cup of coffee and pie. Chef Ron’s Sugar Cream pie is a local sensation, but you also can’t go wrong with any of their custard varieties. (While you’re there, you may want to ask about their pre-made dinners. That could get you out of cooking entirely!)
Gray Brothers Cafeteria – Mooresville
Since 1944, Gray Brothers Cafeteria has been serving up homestyle food that’s well worth the ride. At this time of year, however, they focus heavily on pie. Roughly 8,500 fresh-baked delights head out their doors right before Thanksgiving. Some perennial favorites include Pumpkin, Blackberry, Banana Cream and Lemon Meringue. Just remember that you probably should plan ahead to get the best selection.
My Sugar Pie – Zionsville, Greenwood
When it comes to pie, there’s almost nothing you can’t find at My Sugar Pie — but you might want to call ahead to place your order so that you don’t run into problems. They’re incredibly popular, and they will happily ship anything that isn’t cream-filled or topped with meringue. You can get traditional favorites, like Dutch Apple or Mixed Berry pies, or go with something a little more exotic, like their Butterscotch Cream.
Lisa’s Pie Shop – Atlanta
Again, heading to Lisa’s requires a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it to check out this award-winning pie shop. They have all the standard fruit and cream pies you might expect, but you should probably pick out one or two of their specialty pies, like Black Raspberry or Hershey Bar.
Rene’s Bakery – Indianapolis
There’s always something new and exciting at Rene’s, whether you’re looking for pumpkin chocolate chip muffins or toffee almond scones. And, naturally, they also have pie — lots and lots of pie. The menu changes daily, but you can call to find out what they have before you go.
If you need a little extra justification for buying your pies this year, remember: You’ll be supporting a local business — which is particularly important during the pandemic. Plus, there’s no rule that says you have to tell your family that you didn’t do the baking! If you decide to pass a few of these pies off as your own, we won’t tell!
