8 Pie Baking Books That Elevate Your Baking Craft

Discover authoritative Pie Baking Books recommended by Jeni Britton Bauer, The New York Times, and Food Network experts

Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if the perfect pie crust wasn't just a dream? Pie baking, a craft blending science and art, remains a beloved tradition that challenges and delights home bakers and professionals alike. As interest in artisanal and heritage baking grows, the right guidebooks have never been more crucial to help you navigate this delicious terrain.

Among those who know pies intimately is Lisa Ludwinski of Sister Pie, whose training at New York’s Milk Bar and Four and Twenty Blackbirds infuses her recipes with innovation and heart. Jeni Britton Bauer, cofounder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, praises Ludwinski’s crust as "magic," underscoring the skill behind these pages. Meanwhile, Ken Haedrich, founder of The Pie Academy, offers decades of expertise on crust mastery and fillings, anchoring this collection with foundational wisdom.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific tastes, skill levels, and goals might consider creating a personalized Pie Baking book that builds on these insights for a uniquely satisfying baking journey.

Best for innovative artisanal bakers
Jeni Britton Bauer, cofounder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, knows a thing or two about artisanal desserts. She shares how she’s made the three-hour trip to Detroit just to bring back pies from Sister Pie, praising Lisa Ludwinski’s crust as "magic." This speaks volumes about the quality and craft behind the recipes. Complementing this, The New York Times highlights Ludwinski’s experience at Milk Bar and Four and Twenty Blackbirds, emphasizing the 45 innovative pie recipes she offers. Together, their endorsements invite you to explore a pie cookbook that blends skilled baking with heartfelt storytelling.

Recommended by Jeni Britton Bauer

Cofounder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

I’ve often made the three-hour trip to Detroit just to bring back pies from Sister Pie. Lisa Ludwinski’s crust is magic. (from Amazon)

2018·256 pages·Pie Baking, Professional Baking, Recipe Development, Dough Techniques, Flavor Pairing

Drawing from her training at renowned New York bakeries Milk Bar and Four and Twenty Blackbirds, Lisa Ludwinski brings a unique voice to pie baking in this book. You learn precise techniques for crafting both sweet and savory pies, with recipes like Toasted Marshmallow-Butterscotch and Sour Cherry-Bourbon that showcase inventive flavor combinations. The book also offers insights into dough preparation and filling balance, illustrated with 75 vivid photos and Ludwinski's playful line drawings. If you want to deepen your pie-making skills beyond basics and appreciate a bakery’s story woven into recipes, this book fits perfectly.

IACP Award Finalist
Named one of the best cookbooks by The New York Times and Chicago Tribune
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Best for mastering crusts and fillings
Ken Haedrich is a prolific author with over a dozen cookbooks and a Julia Child Cookbook Award winner. As founder and dean of The Pie Academy, he brings authoritative expertise to pie baking. His articles have appeared in major food publications like Better Homes and Gardens and Bon Appétit, making him a trusted voice for pie enthusiasts looking to deepen their craft.
2020·480 pages·Pie Baking, Baking Techniques, Crust Making, Fillings, Fruit Pies

Ken Haedrich's decades as a food writer and pie expert culminate in this detailed guide that tackles every aspect of pie baking, from perfecting crusts to mastering fillings. You’ll find precise techniques for working with various flours and fats, alongside how to select the right tools and pie pans, making complex processes approachable. The book offers 255 recipes covering everything from traditional fruit pies to inventive custard and cream varieties, ensuring you can expand your repertoire in both flavor and style. Whether you’re intimidated by dough or eager to refine your pie skills, this book provides clear guidance and inspiring recipes that meet you where you are.

Julia Child Cookbook Award Winner
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Best for personal pie plans
This personalized AI book about pie baking is crafted based on your baking experience, skill level, and specific interests in crusts and fillings. By sharing your goals, you receive a book that covers exactly what you want to learn, bridging expert knowledge with your unique background. AI creates a focused learning path that guides you through the nuances of pie baking, making complex techniques accessible and relevant to your journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Pie Baking, Crust Techniques, Filling Selection, Baking Methods, Dough Preparation

This tailored book, Pie Baking Mastery Blueprint, explores the art and science of crafting exquisite pie crusts and fillings with a focus that matches your unique baking background and goals. It carefully examines step-by-step techniques for dough preparation, filling selection, and baking nuances, providing a personalized pathway through complex pie baking concepts. By centering on your interests and skill level, it reveals how to balance texture and flavor, master various crusts from flaky to tender, and create fillings that complement and elevate each pie. This approach allows you to deepen your understanding of pie baking in a way that resonates with your personal tastes and aspirations.

Tailored Guide
Crust And Filling Mastery
3,000+ Books Created
Best for comprehensive pie techniques
Erin Jeanne McDowell is an accomplished author, recipe developer, and award-winning food stylist with a focused expertise in baking. Her first book, recognized by The New York Times as one of the Best Baking Books of 2017, established her authority, and she continues to contribute to top culinary outlets including New York Times Cooking and Food52. Drawing from this rich background, she crafted this comprehensive guide to pie baking, blending technical skill with creative flair to help you bake perfect pies every time.
2020·352 pages·Desserts Baking, Pie Baking, Baking, Dough Techniques, Pie Crusts

Erin Jeanne McDowell brings her extensive baking expertise and stylist's eye to this detailed guide on pie baking, offering you everything from foundational techniques to creative recipes. You'll learn how to craft flaky doughs, master various fillings like custards and savory blends, and explore inventive combinations such as Pumpkin Spice Pie Dough paired with Dark Chocolate Drippy Glaze. The book also provides practical tips on storage, freezing, and styling, making it a well-rounded resource for anyone looking to elevate their pie-making skills. Whether you're aiming to bake classic Apple Pie or experiment with unique creations like Caramel Pork Pie with Chile and Scallions, this book equips you with the knowledge to succeed.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for creative sweet and savory pies
Jenell Parsons turned her hobby of pie-making into a multi-award-winning business known as the Pie Hole, with three locations and an online store. Called by Guy Fieri as having a 'whole different level of pie,' Parsons brings her expertise and creativity to this collection of more than 100 recipes. This book reflects her evolution from passionate home baker to recognized pie authority, offering you a chance to learn from her innovative and approachable style.
2020·296 pages·Pie Baking, Savory Pies, Sweet Pies, Crust Techniques, Gluten Free

What started as Jenell Parsons' personal passion for pie transformed into a thriving business, and this book captures the essence of her culinary journey with over 100 recipes that cover both sweet and savory pies. You’ll find detailed guidance on mastering a unique Double Butter Crust, alongside inventive fillings like Bacon Cheeseburger Pie and Fat Elvis, blending classic techniques with playful innovation. The book also caters to diverse diets, offering gluten-free and vegan options, making it useful whether you’re a home baker or a seasoned pie enthusiast eager to expand your repertoire. Parsons’ approachable style and thorough tips on crust-making and decorative techniques ensure you gain confidence in crafting pies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

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Best for local ingredient enthusiasts
Petra Paredez, owner of Petee's Pie Company and Petee's Café, brings her expertise in impeccable baking techniques and dedication to local ingredients to this book. Her background as a successful New York pie shop owner uniquely qualifies her to guide you through the art of creating pies with tender crusts and balanced fillings. This collection reflects her commitment to quality and community, making it a valuable resource for anyone eager to elevate their pie baking at home.
2020·240 pages·Pie Baking, Baking Techniques, Ingredient Sourcing, Crust Making, Fruit Pies

The breakthrough moment came when Petra Paredez, owner of Petee's Pie Company and Petee's Café, decided to share her personal pie-making repertoire in this inviting cookbook. You learn how to craft tender, flaky crusts paired with perfectly balanced fillings, with recipes ranging from classic fruit pies to custards, creams, and savory options. The book also introduces you to the importance of sourcing quality local ingredients, featuring profiles of farms and producers that elevate the baking experience. If you want to deepen your pie baking skills with techniques proven in a beloved New York pie shop, this book offers clear guidance without overwhelming complexity.

Named one of the Fall's Best Cookbooks by The New York Times
Recognized by Food and Wine, Eater, and Vogue
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Best for daily skill building
This AI-created book on pie baking is tailored to your skill level and baking interests, designed to support you with daily lessons and recipes. By focusing on your specific goals and background, it creates a clear path to improve your pie making step-by-step. Personalizing the content lets you build skills efficiently without wading through unnecessary details, making your baking journey both enjoyable and effective.
2025·50-300 pages·Pie Baking, Dough Preparation, Crust Techniques, Filling Varieties, Flavor Pairing

This tailored pie baking book offers a unique journey through daily focused lessons and recipes designed to elevate your pie-making skills over one month. It explores foundational techniques such as dough preparation, crust crafting, and filling combinations, then gradually guides you into advanced flavor pairings and baking practices. The personalized content matches your experience level and baking interests, ensuring that each lesson addresses your specific goals and areas for improvement. This book reveals the art and science of pie baking through a clear, engaging approach that fosters steady progress and confidence. By combining expert knowledge with your individual learning path, it transforms the complex craft of pies into an accessible, enjoyable experience.

Tailored Guide
Sequential Skill Building
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for artistic pie decoration
Karin Pfeiff-Boschek, rooted in textile design and inspired by her grandmothers' baking legacy, channels her artistic eye into pie baking. Her experience crafting over 200 edible art pies and sharing them with 85,000 Instagram followers enriches this book, making it a guide not just for baking but for turning pies into visual art.
2019·180 pages·Pie Baking, Desserts Baking, Crust Design, Food Photography, Decorative Techniques

Karin Pfeiff-Boschek brings a unique blend of textile design and baking expertise to "Elegant Pie," offering you a fresh perspective on pie-making that goes beyond traditional recipes. Drawing on her artistic background, she teaches how to transform ordinary pies into edible masterpieces using techniques like intricate crust embellishments inspired by fabric patterns. The book walks you through 25 pie designs, arranged by skill level, with clear step-by-step photos to guide your hands from dough preparation to final presentation. If you enjoy baking and want to elevate your pies visually, this book gives you both the creative tools and the technical know-how to impress guests and enrich your baking repertoire.

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Best for traditional Amish pie recipes
Good Books is an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., specializing in uplifting and instructive titles on Christian faith, family cookbooks, and country living. Their expertise in cultural and traditional subjects shines through in this collection of Amish baking recipes, gathered from genuine Amish sources like grandmothers and historical diaries. This background lends authenticity and warmth to the book, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich culinary heritage of the Amish community.
2020·160 pages·Pie Baking, Baking, Desserts, Bread Making, Cookies

Good Books takes a distinctive approach by compiling authentic Amish baking recipes derived from interviews with seasoned Amish grandmothers, old diaries, and recipe boxes. Within its pages, you’ll find detailed instructions for creating traditional breads, cakes, cookies, and pies like Shoofly Pie and Hot Milk Sponge Cake, all rooted in Eastern Pennsylvania’s Lancaster region. This book teaches you how to recreate simple, wholesome baked goods that have endured through generations, emphasizing ingredients and methods true to Amish heritage. If you value homestyle baking with historical depth and straightforward guidance, this collection offers a genuine taste of Amish culinary tradition, best suited for cooks eager to explore heritage recipes rather than experimental baking.

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Best for seasonal fall baking inspiration
Taste of Home is America’s top food and lifestyle brand, celebrated for bringing home cooks together through approachable and tested recipes. Their extensive following across social media and millions of monthly visitors attest to their expertise and influence. This book channels that experience into a fall baking collection filled with recipes, detailed instructions, and multimedia resources, designed to help you enjoy the season’s best baked goods with confidence.
2022·320 pages·Pie Baking, Baking, Recipe Development, Bread Making, Cookies

What happens when America's leading food brand dives into fall baking? Taste of Home brings you a rich collection of over 275 recipes that go beyond just pies, including breads, cookies, cakes, and savory pot pies. You learn not only classic and seasonal baking techniques but also get access to detailed how-to photos, step-by-step instructions, and QR codes linking to instructional videos, making it approachable even if you're new to baking. This book suits anyone looking to deepen their baking repertoire for autumn gatherings, whether you're perfecting a maple chai pumpkin muffin or mastering a turkey lattice pie. If your goal is to create cozy, crowd-pleasing baked goods throughout fall, this book delivers plenty of inspiration and practical guidance.

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Tailored Recipe Selection
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Trusted by thousands of pie baking enthusiasts and professionals.

Pie Baking Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Pie Perfection System
Current Pie Trends Digest
Insider Pie Secrets Code

Conclusion

These eight books reveal a spectrum of pie baking—from the innovative flavors of Sister Pie to the detailed crust and filling mastery in Pie Academy, and even the artistic embellishments in Elegant Pie. Whether you seek traditional Amish recipes or seasonal fall inspirations, each book offers a unique path to deepen your craft.

If you're just starting, The Book On Pie provides a solid foundation, while adventurous bakers might pair You Wanna Piece of Me? with Pie for Everyone to explore creative and locally sourced pies. For those wanting rapid skill-building, combining Pie Academy's techniques with Elegant Pie's decorative artistry can elevate your creations quickly.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Pie Baking book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and bring your pie baking to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which pie baking book should I start with?

Start with "The Book On Pie" by Erin Jeanne McDowell. It offers clear, foundational techniques and diverse recipes that suit beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to pie baking?

Not at all. Books like "Sister Pie" and "Pie Academy" guide you from basic crusts to complex fillings, with step-by-step instructions suitable for all skill levels.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one based on your goals—try "Elegant Pie" for decoration, or "You Wanna Piece of Me?" for creative recipes. Each book adds unique value.

Which books focus more on practical application versus theory?

"Pie Academy" and "The Book On Pie" emphasize practical techniques, while "Elegant Pie" adds artistic flair. Together, they balance hands-on skills and inspiration.

Are any of these books outdated given how pie baking evolves?

Pie baking fundamentals remain timeless. These books, published mostly within the last decade, blend tradition with modern creativity, keeping you current and connected.

Can personalized pie baking books complement these expert titles?

Yes! Personalized books tailor expert insights to your tastes and skill level, bridging the gap between general advice and your unique baking journey. Try creating your own for focused guidance.

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