7 Best-Selling Pie Baking Books Readers Can't Resist

Discover best-selling Pie Baking Books authored by Erin Jeanne McDowell, Kate McDermott, Abigail Gehring, and others, crafted for passionate bakers.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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When millions of readers and devoted bakers agree on a handful of books, you know those titles hold real value. Pie baking, with its blend of precise technique and creative flair, remains a beloved culinary art. These seven best-selling books have earned their place by delivering trusted, tested recipes and methods that help bakers confidently craft everything from flaky crusts to luscious fillings.

Authors like Erin Jeanne McDowell and Kate McDermott bring deep expertise and distinctive perspectives, from mastering foundational doughs to exploring regional traditions and inventive mini pies. Their proven approaches have inspired countless home bakers to elevate their pie-making skills, blending technical mastery with creative freedom.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Pie Baking needs might consider creating a personalized Pie Baking book that combines these validated approaches with your unique kitchen goals and preferences.

Best for mastering foundational pie skills
Erin Jeanne McDowell is an accomplished author, recipe developer, and award-winning food stylist who brings her specialized baking expertise to this book. Her first book earned a spot among The New York Times' Best Baking Books of 2017, and she contributes regularly to leading outlets like New York Times Cooking and Food52. Drawing on extensive experience and a deep passion for pies, Erin offers a thorough guide that combines technical know-how with creative inspiration, making this book a trusted companion for anyone serious about pie baking.
2020·352 pages·Pie Baking, Desserts Baking, Baking, Desserts, Pastry Dough

What happens when a seasoned food stylist with a passion for baking turns her focus to pies? Erin Jeanne McDowell, known for her award-winning work and contributions to major food publications, crafted this book as your all-in-one guide for mastering pie baking. You’ll learn everything from mixing the flakiest doughs and freezing techniques to customizing recipes with creative doughs and toppings, like swapping in a chive compound-butter crust for a savory twist. Chapters cover a wide spectrum, including fruit, custard, cream, and even savory pies, giving you a versatile toolkit for impressing at any gathering. If you want a resource that balances foundational skills with inspired variations, this book is tailored for your kitchen adventures.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for practical crust and filling techniques
Kate McDermott, a James Beard Award–nominated author, brings her expertise and passion for pie-making to this book. Her Pie Camps, which regularly sell out nationwide, reflect her hands-on approach to teaching this craft. Featured by outlets like the New York Times and NPR, McDermott shares secrets learned from her Iowa grandmother, making this guide a trusted companion for anyone looking to bake pies with skill and joy.
2016·352 pages·Pie Baking, Baking Techniques, Crust Making, Filling Preparation, Gluten Free

Kate McDermott’s deep roots in pie-making come through vividly in this guide, shaped by lessons from her Iowa grandmother and years teaching thousands how to craft pies. You’ll learn precise techniques for making flaky crusts, including gluten-free options, and master a wide range of fillings—from classic apple to inventive banana rum caramel coconut. The book’s organization by fruit type, pie style, and sweet versus savory makes it simple to navigate and apply. If you want to improve your baking skills with clear, practical instruction and beautiful photography, this book suits both home cooks eager to expand their repertoire and seasoned bakers seeking fresh inspiration.

James Beard Award–Nominated Author
Featured by New York Times and NPR
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Best for personal baking mastery
This AI-created book on pie baking mastery is crafted based on your baking background and skill level. You share which advanced techniques and pie styles interest you most, alongside your goals for consistent, delicious results. The book is then created to focus precisely on those areas, making your learning experience more effective and enjoyable.
2025·50-300 pages·Pie Baking, Dough Preparation, Filling Selection, Baking Techniques, Crust Flakiness

This personalized book explores advanced pie baking methods tailored to your unique background and goals, focusing on refining techniques for consistent, delicious pies every time. It covers intricate dough preparation, expert filling combinations, and precise baking conditions, revealing how subtle adjustments affect texture and flavor. By concentrating on your specific interests and experience level, the content dives into both classic and innovative approaches to mastering flaky crusts and balanced fillings. This tailored guide transforms widely validated pie baking knowledge into a focused learning experience designed to elevate your baking skills and inspire new culinary creativity.

Tailored Guide
Baking Technique Insights
3,000+ Books Created
Best for bite-sized pie enthusiasts
The Magic of Mini Pies taps into the fun and quick appeal of bite-sized treats, making pie baking approachable for anyone. Gehring’s collection features more than 50 recipes that range from savory to sweet, all tailored for miniature pie makers or muffin tins. This book meets the needs of hosts and casual bakers who want to offer variety without spending endless hours in the kitchen. Its mix of accessible techniques and creative flavor combinations makes it a favorite among those who appreciate both convenience and delicious results in pie baking.
2013·144 pages·Pie Baking, Savory Pies, Sweet Pies, Miniature Desserts, Tart Making

When Abigail Gehring noticed the growing popularity of bite-sized treats, she crafted a cookbook that brings the joy of pie baking into a more accessible, playful format. You’ll learn how to create over 50 recipes ranging from savory Steak and Guinness Pies to sweet Chocolate Raspberry Tarts, all designed for miniature pie makers or muffin tins. This book teaches you how to balance flavors and master small-scale crusts, making it ideal for hosts wanting to impress without hours in the kitchen. If you’re someone who loves pies but craves variety and convenience, this book offers a fresh, manageable way to satisfy your cravings with style.

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Best for traditional Southern pie lovers
Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies captures the essence of Southern baking through treasured recipes from Mrs. Rowe, Virginia's revered "Pie Lady." This collection reflects decades of baking tradition, featuring beloved pies like Key Lime and Pecan Fudge, alongside regional specialties such as Shoofly and Lemon Chess Pie. The book's approachable style and authentic flavor profiles have helped many home bakers bring a slice of Southern hospitality into their kitchens, making it a standout resource for anyone wanting to master classic pie baking with genuine charm.
Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies: [A Baking Book] book cover

by Mollie Cox Bryan, Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant and Bakery·You?

2009·128 pages·Pie Baking, Baking, Desserts, Southern Cuisine, Crust Techniques

Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies challenges the notion that mastering pie baking requires complex techniques. Drawing from the legacy of Virginia's beloved "Pie Lady," this book offers recipes rooted in tradition, from Key Lime Pie to Lemon Chess Pie, alongside signature dishes like French Apple Pie. You'll find practical guidance on crusts and toppings that make these southern classics approachable for home bakers. Whether you want to recreate a cherished family dessert or explore regional specialties, this book invites you into a world of comforting, authentic flavors without fuss.

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Best for versatile classic and modern pies
Martha Stewart Living Magazine's New Pies and Tarts offers a rich collection of 150 recipes that balance old-fashioned comfort with modern creativity. This book invites you to explore a variety of crusts, fillings, and finishing techniques, all supported by clear instructions and stunning photography. Whether you want to bake a classic lattice-top blueberry pie or a sophisticated chocolate mousse tart, this volume helps both novices and experienced bakers find recipes suited to every occasion. Its organized chapters and practical tips make pie baking approachable and enjoyable, ensuring this book remains a trusted kitchen companion.
2011·352 pages·Pie Baking, Baking, Desserts, Crust Techniques, Fruit Fillings

The methods Martha Stewart Living Magazine developed while compiling this collection showcase a deep respect for pie traditions alongside modern twists, offering you a wide range of recipes from rustic, cheddar-crust apple pies to sleek chocolate mousse tarts. You’ll learn not only how to create various crusts and fillings—like pâte brisée and cream cheese dough—but also decorative techniques such as latticework and cutouts, making your pies as visually appealing as they are delicious. This book suits both beginners seeking straightforward, comforting recipes and seasoned bakers eager to experiment with festive or savory options. Chapters organized by style and occasion help you find the perfect pie or tart for any moment, ensuring you keep coming back to explore new flavors and textures.

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Best for custom baking plans
This AI-created book on pie baking is tailored to your skill level and baking interests. You share your current experience and specific pie topics you want to master, and the book focuses on helping you develop your skills efficiently. This personalized approach makes learning pie baking more relevant and enjoyable, guiding you through a fast, practical path to delicious results.
2025·50-300 pages·Pie Baking, Dough Preparation, Filling Creation, Baking Techniques, Crust Flakiness

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step program designed to build your pie baking skills efficiently within 30 days. It combines widely validated techniques with your personal baking interests, matching your background and goals to deliver a learning experience that feels both relevant and inspiring. The content reveals essential aspects such as dough preparation, filling creation, and baking timing, all structured to help you progress confidently and enjoyably. By addressing your specific goals, this book ensures your journey toward pie mastery is engaging and rewarding, offering a clear path from foundational skills to delicious, well-crafted pies.

Tailored Guide
Skill Progression
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for sweet and savory pie recipes
Perfect Pies offers a heartfelt journey into pie baking, born from Michele Stuart’s decades of experience and cherished family recipes. This collection goes beyond simple baking by sharing nearly eighty recipes, including award-winning pies, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and handmade care. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this book provides practical guidance on dough preparation, crust techniques, and both sweet and savory fillings. It’s an inviting guide that brings the warmth and nostalgia of homemade pies right into your kitchen.
2011·224 pages·Pie Baking, Baking, Desserts, Savory Pies, Fruit Pies

Michele Stuart draws from a rich family legacy and her experience running Michele's Pies shops to offer a collection that blends tradition with technique. You’ll find nearly eighty recipes ranging from fruit-filled classics like Country Apple Pie to savory options such as Lobster Pot Pie, each crafted with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and straightforward methods. The book guides you through essential skills like rolling dough and creating flaky crusts, making it accessible for beginners yet rewarding for seasoned bakers. Stuart’s approach highlights simplicity and love in baking, showing that great pies come from both quality ingredients and care in preparation.

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Best for approachable mini and specialty pies
Mini Pies offers a charming entry point into the world of pie baking by focusing on single-serving, handheld delights that bring the classic pie experience into a fun, approachable format. This book, authored by chefs Christy Beaver and Morgan Greenseth, has resonated with many who prefer bite-sized desserts without sacrificing flavor or texture. It guides you through making perfect crusts—including vegan and gluten-free options—and presents a variety of fillings from traditional fruit to savory tarts. Whether you’re baking for family or entertaining guests, this book’s approachable style and appealing recipes make it a valuable addition for anyone interested in expanding their baking repertoire with miniature pies.
2011·128 pages·Pie Baking, Desserts, Baking Techniques, Crust Making, Fruit Pies

What started as a playful twist on classic desserts became a delightful guide to crafting small, handheld pies that capture all the flavor of traditional pies without the fuss. Christy Beaver and Morgan Greenseth invite you to swap your pie pan for a muffin tin, teaching you how to create miniature versions of favorites like apple, key lime, and bourbon pecan, alongside savory options like dilled spinach quiche. You’ll gain skills in making perfect flaky crusts, including vegan and gluten-free variations, plus tips on filling and presentation that make these treats party-ready. If you enjoy baking but want something fun-sized and approachable, this book offers a creative take on pie baking that’s both accessible and satisfying.

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Proven Pie Baking Methods, Personalized

Get pie baking strategies tailored to your skills and goals without generic advice.

Tailored techniques fast
Expert methods combined
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Trusted by thousands of pie baking enthusiasts worldwide

Pie Baking Mastery
30-Day Pie Success
Pie Crafting Code
The Pie Blueprint

Conclusion

These seven books collectively emphasize proven pie baking techniques, from the foundational crust to inventive fillings, ensuring a well-rounded skill set. If you prefer reliable, comprehensive methods, start with Erin Jeanne McDowell's The Book On Pie for a solid base, and complement it with Martha Stewart's collection for variety. For those drawn to regional flavors or mini pies, Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies or The Magic of Mini Pies offer specialized guidance.

Combining these trusted recipes and techniques provides a balanced approach to mastering both classic and creative pies. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Pie Baking book to blend proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many bakers succeed, making these books essential companions for anyone serious about perfecting the art of pie baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "The Book On Pie" by Erin Jeanne McDowell. It offers foundational skills and versatile recipes that suit both beginners and experienced bakers, providing a solid base before exploring specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Pie Baking?

No, many books like "Art of the Pie" and Martha Stewart's guide include clear instructions suitable for beginners while also offering techniques that experienced bakers can appreciate.

Should I read these books in any particular order?

You can start with foundational guides such as "The Book On Pie," then explore themed books like "Mini Pies" or regional collections like Mrs. Rowe's Southern pies based on your interests.

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

You can pick one that matches your focus—whether it's classic pies, miniatures, or Southern specialties. Each book stands strong on its own, but combining them broadens your skills.

Which book offers the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Art of the Pie" by Kate McDermott is packed with practical techniques and clear recipes that you can apply immediately to improve crusts and fillings.

Can personalized books complement these expert guides?

Absolutely! While these expert books provide proven methods, a personalized Pie Baking book can tailor these approaches to your specific skill level and goals, combining popular strategies with your unique needs. Explore this option here.

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