No matter how you slice it, pie is a must at any holiday get-together. But don’t get caught bringing a frozen pumpkin pie from a grocery store to your next fete. “Some people don’t like cake, or some people aren’t into cookies, but pie combines the best of everything,” says Bridget Thibeault, owner of Luna Bakery & Cafe. Get a taste of the sweet life with one of these five pies.
Black Raspberry Cream, $11.99
If you’re torn between a cream or fruit pie, Hartville Kitchen’s black raspberry cream pie hits that sweet spot in between. A fresh pastry crust is layered with house-made vanilla pudding, black raspberry filling and a house-made nondairy whipped topping. Since these cream pies don’t require baking, they are made right when you order it. “Everything is made fresh,” says Craig Douglas, bakery production manager. “It is a pie that everyone will love.” 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353, hartvillekitchen.com
Apple Lattice, $13
This pie looks too good to eat. Mama Jo Homestyle Pies general manager Ken Dumke keeps this apple pie old school with a lard and flour crust, and intricate lattice that helps caramelize the filling. Stuffed with diced apples that have been coated with cinnamon and brown sugar, it’s baked for an hour the day you order it. “The lattice has some nostalgia to it — it is just the classic American apple pie,” Dumke says. “It’s a great-looking pie that people love to eat on the holidays.” 1969 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, 440-960-7437; 871 N. Court St., Medina, 330-722-7437, mamajopies.com
Vegan Pumpkin, $15.99
Eliminating animal products doesn’t eliminate any flavor in this tasty treat from the Mustard Seed Market & Cafe. The local grocery store mixes pumpkin, pumpkin spice, local maple syrup, molasses, pure Madagascar vanilla bean and silken tofu to create its creamy texture. Some non-vegan customers even prefer the vegan pie to the traditional recipe, says director of culinary services Karen Bender. “The vegan recipes we offer aren’t plain at all, and this gives people the option to enjoy pumpkin pie no matter what their diet.” Various locations, mustardseedmarket.com
Purple Bee, $15.99
Holistic practitioners believe that honey and lavender can cure almost anything, which is why Joe Schlott’s great uncle put those two ingredients into his apple pie. Schlott carries on the tradition at Gray House Pies, where he bakes all of the pies himself using organic lavender, sugar, and local honey and apples. “The lavender makes it different and then honey gives it a sweet touch without being too sweet,” Schlott says. “It’s a little bit lighter and more gentle than a pumpkin pie.” 26075 Detroit Road, Westlake; 12204 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 440-360-7870, grayhousepies.com
Bourbon Pecan, $24
Once you’re stuffed to the brim with turkey, a sugary pie might not sit well with you. That’s why Luna Bakery & Cafe’s owner Bridget Thibeault adds a little liquor to help settle the sweetness. Starting from scratch, she uses butter, flour, salt and water to make the crust and then mixes eggs, salt, vanilla bean, corn syrup, butter, bourbon and pecans to fill the decadent dessert. “For the holidays, [pecan pie] is a tradition,” Thibeault says. “It’s the perfect combination of flavors for after a big meal.” 2482 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-231-8585, lunabakerycafe.com
