Farkas Pastry Shop
This Old-World style Hungarian pastry shop has been a staple in Cleveland for the last 50 years. “We haven’t changed anything with the exception of adding pumpkin of course!” jokes owner Mike Harrison. For those wanting to try something other than the typical Thanksgiving pie Farkas offers a pumpkin napoleon that’s released each fall. This dessert puts an autumn twist on the classic Hungarian krémes with layers of puff pastry, pumpkin custard and whipped cream topped with a cinnamon and nutmeg powdered sugar. 2700 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-281-6200, farkaspastries.com
Rood Food and Pie
If you’re looking for a dessert that stands out on the dinner table, Rood Food and Pie has just what you need, as it offers 11 unique pies to choose from. Just make sure to order ahead. “You can’t come in and just order a pie you’d get off the shelf,” says owner Brian Ruthsatz. Our favorite is the rustic and boozy cognac pumpkin pie, which is about 25% pumpkin (compared to the normal 80% pumpkin puree), leaving more room for clove, ginger, heavy cream and eggs that give it a custardy consistency. The crust is Swedish ginger cookie made with brown butter, and the pie is topped with a cognac-infused fresh whipped cream. This bakery also has a few vegan pies to choose from, including their miso apple pie made with local apples, miso, cinnamon and a wheat-cardamom crust topped with an apple cider reduction caramel drizzle. 17001 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4506, rfpie.com
The Sweet Fix Bakery
For those who want something a bit savorier, the Sweet Fix Bakery offers the sweet potato pie that started it all. “When we were a home bakery, that was the one and only dessert we made,” says chief creative officer Robert Craig. The sweet and savory recipe has been passed down for generations, and they’ve started making a mashup sweet potato pecan pie to expand on its tried-and-true flavor. The bakery also has classic homemade apple and pecan pies for anyone looking for something more traditional.
