Today is National Pie Day (January 23rd each year). If you’re a fan of this tasty dessert, then you’re in luck! There are a multitude of Omaha-area bakeries and eateries serving up all of the classics, including apple pie, pecan pie, and even a pistachio cream. Make sure you ring in this holiday with a bang by picking up one of your favorites and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Carter & Rye
Photographed by Ariel Panowicz, courtesy of Carter & Rye
Where? 3544 Center Street
This Omaha-based bakery was founded in 2019 and specializes in sweet and savory hand pies. These fully enclosed pies make for the perfect individual dessert and are always made from scratch, taking advantage of fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. These tiny pies fit into the palm of your hand and you won’t be judged for opting not to share. Savory flavors include sausage and kimchi and on the sweeter side, you’ll find brown sugar and cinnamon delights. Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast pie, such as the chorizo and gravy with scrambled eggs or the bourbon maple pecan pie — Carter & Rye has something to satisfy your cravings. The shop on Center Street is to-go only and is open on Fridays and Saturdays. The hand pies are also sold at the Aksarben Farmers Market on Sundays from 9 AM to 1 PM.
FarmHouse Cafe & Bakery
Where? 3461 South 84th Street
FarmHouse Cafe & Bakery is proudly open 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 2 PM. This classic American restaurant serves up your favorite breakfast staples, as well as lunch dishes like the FarmHouse quesadillas with grilled chicken, the BBLT sandwich with extra bacon, and the PotatoChip chicken tender basket. Need a pick-me-up? Order a bottomless cup of the house blend coffee or opt for a freshly brewed cup of one of FarmHouse’s flavored coffees or teas. The shop offers baked pies, cream pies, fresh fruit pies, and an array of pan desserts, cakes, and sweet temptations that will cap off your meal on a sweet note. Other bakery specialties include cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls, caramel rolls, and muffins and croissants. If you’re looking to celebrate National Pie Day with a hearty homestyle breakfast and a slice of pie to go — FarmHouse Cafe & Bakery has you covered.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Where? 10916 Elm Street
If you’re craving a slice of a homemade apple pie, then Great Harvest Bread Co. is waiting for you. This bakery serves a range of treats, such as challah and sourdough breads, gluten-free pumpkin chocolate chip, and of course, the most classic of all the pies — apple! If you’re feeling peckish, the bakery also sells a range of sandwiches including the California cob and one of the best grilled cheeses that you’ll ever have. Great Harvest Bread takes orders for special occasions such as holidays and rolls out seasonal additions to the menu such as pumpkin roll ups and fruit cake around the winter months. Whether you’re dropping by for a dessert to ring in National Pie Day with or you want to snag a whole grain loaf for lunch this week, you can rest assured that all bakery items are freshly made with love and pure, simple ingredients.
WheatFields Eatery & Bakery
Images courtesy of WheatFields Eatery & Bakery
Where? 1224 South 103rd Street
WheatFields is a well-loved casual chain in Omaha, serving up a robust American menu with a multitude of sweets ranging from pies to bars, and cookies. Although the bakery boasts some of Omaha’s best cakes, diners are encouraged to sample the pies as well. You’re in luck, as WheatField’s has an extensive pie list, with flavors encompassing classics like caramel apple, key lime, cherry, and pecan and also including unique additions such as rhubarb, sour cream raisin, and an Iowa custard rendition. Whether you’re in the mood for a cream pie, a fruit pie, or anything in between, WheatFields Eatery & Bakery can whip up one of the tastiest desserts to be found in Omaha. Aside from pies, the bakery also sells sweet bread like almond butter and banana, as well as savory loaves like their five grain and their spicy jalapeño cheese.
Le Quartier Bakery & Café
Where? 25050 South 90th Street
If pecan pie is your favorite, then Le Quartier Bakery & Café bakes a tasty rendition of this classic dessert in an individual three-bite serving. This leaves room for you to sample more of the delicious treats from the bakery, including their lemon bars, chocolate tarts, and even a piece of chocolatey Baileys peppermint fudge. On the more savory side, Le Quartier bakes up artisanal sourdough, baguettes, croissants, soups, and sandwiches. The shop even sells pizza crusts, which takes the heavy lifting out of family pizza night and only requires toppings and a hot oven! The bakery has multiple Omaha locations, including the Loveland spot on South 90th Street and a shop on Underwood Avenue. If you want to get ahead of the line, place your order online and secure an easy breezy pickup. Head over early and grab a breakfast sandwich, like the bacon and provolone or the quiche slice with a side of fruit and greens for a healthy start to the day.
Shandy’s Swedish Bakery
Where? 13811 T Plaza
Those who aren’t the biggest fans of pie but still want to partake in the national holiday will be delighted with Shandy’s pumpkin pie bread. This festive loaf, while not a traditional pie with a filling, is just as delicious and makes the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon cup of coffee. Toast a slice, slather it with some butter and enjoy your “pie” this National Pie Day and no one has to be any the wiser. Of course, it would be difficult to visit this Swedish bakery and only take home one thing, with tempting options such as Scandinavian almond cake, apple snickerdoodle bread, and even a Swedish tea ring. Voted as Omaha’s Best Bakery in both 2021 and 2023, Shandy’s is well worth a visit if you haven’t yet sampled their goods. Closed both Sundays and Mondays, the bakery is open the remaining weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM and has a shortened operating day on Saturday so you can grab a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls!
Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering
Where? 2112 North 30th Street Suite 201
Big Mama’s is a family-owned restaurant that’s known for their home-cooked comfort dishes, such as oven-fried chicken, cornbread with honey butter, mac & cheese, and sweet potato-centric desserts. If you’re looking to break free of the tried and true pumpkin, apple, cherry, and pecan pie varieties — Big Mama’s is serving up their double-slice sweet potato pie that features a flaky crust and an original blend of spices. Diners with a sweet tooth may also want to try the sweet potato cheesecake, which is a recipe that’s been in the family for over five generations! The cheesecake is a blend of classic cheesecake and sweet potato pie, so you can still celebrate National Pie Day while indulging in this rich and decadent dessert. If you still find yourself craving sweet potato, the restaurant also has a famous sweet potato pudding — which uses the pie filling and bakes it with walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a crunchy topping.
The Bubbly Tart
Where? 3020 Leavenworth Street Suite 1
Snagging one of The Bubbly Tart’s mini pies may take a bit of extra legwork, as the bakery doesn’t have them on deck every day. However, once you finally dig into one of the bakery’s creations — the waiting game will be well worth it. During the holidays, The Bubbly Tart even offers pie classes where home bakers can learn how to bake a pumpkin pie and a sour cream apple crumble pie for the upcoming festivities. The pies freeze beautifully and can be defrosted the night before you plan to serve them. Other decadent desserts available in the shop include salted olive oil chocolate chip cookies, tiramisu cheesecake, pistachio macarons, and Oreo cheesecake stuffed red velvet crinkle cookies! The Bubbly Tart also has vegan and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Gnome Baked Goods
Where? 2404 North 52nd Street
Upon perfecting her pie crust recipe, the owner of Gnome Baked Goods, Carly, began taking orders for fresh fruit pies. Her creations made their public debut at the Omaha Farmers Market in 2019. Her most common requests are for a caramel apple, strawberry rhubarb, mixed berry, and even a blackberry and herb filling. In fact, her caramel apple recipe won the 2019 Nebraska State Fair. Apart from her infamous pies, Carly also whips up jumbo muffins in flavors such as banana, cranberry white chocolate, and of course, the classic blueberry. The home bakery also churns out cookies, banana bread, and biscotti. As always, Gnome Baked Goods is happy to work with you to determine what the best treat for your upcoming event would be and can also help ease the chaos of the holidays by doing the baking for you.
Hardy Coffee
Where? 1031 Jones Street
With four brick-and-mortar locations around Omaha, your next cup of coffee is never too far away. Boasting more than just a traditional coffee shop, Hardy Coffee is also known for being a small-batch roaster and bakery. What better way to celebrate National Pie Day than an order of 3″ mini pies? Of course, you can also get the classic family-sized variety as well, in flavors such as ginger apple, maple pumpkin, pistachio creme, lemon berry, and more. Throw in an order of the espresso shortbread cookies and you won’t be disappointed! If you’re a fan of coffee, Hardy Coffee has a monthly coffee subscription that runs caffeine lovers $17 for a 12-cup bag, delivered monthly.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Where? 2545 Abbott Plaza
The pie options feel endless at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, with mouthwatering flavors such as lemon meringue, Oreo Cookie silk, banana cream, peanut butter, and even wildberry, which uses seasonal ripe berries and no added sugar. If you don’t want to commit to a whole pie, purchase your slice of choice or try a few different slices to really celebrate National Pie Day as it was meant to be celebrated. Not everyone in the family is a fan of pie? No problem! Pick up a slice of chocolate overload cake, New York cheesecake, or even a strawberry and cream cheese crisper to share. If you want to stick around for lunch or dinner, Perkins has something on the menu for everyone. Try the jumbo shrimp dinner, country-fried steak, or the hibachi fried chicken skillet. Kiddos can enjoy the chicken strips or a mini cheeseburger before they dig into their slice of pie!
What Are Your Plans For This National Pie Day?
We’d love to hear where you go to get a slice of this classic dessert to celebrate the holiday. Let us know who’s serving up the best homemade pie around town.