10 Best Pie Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

The Book On Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies is a comprehensive guide designed to cater to bakers of all skill levels. One of its strengths is the wide variety of pie recipes it offers, ensuring there is something for everyone, whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker. The author, with notable expertise in pie-making, provides detailed instructions and tips, making the learning process smoother for those new to baking pies.

The book's visual appeal is another strong point, featuring beautiful photographs that make each recipe tempting and easy to follow along with visually. Ingredient accessibility is thoughtfully considered as well, with many recipes including common ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. However, the book's substantial weight and size (3.08 pounds, 352 pages) might make it less portable for some users who prefer a lighter, more compact cookbook.

It can also be a bit overwhelming for those who are completely new to baking, given the extensive information provided. Nevertheless, for those passionate about perfecting their pie-making skills, this book is a valuable resource filled with expert guidance and a wide array of recipes.

Pie in the Sky is a unique cookbook catering to a niche audience, particularly those interested in baking at various altitudes. Its standout feature is the tailored guidance for bakers living at different elevations, which can significantly impact baking results. This makes it ideal for users living in mountainous regions who often struggle with standard recipes. The book covers a wide range of baked goods, not just pies, which can be a plus for those interested in expanding their skills beyond pies alone.

The skill level required seems accommodating for both beginners and experienced bakers, as it offers home-tested recipes, which could help build confidence in those new to baking at high altitudes. However, the focus on altitude-specific recipes might not be as engaging for people at sea level unless they frequently encounter issues with standard recipes.

Authored by someone with expertise in baking at various altitudes, it offers credibility in its niche area. For those in need of such specialized guidance, this book could be a valuable resource. However, if someone is primarily interested in a diverse range of pie recipes without altitude considerations, they might find its focus somewhat limited.

The Pie and Pastry Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to master the art of pie and pastry making. One of its major strengths is the author's expertise; Beranbaum is a well-respected figure in the baking community, offering meticulously detailed recipes and techniques. The book covers a wide variety of pies, from fruit to cream and savory pies, catering to a broad audience.

Additionally, the 704-page hardcover format includes beautiful, instructional visuals that enhance the learning experience. However, its depth and detail might be overwhelming for beginners, making it better suited for intermediate to advanced bakers. While the recipes use accessible ingredients, some might require a trip to a specialty store.

Finally, the book's size and weight make it less portable and convenient for casual use in the kitchen. Despite these minor drawbacks, this cookbook is a valuable resource for dedicated bakers looking to expand their skills and repertoire.