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As Thanksgiving approaches, pie seems to be on everyone’s minds. It’s the season when cravings for pie seem to rise with the cool weather, filling the air with the scent of spiced pumpkin, crisp apple and decadent chocolate. As families plan their holiday gatherings, someone will undoubtedly be assigned to bring the pie. Fortunately, pie isn’t just a seasonal treat, and our love for pie is celebrated through the Arkansas Pie Trail. Sure, you can make your own pie this Thanksgiving, or you can buy one made by someone who has mastered the craft of pie making.
Pie holds a special place in Arkansas culture, woven into celebrations, holiday meals, and roadside stops that invite visitors to enjoy a slice. The Arkansas Pie Trail showcases family-run diners, bakeries and cafes across the state that serve up a bit of Arkansas culture and tradition, one slice at a time. Whether it’s a towering wedge of meringue-topped coconut pie or a warm slice of peach in a flaky crust, pie can evoke memories of family gatherings, baking with Grandma and simpler times spent with loved ones. But it’s not just the flavors that make pie so memorable—it’s the versatility, and you’ll find some unique flavors and styles in Arkansas.
Personally, my relationship with pie is a bit complicated. While most people love dessert pies, I tend to favor the savory side. I’m all for a traditional, flaky pie crust when it wraps around a hearty chicken pot pie, a savory meat filling or a vegetable-filled quiche. However, Arkansas has won me over with its creative use of pie crust in fried pies—there’s just something about that handheld, golden treat that’s hard to resist! Serve it warm and topped with icing or sprinkled with powdered sugar, and I can’t get enough! My husband, on the other hand, leans toward the classics, always choosing apple or peach, especially if they’re served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
As we travel across the state, you’ll discover the best pies from the Delta to the Ozarks and everywhere in between. From savory to sweet, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of fruity fillings, indulgent creams, or that perfectly flaky crust filled with tender chicken and gravy, you can find it in Arkansas.
Photo by Blue Cake/Honey Pies.
Blue Cake/Honey Pies – Little Rock
Blue Cake/Honey Pies offers a variety of traditional pie flavors, mini pies and an Arkansas delicacy called Possum Pie (don’t worry, it’s not made with actual possum!). Possum Pie layers chocolate, pecans and cream cheese with whipped cream or meringue in a flaky butter crust, making it a sweet Southern favorite. They also sell premade crusts, perfect for those looking to create their own pies at home with a little head start.
Photo by Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets – Keo
Although Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets offers delicious lunch options, it’s the kind of place where dessert is always on your mind first. Known for its towering coconut cream pie, Charlotte’s also has a rotating menu of pie flavors that keeps regulars coming back for something new. Their peanut butter pie is another standout, with a loyal following that can’t resist its rich, creamy filling and flaky crust.
Ms. Lena’s Pies – DeValls Bluff
Despite the recent loss of her husband in October 2023, Ms. Lena continues to pour her heart into making pies, now by order only. She crafts all the traditional flavors but also adds a few unexpected choices like sweet potato, cherry cream cheese, and a unique half-chocolate, half-coconut pie. Her famous fried pies, along with these creative offerings, make Ms. Lena’s a cherished stop for anyone traveling the Arkansas Pie Trail.
Piehouse Bakery – Bentonville
Piehouse Bakery is a cozy community favorite known for its artisan pies and modern twists on classic flavors. Their signature creations include sour cherry pie and raspberry or blackberry cream pie. They offer seasonal pies and savory pies like quiche, shepherd’s pie and pot pie. Piehouse Bakery celebrates fresh, local ingredients and offers something special for every time of year.
Sweet Treats – Lamar
Sweet Treats is a small-town gem where pies are made with love and a dash of nostalgia. Known for their classic flavors like apple and pecan, they also offer unique creations like their Elvis Pie, Egg Custard Pie, Pineapple Coconut Pie and Possum Pie. Get your pie by the slice or take home a whole pie to share with the family.
Rymolene’s Pies – Fayetteville
Rymolene’s Pies is a charming pie shop that has become a local favorite for its wide variety of sweet and savory pies. Known for its indulgent butterscotch pie and a perfectly tangy lemon chiffon pie, Rymolene’s offers something to satisfy any craving. They also serve savory options like quiches and pot pies, perfect for those who love a heartier bite. And don’t forget to grab a few of their Arkansas-shaped pocket pies for your next tailgate party.
Grumpy’s Getaway – Rose Bud
Grumpy’s Getaway is a little off the beaten path but well worth the trip if you’re looking for a tasty hot meal and a mile-high slice of pie. It’s a favorite stop for our family after Thanksgiving when we pick up a Christmas tree from the Romance Christmas Tree Farm just a few miles down the road. The pies are baked daily and include flavors like banana split, Oreo, possum and peanut butter. Leave with a slice or order a whole.
Southern Confections – Jonesboro
Southern Confections specializes in mouthwatering homemade pies and a daily lunch special. The pies range in flavor, but the most popular is the “Chocolit Pie.” The recipe is original to the owner’s grandmother, Jewel. It symbolizes how recipes directly connect to the past and the people who made them.
Pie is delicious any time of the year. But the holiday season is a great time to place an order at your favorite local pie shop. Let them do the baking while you enjoy more time with family and friends. Some of our other favorites include:
Strawberry Pie at Skylark Cafe
Morrison’s Fried Pies in Hot Springs
Briar Rose Bakery
Gooseberry Handmade Pies
Rolling Pin Cafe
If you prefer to bake your own pies rather than purchase one, we can help there, too! Check out these delicious pie recipes:
Peanut Butter Cream Pie
Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie
Jelly Pie – Arkansas’s Favorite Pie?
Sunday Chicken and Biscuit Pot Pie
Pecan Pie Muffins
Cover photo courtesy of Blue Cake/Honey Pies.
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