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10 Best Pie Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Pies and Tarts: The Definitive Guide to Classic and Contemporary Favorites from the World's Premier Culinary College (at Home with The Culinary Institute of America)

“Pies and Tarts” from The Culinary Institute of America is a well-rounded cookbook aimed at home bakers who want to explore both classic and modern pie recipes. The book offers a good range of pies and tarts, covering everything from traditional fruit pies to more contemporary options, which makes it suitable for those looking to expand their baking skills. The recipes vary in difficulty, so while beginners might find some techniques challenging, more experienced home cooks will appreciate the detailed guidance and professional tips.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,145
Recipe Variety
Visual Appeal
Author Expertise

Most important from
43 reviews

Recipe Variety
This cookbook goes beyond the basics, offering recipes that are both classic and delightfully innovative, making it a true revelation for pie lovers.
Visual Appeal
The recipes are incredibly well written, with gorgeous photos that inspire confidence and make the baking process approachable.
Author Expertise
It shares wonderful tips and tricks that even experienced bakers haven't encountered before, elevating the pie-making experience.
Skill Level
The book balances accessibility with sophistication, making it suitable for those serious about mastering pies and tarts.
#2
9.1 score

The Perfect Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic and Modern Pies, Tarts, Galettes, and More (Perfect Baking Cookbooks)

The Perfect Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic and Modern Pies, Tarts, Galettes, and More is a comprehensive pie cookbook published by America's Test Kitchen. Measuring 8.94 x 1.02 x 10.32 inches and weighing 3.1 pounds, this hardcover book has 376 pages filled with pie recipes. It delves into both classic and modern pies, making it suitable for bakers of various skill levels.

Rating
9.1
Skill Level
Types of Pies
Recipe Variety

Most important from
961 reviews

Skill Level
Recipes taste great, though they are time-consuming and lack preparation time listings.
Types of Pies
The section on individual and slab pies is really appreciated.
Recipe Variety
So many delicious recipes for so many different occasions.
Visual Appeal
A variety of options, clear instructions, and lots of beautiful pictures.
Author Expertise
America's Test Kitchen has done it again.
#3
8.8 score

The Book On Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies

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.

Rating
8.8
Skill Level
Types of Pies
Recipe Variety

Most important from
3911 reviews

Skill Level
The book walks you through everything from equipment to storing and freezing pies, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Types of Pies
Recipes range from fruit to custard, cream, chiffon, and savory pies, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Recipe Variety
The book's recipes are well-written and easy to follow, with measurements given by weight and volume.
Ingredient Accessibility
Options for crusts are varied, from all butter to vegan, gluten-free, and even phyllo dough crusts.
Visual Appeal
The chapter on doughs and crusts is incredibly detailed, providing step-by-step pictorials on mixing pie dough and troubleshooting tips.
Author Expertise
This isn't just a book on pie; it's the most joyful and exhaustive text on pies to date.

Top 10 Best Pie Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Pies and Tarts: The Definitive Guide to Classic and Contemporary Favorites from the World's Premier Culinary College (at Home with The Culinary Institute of America)

Skill Level: varies; some challenging, detailed guidance
Types of Pies: classic and modern pies and tarts
Recipe Variety: good range of classic and modern
Ingredient Accessibility: mostly accessible, some specialty items
Visual Appeal: clear photos guiding baking process
Author Expertise: from Culinary Institute, precise instructions

Chosen by 1145 this week

The Perfect Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic and Modern Pies, Tarts, Galettes, and More (Perfect Baking Cookbooks)

Skill Level: various
Types of Pies: classic, modern pies, tarts, galettes
Recipe Variety: wide variety
Ingredient Accessibility: generally good
Visual Appeal: strong
Author Expertise: America's Test Kitchen

The Book On Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies

Skill Level: all levels
Recipe Variety: wide variety
Ingredient Accessibility: common ingredients
Visual Appeal: beautiful photos
Author Expertise: expert in pie-making

The Pie Room: 80 achievable and show-stopping pies and sides for pie lovers everywhere

Skill Level: beginners and experienced bakers
Types of Pies: sweet, savory
Recipe Variety: 80
Ingredient Accessibility: easy to find
Visual Appeal: high-quality images
Author Expertise: culinary field expert

Art of the Pie: A Practical Guide to Homemade Crusts, Fillings, and Life

Skill Level: beginners and experienced
Types of Pies: apple, cherry, unique, seasonal
Recipe Variety: wide variety
Ingredient Accessibility: common, some specialty items
Visual Appeal: high-quality images
Author Expertise: extensive pie-making knowledge

Sister Pie: The Recipes and Stories of a Big-Hearted Bakery in Detroit [A Baking Book]

Skill Level: home bakers, friendly for beginners
Types of Pies: classic fruit, inventive sweet and savory
Recipe Variety: nice variety
Ingredient Accessibility: regular stores, some specialty ingredients
Visual Appeal: inviting photos, engaging layout
Author Expertise: deep bakery and community connection
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Hometown Favorites: What are you craving?: Recipes from The Pie Dump

Skill Level: beginner or some experience
Types of Pies: traditional to unique options
Recipe Variety: good variety
Ingredient Accessibility: easy to find locally
Author Expertise: independently published

Paul Hollywood's Pies and Puds

Skill Level: beginner to some baking experience
Types of Pies: traditional and contemporary, sweet and savory
Recipe Variety: good variety, 224 pages
Ingredient Accessibility: common pantry items, some specialty
Visual Appeal: well illustrated
Author Expertise: well-known baker and TV personality
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Buying Guide for the Best Pie Cookbooks

Choosing the right pie cookbook can be a delightful journey, especially if you love baking and want to expand your repertoire. The perfect cookbook for you will depend on your skill level, the types of pies you enjoy, and the kind of recipes you are looking to explore. Here are some key aspects to consider when selecting a pie cookbook to ensure it meets your needs and helps you create delicious pies every time.
Skill LevelSkill level is an important factor to consider when choosing a pie cookbook. Cookbooks are often tailored to different levels of expertise, from beginners to advanced bakers. If you are new to pie baking, look for a cookbook that offers clear, step-by-step instructions and basic recipes. Intermediate bakers might prefer a book that introduces more complex techniques and a variety of pie types. Advanced bakers may seek out cookbooks that challenge their skills with intricate recipes and innovative flavor combinations. Assess your own baking experience and choose a cookbook that matches your comfort level and helps you grow.
Types of PiesThe types of pies featured in a cookbook can greatly influence your choice. Some cookbooks focus on specific categories, such as fruit pies, cream pies, or savory pies, while others offer a broad range of pie recipes. If you have a particular preference, such as a love for fruit pies, look for a cookbook that specializes in that area. On the other hand, if you enjoy experimenting with different kinds of pies, a comprehensive cookbook with a variety of recipes might be more suitable. Consider what types of pies you enjoy making and eating, and choose a cookbook that aligns with your tastes.
Recipe VarietyRecipe variety is another key aspect to consider. A good pie cookbook should offer a diverse selection of recipes to keep your baking experience exciting and enjoyable. Look for a cookbook that includes a mix of classic and contemporary recipes, as well as seasonal and holiday pies. This variety will allow you to try new flavors and techniques, and keep your baking repertoire fresh. If you like to bake for different occasions, a cookbook with a wide range of recipes will be particularly useful.
Ingredient AccessibilityIngredient accessibility is crucial when choosing a pie cookbook. Some cookbooks may call for exotic or hard-to-find ingredients, which can be challenging if you don't have access to specialty stores. Look for a cookbook that uses ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store or farmers' market. This will make the baking process more convenient and enjoyable. If you prefer using seasonal or locally-sourced ingredients, choose a cookbook that emphasizes these aspects.
Visual AppealVisual appeal can greatly enhance your baking experience. Cookbooks with high-quality photographs and illustrations can provide inspiration and help you visualize the final product. They can also serve as a helpful guide for presentation and decoration. If you are a visual learner, a cookbook with plenty of images will be particularly beneficial. Consider how important visual elements are to you and choose a cookbook that meets your preferences.
Author ExpertiseAuthor expertise can influence the quality and reliability of the recipes in a pie cookbook. Cookbooks written by experienced bakers, pastry chefs, or well-known food writers are often more trustworthy and provide valuable insights and tips. Research the author's background and credentials to ensure they have the expertise to guide you through the pie-making process. An author with a strong reputation in the baking community can offer tried-and-true recipes and helpful advice.

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