6 Iconic Pie Stops in Iowa You Shouldn’t Leave the State Without Trying

Iowa’s heartland is famous for its rolling farmlands, but locals know the state’s true treasure lies in its incredible pie shops. From flaky crusts to seasonal fruit fillings, Iowa’s bakeries have perfected the art of pie-making through generations of family recipes. Whether you’re passing through or planning a dedicated pie pilgrimage, these seven iconic stops showcase the best slices the Hawkeye State has to offer.

1. Kathy’s Pies & Bakery, Cedar Rapids

Tucked into a cozy corner of Cedar Rapids, Kathy’s Pies has been satisfying sweet cravings since 1986. The bakery’s signature creation, a velvety smooth French Silk, draws customers from miles around who happily wait in line for a slice of heaven.

Everything at Kathy’s is made from scratch daily. The seasonal fruit pies showcase Iowa’s agricultural bounty, with the strawberry rhubarb hitting perfect sweet-tart notes in spring.

During holidays, the small shop produces over 2,000 pies in just three days! Pro tip: Call ahead to reserve your favorite variety, as Kathy’s masterpieces frequently sell out by mid-afternoon.

2. Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery, Boone

Family traditions run deep at Van Hemert’s, where fifth-generation bakers still use recipes brought from the Netherlands over a century ago. The moment you walk in, the aroma of butter and cinnamon envelops you like a warm hug from grandma.

Their Dutch apple pie stands as the undisputed champion – crowned with a crumbly streusel topping and drizzled with caramel that pools in all the right places. Locals swear the secret lies in the apples, which come from nearby orchards during harvest season.

Beyond pies, their Dutch letters (almond-filled pastries shaped like an ‘S’) make perfect road trip companions. Visit on Wednesday mornings when everything comes fresh from the ovens!

3. Kozi Pie Shoppe, Decorah

Nestled in Decorah’s historic downtown, Kozi creates pies that reflect northeast Iowa’s Scandinavian heritage. Owner Kristi Kozi learned pie-making from her Norwegian grandmother, blending traditional techniques with unexpected flavor twists.

The cardamom-spiced pear pie has developed a cult following among locals and visitors alike. Each slice arrives with a scoop of homemade cinnamon ice cream that melts into the warm filling, creating a dessert experience worth writing home about.

The shop’s charming interior features handcrafted wooden tables where you can enjoy your pie while watching bakers roll out dough in the open kitchen. During summer, their strawberry rhubarb pie showcases berries from the town’s farmers market held just steps away.

4. Jaarsma Bakery, Pella

Since 1898, Jaarsma has been the crown jewel of Pella’s Dutch community. During the town’s famous Tulip Festival, lines stretch around the block as visitors clamor for a taste of authentic Dutch baking.

Their almond-filled peach pie combines the best of both worlds – traditional Dutch pastry techniques with juicy American fruit. The flaky crust shatters delicately with each forkful, revealing perfectly spiced peach slices beneath.

The bakery itself feels like a time capsule with its blue Delft-inspired décor and staff dressed in traditional Dutch costumes. Fourth-generation bakers still use original equipment, including a 100-year-old dough mixer that family members claim contributes to the distinctive texture of their crusts.

5. Ox Yoke Inn, Amana

Stepping into Ox Yoke Inn feels like entering a living museum of Amana Colonies history. Founded in 1940, this family-style restaurant serves hearty German-inspired meals, but locals know to save room for their legendary pies.

The rhubarb cream cheese pie represents the perfect marriage between tangy and sweet. A layer of smooth cream cheese provides the foundation for ruby-red rhubarb harvested from community gardens throughout the colonies.

Meals at Ox Yoke are served family-style, reflecting the communal dining traditions of the original Amana settlers. Their pie recipes haven’t changed in decades – the current baker learned directly from the founder’s daughter who insisted some traditions are too perfect to modernize.

6. Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Prairie City

Don’t let the name fool you – while Goldie’s serves excellent ice cream, their pies have earned them a spot in Iowa’s dessert hall of fame. This unassuming roadside stop between Des Moines and Knoxville surprises first-timers with pie perfection.

The coconut cream pie stands tall with a mountain of toasted meringue that’s torched to golden-brown perfection. Beneath lies a velvety coconut filling that strikes the ideal balance between rich and light.

Former Iowa Governor Ray made weekly detours to grab a slice, putting Goldie’s on the map. The family-run business still uses the same recipe cards penned by Grandma Goldie herself in the 1960s. For the full experience, order a slice with a scoop of their homemade vanilla bean ice cream.