13 Tennessee Pie Shops That Are Secretly Giving Grandma’s Pies A Run For Their Money
It starts with a craving you can’t quite shake, the kind that pulls you toward buttery crusts, warm spices, and fillings that taste like they’ve been perfected over generations. Most people swear nobody bakes like Grandma, but a handful of pie shops across the state have quietly stepped into the ring with rolling pins ready.
These bakeries aren’t flashy, and they’re not trying to rewrite tradition. Instead, they’re mastering it so well that locals whisper about their pies the same way they talk about family recipes. One slice in, and you start to understand why loyal fans cross counties just to get a taste.
1. Spotlight Bakery (Dollywood Area)
Nestled in the shadow of Dollywood, this bakery knows how to put on a show with its incredible pie selection. Every morning, bakers roll out fresh dough and craft pies that would make even Dolly herself swoon.
Their fruit pies burst with local flavors, while cream pies are silky smooth perfection. The crust? Flaky enough to shatter at first bite, yet sturdy enough to hold generous fillings.
Tourists and locals alike line up for a taste of these mountain-made masterpieces that prove theme park food doesn’t have to be the only attraction in town.
2. The Apple Barn and Cider Mill (Sevierville)
Apple pie heaven exists, and it’s located in Sevierville at this charming destination. The Apple Barn has been pressing cider and baking pies for decades, turning Tennessee apples into pure magic.
Walk through their doors and the scent of cinnamon and baked apples practically pulls you to the counter. Their signature apple pies feature chunks of fruit that maintain just the right texture—not mushy, not too firm.
Beyond traditional apple, they experiment with apple-cranberry and caramel apple variations that’ll have you reconsidering what fruit pie can be.
3. Magpies Bakery (Knoxville)
Knoxville’s Magpies Bakery brings a modern twist to traditional pie-making that’ll surprise your taste buds in the best way. Their rotating menu means there’s always something new to discover, from bourbon chocolate pecan to seasonal berry creations.
What sets them apart is their commitment to using local ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Each pie looks like edible art, almost too pretty to eat—but you absolutely should.
The portions are generous, the fillings are never overly sweet, and the crusts have that perfect butter-forward flavor that makes every bite memorable.
4. Frost Bake Shop (Memphis)
Memphis soul meets pastry perfection at Frost Bake Shop, where pies are taken as seriously as blues music. This bakery cranks out both classic favorites and inventive new flavors that keep customers coming back.
Their sweet potato pie pays homage to Southern traditions while their key lime delivers a tangy punch that’ll wake up your palate. Everything is made from scratch daily, ensuring maximum freshness.
Don’t sleep on their chocolate chess pie—it’s rich, fudgy, and exactly what you need when life calls for serious comfort food with a Memphis twist.
5. Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe (Memphis)
With a name like Butteriffic, you know the crust game here is strong. This Memphis gem delivers on its promise with pies that practically melt in your mouth.
Their buttermilk pie is a revelation—creamy, custard-like, with just enough sweetness to satisfy without overwhelming. Seasonal offerings rotate throughout the year, showcasing whatever fruit is at peak ripeness.
The cafe atmosphere makes it easy to settle in with a slice and a cup of coffee, turning a quick dessert stop into a relaxing break from your day.
6. The Pie Place (Chattanooga)
Sometimes the best places have the simplest names, and The Pie Place proves this theory correct. Located in Chattanooga, this spot has built its reputation one perfect slice at a time.
They specialize in Southern classics executed flawlessly—think pecan pie with toasted nuts, coconut cream that’s impossibly fluffy, and berry pies that taste like summer. Each pie gets the time and attention it deserves.
Regulars have their favorites, but first-timers often struggle to choose because everything looks and smells absolutely incredible when you walk through that door.
7. Pie R Square (Chattanooga / Red Bank)
Math puns and mouthwatering pies—what’s not to love? Pie R Square brings a playful approach to serious baking in the Red Bank area of Chattanooga.
Their menu covers all the bases, from traditional fruit pies to decadent cream varieties that’ll have you calculating how many slices is socially acceptable to eat. The crust achieves that golden-brown perfection that’s harder to nail than it looks.
Whether you need a whole pie for a gathering or just want a single slice to brighten your day, they’ve got the formula figured out perfectly.
8. Arnold’s Country Kitchen (Nashville)
Arnold’s has been a Nashville institution since 1982, serving meat-and-three plates that define Southern comfort food. But save room, because their pies are the real grand finale.
After loading up on fried chicken and vegetables, locals always find space for a slice of their chocolate meringue or coconut cream. These aren’t fancy pies—they’re honest, homestyle desserts made the way they’ve always been made.
The meringue towers high and holds its shape, while fruit pies feature simple, straightforward flavors that let quality ingredients shine without unnecessary fuss or frills.
9. Dozen Bakery (Nashville)
Dozen Bakery elevates Nashville’s dessert scene with pies that are equal parts rustic and refined. Their dedication to seasonal ingredients means the menu changes, keeping things fresh and exciting.
Spring might bring strawberry rhubarb while fall showcases bourbon pumpkin with a gingersnap crust. Whatever the season, expect bold flavors and picture-perfect presentation.
The bakers here aren’t afraid to experiment, but they never sacrifice taste for trendiness. Each pie balances innovation with the comforting familiarity that makes pie such a beloved dessert in the first place.
10. Baked On 8th (Nashville)
Tucked away on 8th Avenue, this Nashville bakery has become a neighborhood favorite for good reason. Their pies strike that perfect balance between homemade charm and professional execution.
The banana cream pie deserves special mention—layers of vanilla custard, fresh bananas, and whipped cream that’ll transport you straight to dessert paradise. Their fruit pies use real fruit, not canned fillings, making each bite taste authentic.
Small-batch baking means everything is fresh, and the friendly staff treats every customer like family stopping by for Sunday dinner.
11. Muddy’s Bake Shop (Memphis)
Muddy’s brings a cool, creative energy to Memphis baking with pies that are as fun as they are delicious. This isn’t your grandmother’s bakery—unless your grandmother had awesome tattoos and great taste in music.
Their peanut butter pie is legendary among locals, featuring a chocolate crust that pairs perfectly with creamy filling. Seasonal specials keep the menu interesting, though classics remain available year-round.
The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it the kind of place where you can grab a slice solo or bring friends for a sweet celebration.
12. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop (Knoxville & Turkey Creek)
Buttermilk Sky has expanded across the South, but their Knoxville and Turkey Creek locations bring serious pie credentials to East Tennessee. They specialize in personal-sized pies perfect for when you don’t want to share.
The selection is impressive—over a dozen varieties ranging from classic apple to creative options like salted caramel chocolate. Each mini pie arrives in its own tin, ready to eat immediately or save for later.
Their buttermilk pie, naturally, is a standout—smooth, sweet, and featuring that signature tangy flavor that makes this Southern classic so addictive and comforting.
13. Loveless Cafe (Nashville)
Loveless Cafe has been serving hungry travelers since 1951, and their pies have become as famous as their biscuits. This Nashville landmark knows that a great meal deserves an equally great ending.
Their chess pie is Tennessee tradition on a plate—simple ingredients transformed into something special through proper technique and care. Fruit pies change with the seasons, always featuring whatever’s freshest.
Sitting in a booth at Loveless with a slice of pie and a cup of coffee feels like stepping back in time to when roadside cafes ruled and good food mattered most.