There is a small bakery in Eastern Iowa where three-inch pies have become the reason people plan their afternoons around a Tuesday or Friday. It bakes everything from scratch, and it does something bigger than pastry along the way.
Weddings across the region have swapped their cake tables for little personal pies from this spot, and folks still talk about them years later. What makes a bakery this beloved, and why do people drive out of their way to reach it?
Keep reading, because the story behind these mini pies is every bit as satisfying as the pies themselves.
A Sweet Corner on Mulberry Street
Tucked at 522 Mulberry St in Waterloo, Iowa, this bakery has built a loyal following that stretches well beyond the city limits. The name is Try Pie Bakery, and the invitation is right there in the title.
The shop sits in the heart of the Cedar Valley, an area that has quietly claimed it as a local favorite. People from surrounding towns make the drive specifically to get here.
What greets guests is a straightforward, welcoming counter stacked with pies in a range of sizes. There are full pies for gatherings, six-inch options, and the famous three-inch mini pies that fit in one hand.
The storefront doubles as both a treat stop and a working kitchen, which gives the whole place an honest, down-to-earth feel. Nothing about it is fussy or overdone.
Regulars mention swinging by for a personal pie whenever the craving hits, and newcomers tend to leave already planning a return trip. With a 4.9-star standing across nearly ninety reviews, the affection for this little Waterloo bakery is hard to miss.
More Than a Bakery, a Mission
Behind every pie here is a purpose that makes the whole operation feel different. The bakery works with young women, helping them build real skills and confidence for the road ahead.
Supporters often say the mission is what turns a simple treat into something worth returning for again and again. Buying a pie means backing something that matters in the community.
Guests have pointed out that the shop teaches financial responsibility alongside baking, giving the young bakers practical lessons that carry beyond the kitchen. It is a hands-on education wrapped up in flaky crust.
That community focus shows up in how the bakery interacts with people, too. Folks describe the staff as kind, welcoming, and genuinely invested in doing right by their customers.
It is not every day that a dessert stop also doubles as a training ground and a place of encouragement. Many longtime fans say the mission is exactly why they keep choosing this spot over anywhere else.
The pies would be enough on their own, but knowing they help lift up young people gives each bite a little extra meaning.
The Mini Pies That Started the Buzz
Small but mighty describes the three-inch pies that put this bakery on the map. Each one is a complete personal pie, crust and filling and all, sized just for a single person.
Fans rave about how these little desserts pack the same quality as a full pie into a handheld package. They are the kind of treat that turns a quick visit into a happy afternoon.
The mini pies come in a rotating spread of flavors, giving people a reason to try something new on each trip. Options have included French silk, key lime, cherry, blueberry, and apple among others.
Regulars mention the fun of grabbing a mini pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The pairing has become a small ritual for many who stop in.
Because the pies are scratch-made, the fillings tend to lean balanced rather than overly sweet, letting each fruit stand out. That restraint is something people notice and appreciate.
Of all the things this bakery does well, the mini pies are the calling card that keeps Eastern Iowa coming back.
Crumble Tops and Standout Flavors
Flavor combinations here go beyond the usual suspects, and that adventurous streak keeps people curious. The rhubarb raspberry lavender pie has become a signature that fans specifically ask for.
Crumble tops earn their own following, adding a texture that some compare to a fruit crisp resting on a proper pie crust base. It is a clever twist that sets certain pies apart.
Berry lovers gravitate toward the triple berry and the blackberry peach, where the fruit stays distinct instead of blending into one sweet mush. You can actually tell the varieties apart.
Classic choices are far from forgotten. Apple pie and cherry pie both draw steady praise, and the chocolate silk pies have a habit of stealing the show at gatherings.
The crust deserves a shout of its own. Even people who claim not to care for pie crust have found themselves finishing every last crumb here.
With flavors this thoughtful and toppings this fun, the menu rewards anyone willing to branch out beyond their usual order.
Windows Into the Kitchen
One charming detail sets the vibe apart from your average counter service. The shop has windows that let guests peek right into the kitchen while pies are being made.
Watching the bakers at work while enjoying a slice adds a layer of connection that most bakeries cannot offer. It turns a snack into a small experience.
The setup makes the whole scratch-made claim feel real and visible. There is no guessing about where the pies come from when you can see them taking shape.
That transparency fits neatly with the bakery’s mission of teaching and mentorship. Customers get to witness the young bakers building their craft in real time.
The interior itself keeps things simple and cheerful, with plenty of pies on display to browse before deciding. It is an inviting spot to linger for a bit.
Little touches like the kitchen windows are the reason a visit here sticks in people’s memory long after the pie is gone.
Pies That Steal the Wedding Show
Couples across the region have turned to this bakery for a fresh take on wedding dessert. Instead of a traditional cake, they set out tables of mini pies in a spread of flavors.
The idea has been a hit at reception after reception. Guests love being able to pick their own favorite, and many go back for seconds and thirds.
One couple even had the bakery cater their Pi Day wedding in Galena, Illinois, serving five different three-inch flavors to delighted guests. The delivery option made a hectic day easier.
The staff handles the whole process with care, from taste tests to setup on the big day. They help couples figure out exactly how many pies they will need.
Allergies are taken seriously, too. The team has adjusted crumble toppings to remove nuts and offered gluten-free pies that guests could not tell apart from the rest.
Because pies hold up well at room temperature, they stay tasty even while sitting out through an evening celebration. For anyone tired of the usual cake, these pies make a memorable swap.
A Warm, Easygoing Atmosphere
Friendliness runs through everything about the customer experience here. People consistently describe the staff as kind, helpful, and easy to work with.
The service earns just as much praise as the pies, which is saying something. Whether it is a quick treat or a big catered order, the team goes out of its way to meet needs.
The setting suits just about anyone looking for a low-key sweet stop. It works for a solo afternoon treat as much as it does for planning a large event.
Families appreciate the mission-driven spirit, and dessert lovers appreciate the quality. It is a rare combination that pleases a wide range of people.
Even those who do not normally reach for pie have been won over here. The balance of crust and filling has flipped a few skeptics into fans.
The overall feeling is welcoming and unpretentious, the kind of place where a first visit tends to become a habit.
Hours, Prices, and Planning Your Visit
Timing matters at this bakery, since the doors are only open a few days each week. The shop welcomes guests on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon to 6 PM.
It stays closed on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, so planning ahead pays off. Marking those open days on the calendar is the surest way to avoid a wasted trip.
The prices keep things approachable. A small personal pie runs about five dollars, which fans call a solid deal for a scratch-made treat.
Beyond the storefront, the bakery has popped up at events like antique shows in the Amana Colonies. Its pies have also been spotted at Hy-Vee and Hanson’s Dairy in the area.
For catering and larger orders, the team is known for clear communication and accurate quotes. Delivery has been a lifesaver for busy event days.
Anyone new to the area can find the shop at 522 Mulberry St in Waterloo, and details live on the bakery’s website at trypie.org. A little planning turns into a very sweet reward.
Why the Cedar Valley Keeps Coming Back
Loyalty runs deep for this Waterloo bakery, and the reasons stack up quickly. The pies earn top marks, the mission lifts up young women, and the service treats everyone like a regular.
People have called it the best pie in the Cedar Valley, and some who moved far away say they have not found anything to rival it. That kind of devotion speaks volumes.
The near-perfect standing across dozens of reviews reflects a business that consistently delivers. It is the sort of place folks recommend without hesitation.
Whether the plan is a full pie for a holiday table or a mini pie on an ordinary Tuesday, the bakery makes each occasion feel a little brighter. The range of sizes covers just about every craving.
Supporting it means enjoying a genuinely great dessert while backing something meaningful in the community. That double reward is rare and worth showing up for.
For anyone in Eastern Iowa with a soft spot for scratch-made pie, this little shop on Mulberry Street is more than worth the drive. Once you go, you will understand why so many keep going back.
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