A slice of apple pie tastes best when it is still warm, and a handful of California bakeries keep it that way every single day. Most of these shops sit in the mountain town of Julian, with one more up in the famous Apple Hill farm country near Camino.
They bake with real fruit, serve slices with ice cream or even cheddar, and sell whole pies for the ride home. Save this list for your next weekend drive, because a cold day and a warm slice belong together.
1. Julian Pie Company, Julian, CA
Cheddar cheese on apple pie might sound odd until you try it. Julian Pie Company offers it as a topping, along with ice cream and whipped cream, on pies made with locally grown fruit and served warm.
The apple pie has a sweet-tart balance that fits Julian, a town built on its orchards. The Apple Mountain Berry Crumb is a fun twist, and it happens to be vegan too.
Pie is only part of the draw. The shop also makes apple cider donuts, cinnamon rolls, and pie crust cookies dusted with cinnamon sugar.
I like the outdoor patio here, especially paired with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. Dogs are allowed, which makes it an easy stop for road trippers with a pup in tow.
Hours run 9 AM to 5 PM daily at 2225 Main St. Saturday afternoons get busy, so a Tuesday morning visit is the calmer choice.
2. Mom’s Pie House – Julian, Julian, CA
Expect a line on weekend afternoons, and expect it to move toward something good. Mom’s Pie House on Main Street is a longtime local favorite for fruit pies.
The apple lineup alone could fill a menu board. Choose from classic apple, apple boysenberry crumb, apple cherry, apple caramel, and apple berry crumb.
Non-apple fans can grab strawberry rhubarb or bumbleberry. There is even a savory chicken pot pie for anyone who wants lunch before dessert.
The small shop has a homey, kitchen-style setting that matches Julian’s small-town character. A warm slice with hot cider makes sense on a chilly, rainy mountain day.
Whole pies are packed to go, including apple crumb and pecan. The shop opens at 8 AM, stays open until 6 PM on weekends, and street parking is free.
3. Apple Alley Bakery, Julian, CA
Gluten-free and sugar-free pie fans, this stop is for you. Apple Alley Bakery bakes a Gluten Free Apple Crumble and a Sugar Free Apple Pie alongside its classic slices.
The rest of the menu leans rich. Pecan Apple Pie and Caramel Apple Pecan Pie bring a nutty, gooey upgrade to the usual recipe.
Warm apple crumb pie with ice cream is a natural pairing here. The flaky crust and fresh apples keep things simple and satisfying.
This homespun cafe also serves sandwiches and pastries, so it works for a real meal. There is a comfortable dining area for sitting down.
Find it at 2122 Main St, open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Plan around Tuesdays, when the bakery is closed, and expect waits during busy holiday weeks.
4. Joan’s Apple Bakery at Delfino Farms, Camino, CA
Some pies need a fork. The Walkin’ Apple Pie at Joan’s Apple Bakery was made to carry around the farm.
The bakery sits on Delfino Farms in Camino, part of the Apple Hill farm region in the Sierra foothills. That orchard setting is a big part of the appeal.
Besides the handheld pie, there is a French Apple Pie for those with a serious sweet tooth. Fresh apples and coffee round out the menu.
I would save this one for a fall road trip when Apple Hill farms are in full swing. Grab warm pie, then pick up a bag of crisp apples for home.
Check the calendar first. The bakery opens Friday through Monday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and closes Tuesday through Thursday.
5. Mom’s Pie House – Wynola, Julian, CA
Main Street crowds not your style? Head a few miles out on Highway 78 to the Wynola location of Mom’s Pie House.
It keeps the same family of recipes but adds outdoor garden seating and a free parking lot. That alone makes weekend visits much easier.
Pies come out hot, and you can top a slice with your pick of four ice cream flavors. The crust is crisp, and the apples lean tart rather than sugary.
Hot cider and coffee are on hand for cold days. Whole pies to go include Apple Crumb, Bumbleberry Crumb, and Rhubarb Strawberry Flaky.
Hours are 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 5:30 PM on weekends at 4510 CA-78.
6. California Mountain Bakery, Santa Ysabel, CA
Sticky buns and breakfast sandwiches make this country bakery a smart first stop on the climb toward Julian. California Mountain Bakery sits on Highway 78 in Santa Ysabel.
The pie case is the main event, though. Apple Crumb Dutch Apple features a crunchy crumb topping and a filling that is not too sweet.
Blueberry Apple is another pick that often arrives warm. Hand pies and brownies are easy to take on the road.
The setting is quiet and laid back, with friendly service and coffee. A free parking lot helps too.
Hours are short, so plan ahead. It is open Thursday through Sunday, closing at 3 PM, and closed Monday through Wednesday.
Pick a favorite, or try them all in one day. Your apple pie tour starts here.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.