As the air cools and kitchens across the country fill with the scent of sweet spices and butter, one dessert inevitably steals the spotlight: pie. Whether it’s the classic comfort of pumpkin, the tartness of cranberry, or perhaps the gooey goodness of pecan, pies have a way to start the chilly season off right. This holiday season, we took some of Eater’s (food news and dining guide for Houston) top listed pie shops within the Loop and put them to the test. 

Proud Pie at Dish Society: 4191 Bellaire Blvd 

Tucked away inside Dish Society on Bellaire Boulevard, Proud Pie delivers slices that truly redefine what a holiday dessert should taste like. They offer a multitude of options spanning from coconut cream to key lime pie. Their “Muddy Bottom Pecan Pie” takes a Southern classic and gives it a Texan twist. It incorporates layers of Texas pecans resting in a rich, dark butter custard laced with Ghirardelli chocolate that simply melts into the all-butter crust. It indulges in the best of two worlds: the sweetness of pecan mixed with richness of dark chocolate, balancing the bittersweet flavor with a deep, toasty richness. In the meantime, I drove my Chevy to the levy and got some sweet “State Fair Caramel Apple Pie”, which uses sugar-roasted apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg to transform itself into the taste of autumn at its peak. It uses a golden butter crust crowned with a Dutch streusel topping that crumbles perfectly under a drizzle of buttery caramel, with each bite feeling like a warm childhood memory. It is safe to say that Proud Pie will be seeing me again very soon: ten out of ten.  

Moellers Bakery: 4201 Bellaire Blvd 

Right next to Dish Society sits Moellers Bakery, a family-owned setting founded in 1903 by brothers Gus and Raymond that still uses the original ovens and recipes from 95 years ago. I tried a classic American cherry lattice topped pie, which gave a sweet, syrupy and gooey sensation. The crust lacked flavor and was a little dry; however, it quickly redeemed itself with the tangy flavor that soon followed. Although the pie was yummy, I would most likely not pay Moellers Bakery a visit again. I believe that there are better and more affordable alternatives on the market.  

Cleburne Cafeteria: 3606 Bissonnet St 

This local spot has served Houston since 1941 and offers hefty portions of American classics, served cafeteria-style with a large variety. I chose their pumpkin pie, which incorporated a rich, smooth, and creamy custard filling topped off with whipped cream. It uses warm spices that give it a sweet and spicy taste. The filling was nestled in a crusty butter crust, which I fully enjoyed. The pumpkin filling was very velvety and rich without being too dense, letting the warm flavor profile shine through. The cinnamon was able to add depth, with the nutmeg and ginger providing a subtle kick and a comforting sweetness that lingers with every bite. 

House of Pies: 3112 Kirby Dr 

Celebrating comfort food and memories since 1967, House of Pies is a household name within the Houston Community. With over 39 pies and cheesecakes, there is a flavor for every mood and taste bud. I tried one of their fan-favorites, the fresh strawberry pie, which uses a buttery pie crust, fresh strawberries, strawberry glaze, and whipped cream to make your strawberry field dreams forever. The ripe, juicy strawberries are piled high onto a flaky crust and bound with a glistening strawberry glaze that is simply mouthwatering. This inclusion of fresh strawberries gave it a vibrant and fresh flavor profile that made it the star of the dish. It was served chilled with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and complimented the sweet fruit filling perfectly; making it a perfect refreshment after a long day.