The Top 5 Hidden Pie Spots in Palm Springs You MUST Try Before Thanksgiving—#3 Will Shock You!

As the holiday season approaches, the culinary landscape often reflects regional differences across the United States, particularly in the realm of side dishes. But amidst the debates over "stuffing" versus "dressing," one dessert remains a universal favorite: pie. Whether you crave the warmth of an apple pie or the tang of a key lime, the appeal of pie as a holiday staple is hard to deny.

At The Desert Sun, we take our sweets seriously, especially during this festive time. To help you navigate the local pie offerings in the Coachella Valley and nearby areas, we’ve compiled a list of some must-try spots that are sure to satisfy your holiday cravings.

Where to Find the Best Pies in the Coachella Valley

Sherman's Deli & Bakery is a Palm Springs institution known for its extensive dessert menu. The deli features main pie flavors including Dutch apple, coconut cream, key lime, and lemon meringue. With locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, you can enjoy dine-in or takeout options. If you’re in the mood for more than just pie, Sherman’s also offers over a dozen cake flavors along with eclairs, tarts, and macaroons.

King's Highway Diner at the Ace Hotel is famous for its banoffee pie, a delightful combination of caramel toffee, fresh banana slices, and whipped cream. If you’re looking for something different from the traditional pumpkin and apple offerings, this pie is definitely worth a visit.

Chicken Ranch, a fried chicken spot in downtown Palm Springs, surprises visitors with its outstanding key lime pie. A former staff writer for The Desert Sun declared it "arguably the best key lime pie" they've ever tasted, making it a must-try even when you might not expect dessert from a chicken joint.

For those planning larger gatherings, Riley's Farm in Oak Glen, about an hour’s drive from the valley, offers a five-pound apple pie that’s perfect for sharing. This pie requires a special order, and while they also serve salted caramel pies and fruit turnovers, ordering online is the best way to ensure you get the freshest options available.

Julian Pie Company, located roughly two hours away in Julian and Santa Ysabel, has a stellar reputation for its pies, with offerings like boysenberry apple crumb and apple mountain berry crumb. For those who prefer convenience, you can order online for delivery to skip the drive.

Billy Reed's in Palm Springs offers a diverse dessert menu that includes chocolate cream pie, peach pie, pecan pie, and a Boston cream pie touted as “worth coming all the way from Boston for.” To-go orders for pies must be placed at least one day in advance, so plan accordingly.

Farmers’ markets can also be a delightful way to pick up local pies, especially during the holiday season. Love, Dreams & Pie, a vendor at the Palm Springs (Saturday mornings) and La Quinta (Sunday mornings) farmers’ markets, offers a variety of sweet and savory pies, including lemon curd and strawberry rhubarb, depending on availability. The vendor also operates a shop in Old Town Murrieta.

If you’re in the mood for some local sweets beyond traditional pies, consider stopping by Las Tres Conchitas, a panadería in Indio. This Mexican bakery specializes in cakes, empanadas, and conchas, a sweet, seashell-shaped bread that’s popular in Mexico.

Mi Tierra Bakery, with locations in Indio and Coachella, also offers an array of Mexican pastries perfect for the holiday season, including mini pumpkin cakes and donuts alongside their extensive collection of pan dulce.

As pie season kicks into high gear, these local spots in the Coachella Valley and nearby are sure to meet your dessert needs and add a delightful touch to your holiday gatherings. From classic flavors to unique takes, there's a slice for everyone to enjoy this season.

Tom Coulter is a reporter for The Desert Sun. Reach him at [email protected].