The scent of freshly baked pies is one of the most heavenly aromas on Earth. And there’s nothing more American than apple pie. Especially when old-fashioned goodness and love are baked into every single slice.

Whether it's apple, berry, or another fruity treat you are hankering for, a visit to the Julian Pie Company is an absolute must. The recipe that’s transcended four generations has never changed and neither has the quality or process of creating San Diego’s very best pies.

Yolanda Gonzalez finishes the top crust on a strawberry rhubarb pie.

Tasting Apple Pies

The original apple pie is packed solid with Granny Smith apples giving it a delightfully perfect tart flavor. The flaky, crumbly, delicate crust holds up well to the very last bite, even when topped with vanilla bean ice cream. If you love cinnamon, ask for a scoop of this in lieu of vanilla. The pie company even makes their own fresh whipped cream—another delightful topping.

If you love the taste of sweet apples cooked in their own juices, the natural apple is made from sweet apples and apple cider with no added sugar.

Dutch apple is much like the original apple pie, but with a popular crumb topping that gives it a perfect balance of sweetness.

The crumbly top of a Dutch apple pie.

Other Berry Pie Delights

For those who enjoy a more adventurous pie experience, Julian Pie Company has some incredible options.

Boysenberry apple contains layers of berries, mixed with apples and topped with a crumb crust. Apple mountain berry adds raspberries and strawberries to the boysenberry apple. Both of these pies reflect the perfect blending of these fruits.

Pie shells with strawberry rhubarb filling in the middle of preparation.

Our absolute favorite pie here was an old-fashioned strawberry rhubarb delight featuring sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb with the original flaky crust. This unique combination explodes with flavor and brings back memories of a bygone era.   

If you love peaches, you must try the peach apple pie. Sweet slices of peaches are layered with apples and then baked with a crumb top.

Our last tasting was the tantalizing cherry pie made from tart Michigan cherries. This richly-flavored dessert has a dedicated following.   

Seasonal Pies

The Julian Pie Company brings added treasures to the menu with the changing of the seasons:

Pumpkin

Pumpkin Apple Crumb

Pecan

Chocolate Chip Pecan

Mincemeat

Patrons’ favorites? Though all are popular, owner Tim Smothers says apple pie remains one of the best sellers along with the boysenberry apple.

Edible San Diego Issue 67 Fall 2022
Cover image: Lauren Di Matteo.

More to This Story

"If you wish to make a pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." — Carl Sagan

Want to know more about the Julian Pie Company? Read about Julian's True Treasure in the fall 2022 issue.

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