Kathy's Pies & Bakery

For over three decades, Kathy’s Pies & Bakery has been a beloved fixture in the Eastern Iowa culinary landscape, deeply rooted in the Cedar Rapids community. Established in 1986, this family-owned bakery has built a stellar reputation on scratch recipes, quality ingredients, and a sheer passion for baking, earning accolades as the "Best Bakery" from local publications multiple years running. They are not just a pie shop; they are a full-service bakery offering an extensive selection of sweet treats that cater to every imaginable craving, from comforting classics reminiscent of Grandma's kitchen to decadent, modern indulgences.

Located conveniently in downtown Cedar Rapids, Kathy's Pies & Bakery has become the go-to spot for Iowans needing a stunning dessert for a holiday, a special event, or simply a high-quality treat to brighten their day. The selection is vast, proudly featuring over 30 types of pies alongside cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and an array of specialty pastries. Patrons consistently praise the incredible kindness of the staff and the impressive quality of the goods, citing everything from the "killer frosting" on their chocolate cake to the delicious twist on a classic raisin pie. For those in Cedar Rapids and surrounding Iowa communities, a quick visit to Kathy's Pies is a guaranteed way to satisfy any sweet tooth.

This guide is designed to provide local Iowa users with all the essential details about Kathy's Pies & Bakery, highlighting their signature offerings and convenient services.

Kathy's Pies & Bakery is centrally located at 616 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA. Situated in the downtown area, this long-standing location makes it a recognizable and practical stop for many local residents, including those working in the nearby MedQuarter Regional Medical District.

While a few customers have noted that parking spaces can be limited in their lot, the bakery has taken steps to ensure accessibility for all patrons.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The premises feature a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for all community members to enter and shop.

• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated accessible parking is available, providing necessary convenience for those with mobility challenges to retrieve their large pie or cake orders.

• Quick Visit Friendly: The business is designed for efficiency, with a focus on Quick visits, ensuring that whether you are picking up a single treat or a large pre-ordered pie, your stop is fast and convenient.

Kathy's Pies & Bakery offers a robust suite of service options designed to make getting their exceptional baked goods as easy as possible for their Eastern Iowa customers.

• Extensive Menu Variety: They offer one of the most comprehensive menus in the region, including over 30 varieties of Whole Pies (like the famous Chocolate Cream, Raisin, and unique Bayou Goo), along with a wide range of cakes (White, Chocolate, Marble, German Chocolate, Carrot Cake), cupcakes, cookies, muffins, and assorted pastries.

• In-Person Shopping: Customers are welcome to visit the store during operating hours for In-store shopping, allowing them to browse the daily selection of fresh pies, cakes by the slice, cupcakes, and pastries like their large Cinnamon and Pecan Rolls.

• Convenient Ordering and Pickup: They offer both In-store pickup and Takeout options for pre-ordered items, allowing local Iowans to quickly grab their desserts for meetings, parties, or family dinners.

• Delivery Service: For added convenience, particularly for wholesale accounts or catering needs, Delivery services are available, ensuring fresh products can reach homes, offices, and local restaurants throughout the area.

• Everyday Essentials and Specialty Items: The bakery offers everyday staples like plain White or Chocolate Cupcakes with buttercream frosting, alongside decadent specialty treats like Triple Chocolate Cupcakes, Red Velvet Cupcakes, and Brookie Cupcakes.

What truly makes Kathy's Pies & Bakery stand out to local Iowans are its dedication to quality, history, and the specific items that have earned them their loyal following.

• Eastern Iowa Pie Authority: Their specialty in pies is legendary, with the Chocolate Cream pie often cited as their number one seller. They offer a huge variety, from fruit pies like Apple and Cherry to creamy favorites like Banana Cream, and unique creations like Key Lime Pie (which is famously not green!).

• Old-Fashioned Quality and Respect: The bakery prides itself on scratch recipes, ensuring an authentic, homemade taste. Customers consistently praise the impressive quality of the pastries and the kind, hardworking staff, which fosters a feeling of respect and warmth.

• Signature Pastries: The Cinnamon Rolls and Pecan Rolls are a must-try highlight, described by customers as "a large size and have a taste to match," often featuring homemade caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting.

• Decadent Chocolate Offerings: Chocolate lovers are well catered to, with a "killer frosting" on their chocolate cake, rich Chocolate Cupcakes (including the praised Triple Chocolate version), and the Toll House Pie, a long-standing favorite brownie-type pie.

• Modern Payment Convenience: Offering both Debit cards and NFC mobile payments, the bakery ensures a fast and seamless checkout process for customers on the go.

Whether you need to place a large order for a gathering or simply want to inquire about the daily pie selection, Kathy's Pies & Bakery is ready to assist you.

Address: 616 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA

Phone: (319) 362-5216

Mobile Phone: +1 319-362-5216

They service wholesale accounts and retail customers, and welcome calls to help plan desserts for any board meeting, staff training, or family celebration.

For anyone in the Iowa community, particularly in the Cedar Rapids area, choosing Kathy's Pies & Bakery is about selecting a trusted, established institution where quality is guaranteed. It is worth choosing Kathy's Pies because you are opting for a consistently excellent product, baked from scratch, and backed by decades of local love and experience.

The sheer breadth and depth of their offerings mean you never have to go anywhere else for a dessert. From their signature, regionally famous pies—which are often the centerpiece of Iowa holidays and gatherings—to their generously sized, decadent pastries and rich chocolate items, there is a comforting, high-quality option for every need. When you bring one of Kathy's products, whether it's a nostalgic raisin pie or a modern brookie cupcake, you are sharing a slice of Eastern Iowa tradition and excellence. The fact that their chocolate cake is so good that a customer regretted not having milk handy to wash it down speaks volumes about the irresistible, old-school goodness they deliver.

The staff’s reputation for being "incredibly kind" is another powerful reason to choose them. In a small, local business, that personal touch makes all the difference, ensuring a pleasant experience from the moment you step inside. Despite the minor parking challenges, the accessibility features and the option for Delivery, Takeout, or quick In-store pickup underscore their commitment to convenience. When planning your next family meal, corporate gathering, or simply treating yourself, support a local Cedar Rapids gem that has proven its dedication to providing the best pies and pastries in Eastern Iowa.