Julian apple pie is famous throughout Southern California. If you live in the Los Angeles/San Diego metro areas or somewhere in between, a trip to Julian for a stroll along Main Street, eating at one of the many delicious Julian restaurants, picking apples, staying in one of the cute little mountain cabins, and spending an afternoon at the gold mine is a fun tradition for many. There are so many fun things to do in Julian, but eating apple pie is always part of the itinerary. But which one is the best apple pie in Julian?
Best Apple Pie in Julian – Quick Pick
| Bakery | Try This | Best For | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Pie Company | Traditional Apple Crumble | The overall best pie | Our winner — perfect balance, never soggy |
| Apple Alley Bakery | Caramel Pecan Apple Pie | A sweet, specialty splurge | Most photogenic; the honorary mention |
| Julian Cafe & Bakery | Traditional w/ Pastry Top | The flakiest crust | Best crust in town; filling a touch cinnamon-heavy |
| Mom’s Pie House | Caramel Apple Crumble | A classic, less-sweet slice | Balanced and homey; get the original if you like it tart |
I know this is a loaded question. Many locals have “their” apple pie bakery in Julian and straying from it is considered cheating. So on our last trip to Julian, my husband and I decided to make a taste test. I know. I had to twist his arm real hard to agree to that 😉
Apple Pie Bakeries in Julian, California
For a population of just over 1000, Julian boasts a lot of bakeries. Most restaurants and shops have hopped on the Julian apple pie wagon, and they sell their own homemade apple pies, but we focused on the true Julian bakeries.
Mom’s Pie House
Address: 2119 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-2472
Website
Started in 1984, this traditional bakery was started by Anita Nichols, a mom of four and passionate baker. She has perfected her apple pie skills for over 35 years now and you can still taste the motherly love in each individual pie.
What we tried: Caramel Apple Crumble – whole pie
Our verdict: A good, balanced pie. The crumbs have a good taste and texture and the filling itself is not too sweet. The caramel drizzle pushes it over to the sweet side. If you perfer something a little less sweet, get the original apple crumble.
Julian Pie Company
Address: 2225 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-2449
Website
Julian Pie Company began in 1986 as Liz Smothers’ dream and grew into a true multi-generational, family-owned business after she and her husband bought a Julian apple orchard in 1989. Liz — a beloved figure in Julian — passed away in 2022, but the family carries her legacy forward: her sons and granddaughter run the bakery and the orchard, still making the pies her way.
New for this season: Julian Pie Company has opened a new shop right next to the pie shop on Main Street — a spot for whole pies to go, plus Julian Pie Company gifts, apparel, and drinks. If you’re picking up a pie to take home (and you should), it’s worth a look.
What we tried: Traditional Apple Crumble – whole pie
Our verdict: The perfect apple crumble. Not too sweet, great texture, and tasty apples. The bottom crust was tasty and did not turn soggy. This was our favorite Julian apple crumble.
Julian Cafe & Bakery
Address: 2112 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-2712
Website
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Julian Cafe is the oldest of the Julian bakeries on this list and is often referred to as the “Home of the Famous Julian Apple Pie.” The café/restaurant serves some hearty and traditional Western fare that is perfect for a trip to Julian. Just make sure you leave enough room for a slice of apple pie!
What we tried: Traditional Apple Pie with Pastry Top – slice
Our verdict: By far the best crust from all the pies we tried. Flaky, but not soggy and tasty all by itself. To be honest, the pie filling was a bit uninspiring and overly cinnamon-y.
Apple Alley Bakery
Address: 2122 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-2532
Website
Apple Alley Bakery definitely wins in terms of the cutest name, don’t you think? But their pies are also amazing. They have quite a few innovative pies on their menu as well, so if you want to stray from the traditional apple pies, this bakery is a good choice.
What we tried: Traditional Apple Pie with Pastry Top & Caramel Pecan Apple Pie – slice
Our verdict: Let’s talk about the traditional apple pie first. This was our favorite filling by far, as it wasn’t overly sweet, but more tart and refreshing. The crust, while flaky and not soggy, was a bit bland, however. The Caramel Pecan Apple Pie was amazing if you like it sweet. The crunchiness of the pecans, the flaky crust, the tart apple filling, and the drizzle of caramel – a great combination.
Final Verdict: Best Apple Pie in Julian:
Greg and I, as well as our neighbors with whom we shared the whole apple pies, had one clear favorite: The traditional apple crumble from Julian Pie Company. This pie has the best balance of flavors and textures and simply tastes how a great apple pie is supposed to taste. I can’t wait to go back and try their traditional pie crust next time we are out in Julian!
Honorary Mention: The most photogenic and specialty apple pie by far was the Caramel Pecan Apple Pie from Apple Alley Bakery. I mean, look at this beauty! Don’t you want to dig in and eat the whole thing? Absolutely delicious and worth the calorie splurge.
Plan Your Visit to Julian for Apple Pie
When Is Apple Season in Julian?
Here’s the good news: Julian bakeries sell apple pie year-round — you don’t have to wait for fall to get a great slice. That said, apple season runs roughly August through October, when the orchards are harvesting, the town is at its most festive, and you can pair your pie with apple picking. Check out our Julian Apple Picking Guide for this years dates and prices.
It’s also the busiest time: weekends in September and October bring crowds, long lines at the popular bakeries, and tight parking on Main Street. If you can visit on a weekday, or arrive before mid-morning on a weekend, you’ll have a far more relaxed pie run.
Can You Order or Ship Julian Pie?
Yes — if you can’t make the drive, Julian Pie Company ships some of its pies and take-and-bake options, and you can find their pies in select Southern California grocery stores. But honestly? Part of the magic is eating it warm, in Julian, with a mountain view. Make the day trip if you can.
Make a full day of it — see our guide to the best things to do in Julian, where to go apple picking, and the cutest cabins to stay overnight.
Apple Pies in Julian FAQs
After a full taste test, our winner was the traditional apple crumble from Julian Pie Company — the best balance of flavor and texture, with a bottom crust that never turned soggy. For a sweet, special-occasion slice, Apple Alley Bakery’s Caramel Pecan Apple Pie is the showstopper.
Apple season runs roughly August through October, when the orchards harvest and the town is at its most festive. The bakeries sell apple pie year-round, though, so you can get a great slice any time.
No reservations for the bakeries — it’s counter service. But fall weekends (especially October) bring big crowds, long lines, and tight parking. Visit on a weekday or arrive early on weekends for a calmer trip.
Yes — Julian Pie Company ships some pies and take-and-bake options, and their pies appear in select Southern California grocery stores. Nothing beats eating it fresh in Julian, though.
For a town of just over 1,000 people, Julian has a remarkable number — the four true bakeries we taste-tested (Julian Pie Company, Mom’s Pie House, Julian Cafe & Bakery, and Apple Alley Bakery), plus many restaurants and shops that sell their own.
Julian Cafe & Bakery bills itself as the “Home of the Famous Julian Apple Pie” and is the oldest on our list, but Julian Pie Company is the best-known name today, with its own orchard and multiple locations.
Best Apple Pie in Julian, California – Pin for Later:
Last Updated on August 13, 2026 by Maria Haase
