At Shady Maple, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year, and the bakery team is at the heart of it all. Duane, a seasoned baker with seven years of experience at Shady Maple, shares what goes into creating one of the bakery’s most popular holiday treats—the pumpkin cream cheese pie.
A Peek Inside the Bakery
Upstairs in the bakery production area, the ovens are working overtime. Large 34-inch pumpkin cream cheese pies bake to perfection for customers to sample, while smaller 8-inch pies are prepared for customers to enjoy at home. Each pie starts with a rich pumpkin filling poured into a flaky shell, about two-thirds full. Then comes the signature swirl—a pastry bag filled with cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla is piped over the pumpkin base, creating a creamy, flavorful twist.
The Baking Process
The pies bake at 360°F for 20 minutes, then the temperature is lowered to 300°F for another 20 minutes. Depending on humidity and other factors, an additional 5–10 minutes may be needed to achieve the perfect texture. This careful process ensures every pumpkin cream cheese pie is smooth, rich, and ready for the holiday table.
Thanksgiving Production at Shady Maple
As Thanksgiving approaches, the bakery’s production ramps up dramatically. On a typical day, the team bakes 150–175 traditional pumpkin pies, plus 25–30 pumpkin cream cheese pies, and a variety of pumpkin custard pies. In the final two weeks before Thanksgiving, hundreds more pies will be made to meet holiday demand.
Why Customers Love Shady Maple Pies
Shady Maple has become a go-to destination for holiday desserts because of its commitment to quality and tradition. Every pie is crafted with care, using time-tested recipes that bring comfort and flavor to Thanksgiving celebrations.
Looking for the best pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving? Visit Shady Maple Bakery to pick up a fresh pumpkin cream cheese pie or one of our other seasonal favorites. Make your holiday table unforgettable with a dessert that everyone will love.
