Classic Pies. Bold Twists.
From award-winning classics to bold, manly flavor combinations, Man-Made Pies brings you homemade crusts, bold flavors, and recipes worth baking again.
Explore Recipes
Award Winning Recipes
A first-place winner at the Maryland State Fair, this is my signature pecan pie. Toasted pecans, a rich filling made without corn syrup, and my flaky butter-lard crust put a Man-Made twist on a Southern classic.
A second-place winner, this blueberry pie features a rich, juicy filling beneath a golden, flaky lattice crust. A classic summer favorite, made from scratch and tested until it earned its ribbon.
Welcome to Man-Made Pies
I’m Michael, a home baker in Towson, Maryland, a dad of two teenage boys, and the guy behind the rolling pin here at Man-Made Pies.
This site started with a single obsession: perfecting the pecan pie. After dozens of test bakes, detailed spreadsheet tracking, and plenty of testing in my home kitchen, that quest paid off with a 1st Place Blue Ribbon at the Maryland State Fair.
Winning that ribbon inspired me to share everything I’ve learned, growing into a collection of homemade pie recipes, reliable crusts, and a few delicious things that aren’t pies. Some are timeless classics, others lean into bold, manly flavors with a little bourbon, browned butter, or an unexpected twist.
Like you, I’ve tried plenty of disappointing recipes and spent way too much time scrolling through blogs just to find the ingredient list. I wanted something different for this space: No fluff. No ads. Just good recipes. Every recipe on this site is something I’ve tested, refined, and would happily bake again.
Whether you’re baking your first pie or your fiftieth, I hope you find something here worth making. Take a look around, read my full story on the About page, and let’s make pie.
Man-Made Pies on WJZ-TV
Man-Made Pies made an appearance on WJZ-TV’s morning show, where I shared some of my award-winning pies and a few of the twists I’ve developed along the way.
Meet the Date Night Pie
Big flavor. Small commitment. Possible second date.
Who needs a whole 9-inch pie when you’re baking for two? My 6-inch Date Night Pies use fewer ingredients, are easier to handle, and deliver all the flavor in a more manageable size. Perfect for guys new to baking who want to impress someone special.
Make dessert. Make an impression. And if the night goes well, there might even be leftovers for breakfast.
Order a Pie or Learn to Make One
Order Homemade Pies
I sell handcrafted pies from my Towson kitchen under Maryland’s cottage food laws. Not every recipe on this website is eligible for sale, but you’ll find a selection of classic pies and seasonal favorites available to order.
Private Pie-Making Classes
If you’re in or around Baltimore, gather a few friends and make a pie party out of it. I offer private, hands-on pie-making classes where we can tackle any of the recipes on this website, including pies I can’t sell under Maryland’s cottage food laws.
Pick a recipe, invite your friends, and we’ll spend some time baking together.