Priester Pies: A South Carolina Bakery Institution Since 1928

What Priester Pies Are and Where to Find Them

Priester Pies are pecan pies and other Southern desserts baked in Savannah, Georgia, but they have deep roots in South Carolina's food culture and mail-order tradition. The bakery, founded in 1928, became famous for shipping pies across the country—a practice that brought them into South Carolina homes for generations. Today you can order Priester Pies online for delivery, find them in select retail locations across the state, or visit the Savannah bakery in person if you're traveling to the coast.

The flagship product is the pecan pie, made with a butter crust and a filling of pecans, butter, sugar, and eggs. Priester's also produces other varieties including chocolate pecan, caramel pecan, and seasonal offerings. The pies arrive frozen and ready to thaw and serve, making them popular for holidays, gifts, and special occasions when you want a dessert that tastes homemade but requires no baking on your end.

Key Takeaways

• Priester Pies have been baking pecan pies since 1928 and ship them nationwide, including throughout South Carolina.
• You can order pies online directly from Priester's website or through select retailers that carry their products in South Carolina.
• Pies arrive frozen and should be thawed in the refrigerator before serving, typically taking several hours or overnight.
• Priester Pies work well for holiday gifting, special dinners, and occasions when you want a quality dessert without baking from scratch.

Ordering Online and Shipping to South Carolina

The easiest way to order Priester Pies is through their official website, where you can browse the full selection, choose your flavors, and arrange shipping directly to your South Carolina address. The website shows current availability and pricing, which varies by season—pecan pies are typically available year-round, while specialty flavors may be seasonal. Shipping costs depend on your location within the state and the size of your order.

Priester's also partners with gift retailers and specialty food shops, some of which operate in South Carolina. These retailers may stock frozen pies or offer ordering through their own websites. Calling ahead to confirm availability is wise, since inventory can vary by location and season.

Thawing and Serving Priester Pies

Priester Pies arrive frozen and must be thawed before serving. The standard method is to move the pie from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for several hours or overnight, depending on the pie's size. Do not thaw at room temperature, as this can affect the texture and food safety. Once thawed, the pie can be served cold or warmed gently in a low oven if you prefer it warm.

A thawed pie keeps in the refrigerator for several days. If you want to store it longer, you can keep it frozen for months. The pie comes in a disposable aluminum tin, so there is no need to transfer it to a serving dish unless you prefer to do so.

Priester Pies as Gifts and for Special Occasions

Priester Pies have a long history as mail-order gifts, and they remain popular for sending to family and friends outside South Carolina or for ordering to your own home for a holiday meal. The pies arrive in branded packaging suitable for gift-giving, and many people order them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other celebrations. The fact that they require no baking makes them especially useful when you want to contribute a quality dessert to a gathering without the time commitment of baking from scratch.

Corporate and bulk orders are also available through Priester's website. If you are planning an event and want to order multiple pies, the website provides information on volume pricing and delivery timelines.

The History Behind Priester Pies

Priester Pies began in Savannah in 1928 when founder Hubert Priester started baking pecan pies and shipping them by mail to customers across the country. At a time when most desserts were made at home, Priester's innovation was to offer a high-quality pie that could travel by mail and arrive in good condition. The business grew through word-of-mouth and became a fixture in American holiday traditions, particularly in the South.

The bakery remains family-owned and continues to use the original recipe and methods. That continuity is part of why Priester Pies have maintained their reputation for quality and consistency over nearly a century. For South Carolinians, they represent both a local connection to Savannah's food culture and a piece of American mail-order food history.

Where to Buy Priester Pies in South Carolina

Direct ordering through Priester's website is the most reliable way to get the full selection and may provide availability. You can also check with specialty food retailers, gourmet shops, and some grocery stores in your area, particularly in the weeks leading up to major holidays when demand is highest. Calling ahead ensures the store has the flavor you want in stock.

If you are traveling to Savannah, the Priester Pies bakery is open to visitors and offers pies for purchase on-site, along with other baked goods. The bakery's address and hours are listed on their website, and visiting in person gives you the chance to see the operation and sometimes sample products before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to thaw a Priester Pie?

Most Priester Pies thaw in the refrigerator in four to eight hours, depending on the pie's size and your refrigerator temperature. For best results, move the pie from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it. Do not thaw at room temperature.

Can I warm a Priester Pie after thawing?

Yes. Once thawed, you can warm the pie gently in a 300-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes if you prefer it warm. Check the packaging or Priester's website for specific reheating instructions, as different varieties may have slightly different recommendations.

How long does a thawed pie keep in the refrigerator?

A thawed Priester Pie keeps in the refrigerator for three to five days in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. If you want to keep it longer, you can refreeze it, though quality is best when consumed within a few months of freezing.

Do Priester Pies ship to all parts of South Carolina?

Priester's ships to all South Carolina addresses, though shipping costs and delivery times vary by location. Check the website during checkout to see the exact cost and estimated delivery date for your address before completing your order.

What flavors does Priester Pies offer?

The classic pecan pie is available year-round. Priester's also offers chocolate pecan, caramel pecan, and other seasonal varieties. Check their website to see the current full menu, as offerings change throughout the year.