Top Five Fireman Derek's Pies

Locals know that when it comes to pie, Fireman Derek is king. The real-life City of Miami firefighter began selling key lime pies on a Coconut Grove corner and now owns his own place in Wynwood. The cozy and colorful storefront serves all kinds of delicious homemade bakery items, but keep your eyes on the pies — they're what have earned him the attention of Paula Deen and dessert lovers all over the city.

With the holidays approaching and the (slightly) cooler weather rolling in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a hefty slice of this iconic dessert. As far as flavor choice goes, here are the hottest must-try pies. And if you need one for Thanksgiving, better get moving, because the place is jammed with orders. They're no longer taking advance orders for this Thursdays' holiday, but you may still be able to snag a whole pie in-store.

5. Apple Pie
Sure, in South Florida we don’t get to watch the leaves change or enjoy the comfort of a roaring fire, but we can still take advantage of the warm flavors of the season. In this pie, caramelized apples are cooked to tenderness without crossing over to the mushy side, and spicy cinnamon is at the forefront. The filling has a syrupy thickness that’s rich but not too sweet. You can’t go wrong with this classic.

4. Coconut Custard Pie
It’s hard to imagine “pie” and “light” in the same context, but, believe it or not, this coconut custard variety is airy and fresh. The tropical vibe is surprisingly refreshing yet indulgent at the same time. The fruit’s brightness cuts the rich filling and is topped with toasted coconut flakes for a deep coconut flavor in every forkful.

3. Chocolate Pecan Pie
A Fireman Derek favorite, the chocolate pecan pie delivers all the chewy and crunchy goodness you’d expect. The filling is baked until the top achieves a shimmering, candied-like coating. Each slice has the ideal ratio of earthy pecans to smooth chocolate to gooey filling, and the nutty flavor pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of Panther Coffee.

2. Crack Pie
Much like its namesake, this one is not for the faint of heart. The crack pie boasts an addictive thick layer of dark salted caramel under a heavy dusting of powdered sugar. It has just the right amount of saltiness to cut the sugary stickiness from the filling, and the flaky crust provides a crisp contrast. One bite and you’ll be hooked.

1. Key Lime Pie
The famous flavor that started it all, key lime is still the star of Fireman Derek’s lineup. Citrus shines in this dessert; the sweetness is full-bodied and lingers without overpowering the fresh-squeezed punch of the limes. Though the debate will rage on forever, we confidently claim this is Miami's best key lime pie.

Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The storefront is located at 2818 N. Miami Ave., Miami. To order a full pie ahead, call 786-703-3623 or visit firemanderekspies.com.