We wish Thanksgiving planning was simple as pie, but there are a lot of steps involved. You can take one thing off your plate: baking dessert. We've tracked down 12 places in San Diego getting ready to take pie preorders.

These pies taste as good as they make you feel. | Photo via @mamaskitchensd

Mama’s Pies

San Diego’s annual bake sale is back, so you can have peace of mind (and a piece of pie) for the holidays. Mama’s Kitchen is committed to providing meals to chronically ill San Diegans, and each pie sold contributes 12 meals to locals — but you’ll need to order by Saturday, Nov. 18 (or until supplies run out).

Pop Pie Co.

This eatery makes a pie for every occasion, but Friday, Nov. 17, is the deadline to place Thanksgiving orders. Sales start on Wednesday, Nov. 1, and you can select from four varieties to be picked up at any of its three San Diego locations.

SusieCakes

This SoCal-founded bakery has locations in Carlsbad and Del Mar that have pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies on the menu — in addition to seasonal desserts like cakes, cheesecakes, and cookies. The bakery recommends placing orders by Saturday, Nov. 18, to ensure they're ready for Thanksgiving.

We smell gluten-free sweets rising. | Photo by @caffeinatedbibliophile_

Starry Lane Bakery

This Hillcrest bakery is noted for its allergen-friendly baked goods that are free of ingredients like gluten, dairy, soy, and eggs. The menu includes pies like apple, cherry, and its seasonal pumpkin. The shop starts taking preorders Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Gluten Free Baking Co.

This North Park and Clairemont business is making treats without the wheat, including pie. Thanksgiving preorders, are open through Tuesday, Nov. 14, for pickup at the Clairemont baking facility. Preorders for Hanukkah and Christmas are also being accepted.

Phattie's Bake Shop

Head to Point Loma to find this sweet shop with a huge dessert menu, many are gluten-free or can be made that way. The Friendsgiving menu features pumpkin, pecan, apple crunch, and cherry pies, as well as a cornucopia of other desserts.

George's at the Cove

You can preorder a pie for pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 22, or Thursday, Nov. 23, at this La Jolla staple. Chef Aly Lyng is offering three options: Honey Pumpkin, Apple-Cranberry Crumb, and Bourbon Black-Bottom Pecan Pie.

Slices of pie from Mom’s Pie. | Photo via @curls.and.cuisine

Mom’s Pies

This iconic Julian bakery has town and garden locations, both offering over a dozen varieties of whole pies. If you’re not looking to make the trek to the East County mountains, you can now place an order for La Mesa pick-up day on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Bread and Cie

Pie preorders have begun at this Hillcrest staple where you can choose from traditional varieties or something a little different — we’re looking at you, Pumpkin Cranberry Pie. The business often needs to stop taking orders a few days before Thanksgiving, so get your orders in early.

The French Gourmet

This French eatery makes a très bon American Thanksgiving. Apple, pecan, and pumpkin pies are on the menu — along with other pastries and holiday dishes. Last year, preorders were being taken until the Monday before the holiday.

Blackmarket Bakery

If you don't like to share — or if all of your guests have different preferences — try ordering tarts from this shop with locations in East Village and North Park. They're like pies, but are smaller in size.

Try this: Want to bake your own pie? The bakery is hosting a Thanksgiving Pie Workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6-8:30 p.m.

A local tradition. | Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

Julian Pie Company

You can’t go wrong with this classic. The bakery offers 10 varieties of pies, and they’re worth the drive to the mountain town — but you won’t need to make it. You can find the desserts in grocery stores across San Diego County.