Pie Slayer
If you haven’t been to Pie Slayer yet, consider this your sign to head over on your next trip to Wilmington. I only discovered it because my server at Manna pointed me in their direction—which is a pro tip I live by: if you like a restaurant, always ask the staff where they eat in town. Everything at Pie Slayer is made in-house with a menu that changes seasonally, so there is usually a new crust or flavor to discover.
When I popped in, the girl behind the counter was a complete sweetheart: patient, kind, and clearly passionate about the shop. Since I couldn't decide on one this, she suggested their $35 sampler box, which lets you mix and match any six pastries — basically you get one free.
The Tasting Lineup
They had around 14 desserts when I walked in after dinner — a mix of hand pies, pie slices, cookies, and brownies; I tried about half of them.
Lemon Poppyseed with Ritz Cracker: This was the standout. The lemon curd filling is bright and silky—citrusy but not overly tart—nestled a brilliantly crisp, buttery Ritz cracker crust, topped with a poppyseed whipped creme rocher.
Coconut Mango with Coconut Oat Crust: This tropical slice features a toasted coconut oat crust topped with smooth coconut cream and a vibrant mango gel. The coconut flavor was nice and pronounced. It was creamy. But there was also a really nice toasted nuttiness to the crust.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Butterfinger: A dream for candy lovers. The richness of the chocolate and peanut butter is beautifully mellowed by a cloud of whipped cream and topped with a Butterfinger crumble. It’s very nice, and not overly sweet.
Apple Pie Tart: A classic executed to perfection. It’s loaded with chunks of apple that are tender but still retain a slight, satisfying crispness, with just the right balance of cinnamon and sugar.
M&M Sprinkle Cookie: Beyond the pies, they have a few cookies. This one had crisp edges and a soft center, swapping traditional chocolate chips for a mix of sprinkles and M&Ms. It was fine - but paled in comparison to the pie slices.
Brownie Swirl Pie Tart: It was fine, but my least favorite. A hand pie filled with a gooey brownie center—it was fine, but I think it would’ve been better if I had warmed it up in a toaster oven, for some warmth and added crispness.
The Verdict
If you find yourself in Wilmington with a late-night craving, Pie Slayer is a great option—especially since they stay open until 11 PM. It’s the perfect post-dinner move when you want something more thoughtful and handmade than your typical late-night fare. Whether you’re grabbing a full sampler box or just a single slice of that Lemon Poppyseed, it’s a solid, high-quality spot that’s worth a visit.