Sweet or savory, fruit-filled or creamy, pie is comfort food at its best. National Pie Day, on January 23, celebrates every kind, from apple and pecan to chicken pot pie and quiche. In the middle of winter, a warm slice is hard to beat. Whether you bake from scratch, buy from a local bakery, or share a slice with friends, it is a day made for pie.
History of National Pie Day
Pies go back a long way. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks made pastries filled with honey and nuts, and the Romans made a kind of cheesecake pie. In medieval England, pies were often savory, and the thick crust, called a 'coffyn', served as a container to cook and preserve meat.
English settlers brought pie-making to America, where it changed with new ingredients. Pumpkin, pecan and sweet potato pies became American favorites, and by the 1800s, apple pie was so common that it became a national symbol, as in the phrase 'as American as apple pie'.
National Pie Day on January 23 is commonly credited to the American Pie Council, which promoted pie and pie baking for many years. A separate observance, Pi Day, falls on March 14 because of the number 3.14, and some people happily celebrate both.
Why National Pie Day Matters
Pie is a dish for sharing. It shows up at holidays, potlucks, fundraisers and family dinners, and many families have a cherished recipe.
Baking a pie is also a skill worth learning, from making a crust to balancing a filling, and it can be as simple or ambitious as you like.
How to Celebrate National Pie Day
- Bake a pie: try a classic like apple, cherry or pumpkin.
- Master the crust: use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.
- Make a savory pie: try chicken pot pie, shepherd's pie or quiche.
- Visit a local bakery: buy a slice from a favorite pie shop.
- Share it: bring a pie to a neighbor, friend or community event.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a pie potluck is an easy way to celebrate; ask colleagues to bring sweet or savory pies and vote on favorites. In classrooms, pies make great math lessons on fractions, as students divide circles into equal slices, and history lessons on how recipes travel. Baking classes can compare crusts made with butter and shortening. At home, families can bake together, letting children roll dough and cut out decorative shapes for the top. Hand pies or mini pies in a muffin tin are easier for young bakers. Save a slice to share with a neighbor.
Fun Facts About National Pie Day
- Medieval pie crusts, called 'coffyns', were often used as containers rather than eaten.
- Pumpkin and pecan pies are American additions to the pie tradition.
- Pi Day, March 14, is a separate celebration inspired by the number 3.14.
National Pie Day FAQs
When is National Pie Day?
National Pie Day is January 23.
Is National Pie Day the same as Pi Day?
No. Pi Day is March 14 and celebrates the number pi, though many people eat pie on both days.
How do I make a flaky pie crust?
Keep butter and water very cold, mix just until the dough comes together, and chill it before rolling.
What is the most popular pie in America?
Apple and pumpkin pies are consistently among the most popular.