'As American as apple pie' is a common saying, and few desserts are as beloved. Warm cinnamon-spiced apples in a flaky crust, served with vanilla ice cream or a slice of cheddar cheese, apple pie is a classic at holidays, picnics and family dinners. National Apple Pie Day, on May 13, celebrates this iconic dessert and its long history, which actually begins far from America.
History of National Apple Pie Day
Apple pie is older than the United States. The earliest known written recipe for apple pie comes from England around 1381, in a cookbook that included apples, figs, raisins, pears and saffron, but no sugar. Dutch and Swedish versions also appeared in the following centuries.
Apples are not native to North America, apart from crabapples. European colonists brought apple seeds and cuttings, and apple orchards spread across the colonies. In the early 1800s, John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, planted apple nurseries across Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, apple pie had become a symbol of American home and comfort. During World War II, American soldiers reportedly told reporters they were fighting 'for mom and apple pie', helping to cement the phrase 'as American as apple pie'. Who started National Apple Pie Day is not documented.
Why National Apple Pie Day Matters
Apple pie represents family, tradition and home cooking for many Americans.
It also connects to agricultural history, from colonial orchards to the modern apple industry in states such as Washington, New York and Michigan.
Baking pie teaches valuable kitchen skills, from making a flaky crust to balancing sweetness and spice. Sharing a homemade pie is also a classic way to welcome new neighbors or thank friends.
Apple pie also reflects how immigrant traditions became American ones. English, Dutch and German settlers each brought their own versions, which blended over time into the pie we know today. Celebrating apple pie is a reminder that many 'all-American' foods have roots around the world, and that sharing food is one of the best ways cultures come together.
How to Celebrate National Apple Pie Day
- Bake a pie: try a classic double-crust or lattice-top apple pie.
- Mix apple varieties: combine tart and sweet apples for better flavor.
- Try à la mode: serve with vanilla ice cream.
- Try a regional twist: add cheddar cheese, as some New Englanders do.
- Share: give a pie to a neighbor.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, an apple pie social or pie contest can bring people together; offer slices with ice cream. In classrooms, students can learn about Johnny Appleseed and apple farming, practice fractions by cutting pies, or compare apple varieties in a taste test. At home, families can bake an apple pie together, with children helping peel, slice and arrange apples, or roll and crimp the dough. Store-bought crust is a great shortcut for beginners.
Fun Facts About National Apple Pie Day
- The earliest known apple pie recipe dates from around 1381 in England.
- Apples are not native to North America, apart from crabapples.
- Johnny Appleseed planted apple nurseries in the early 1800s.
National Apple Pie Day FAQs
When is National Apple Pie Day?
National Apple Pie Day is May 13.
Is apple pie originally American?
No; the earliest known recipes come from England.
What apples are best for pie?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn and a mix of tart and sweet varieties.
What does 'à la mode' mean?
Served with ice cream.