National Apple Pie Day is on Thursday, May 13, 2027, and it falls on May 13 every year. It celebrates a dessert so tied to the U.S. that it became a figure of speech. Apple pie’s roots, though, go back to medieval England.
When Is National Apple Pie Day?
It’s May 13. It’s an unofficial food day, and some calendars list other dates too, so you’ll see apple pie celebrated more than once a year.
Who Started National Apple Pie Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: where apple pie came from
The first recorded apple pie recipe comes from England in 1381, Smithsonian Magazine notes. It included figs, raisins, pears and saffron along with apples. Early recipes had no sugar, and the crust, called a “coffin,” was a container rather than something to eat.
Apples aren’t native to North America, either. They come from Asia. The only native apple here was the crab apple, which colonists saw as a poor substitute.
European settlers brought apple pie recipes with them. Until the 19th century, apple pie was often eaten at breakfast, the Christian Science Monitor notes. Pennsylvania Dutch settlers added many recipes, including the crumbly streusel topping.
“As American as apple pie”
The phrase’s exact origin is hard to trace. One early example is a 1924 newspaper ad for suits “as American as apple pie.” During World War II, soldiers told reporters they were fighting for “mom and apple pie.”
Why Celebrate Apple Pie?
Few desserts carry so much meaning. Apple pie stands for home, family gatherings and the farms where apples grow. The day celebrates bakers, orchards and a recipe that’s been adapted for 600 years.
How to Celebrate National Apple Pie Day
- Mix your apples: combine a firm tart apple with a sweeter one for better flavor and texture.
- Keep the crust cold: chilled butter and ice water make a flakier crust.
- Try a lattice top: weave strips of dough so steam can escape.
- Bake a Dutch apple pie: swap the top crust for a buttery crumb topping.
- Serve it à la mode: add a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the pie is warm.
- Try the cheddar tradition: some New Englanders serve apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar.
- Visit an orchard or bakery: support local growers and pie shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is apple pie American?
Not originally. The earliest recipe is English, from 1381. Americans adopted it so fully that it became a national symbol.
How do you keep apple pie from getting runny?
Let it cool for at least two hours before slicing so the filling sets. A spoonful of flour or cornstarch in the filling also helps.
How should I store apple pie?
Fruit pies can sit at room temperature for up to two days, covered loosely. Refrigerate after that.