The United States is a pie-loving country. We eat it for dessert and the leftovers for breakfast. We argue about how and if to make homemade crust (and usually eat it regardless). We especially love pie around the holidays.
We reached out to pie makers from across the country, dug through government declarations, and drew on our personal experiences to find each state’s signature pie. Some states share a pie style, proving that even though states have their differences, we’re also alike in many ways. In some states there isn’t a clear-cut favorite (and there are surely disagreements among people who live in the state). Sometimes our choice was anything but conventional. And a little disclaimer: If it has pie in the name, it’s fair game. Regardless, we’re all winners when we’re eating pie.
Georgia: Peach pie
It’s hard to name a fruit as famous as the Georgia peach, despite the fact that the state has grown more blueberries than peaches over the last decade. Still, branding is branding. The peach is the official state fruit (as of 1995), the state’s nickname (“The Peach State”), and represents Georgia on the state’s quarter. You don’t need an explanation of why Georgia is so peachy about its peaches. All it takes is one bite of a juicy Georgia peach during peak season from a roadside stand.
Arkansas: Fried pie
Rather than a signature ingredient, Arkansas pie is defined by a signature style, says Kat Robinson, author of a number of books, including Arkansas Pie: A Delicious Slice of the Natural State and Another Slice of Arkansas Pie.
“I’d have to say if Arkansas has any particular pie, it’d be the fried pie,” Robinson says. “The handy foldover is good hot, but also stands well as a room temperature pie. You’ll find it in baskets near the cash register at diners and convenience stores, or served up with a scoop of ice cream at many restaurants.”
Apple and peach are the most popular fillings, but chocolate and coconut are common along with apricot, cherry, strawberry, pecan, and sweet potato.
The Best Pie in Every State
Which states eat apple pie?
No surprises there! Both pies are favored in five different states apiece: Arkansas, Kansas, Maine, New Mexico and West Virginia for apple pie and Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wyoming for peanut butter pie. The other popular picks were sweet potato pie in four states as well as buttermilk pie and French silk pie with three states each.
What is 50 pies / 50 states?
In 2016, while applying for a green card, she started baking a pie to honor every state in the country, documenting the process on Instagram and her website. 50 Pies / 50 States feels like a virtual road trip, with elaborate pies that reflect Fong’s commitment to capturing the complexity of each state’s cuisine.
What are the most popular pies in the United States?
The search data reveals that the most popular pies across the country are apple pie and peanut butter pie. No surprises there! Both pies are favored in five different states apiece: Arkansas, Kansas, Maine, New Mexico and West Virginia for apple pie and Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wyoming for peanut butter pie.
Does Florida have a pie?
Not only does Florida have beautiful beaches, but the state also has great pie. Florida declared Key lime pie its official state dessert in 2006, which makes sense given the state’s history as a top producer of citrus fruit.