Apple pie is seen as being very American. Just how American? Well, there is not one but two National Apple Pie Days in a year. And its almost a certainty youve heard the phrase “as American as apple pie.” How ironic it is, then, that apple pies didnt even originate in the United States, nor did apples!
Apples came from Asia, and their seeds and cuttings were brought to the Americas by Europeans during colonial times. Prior to this, only crab apples were grown in the Americas. The first apples brought to the Western Hemisphere were tart and were used for making cider. It wasnt until around 1800 when apples better suited for pies—with a higher acidity and crispness—began being grown in the United States. It was also around this time that Johnny Appleseed began traveling the country and helping solidify the association of the apple with America.
The earliest record of the phrase “American as apple pie” dates to 1924, when it appeared in an advertisement in the Gettysburg Times. The association between apple pie and America became inextricable by World War II when American soldiers would tell journalists they were fighting for “mom and apple pie.” This eventually led to the phrase “As American as mom and apple pie.” It became a prevalent saying in the United States during the Postwar years.
The earliest known apple pie recipe was printed by Geoffrey Chaucer in England in 1381. It included apples, spices, raisins, figs, pears, and saffron in a pastry crust. A Dutch apple pie recipe was found that dates to 1514. Dutch apple pies usually have a lattice pastry top. French, German, and Italian apple pies all appeared in recipe books before American colonies had been settled. Many early apple pie recipes didnt include sugar, and some early pies were made in inedible containers called coffins. Today, apple pie usually has a bottom and top crust. It can be served hot or cold and can be topped with ice cream, custard, and whipped cream.
Hey there, pie lovers! If you’ve been wonderin’ “When is National Apple Pie Day?” then I’ve got the sweet deets for ya right up front. Mark your calendars for May 13th every year—that’s the big day to celebrate this all-American dessert. And guess what? Some folks also tip their hats to this tasty holiday on December 3rd, givin’ us double the excuse to dig into a slice. Here at PieDreams Blog, we’re all about celebratin’ the good stuff, and trust me, nothin’ screams comfort like a warm, flaky apple pie straight from the oven. So, let’s dive into what this day is all about, where it came from, and how y’all can join the fun!
What’s National Apple Pie Day All About?
Let’s keep it simple National Apple Pie Day is a fun lil’ holiday dedicated to one of the most iconic desserts out there—apple pie It’s a day to appreciate the sweet, cinnamon-y goodness of apples wrapped in a buttery crust. Whether you’re a pro baker or just someone who loves eatin’ it, this day is for everyone. It ain’t just about the food, though—it’s about the memories, the traditions, and that warm fuzzy feelin’ you get when you share a slice with friends or fam.
Why do we celebrate it? Well apple pie ain’t just a dessert; it’s a symbol of home comfort, and good ol’ American spirit. It’s been tied to our culture for ages, and havin’ a special day (or two) to honor it feels right as rain. So, on May 13th—and hey, December 3rd if you’re feelin’ extra—folks across the country bake, buy, and chow down on this pie-licious treat.
A Slice of History: Where Did Apple Pie Come From?
Now, ya might think apple pie is as American as the Stars and Stripes, but hold up—it’s got roots way older and far across the pond. Lemme take you on a quick history tour, ‘cause knowin’ where this dessert came from makes every bite even sweeter.
- Way Back in the Day: The first known apple pie recipe popped up in England around 1381. Yeah, we’re talkin’ medieval times! It wasn’t like the pies we know now—think apples mixed with spices, figs, raisins, and even pears, all stuffed into a crust. Back then, the crust wasn’t even meant to be eaten sometimes; it was just a container, often called a “coffin.” Kinda weird, right?
- Dutch Delights: By 1514, the Dutch had their own spin on apple pie, with recipes showin’ a lattice top that’s still popular today. They baked it with soft apples and a bunch of warm spices—think cinnamon and nutmeg—makin’ it a cozy treat.
- Across Europe: The French, Germans, and Italians all had their versions too, long before America was even a thing. The French came up with the upside-down tarte tatin, with caramelized apples that add a whole new layer of yum. Swedes went for a crumble style, usin’ breadcrumbs or oats instead of a full crust, often paired with custard.
- Landin’ in America: Apple pie finally made its way to the American colonies in the 17th century, brought over by European settlers. Thing is, apples weren’t native here—only crab apples grew wild. Settlers brought seeds and cuttings from Asia (yep, that’s where apples started!) and planted ‘em. By the 1800s, we had the right kinda apples—tart and crisp—perfect for pie-makin’.
I find it wild that somethin’ so tied to our identity didn’t even start here But that’s the beauty of food—it travels, changes, and becomes a part of who we are And boy, did we make it our own!
Why’s Apple Pie So Darn American?
Alright, so if apple pie didn’t start in the USA, how’d it get to be “as American as apple pie”? That phrase ain’t just a sayin’—it’s got history behind it. I reckon it started takin’ hold in the early 1900s. By 1924, folks were already usin’ it in ads, and durin’ World War II, soldiers would tell reporters they were fightin’ for “mom and apple pie.” Ain’t that sweet? It turned into “as American as mom and apple pie” after the war, cementin’ its spot in our hearts.
There’s also a fella named Johnny Appleseed who helped make apples—and by extension, apple pie—a big deal. In the 1800s, he wandered the country plantin’ apple trees, spreadin’ the love for this fruit far and wide. His story added to the legend, makin’ apples feel like a true piece of Americana.
At PieDreams Blog, we think this connection runs deep ‘cause apple pie represents more than food. It’s about family gatherings, holiday tables, and that sense of home no matter where you are. Every slice carries a story, don’t it?
When Exactly Is National Apple Pie Day?
Let’s circle back to the big question—when do we celebrate this pie-tastic day? Like I said up top, the main date is May 13th every single year. It’s the one most folks recognize, and it’s a perfect springtime moment to whip up a pie or grab one from your local bakery. But, just to throw a lil’ curveball, some peeps also celebrate it on December 3rd. That’s less common, but hey, winter’s a great time for a warm slice too, right? So, pick your day—or do both if you’re a true pie fanatic like me!
Here’s a quick peek at upcoming dates for May 13th, just so you’re ready:
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 13 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 13 | Thursday |
| 2028 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2029 | May 13 | Sunday |
| 2030 | May 13 | Monday |
And if you’re goin’ for December 3rd, it’s the same deal—happens every year on that date. No excuses to miss out!
How to Celebrate National Apple Pie Day Like a Champ
Now that ya know when it is, let’s talk how to make the most of National Apple Pie Day. Whether you’re a kitchen whiz or just in it for the eatin’, there’s somethin’ for everyone. Here at PieDreams Blog, we’ve got a few ideas to get ya started. Check ‘em out:
- Bake Your Own Pie: Nothin’ beats the smell of a homemade apple pie fillin’ up your kitchen. Grab a recipe—any ol’ cookbook’s got one—or just wing it with some apples, sugar, and a store-bought crust if you ain’t got time. It don’t gotta be perfect; it just gotta taste good.
- Host a Pie Party: Call up your crew and make it a potluck. Tell everyone to bake their own version of apple pie—maybe one’s got a crumb toppin’, another’s super spicy with extra cinnamon. Then, y’all can taste-test and crown a winner. It’s a fun way to see how many twists there are on this classic!
- Go on a Pie Hunt: Not feelin’ the baking vibe? No worries. Make a list of diners, bakeries, or restaurants near ya that serve apple pie. Grab some pals and hit the town for a “pie crawl.” Sample a slice at each spot and figure out who’s got the best in town. Trust me, it’s a blast!
- Share the Love: Bake an extra pie and drop it off for a neighbor or coworker. Or post a pic of your pie on social with hashtags like #NationalApplePieDay. Spreadin’ the joy is half the fun.
- Get the Kids Involved: If you got lil’ ones, let ‘em help roll out dough or sprinkle sugar on top. They’ll love gettin’ messy, and it’s a great way to build memories.
However ya choose to celebrate, make it yours. That’s what this day’s about—doin’ what makes ya happy with a slice of pie in hand.
Whip Up a Simple Apple Pie: Easy-Peasy Recipe
Speakin’ of bakin’, I figured I’d share a basic apple pie recipe for y’all who wanna give it a shot on National Apple Pie Day. This ain’t no fancy chef stuff—just a straightforward way to get a tasty pie on your table. I’ve made this a buncha times, and it always turns out pretty darn good, even if my crust looks a lil’ wonky sometimes!
Ingredients (for one 9-inch pie):
- 6 to 8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work awesome ‘cause they’re tart)
- 3/4 cup sugar (or a lil’ less if ya don’t like it too sweet)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps thicken the fillin’)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more if ya love that spice kick)
- A pinch of salt (just a tiny bit)
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade—your call)
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 egg (for brushin’ on top, optional but makes it shiny)
Steps to Make It:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Get it nice and hot while ya prep.
- Peel, core, and slice them apples thin. Toss ‘em in a big bowl with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and that pinch of salt. Mix it up good so every slice gets coated.
- Roll out one pie crust and lay it in a 9-inch pie dish. Don’t worry if it tears a bit—just patch it up.
- Dump your apple mix into the crust. Dot the top with them small butter pieces—it’ll make it rich and yummy.
- Roll out the second crust and lay it over the apples. Pinch the edges to seal it up. Cut a few slits on top so steam can get out. If ya got an egg, beat it and brush a lil’ on for a golden look.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes. Check it at 30—if the edges brown too fast, cover ‘em with foil. It’s done when the crust is golden and ya see bubbly juice through the slits.
- Let it cool a bit before slicin’. Hot pie is great, but burnin’ your tongue ain’t!
Serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if ya feelin’ fancy. See? Told ya it weren’t hard!
Fun Facts and Global Twists on Apple Pie
Wanna know some cool tidbits about apple pie to impress your friends on National Apple Pie Day? I’ve got a few up my sleeve that’ll make ya go “huh!” Plus, let’s peek at how other countries do their apple desserts, ‘cause we ain’t the only ones lovin’ this fruit.
- No Sugar, No Problem: Back in the olden days, like way back in the 1300s, apple pies didn’t have sugar. Folks used other fruits or spices to sweeten things up. Can ya imagine eatin’ a pie with no sweetness? I’d still try it!
- Poetic Pie: An English poet in the 1590s wrote about a lady’s breath bein’ like the “steam of apple pies.” Now that’s a compliment, ain’t it? Makes me wanna write a poem ‘bout pie too.
- Not Just American: While we claim it, apple pie’s got cousins everywhere. In France, they flip it upside-down and call it tarte tatin, with gooey caramelized apples. Swedes skip the full crust for a crumbly top and pair it with creamy custard. Even the Dutch got their lattice style that looks so pretty.
- Cheese on Pie?: Yep, some folks—especially them French—add cheese to their apple pie. Sounds odd, but I hear it’s a killer combo if ya try it with a sharp cheddar. Might gotta give that a whirl one day.
Ain’t it neat how one dessert can have so many faces? Makes me appreciate our version even more, knowin’ it’s got a big family tree.
Why We Love National Apple Pie Day at PieDreams Blog
Lemme tell ya why we’re head over heels for this holiday. First off, apple pie is just plain delicious. The way them apples play nice with all kinda spices means every pie can be a lil’ different. Ya can go heavy on cinnamon, toss in some nutmeg, or keep it plain-jane—still tastes amazin’. It’s the perfect warm treat when it’s chilly out, but throw some ice cream on there, and it’s just as good in summer.
Plus, it’s patriotic in its own weird way. Sure, it didn’t start here, but apple pie’s become a piece of who we are as Americans. Every bite feels like a nod to tradition, to all them folks who came before us and made this land home. And let’s not forget—it’s easy as pie to make! Ya don’t need rare ingredients or crazy skills. Just some apples, a crust, and a bit of love, and you’re golden.
Wrap It Up with a Pie Party Plan
As we get closer to National Apple Pie Day on May 13th (or December 3rd if that’s your jam), I’m challengin’ ya to do somethin’ special. Why not plan a mini pie party? Bake a couple different pies—maybe one with a classic double crust and another with a crumbly top. Invite a few pals over, put on some tunes, and just enjoy the simple joy of sharin’ good food. Or, if you’re more of a solo baker, treat yourself to a slice and savor every dang bite.
We at PieDreams Blog wanna hear how y’all celebrate. Got a family recipe that’s been passed down? A funny story ‘bout burnin’ your first pie? Drop us a comment or share a pic. Let’s keep the apple pie love alive! And hey, if ya try our easy recipe or one of them celebration ideas, lemme know how it turns out. I’m rootin’ for ya to have the best National Apple Pie Day yet!
How to Observe National Apple Pie Day
Celebrate National Apple Pie Day by making an apple pie from scratch or picking one up at a bakery. There are many recipes you could try. You could even do your best to make Chaucers recipe from 1381, the earliest known apple pie recipe.
National Apple Pie Day | May 13
FAQ
What national day is it on May 13th?
National Apple Pie Day, America’s favorite dessert, is observed annually on May 13th. The first apple pie recipe printed was in England in 1381. The list of ingredients included good apples, good spices, figs, raisins, pears, saffron, and cofyn (a type of pastry crust).
Are there two national pie days?
As It turns out, there are actually two separate days every year when people come together to celebrate pie – and it’s easy to confuse the two: National Pie Day on January 23; and. Pi Day on March 14.
Can you get apple pie all day at McDonald’s?
Yes they are served all day. I have had them pretty early in the morning. They are pretty tasty.
Why do we celebrate National Apple Pie Day?
In truth, recipes for apple pie have been around since the 14th century, well before the U.S. was founded. That didn’t stop us though. This fruit pie became a symbol of American prosperity in the 19th century, and to this day it represents a patriotic love for the United States of America.
When is National Apple Pie Day?
However, it is interesting to note, it is the second pie holiday in May. National Apple Pie Day, America’s favorite dessert, is observed annually on May 13th. Teddy Roosevelt was impressed to have a taste of home when he was served an American apple pie while traveling in Africa.
Why is National Apple Pie Day important?
National Apple Pie Day can bring together all of these various culinary traditions and allow people all over the world to enjoy the humble yet delicious apple joy in all its glory. Of course, National Apple Pie Day also has the ability to get families together, whether baking in the kitchen or enjoying delicious desserts together.
Why do people not celebrate national Apple Pie Day?
Apple pie might not be originally American, but it is now certainly associated with many American cultures and traditions. Even so, there is certainly no reason why people around the world can’t celebrate National Apple Pie Day, though. This day is all about trying recipes and getting active in the kitchen.
When is Pie Day celebrated?
Pie Day is celebrated on January 23. It is a tasty American national holiday with a sign on the sidewalk that reads ‘Pie Day’ and a background of a chalk board and a folding easel.
Should you eat apple pie on national Apple Pie Day?
If you ask a variety of people, most of them will jump at any chance they get to sink their teeth into a piece of apple pie, especially if it is fresh out of the oven. National Apple Pie Day is kind of like a blank check for eating apple pie, so everyone should be sure to make the most of it!
How do you Celebrate National Pie Day?
Celebrate the King of Rock and Roll by watching his movies or listening to his music. Look through your favorite pie recipes together and bake a pie to celebrate National Pie Day on the 23rd. Later, share a piece of pie and pair it with a cup of coffee or hot tea. Winter may keep us indoors more often, but it can’t keep us from having fun!