Pie Day: Let’s Talk Everything Pie!
- The Cake Lady
- Mar 14
- 6 min read
If there’s one dessert that brings comfort, joy, and a whole lot of flavor, it’s pie! Whether it’s a classic fruit filling, a decadent cream pie, or a savory twist, pie has earned its rightful place in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. In celebration of Pie Day, let’s dive into everything pie—from its history to fun facts, and of course, some mouth-watering ideas for your next pie adventure!
A Brief History of Pie
Did you know pie dates back centuries? While the earliest versions were far from the sweet treats we enjoy today, pies have been around since the ancient Egyptians. They were typically made with meats and savory fillings, encased in a sturdy pastry shell. Fast forward to the 17th century, and pies started to take on sweeter forms in Europe, with fruit-filled versions becoming particularly popular. Thanks to the pie-loving pilgrims, the art of pie-making made its way to America, where it has continued to evolve into the diverse and delicious pies we know and love today!
Types of Pies: The Sweet and Savory
Sweet Pies:
• Apple Pie: The classic. With its perfect balance of sweet, tart apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crust, it’s no wonder apple pie is often called "America’s favorite pie."
• Pumpkin Pie: A fall favorite, pumpkin pie’s spiced flavor and creamy filling are a comforting indulgence.
• Pecan Pie: Sweet, nutty, and rich, pecan pie is a holiday staple that many people can’t get enough of.
• Key Lime Pie: Tangy and smooth, with a buttery graham cracker crust, Key Lime Pie offers the perfect balance of flavors.
Savory Pies:
• Chicken Pot Pie: Comfort in a crust! A creamy filling of chicken, vegetables, and gravy, all encased in a flaky pastry shell.
• Shepherd’s Pie: This savory classic is made with ground lamb (or beef), vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
• Quiche: A savory custard pie, often filled with a mix of eggs, cheese, and vegetables or meats—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Fun Facts About Pie
• The Pie Crust Wasn't Always Eaten
In the past, pie crusts, called "coffins" or "paste," were often seen as inedible containers meant to hold the filling while it baked. They were sometimes made so thick and hard that they were used only for cooking purposes and discarded afterward. It wasn’t until later that pie crusts became a beloved part of the dessert.
• The Largest Pie Ever Made Weighed 37,000 Pounds
In 2005, the world’s largest pie was made in the UK. This massive creation weighed a staggering 37,000 pounds (16,780 kg) and measured 130 feet in diameter! It was a meat pie, filled with a whopping 18,000 pounds of beef, 2,000 pounds of vegetables, and 3,000 pounds of gravy.
• Pies Were Used in Ancient Times as Containers for Other Foods
Before sweet pies were common, the ancient Egyptians made savory pies with fillings like meat and vegetables. These were often baked in a shell made from a combination of flour and water. They weren't intended to be eaten themselves, but acted as a form of "food preservation," keeping the fillings safe and contained.
• The First Recipe for Pie Crusts Appeared in 1381
The earliest known recipe for pie crusts comes from England, dating back to 1381. It was described as a "paste" made from flour and water, and it was designed to encase meat or other fillings. This recipe was part of the "Forme of Cury," a medieval English cookbook compiled by the master chefs of King Richard II.
• There’s a Specific Pie Called a "Cry Baby" Pie
In the 1930s, there was a pie called the "Cry Baby" pie, a type of custard pie designed to soothe teething babies! It was said to be rich and smooth, with a gentle flavor that made it a calming dessert.
How to Make a Perfect Pie
Crust: The crust is arguably the most important part of any pie. A flaky, buttery crust can elevate a simple pie to something extraordinary. Key tips for making a perfect pie crust:
• Use cold butter and ice water for the flakiest texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough—mix until it just comes together to avoid a tough crust.
• Chill the dough before rolling it out to keep it from shrinking during baking.
Best crust recipe:
2 ¼ cup AP flour
2 sticks of butter (COLD and cubed)
8 TBSP COLD water
Add the flour and cold butter to a food processor. Pulse until the butter is covered and little pea sized balls can be seen.
Add the cold water all at once and blend until the dough starts to pull away slightly from the sides. It will still be crumbly.
Pour that out onto a mat and knead it into a ball. Flatten and chill for at least an hour before working with it.
Filling: Whether you're making a fruit pie, custard, or cream pie, the filling needs to be balanced. For fruit pies, ensure your filling isn’t too runny by adding a thickener (like cornstarch or flour). For cream pies, a smooth, well-cooked custard base is key.
Baking: Pay attention to the baking time! Overbaking can dry out the filling, while underbaking may result in a soggy crust. Keep an eye on your pie while it’s in the oven, and check for golden crusts and bubbling fillings.
Apple pie filling:
4 medium sized apples
1/3 cup sugar
3 TBSP water
2 TBSP butter
1 TSP cinnamon
4 TSP corn starch
2 TBSP water
Peel and chop apples. Melt the butter and cinnamon on medium high heat. Stir in the apples, sugar and water. Cover and cook until the apples are slightly softened. Stir occasionally. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Add to the pot while stirring and continue to cook the apples until the filling is thick and the apples are soft. Let bubble for one minute and then cool
Pie Pairings: What to Serve with Your Slice
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is the perfect complement to a warm slice of pie.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream enhances the flavors of any pie—especially fruit pies.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage can balance the sweetness of pie, especially with heavier, richer options like pecan or chocolate pies.
Pie-Inspired Creativity
Feeling adventurous? Try making pie with unexpected fillings! Think:
• S’mores Pie: A graham cracker crust, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows—just like the campfire classic!
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Pie: A rich chocolate crust with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• Lemon Meringue Pie with a Twist: Try a lemon-blueberry version for a new spin on the classic.
There Are More Pie Flavors Than You Can Imagine
Beyond the usual fruit and cream pies, there are hundreds of unique and unusual pie flavors out there. Some examples include:
• Bacon pie
• Tomato pie
• Banoffee pie (banana and toffee)
• Sweet potato pie with bourbon
• Peanut butter cup pie
Pie is an incredibly versatile dish that continues to surprise and delight with its rich history and endless flavor possibilities. Whether you're baking, eating, or simply celebrating Pie Day, there’s always something new and fun to learn about this beloved dessert.
Pie is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors, memories, and tradition. From its savory origins to the sweet treats we indulge in today, pie remains a staple in kitchens and celebrations around the world. So, whether you're baking your own or enjoying a slice from your favorite bakery, take a moment to savor the simple joy of pie.
Happy Pie Day! What’s your favorite kind of pie? Share in the comments!
Credit: Brittany Zaderaka
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