National Pie Day (January 23)
National Pie Day on January 23 is the perfect excuse to enjoy your favorite pie flavors. Learn about its history, fun facts, and tasty recipes!
National Pie Day is celebrated every year on January 23, offering a perfect excuse to enjoy your favorite pie flavors.
Whether you love a classic apple pie or want to try something new, this day is all about indulging in delicious baked treats.
Discover the origins of this strange January holiday and explore fun ways to make the most of it.
When is it?
This delicious holiday takes place annually on January 23. Mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate with a slice (or two) of your favorite pie!
Who Invented it?
The American Pie Council established National Pie Day in 1986 to celebrate Crisco’s 75th anniversary.
However, some claim that Charlie Papazian, a pie enthusiast, originally created the holiday in the 1970s and chose his birthday as the date.
The History of the Holiday
Pies have a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, around 10,000 BC. Early pies were simple flour cakes filled with honey.
By the time of the Romans, pies evolved to include savory fillings, with the first recorded recipe featuring rye crust and goat cheese. In the 12th century, pies became popular in England, primarily featuring meat fillings.
When English settlers arrived in North America in the 16th century, they brought their pie-making traditions with them.
However, sweet pies, such as pumpkin pie, didn’t become common until the 1800s.
Over time, pies became an iconic part of American culture, associated with events like Thanksgiving and even featured in pop culture, such as the famous song “American Pie.”
Top 5 Facts
- The phrase “as American as apple pie” reflects how deeply rooted pie is in U.S. culture.
- McDonald’s introduced its famous apple pie in 1968 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
- The first known pie recipe dates back to Roman times and featured a goat cheese filling.
- Throwing pies in people’s faces as a comedic act began in 1909 with the film Mr. Flip.
- There are various pie-related films, including Waitress and Julia & Julia.
Activities to Celebrate
- Whether you’re a fan of a timeless apple pie or want to experiment with new flavors, baking your own pie is a delicious way to honor the day.
- Gather friends and family for a fun-filled tasting event featuring a variety of sweet and savory pies.
- Show support for local businesses by visiting bakeries and discovering unique, handcrafted pies.
- Engage kids and adults alike with fun DIY pie-related art projects, from paper plate pies to scented playdough.
- Spread the joy of pie on social media by posting your favorite recipes, fun pie facts, and pictures of your creations.
Related Recipes
- No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake with Oreo Crust. This indulgent dessert combines Nutella with a crunchy Oreo crust, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Instant Pot Key Lime Pie. A refreshing pie with a graham cracker crust and a zesty lime filling that’s quick and easy to make.
- Dixie’s Pecan Pie Cobbler. Take your pecan pie to the next level with this rich and decadent cobbler featuring a custard filling and two crusts.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie. A no-bake dessert featuring layers of peanut butter, chocolate, and a salty pretzel crust.
- Greek Spinach And Feta Filo Pie. A savory classic combining layers of crispy filo pastry with a delicious spinach and feta filling, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired treat.
- Homemade Easy Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy this comforting and hearty classic, packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky golden crust.
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Links to Resources
- Ensure your pie crusts bake evenly and don’t puff up with these handy ceramic pie weights. They help create a perfectly even crust for both sweet and savory pies.
- Whether you’re baking a classic apple pie or experimenting with a new recipe, having a quality high quality pie pan can make all the difference. Choose from a variety of materials to suit your baking needs.
- No pie is complete without the perfect server. A sturdy and stylish pie server makes slicing and serving your homemade pies a breeze.
Related Holidays
- Pi Day (March 14)
- National Blueberry Pie Day (April 28)
- National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day (August 20)
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