Did you know U.S. shoppers buy about 186 million store-bought pies a year? That number shows how much we adore sweet and savory slices. We set the table for national pie day on the 23rd of January with a warm, Houston welcome.
We’ll give you a quick rundown of the date, the story behind this holiday, and the flavors that make american pie traditions sing. Charlie Papazian started the celebration in the 1970s, and the American Pie Council now encourages sharing with #NationalPieDay.
From ancient Roman honey-and-cheese placenta to modern buttery crusts and fruit fillings, we’ll show recipes that fit every mood. Expect classic apple, bright fruit tarts, and a few creamy comforts.
Ready to celebrate pie the tasty way? Pick a pie recipe, mark the date, and get your oven preheated. Have you ever felt a slice call your name at midnight?
What Is National Pie Day and Why America Loves This Dessert Holiday
On January 23 we set aside a single date to celebrate a beloved American dessert and the simple joy of sharing slices.
national pie day lands on the 23rd each January. Charlie Papazian started the idea in the 1970s by declaring his birthday a baking excuse. The tradition grew and, in 1986, the american pie council took the reins, encouraging parties, bake-ins, and slice-sharing across towns.
People love this holiday because a warm slice brings comfort and company. Local bakeries and regional chains often run specials, so you can score deals or free samples if you watch for offers.
“Bake a pie, buy a slice, or share one with a neighbor — the point is good food and good company.”
- Why the date matters: it’s fixed on the 23rd, easy to remember.
- How the pie council helps: promotions, community events, and resources for hosts.
- How to join: host a tasting, grab a slice from a shop, or bring one to work.
| What | Why | How |
|---|---|---|
| 23rd on the calendar | Simple annual cue to celebrate dessert | Bake, buy, or share with neighbors |
| Origin story | Charlie Papazian’s birthday idea | American Pie Council promotion since 1986 |
| Local perks | Shop specials and community events | Check local listings or social tags today |
Whether you prefer a classic or a new twist, this celebration invites Austin-to-Houston hospitality. Join in, and pass a slice — it’s the heart of the celebration.
The Sweet Story of Pie: From Ancient Tables to Today’s Celebration
A simple crust holds centuries of stories, from Roman markets to American kitchens.
We start with ancient recipes. Romans recorded a rye-crust goat cheese and honey pie that shows how early cooks mixed sweet and savory. They also made meat, seafood, and fruit pies and a dense “placenta” pie that resembled cheesecake.
By the 12th century, England favored hearty meat pies. Early crusts were practical shells for long cooks, not the flaky crust we prize today. Folklore and film, like the Sweeney Todd tales, fed anxieties and fascination around meat fillings.
Settlers carried pie know-how to this country. Over the years sweet pies rose in fame. Apple and pumpkin moved into holiday kitchens by the 1800s.
Fast forward to modern celebrations: charlie papazian declared a national pie date in the 1970s, and the american pie council later promoted the idea into a shared tradition we mark today as pie day.
| Era | Notable Pie | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Rome | Rye goat cheese & honey | Sweet & savory origins |
| 12th century England | Meat pies | Practical, portable meals |
| Early America | Apple & pumpkin | Holiday and harvest classics |
| 1970s–today | Celebration & promotion | charlie papazian + american pie council |
“A slice connects harvest, hearth, and story.”
National Pie Day vs. Pi Day: The Date, the Difference, and the Fun
Two tasty celebrations land on different calendar spots, and each gives us a reason to slice, share, and smile.
Dates at a glance
Mark your calendar: national pie day is fixed on the 23rd of January. Pi Day January shows up on 3/14 to nod at the number π.
How celebrations differ
One is dessert-first: the pie council rallies bakeries, bake-offs, and heritage american pie recipes. You’ll see whipped cream, lattice crusts, and fruit galore.
The other blends math with food. Larry Shaw’s Exploratorium parade in San Francisco helped turn Pi Day into a playful event. Schools, cafes, and pizza chains join with pizza promos and pi-themed treats.
“Bake a sweet tart for one day; slice a pizza into π for the next — why not celebrate both?”
- Dates: 23rd (January) vs. 3/14 (March)
- Vibe: dessert tastings vs. math-meets-food parties
- Where to look for deals: local bakeries for desserts, big pizza chains for pizza promotions
| What | Focus | Typical Treats |
|---|---|---|
| 23rd date | Heritage baking | Fruit pies, cream pies |
| 3/14 date | Math & fun | Pizza, novelty pies |
| Both | Community celebration | Shareable slices |
Tip: Note both dates now, plan ingredients, and invite friends. Double the days means double the reasons to enjoy good food and company.
Our Favorite Pie Recipes to Bake on National Pie Day
Our kitchens buzz with favorites — from apple to savory pot pies — and we’re sharing the best.
Classic apple pie is first. We tuck tart apples into flaky crusts and serve it à la mode so the ice cream melts into cinnamon-kissed filling.
Cream pies to crave
Think banana, chocolate, and coconut. We focus on silky fillings that hold up and toppings that won’t weep before guests arrive.
Fruit pies for every season
Cherry in spring, blueberry in summer, pumpkin in autumn. A little citrus zest brightens fruit, and a dusting of nutmeg deepens pumpkin.
Savory comfort
For dinners, chicken pot pies and heritage meat pies bring rich gravies and flaky lids. They work as easy weeknight meals or cozy supper stars.
We also share quick swaps for dietary needs, make-ahead notes, and small baking tips — like tenting edges and checking the bottom for a crisp set.
| Recipe Type | Key Tip | Serve With |
|---|---|---|
| Apple pie | Prebake bottom 5–7 mins for crispness | Vanilla ice cream |
| Cream pies | Chill fully; stabilize with a light gelatin or cornstarch | Whipped cream or chocolate shavings |
| Fruit pies | Use lemon zest and proper thickener for juicy fruit | Warm with a drizzle of honey |
| Savory pies | Brush crust with egg wash; vent well | Simple salad or mashed sides |
“From first slice to last crumb, these recipes keep your oven humming and your kitchen smelling like home.”
Which recipe will you try first — the apple we bake with brown butter, or a savory pot pie for dinner?
How to Celebrate Pie Day January 23
Make the 23rd a sweet stop on your calendar — host a tasting, enter a bake-off, or map a pie crawl.
We love low-fuss ways to celebrate pie with the people we care about. Invite friends and family. Brew coffee. Set out small slices and let everyone vote. This turns a simple meal into a warm neighborhood moment.
Enter a local bake-off or host a tasting
Sign up for a community contest or run a friends-and-family tasting at home. Use score cards for crust, filling, and overall joy.
Share your slice with the american pie council
Post your best cut with #NationalPieDay and tag the american pie council to join chatter across the country. Short videos, crumb shots, and time-lapses make fun social content.
Find food deals and local specials
Check Houston shops for free slices or samplers. Many regional bakeries offer specials on the 23rd. Keep an eye on local listings so people can try new flavors without spending much.
“Bake, buy, or share — the day is about good food and good company.”
| Activity | What to do | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Home tasting | Set labels, small slices, score cards | Easy, cozy, and great for friends family groups |
| Bake-off | Enter local contest or host neighborhood event | Community fun and recipe exchange |
| Social share | Post with #NationalPieDay and tag the pie council | Connects people across the country and boosts local shops |
| Pie crawl | Visit 2–3 bakeries for sample slices | Try new flavors and support small food businesses |
Tip: Drop off slices for teachers, firefighters, or nurses. Little gestures taste big on a busy day. Ready to pick your first slice and eat pie with us tonight?
Pies by the Numbers: Fun Facts That Make You Want to Eat Pie
From record breakers to quirky habits, the stats turn a humble dessert into a celebration.
Big bites and record moments
We start with the headline: Americans buy about 186 million store-bought pies a year. That number shows how much we reach for slices at holidays and backyard cookouts.
The largest pie ever baked weighed an astounding 10,540 kg. That kind of record makes you grin and want another helping.
Pie culture and quirky milestones
Surveys say 47% of people find pie comforting. One in five Americans admit they once ate a whole pie themselves.
About 9% prefer the crust first — a small but passionate crew. Film fans get a laugh, too: Laurel & Hardy’s 1927 film used nearly 4,000 flying pies in a single gag.
- Historic oddity: Oliver Cromwell banned pies in 1644 as a “pagan” pleasure.
- Make it social: these facts spark great tasting-party chatter on the 23rd and beyond.
“Numbers like these make a tasty case for pie at all your meals and gatherings.”
Baking Better Pies: Crusts, Fillings, and Tips for Success
Good crust starts with cold hands and colder butter—it’s the small steps that turn dough into a flaky triumph.
We guide you through reliable baking moves that give consistent results. Start by chilling ingredients, handle dough gently, and let it rest. Those steps build layers and keep your crust tender and crisp.
Mastering crusts and blind baking
Blind bake when cream or custard goes inside. Dock the shell, line it with foil, and add weights. That prevents soggy bottoms and keeps the base sturdy for filling.
For decorative tops, a simple lattice or cutouts add bakery polish without fuss. Keep strips even and well chilled before baking.
Filling fundamentals and spice balance
Match thickeners to juicy fruit. Cornstarch works for berries; tapioca or flour suits apple. Let fillings cool so they set and slice cleanly.
For cream pies, temper eggs and use proper cornstarch ratios to avoid weeping. A stable cream holds shape and looks neat on the plate.
- Chill everything, roll gently, and rest the dough for flaky layers.
- Use weights, docking, and correct timing for blind baking.
- Balance sweetness with acid and a pinch of spice—cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger as fits the filling.
- Tools that matter: sharp peeler, sturdy rolling pin, instant-read thermometer.
“Prep, chill, roll, rest, bake, cool—repeat, and you’ll get that golden glow every time.”
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy bottom | Underbaked base or wet filling | Blind bake with weights; reduce filling juice |
| Weeping cream | Improper stabilization | Temper eggs; adjust cornstarch; chill fully |
| Runny fruit | Wrong thickener | Match thickener; cool filling before filling crust |
Bake, Share, and Celebrate with Friends and Family
Finish strong: pick an apple pie recipe, set out a couple fruit pies, and get your nearest friends to help you eat pie on the 23rd.
Share with family by wrapping slices for neighbors or bringing desserts to the office. The american pie council nudges people to celebrate the founder’s birthday spirit and to pass slices around on national pie day.
Make it Houston-style: a backyard tasting under string lights, a playlist, and a few candid shots for content. Save a note for next year and plan a spring bake to keep the tradition going.
Thank helpers, pour coffee, linger, and tell us—have you ever had a kitchen moment that felt a little haunted?
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