National Apple Pie Day

The story

Apple pie is often seen as the ultimate American dessert. There are even two National Apple Pie Days each year! And let’s not forget the phrase “as American as apple pie.” But here’s the twist, apple pie didn’t originate in the U.S., nor did apples.

Apples came from Asia, brought to the Americas by European settlers. Before that, only crab apples grew in North America. The first apples were used mainly for cider, but by the early 1800s, pie-friendly apples were being grown, coinciding with Johnny Appleseed’s legendary travels.

The phrase “as American as apple pie” first appeared in 1924, but its connection to patriotism was cemented during World War II. Soldiers famously said they were fighting for “mom and apple pie,” reinforcing its status as an American icon.

The earliest known apple pie recipe was printed in England in 1381, featuring apples, spices, and even saffron. Dutch apple pies, with their signature lattice crust, date back to 1514. France, Germany, and Italy had their own versions long before American colonies existed.

Though not originally American, apple pie became a national symbol through nostalgia, marketing, and wartime sentiment. Today, whether homemade or store-bought, apple pie remains a beloved tradition, served hot, cold, and always with a side of history.