Every year on January 23rd, dessert lovers across the U.S. celebrate National Pie Day—a delicious excuse to slow down, bake something comforting, and enjoy a slice (or two) of pure happiness. From flaky crusts to creamy fillings, pies are more than desserts; they’re traditions, memories, and moments shared around the table.
Whether you’re a home baker, a dessert blogger, or creating viral Pinterest content, this guide will walk you through the best National Pie Day desserts you’ll absolutely love—from timeless classics to modern, creative twists.
🥧 Why National Pie Day Is So Special
Pie has always held a special place in American culture. It represents:
- Family gatherings and holidays
- Cozy winter comfort food
- Creative baking without strict rules
- Endless flavor combinations
Unlike cakes or pastries, pies feel homemade, nostalgic, and deeply personal. That’s why National Pie Day trends so well on Pinterest, food blogs, and Instagram every January.
🍎 Classic Pies That Never Go Out of Style
🍎 1. Classic Apple Pie (From Scratch)
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the filling
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp combo works best)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the crust: Mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until the dough forms. Divide, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Prepare filling: Peel and slice apples. Toss with sugars, lemon juice, spices, cornstarch, and vanilla.
- Assemble: Roll out the bottom crust, add filling, and top with the second crust. Seal edges and cut vents.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–55 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- Add caramel drizzle for caramel apple pie
- Use lattice crust for Pinterest-friendly visuals
Serving: Warm with vanilla ice cream
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Golden Air Fryer French Toast for Busy Mornings
🍒 2. Classic Cherry Pie
Ingredients
- 2 pie crusts
- 4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and extract.
- Pour into prepared crust.
- Cover with lattice or full crust.
- Bake at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
Pro Tip: Almond extract enhances cherry flavor beautifully.
🫐 3. Blueberry Pie
Ingredients
- 4 cups blueberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Steps
- Mix filling ingredients gently.
- Fill pie crust, top with lattice.
- Bake until juices bubble thickly.
Why it works: Blueberries naturally thicken—no pre-cooking needed.
🌰 4. Southern Pecan Pie
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1½ cups pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Whisk syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla.
- Stir in pecans.
- Bake at 350°F for 55–60 minutes.
Texture Tip: Center should jiggle slightly when done.
🎃 5. Pumpkin Pie (Creamy & Smooth)
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ tsp pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into crust.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
Serving: With whipped cream & cinnamon dusting.
🍫 6. Chocolate Cream Pie (No-Bake Option)
Ingredients
- 1 baked pie crust
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Heat milk, sugar, cornstarch until thick.
- Stir in chocolate until smooth.
- Pour into crust; chill 4 hours.
🍌 7. Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 1 baked crust
- 3 bananas (sliced)
- Vanilla pudding (homemade or instant)
- Whipped cream
Steps
- Layer bananas on crust.
- Pour pudding over bananas.
- Chill and top with whipped cream.
🥥 8. Coconut Cream Pie
Key Tip
Toast coconut flakes for maximum flavor.
Follow banana cream method, replacing banana with coconut custard.
🍋 9. Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crust
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 3 egg yolks
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients.
- Pour into crust.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
- Chill before serving.
🥜 10. Peanut Butter Pie (No Bake)
Ingredients
- Oreo crust
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup whipped topping
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Mix, fill, chill. Done!
🥧 Mini & Creative Pie Ideas (Quick Recipes)
Mini Hand Pies
- Roll dough, fill with jam or apple filling
- Fold, seal, bake 20 minutes
Pie Pops
- Sandwich filling between dough
- Insert sticks, bake
Pie Parfaits
- Crust crumbs + filling + whipped cream layers
❄️ Winter-Perfect Pie Recipes
- Cranberry Pie: Cranberries + orange zest + sugar
- Sweet Potato Pie: Same method as pumpkin, richer flavor
- Pear Almond Pie: Pear slices + almond cream
🧁 Easy No-Bake Pies for Busy Bakers
If you want to celebrate National Pie Day without turning on the oven, these no-bake pies are lifesavers:
- Oreo pie
- Cheesecake pie
- Chocolate mousse pie
- Icebox lemon pie
Why no-bake pies trend
- Beginner-friendly
- Minimal ingredients
- High save-rate on Pinterest
📸 How to Make Your National Pie Day Desserts Go Viral
If you’re a blogger or Pinterest creator, presentation matters just as much as flavor.
Styling Tips
- Use wooden boards or white plates
- Add steam shots for warm pies
- Dust powdered sugar lightly
- Include a fork cutting through the slice
❓ FAQs – National Pie Day Desserts
When is National Pie Day celebrated?
National Pie Day is celebrated every year on January 23rd in the United States.
What is the most popular pie for National Pie Day?
Apple pie remains the most popular, followed closely by pumpkin, pecan, and chocolate cream pies.
Can I celebrate National Pie Day with no-bake desserts?
Absolutely! No-bake pies are extremely popular and perfect for quick celebrations.
Are mini pies good for National Pie Day parties?
Yes! Mini pies, hand pies, and pie pops are great for sharing and look amazing on dessert tables.
Which pies are best for winter?
Apple, pecan, sweet potato, pumpkin, and cranberry pies are ideal winter choices.
🥧 Final Thoughts: Celebrate National Pie Day the Sweet Way
National Pie Day is more than just a food holiday—it’s a reminder to enjoy simple pleasures, bake with love, and share comfort through dessert. Whether you choose a classic apple pie, a creamy chocolate indulgence, or a fun modern twist, there’s a pie for everyone.
So grab your rolling pin, preheat your oven (or don’t!), and celebrate National Pie Day with desserts you’ll truly love. 🥧💛
