National Pie Day is a celebration rooted in comfort, tradition, and timeless flavors. While trendy desserts come and go, classic pie recipes remain forever loved. These are the pies that remind us of family gatherings, holidays, cozy kitchens, and that first irresistible bite of flaky crust and perfectly balanced filling.
This ultimate guide to Classic Pie Recipes Everyone Craves on National Pie Day brings together the most beloved, time-tested pies—sweet, creamy, fruity, and even a few savory favorites. Each recipe is beginner-friendly, made with simple ingredients, and includes helpful tips so you can bake with confidence.
You’ll also find a detailed FAQ section at the end to answer common pie-making questions and help you perfect your National Pie Day celebration.
🥧 Why Classic Pie Recipes Never Go Out of Style
Classic pies endure because they connect us to tradition and shared memories. These recipes have stood the test of time for good reason:
- Familiar flavors loved by all ages
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find
- Forgiving recipes perfect for home bakers
- Ideal for holidays, parties, and everyday desserts
National Pie Day is the perfect time to revisit these favorites and keep pie traditions alive.
🍎 1. Classic Apple Pie
No pie list is complete without apple pie—the undisputed king of classic pies.
Ingredients
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 6–7 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
- Place one crust into a pie dish.
- Add the apple mixture and dot with butter.
- Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut vents.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden.
Why Everyone Craves It
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart
- Comforting and nostalgic
🍒 2. Classic Cherry Pie
Bright, sweet cherries wrapped in flaky pastry make this pie a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pie crusts
- 1 can cherry pie filling (or homemade)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the cherry filling with cornstarch.
- Pour into the crust and top with the second crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
🎃 3. Classic Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s a National Pie Day essential.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 can of pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into the crust.
- Bake 45–50 minutes.
🍫 4. Classic Chocolate Cream Pie
Silky chocolate filling topped with whipped cream makes this pie irresistible.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cookie crust
- Chocolate pudding
- Whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare pudding.
- Pour into crust.
- Chill and top with whipped cream.
🍋 5. Classic Lemon Meringue Pie
Sweet-tart lemon filling and fluffy meringue define this iconic pie.
Ingredients
- Pre-baked crust
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Egg yolks
- Egg whites
Instructions
- Cook lemon filling.
- Pour into crust.
- Top with meringue.
- Bake until lightly browned.
🥥 6. Classic Coconut Cream Pie
Creamy coconut filling with whipped topping is a timeless treat.
🍌 7. Classic Banana Cream Pie
Layers of banana, pudding, and whipped cream make this pie unforgettable.
🍓 8. Classic Strawberry Pie
Fresh strawberries shine in this simple, elegant dessert.
🧀 9. Classic Cheesecake Pie
All the flavor of cheesecake in an easier pie format.
🍠 10. Classic Sweet Potato Pie
A Southern favorite with warm spices and creamy texture.
🍫 11. Classic Chocolate Silk Pie
Rich, smooth, and indulgent—perfect for chocolate lovers.
🍋 12. Classic Key Lime Pie
Tangy, creamy, and refreshing.
🥧 13. Classic Pecan Pie
Sticky, sweet, and nutty—this pie is always a crowd favorite.
No-Bake Pie Recipes for a Stress-Free National Pie Day
10 Best Pie Recipes to Celebrate National Pie Day (Beginner Friendly)
Classic Pie Recipes Everyone Craves on National Pie Day
🍎 14. Classic Dutch Apple Pie
Apple pie topped with buttery crumb topping.
🧀 15. Classic Savory Chicken Pot Pie
A comforting classic that proves pie isn’t just dessert.
👩🍳 Tips for Perfect Classic Pies
- Chill the dough before baking
- Don’t overfill the crust
- Let the pies cool before slicing
- Use a baking sheet to catch drips
❓ Classic Pie Recipes FAQ
What is National Pie Day?
National Pie Day is celebrated annually to honor one of the world’s most loved desserts—pie.
Which pie is the most popular on National Pie Day?
Apple pie is consistently the most popular, followed by pumpkin and cherry.
Can beginners make classic pie recipes?
Yes. Most classic pies are beginner-friendly, especially with store-bought crusts.
Should I use homemade or store-bought crust?
Both work. Store-bought crusts save time, while homemade add flavor.
How far ahead can pies be made?
Most pies can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Can classic pies be frozen?
Yes. Fruit pies freeze especially well for up to 2–3 months.
Why is my pie crust soggy?
Soggy crusts usually come from excess moisture or underbaking.
🎉 Final Thoughts: Celebrate National Pie Day with Timeless Favorites
Classic pie recipes endure because they bring comfort, familiarity, and joy to every table. On National Pie Day, there’s no better way to celebrate than by baking one of these beloved pies and sharing it with people you love.
From apple and pumpkin to chocolate cream and pecan, these classic pie recipes everyone craves prove that tradition never goes out of style.
Happy National Pie Day and happy baking! 🥧❤️
