National Pie Day, celebrated every year on January 23rd, is a yummy tribute to one of America’s most beloved desserts. The American Pie Council first established this day in 1986, tying it to Crisco’s 75th anniversary to celebrate the ingredients that make pie possible. Since then, it’s grown into a holiday dedicated to baking, sharing, and savoring all kinds of pies.
Pies themselves have a long history that goes well beyond the United States, reaching back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, for example, made early versions of pies with simple pastry shells. Over time, pie recipes traveled across Europe and later to the Americas, evolving into regional favorites like apple, pecan, and pumpkin pie. In the United States, pies became more than just a dessert—they became a symbol of comfort and tradition, making an appearance at countless gatherings, holidays, and even county fairs.
Today, National Pie Day serves as a reminder of this long culinary tradition, encouraging everyone to roll up their sleeves, bake from scratch, or enjoy a favorite slice. From fruit-filled classics to savory creations, pies offer something for everyone to celebrate and enjoy.
🥧 Did you know there are many national days dedicated to different types of pies? Here are just a few we’ve covered:
- National Pumpkin Pie Day (December 25)
- National Lemon Cream Pie Day (November 29)
- National Bavarian Cream Pie Day (November 27)
When is National Pie Day Celebrated?
In case you’re planning to celebrate National Pie Day in the coming years, it’s always helpful to know exactly when it falls. Mark your calendar for January 23rd each year, a perfect time to warm up with a slice of pie during the colder months. Here’s a look at when National Pie Day will be observed in the upcoming years:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | January 23, Thursday |
| 2026 | January 23, Friday |
| 2027 | January 23, Saturday |
| 2028 | January 23, Sunday |
| 2029 | January 23, Monday |
| 2030 | January 23, Tuesday |
Fun Facts About Pies
Pies have an interesting history, full of surprising facts that span from ancient times to modern-day space travel. As you dig into a slice, take a moment to appreciate these fun tidbits that showcase how pies have evolved and become a beloved treat around the world.
- The earliest pies were often filled with meat and served in hard pastry shells that were not eaten. These “coffins”, as they were called, were practical containers rather than something to be consumed.
- The apple pie became so iconic in the U.S. that the phrase “as American as apple pie” is still widely recognized today, solidifying its place in American history and culture.
- In 1998, a pie weighing an impressive 10,540 kg (23,237 lbs) was made in Ontario, Canada. This massive apple pie set a record and could easily feed thousands!
- Even in space, pies found their way to the stars. Astronauts on the Apollo missions enjoyed specially made freeze-dried pies, giving them a taste of home while orbiting Earth.
Ways to Celebrate National Pie Day
There are endless ways to embrace National Pie Day, and the celebration can be as simple or as creative as you like. From baking your own pie to exploring new flavors, this day gives everyone a chance to indulge in something delicious. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the occasion and enjoy pie in all its forms.
- You can try your hand at baking your own pie, choosing a classic recipe like apple or venturing into something new, such as a savory chicken pot pie or a tangy lemon meringue pie.
- Why not invite friends and family to host a pie-tasting party? Have everyone bring their favorite pies for a fun taste test, where you can discover new flavors and indulge in a variety of pie creations.
- If baking isn’t in the cards, support local bakeries by picking up a pie or two. It’s a great way to treat yourself while supporting small businesses.
National Pie Day serves as a reminder of the warmth and joy that pies bring to our lives. It’s a day to appreciate the time-honored traditions, explore new flavors, and, most importantly, enjoy the simple pleasure of pie. You can bake a pie or buy one, but either way, take a slice of this celebration and savor it!
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
