Savoring the diverse array of American culinary delights, pies are one of the sweets that best embodies comfort and tradition. Pies become cultural ambassadors in a country where dessert has its own language, with each slice expressing a tale of local flavors and cozy family moments. This article reveals the most popular pies in the US, from the classic apple pie, infused with nostalgia and cinnamon, to the delectable pecan pie, which is the sweet specialty of the South. Come along on a delicious journey as we explore the reasons for the enduring appeal of these legendary dishes that have cemented their position at American tables and palates.
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Apple Pie
Coming in at number one on the list is apple pie. This classic dessert is not only a staple at the American dinner table, although it didn’t get its start in America. For generations, people of all backgrounds have enjoyed apple pie, which has become a symbol of simple living and togetherness. Finding anyone who isn’t a fan of apple pie won’t be easy. Its familiar flavors and unassuming profile make it hard to dislike. I’m all about Granny Smiths in my apple pie, but plenty of people like to play around with different apples. The texture is also highly palatable by most people. Firm apples, crispy crust, and comforting spices come together to create a pie that is well balanced and pleasant in the mouth. To make an apple pie, you’ll need: Apples, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Flour, Spices, Salt, Pie Crust. Different recipes will call for additional ingredients, but this list includes standard components in most apple pies.
Cherry Pie
What kid doesn’t love a bowl of cherries? Add some sugar and cornstarch, bake it in the oven, and you have one of the sweetest treats around. Although cherries may not be number one on this list, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone that doesn’t like them. If you want to recall warm summer feelings and afternoon picnics, a cherry pie might be in order. This tart is so famous that we celebrate National Cherry Pie Day every February. If you want to get into the spirit and make your own, here are the must-haves: Cherries, Sugar, Cornstarch (or preferred thickener), Salt, Pie Crust. Try switching out tart cherries for sweet ones and vice versa. Which one is your favorite?
Pumpkin Pie
What holiday celebration would be complete without a pumpkin pie? Whether your grandma makes it from scratch or you buy it from your local market, pumpkin pie is the ideal way to wrap up Thanksgiving dinner. Although pumpkins are technically in the same family as squash, plenty of sugar and sweet spices turn this strange orange fruit into a comforting treat. Pumpkin is such a popular flavor that it makes its debut in many stores and franchises early in the season. I’m usually one of the first in line for a pumpkin-flavored latte. This dessert is among the top contenders for easy-to-make. Crust, a can of pie filling, and plenty of sugar are all you need for a pumpkin pie in a hurry. To make your own pumpkin pie, you’ll need: Pumpkin Puree, Sugar, Spices, Evaporated Milk, Eggs, Pie Crust.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is number four on the list of most popular pie flavors. Although nuts tend to divide a room, pecan pie seems to hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. Like pumpkin pie, pecan pie is often considered a holiday treat. Pecans candied in brown sugar will make you reminisce about crisp autumn days and hot coffee. No wonder it’s been a favorite since the late 1800s. There is also the added benefit of this being an easy pie to make. A few simple ingredients and your pie is ready to go to grandma’s house. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a pecan pie: Pecans, Eggs, Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Salt, Cinnamon.
Chocolate Cream Pie
What flavor is more beloved than chocolate? This reigning champion of final courses doesn’t quite take first place in pie flavors, but it does make the top 10. The history of chocolate cream pie is a bit ambiguous, but its earliest interpretations likely began in France. The French chocolate tart is very similar to the chocolate cream pie we have today, and we can trace its American origins back to colonial times. Making chocolate cream pie is reasonably straightforward, although recipes vary. Here are a few ingredients you’ll definitely need: Sugar, Eggs, Cocoa, Cornstarch, Salt, Milk, Butter, Pie, Crust. If you want to double up on the chocolate, try making or purchasing a chocolate crust.
Blueberry Pie
Many of us recall picking berries off bushes in late summer. Among these, blueberries were some of my favorites. These delectable little fruits pack a powerful punch in terms of flavor. Fresh, sweet, and tart, a little sugar goes a long way when turning these berries into pie filling. Blueberry pies have been adorning the tables of Americans for decades. That isn’t surprising since the native Americans have been eating these berries for hundreds of years. Blueberry pie won’t let you down if you are a novice tasked with bringing the final course to the family gathering. It’s very easy to make, and most recipes are more or less the same. Here are a few key ingredients: Blueberries, Sugar, Lemon juice, Corn Starch, Pie Crust.
Key Lime Pie
For some, a pie crust filled with overly-sweet baked fruit isn’t their cup of tea. In this case, I highly recommend trying out a key lime pie. This tangy, sour-sweet creation may be the answer to your dessert woes. As its name suggests, the overwhelming flavor of this pie is lime. Top it with a creamy meringue, and key lime pie is a summer sensation. While this pie is pretty easy to make, there are some baking tricks you will want to be familiar with before trying to whip one up. You will need to know how to separate egg yolks, for instance. But don’t worry, these things aren’t hard to master. Here are some of the ingredients you’ll need for key lime pie: Lime, Egg Yolk, Condensed Milk, Pie Crust. Try putting it in a graham crust to give this mousse-like dessert some crunch.
Peanut Butter Pie
Peanut butter is the best of both worlds regarding sweet and salty dessert options. Rich peanut butter and cream cheese filling make this pie the best of both worlds. Over the last few years, this decadent pastry has taken America by storm. Although there are versions you can bake, my favorite is the no-bake version with cream cheese. All you have to do is blend the ingredients and let it set in the fridge, making it an excellent option for beginners! Here are the necessary ingredients for no-bake peanut butter pie: Peanut Butter, Cream Cheese, Sugar, Milk, Pie Crust. This pie is great on a graham crust. Try adding chocolate chips for some added texture and flavor.
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is very similar to pumpkin pie in flavor and texture, but the natural sweetness of sweet potato pie needs fewer spices to accent it. In any case, it should also be a contender for your holiday celebrations. Sweet potatoes are rich in flavor. Their naturally occurring sugars are familiar and enjoyed worldwide, making them a popular food option even when not cooked into pies. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, and the sweet potato pie is just as enchanting as the pumpkin. Sweet potato pie is about as easy to make as pumpkin pie, but finding premade filling will be challenging. This shouldn’t be an issue as long as you know how to peel and mash potatoes. Here are the main ingredients in sweet potato pie: Sweet Potatoes, Butter, Sugar, Vanilla, Eggs, Milk, Pie Crust.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
I prefer my pie as sweet as I can get it, but I won’t turn my nose up at a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie. There is a good reason this classic remains on the menus of many prominent restaurants and diners. Although some may balk at the idea of putting rhubarb in a pie, the sugar of the strawberries helps bring out the underlying sweetness of the rhubarb. In turn, the rhubarb helps bring a subtle, sour edge to the strawberries. It’s a win-win. Strawberry rhubarb pie is slightly more tedious than other pies on this list, but it’s nothing a beginner can’t handle with a bit of assistance. The ingredients you’ll need to get started are: Strawberry, Rhubarb, Sugar, Instant Tapioca, Butter. Make sure you remove any rhubarb leaves before making your pie! These can be toxic if eaten in large quantities.
Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut, either you love it or hate it. I, for one, love it. A bright summer day and creamy coconut go hand-in-hand. It’s generally less sweet than other pies, making it perfect for anyone that doesn’t appreciate a sugar bomb in pie crust right after a meal. The coconut is a tropical fruit; its flesh and milk are used in various recipes, and people have adored them for generations. They made their way to the western world in the 1500s, then nearly four hundred years later, bakers in America got their hands on the dried, sugary flakes. Voila, the coconut cream pie was born. Making this pie isn’t terribly difficult, but several recipes call for several ingredients and techniques you’ll want to be aware of. Here are the main ingredients in coconut cream pie: Coconut Milk, Shredded Coconut, Half and Half, Egg Yolks, Butter, Vanilla, Sugar, Salt.
