Every year on January 23rd, dessert lovers, bakers, and pie fans across the United States come together to celebrate one of the most beloved comfort foods: pie. It's the perfect excuse to indulge in a sweet or savory slice (or two)!
Whether you love classic apple, rich chocolate, tangy lemon meringue, or hearty chicken pot pie, today is all about honoring the joy that pies have brought to family gatherings, holidays, and everyday moments.
Whether you love classic apple, rich chocolate, tangy lemon meringue, or hearty chicken pot pie, today is all about honoring the joy that pies have brought to family gatherings, holidays, and everyday moments.
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What Is National Pie Day?
National Pie Day is a holiday dedicated to celebrating pies of all kinds—sweet and savory, homemade or store-bought. It’s a day for bakers to show off their skills, for restaurants and bakeries to offer pie specials, and for everyone to enjoy this timeless dish.
A Bit of History
National Pie Day was founded by Charlie Papazian, a pie enthusiast, in 1975. Papazian, a nuclear engineer by training and a passionate home cook, chose January 23rd because it’s his birthday! He declared his own personal love for pie and encouraged others to do the same. Over time, the day grew in popularity and became a beloved annual tradition among home bakers and professional pie makers alike.
Today, the day is recognized by pie lovers across the country and often celebrated with special deals from bakeries and restaurants, pie-baking contests, and gatherings where friends and families share slices.
Today, the day is recognized by pie lovers across the country and often celebrated with special deals from bakeries and restaurants, pie-baking contests, and gatherings where friends and families share slices.
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Fun Facts About Pie
🍎 Pies have ancient roots.
The concept of enclosing food in a crust goes back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans—though their crusts were often thick and used more as a container than something you’d eat.
🥧 The first American pies were likely savory.
Early settlers made meat pies filled with game, fish, or fowl. Sweet fruit pies didn’t become widespread until sugar became more accessible.
🍒 There’s such a thing as a pie in space!
On Thanksgiving Day in 1995, astronaut Christina Koch baked a zero-gravity apple pie aboard the International Space Station for a holiday treat.
🥧 Pie vs. Cake debate
Pie often wins for holiday meals—especially Thanksgiving and Christmas—because it pairs perfectly with a full dinner and offers a variety of flavors to suit every taste.
The concept of enclosing food in a crust goes back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans—though their crusts were often thick and used more as a container than something you’d eat.
🥧 The first American pies were likely savory.
Early settlers made meat pies filled with game, fish, or fowl. Sweet fruit pies didn’t become widespread until sugar became more accessible.
🍒 There’s such a thing as a pie in space!
On Thanksgiving Day in 1995, astronaut Christina Koch baked a zero-gravity apple pie aboard the International Space Station for a holiday treat.
🥧 Pie vs. Cake debate
Pie often wins for holiday meals—especially Thanksgiving and Christmas—because it pairs perfectly with a full dinner and offers a variety of flavors to suit every taste.
Ways to Celebrate
Here are some delicious ways to make the most of National Pie Day:
- Bake Your Favorite Pie – Classic apple, blueberry, pecan, or something adventurous like sweet potato or key lime.
- Try a New Recipe – Ever made a galette or hand pie? Today’s your day to experiment. There are several on this blog. How about this Triple Coconut Cream Pie or maybe you would fancy Tiramisu Pie or Maple Pecan Pie.
- Support Local Bakeries – Many bakeries offer pie specials or discounts in honor of the day.
- Host a Pie Party – Ask friends to bring their favorite pies and have a tasting.
- Share on Social Media – Snap a photo of your pie and tag it #NationalPieDay!
A Sweet Ending
Whether you celebrate with a homemade masterpiece or pick up a slice from your favorite bakery, National Pie Day on January 23, 2026 is a reminder of how food brings us together. From comforting family traditions to creative modern twists, pie will always have a special place in our hearts—and on our dessert plates.
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