Apple pie is one of the most beloved and iconic desserts. With a flaky, buttery crust and sweet, tart apples, it’s no wonder apple pie has been a staple at dinner tables and picnics for centuries. But not all apple pies are created equal. Some recipes and apple pie bakeries have reached legendary status over the years. Keep reading to learn about the most famous apple pies that have made their mark in history.
What makes an apple pie famous?
There are a few key factors that can elevate an apple pie to fame and icon status:
- A time-tested, top-secret recipe. Famous apple pies usually have a signature recipe that has been passed down and perfected over many generations.
- Association with a particular bakery or brand. Much of an apple pie’s fame comes from its relationship to a beloved bakery with a storied history or a consumer brand that has made the pie widely available.
- Prominent fans or endorsers. Having famous fans from celebrities to politicians or even royalty gives an apple pie cultural significance beyond just taste.
- Unique origin story. The backstory behind the original creation of the recipe adds to its legend over time.
- Superior flavor. Most importantly, a famous apple pie recipe produces a flavor and texture that keeps people coming back year after year.
The most iconic apple pies have some combination of these qualities that have helped them withstand the test of time. Their memorable flavors and heartwarming histories keep us baking, sharing, and enjoying these classic treats.
The Apple Pie from the American Pie Council
The apple pie recipe published by the American Pie Council has become the de facto standard bearer for classic apple pie in America. The recipe originally appeared in a 1945 edition of McCall’s Magazine submitted by the Pie Bakers’ Association of America. Since the 1970s, the non-profit American Pie Council has included a version of the recipe in all of its literature and promotions as the exemplary all-American apple pie.
The recipe calls for 6 cups of sliced, peeled apples tossed with sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice. This filling gets mounded into a 9-inch double crust pie shell. With its warm spices and tangy sweet apples nestled in flaky pastry, this simple recipe represents the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It has appeared in countless cookbooks, on refrigerator magnets, and is served at untold holiday meals and bake sales every year. The ubiquity of the recipe makes it the modern apple pie that all others are measured against.
McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie
One of the most widely-consumed apple pies in history is the fried apple pie from McDonald’s restaurants. Introduced in 1968, the handheld, deep-fried pies were an instant hit. McDonald’s sold over 100 million fried apple pies in 1971 alone, their most popular year. The fried crust with softened, spiced apples was the perfect portable dessert and epitomized fast food treats of the time.
The original fried pies were phased out for a baked version in the early 1990s, only to make several limited-time comebacks due to popular demand in the decades since. Although not critically acclaimed, McDonald’s fried apple pie is undeniably iconic. Its distinctive shape and flavor are firmly ingrained Americana for generations who grew up visiting McDonald’s restaurants and enjoying these mass-produced, guilty pleasures.
Apple Pie from Clara’s in San Antonio
Texans know that one of the state’s most beloved apple pie destinations is Clara’s Tarts & Pies in San Antonio. Opened in 1984, Clara’s has built a following over decades for its huge selection of handmade fruit pies. Their apple pie often earns top marks for its pillowy crust and juicy, tender apples in a not-too-sweet filling.
Third-generation owner Ruby Salone carries on the recipes first made by her grandmother, Clara. Customers can stop at the cafe for a slice, pick up a whole pie, or even order one shipped across the country. The love and care put into these pies makes them a world-famous representation of warm, comforting Texas hospitality. Beyond apple, Clara’s makes over 20 fruit pie flavors daily, rotating with the seasons. Peach, cherry, pecan, and many more juicy fillings encased in flawless, made-from-scratch crusts.
Apple Crumb Pie from the Greenbrier Hotel
For over a century, the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia has been a storied destination. From its mineral spa to hosting presidents, royalty, and celebrities, this luxury resort has a rich history. And one favorite tradition is enjoying the in-house apple crumb pie from the Greenbrier’s kitchens.
With layers of tender sliced apples, spice streusel, and flaky crust, the Greenbrier apple crumb pie recipe dates back generations. The balance of sweet apples, toffee crunch, and a dash of nutmeg has made this pie the perfect ending to meals at the Greenbrier since the 1930s. Guests adore it so much that they can even order a whole pie to bring home or have one shipped to them after their visit. Enjoying a slice of this refined, melt-in-your-mouth pie is a beloved part of the Greenbrier experience.
Apple Pie from the Woodbox Cafe in San Francisco
In the heart of San Francisco, the Woodbox Cafe has earned fame for its gourmet take on classic American comfort food favorites. Its fresh, seasonal take on apple pie draws lines out the door. Rave reviews for both the to-die-for flaky crust and the creative apple fillings draw loyal locals and tourists alike.
Instead of plain sliced apples, Woodbox Cafe ups the ante with fillings like apple crumble, salted caramel apple, even apple bourbon pecan. These imaginative flavors layered into their signature, buttery pie crust have cemented the Woodbox Cafe’s apple pie as an essential San Francisco food experience. Enjoying a slice warmed with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is a decadent delight for apple pie connoisseurs.
Amish Apple Pie
Among the most beloved and authentic apple pies are those coming out of Amish country kitchens. Amish communities in Pennsylvania and the Midwest are known for their baking traditions, especially fruit pies. Amish apple pie recipes use simple, fresh ingredients but transform them into something magical.
Most Amish apple pie recipes include just apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon, flour thickener, and lard or butter crust. But the attention to detail from peeling and slicing the apples just right to hand-rolling the flaky crust makes Amish pies stand out. There is often a focus on old-fashioned apple varieties that hold their shape while baking too. The simplicity, quality ingredients, and generations of skill make Amish apple pies beloved country-wide. People travel to Amish communities specifically seeking out these pies straight from local bakeries or farms.
Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust from the American Pie Council
Putting a savory spin on traditional apple pie, the American Pie Council created this recipe featuring a pie crust flavored with cheddar cheese and spices. Sharp cheddar and a pinch of cayenne add a delightful kick that complements sweet apple filling. The cheesy crust offers a nice contrast to the classic spiced apples inside.
This unexpected twist on a comforting classic caused a sensation when first featured in Bon Appetit magazine in 2013. The outside-the-box version of an American classic resonated with home bakers and professional chefs alike. Beyond cheddar, creative flavors like bacon, beer, or nuts can also make for an amazing crust that takes apple pie to the next level. This daring recipe opened people’s eyes to new possibilities when it comes to America’s favorite dessert.
Apple Slab Pie from Dangerously Delicious Pies in Washington D.C.
Dangerously Delicious Pies rose to fame from founder Rodney Henry’s original Baltimore shop and his stint on the Food Network show Sugar Showdown. The bakery specializes in creatively flavored and presented pies and cakes. One of their signature items is the apple slab pie, also called an apple crumble pie.
This show-stopping dessert starts with a thick apple pie filling spread across a rectangular baking sheet. Then a generous crumble is sprinkled over the top and baked until golden. The result is a stunning presentation of fall flavors in a giant slab form factor. Served warm by the slice, the huge square pies feed crowds at events or are sliced into portions to go. Dangerously Delicious Pies has become a staple provider of apple slab pies for gatherings and celebrations around Washington D.C. and beyond.
Runza’s Apple Pie from Nebraska
A beloved Nebraska tradition since 1949 is the Runza sandwich, a baked bread pocket filled with meat and vegetables. The Runza restaurant chain grew from those origins into a Midwestern mainstay. And a classic dessert offered at all Runza locations is their homemade apple pie.
With a lattice-topped double crust and gooey apple filling made from a secret recipe, Runza’s apple pie has itself become iconic in Nebraska and surrounding states. Enjoying a slice of the cinnamon-kissed apples and flaky crust has been a satisfying end to meals at Runzas for generations. The enduring flavors and reasonable prices keep fans coming back for more. Runza’s apple pie is a cherished local tradition now expanding across the country along with the growing restaurant chain.
Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust from The Four Seasons Hotel New York
The Four Seasons Hotel New York gives their signature apple pie a twist by incorporating cheddar cheese into the crust. Chef John Johnson elevated this classic recipe with the rich, savory cheese complementing the sugary apple filling. The crunchy, flaky cheddar crust provides texture and perfectly offsets the tender spiced apples within.
By reinventing the flaky pie crust we know and love, this Four Seasons recipe has caused home bakers and dessert lovers to rethink the possibilities of apple pie. Since appearing in Bon Appetit magazine in 2018, this creative take on a traditional pie has further increased the chef’s acclaim. Making this recipe at home lets anyone experience executive pastry chef Johnson’s expertise through his inventive flavor combinations. This unlikely blend of cheese and apples in pie form has proven to be a heavenly match.
Apple Crostatas from Salvatore Denaro, New York
At his Italian bakery in New York’s Greenwich Village, master baker Salvatore Denaro puts a signature spin on traditional apple pie. His bakery’s apple crostatas feature whole baked apples tucked inside a wide, folded pastry crust. The rustic, freeform tarts are rounded instead of a pie tin.
Care is taken to highlight the fresh apple flavor with little added spice or sugar. The simple crust and fruit let the natural flavors shine. Customers rave about the simplicity but perfection of these crostatas. The minimal ingredients and old-world style require a skilled, artisanal touch that Salvatore’s bakers have mastered. Beyond apple, these bakery cases also boast apricot, cherry, fig or other seasonal fruit crostatas throughout the year. But the apple version remains a top seller year-round. These elegant little turnovers have won over New Yorkers’ hearts and palates.
Apple Pie from Polly’s Pies in California
With locations across California, Polly’s Pies has been a cherished roadside diner and bakery brand since 1968. Their huge selection of pies are baked fresh daily in each restaurant. Of all the flavors, many regulars agree that Polly’s famous apple pie steals the show.
Inside a fluted double crust, Polly’s apple pie delivers a filling piled high with tender, lightly spiced apples. The thick, flaky crust holds up to the generous juicy fruit and crumbles perfectly with each bite. Polly’s restaurants feel like stepping back in time, and this classic apple pie recipe certainly delivers comforting, old-fashioned flavor. Served with a scoop of ice cream, it’s easy to see why longtime fans tout this as one of the Golden State’s best apple pies.
County Fair Apple Pies
Iconic apple pies are found at old-fashioned county fairs across America. Part of the fun and charm of fairs are the rows of dessert stands featuring pies, cakes, and other baked treats. The sight of all those fruit pies cooling on racks with crimped crust edges call out like sirens to fairgoers. And the classic apple pie remains a top choice year after year.
County fair apple pies promise a balance of tart and sweet in a comforting, familiar package. Their nostalgic flavors bring back memories of fairs gone by. While mass-produced, the buttery crust with warm spiced apples inside never disappoints. Enjoying a hearty slice along with classic fair fare like corn dogs and candy apples is an unbeatable American tradition.
Mickey Mouse Apple Pie
What could be more all-American than Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse? The iconic cartoon character has been featured in recipes, crafts, and collectibles worldwide since his creation in 1928. A fun, delicious way to celebrate Mickey is with an apple pie decorated with his face made out of pastry.
Mickey Mouse apple pies have popped up at Disney parks, bake-offs, and in kitchens worldwide. Crafty home bakers can cut and arrange pie dough to form those familiar round ears and face. Mickey-shaped pie crust cutters are also available to help decorate the top crust. Inside, the traditional apple filling keeps the flavor you expect. This whimsical twist on apple pie brings together two beloved American classics into one – Mickey Mouse and apple pie!
Conclusion
America certainly loves apple pie. But some versions rise above the rest to become truly famous and iconic. These legendary apple pies represent comfort, nostalgia, quality ingredients, and tried-and-true recipes that withstand the test of time. Beyond just apple, they showcase American innovation, creativity, and cultural influences.
Whether you prefer a hundred-year-old traditional recipe, a mass-market fast food pie, or a modern gourmet twist, America’s broad apple pie landscape has something to offer for everyone. These famous pies have carved out a space in our shared memories and traditions around the quintessential American dessert. So next time you bake an apple pie, consider giving one of these famous recipes a try.