Pie has practically become a staple in the US and it's the one dessert that perfectly fits any and all social engagements. Whether it's a picnic, barbecue, holiday, or dinner at a friend's house, pie says the same thing: Warmth, friendship, and kindness. Plus, it's perfectly acceptable to eat for breakfast! We certainly won't tell anyone.
Luckily, pie comes in many shapes, sizes, and flavors, which is why it has become as versatile as it is. There are some pies that outrank the rest, however, and in the battle royale that is pie-making, these have been coming out on top for decades now.
Pecan Pie
Some might consider this heavy-hitter of a pie to be far too sweet, but others can't get enough of it. Pecan pie is most popular around the holidays but it's slowly becoming more widely accepted to eat year-round, especially throughout the harvest season.
There's something about the nutty and satisfying crunch of a pecan when it's combined with a super sweet, custard-like filling. A slightly savory crust is all that's needed to balance out this flavor and in more recent times, things such as bourbon and maple are also added to the ingredient list.
Pot Pie
Surprise! One of the most popular pie options isn't actually a savory pie at all.
Pot pies are overwhelmingly one of the most sought-after comfort foods when the weather begins to get chilly; they're so popular, in fact, that they're sold year-round in the freezer aisle of nearly every grocery store. With savory fillings contrasting between chicken, beef, and just vegetable, these pot pies have created quite a hearty reputation when it comes to cold winter nights.
Key Lime Pie
The thing about key lime pie is that most people either love it or hate it. It's far more tart than lemon meringue pie but also brings with it a tang that no other pie in the world has. Traditionally, it's also made with limes from the Florida Keys, making its flavor as unique to the state as it is to the country.
Since these limes are often slightly sweeter than others, there's a perfect sweet-and-sour flavor profile that dominates any other citrus-based pie out there. A graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping are the perfect adornments to a slice of this unique dessert.
Sweet Potato Pie
Many think that pumpkin pie would easily take the place of sweet potato pie but that's actually not the case at all. While we do see an increase of pumpkin pies around the October and November season, sweet potato pie still comes in for the win over any other root vegetable or squash-based pie out there.
The south is to thank for this, since this custard-like combination of eggs, sugar, and sweet potatoes became popular during the 18th century. In some parts of the south, marshmallows are the one and only topping that's appropriate - otherwise, it's left untopped.
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry pie is one of the most popular fruit pies in the country, but it's not the most popular.
It remains a classic, however, and everyone is familiar with the staining of their teeth after enjoying a huge slice of this sweet and slightly tart pie. The earliest known record of the pie has a date of 1829, and it's believed that it did come from Maine, considering its incredible blueberry crops.
Butterscotch Pie
Those who live in the midwest are likely familiar with this pie, as it's commonly seen throughout most of its states. Similar to a pecan pie, butterscotch pie does not skimp on the sweetness or the decadence when it comes to flavor.
The filling has a base of caramelized sugar which is baked into a custard-like consistency, and the crust is usually a pre-made pie shell, making this pie simple, easy, and satisfying.
Peanut Butter Pie
Peanut butter pie is the perfect balance of sweet and salty although it's not for everyone.
Foodies must be true peanut butter lovers in order to enjoy a slice of this, and peanuts are commonly used in the crust as well, so there's no escaping that with this creamy, slightly salty delight. The pie has roots in Georgia where it was believed to have first been made and it's still a staple at most dinner tables today.
Apple Pie
Drumroll, please... We present the most popular pie in the US! This comes as no surprise since apple pie is believed to be the true American classic in terms of pies.
When it comes to holidays, family dinners, summer parties, and even the holidays, this pie is the most commonly purchased and baked. With so many apple orchards opening their trees up to visitors, it's also no surprise to know that many are branching out and creating their own twists on this delicious pie.