Article by Janna Tamargo | Photos by Janna Tamargo | Published October 15, 2024
As Apple pie is seen as a symbol of America culture, but where did the pie come from and what makes an authentic apple pie?
The first apple pie recipe was printed over 600 years ago. Like many other desserts, the pie became popular and started crossing between cultures. Apple pie, often hailed as the quintessential symbol of American culture, has long been associated with the ideals of comfort, home, and tradition. Yet, as with many foods deemed “authentic,” the origins of apple pie tell a far more involved story that spans centuries and crosses continents. So, where did apple pie really come from, and what defines an authentic apple pie?
A 630-Year-Old Recipe: England’s Claim to Apple Pie
While today apple pie is synonymous with Americana, its actual roots trace back to medieval England. The first recorded apple pie recipe appeared in 1381, printed in England during a time when pies were staples in European households. The original recipe certainly does not resemble modern versions we know today, calling for ingredients like figs, raisins, pears, and even svaory spices by American standards like saffron in addition to apples. Apple pie was not always a sweet dessert, either; sugar was scarce and during this era a luxury that was few could afford.
Apple pie’s connection to wartime history is also significant. In England, soldiers heading off to battle were often given pies, including apple varieties, because they were easy to transport and preserved well. This practical use of pies for sustenance would later merge with cultural significance as pies became increasingly associated with family gatherings and holidays.
The Americanization of Apple Pie
By the time European settlers brought their apple pie recipes (well and even their apples) to America, the dessert had already been ingrained in English culinary culture for centuries. However, it was in America that the apple pie began to evolve into the sweet, flaky edible crusted version Americans have embraced today. Apples, which were not native to North America, were introduced by colonists who planted orchards as they settled. In North America apple varieties flourished, providing ample opportunity for American cooks to experiment with the dessert.
Apple pie soon became a staple in American homes and a symbol of national pride. During the 19th and 20th centuries, phrases like “As American as apple pie” began to emerge, further cementing its place in the country’s cultural identity. Soldiers in World War II famously declared that they were fighting for “Mom and apple pie,” reinforcing its deep association with American values of home, family, and patriotism.
Like many iconic foods, apple pie has navigated through cultures and evolved along the way. From its humble English beginnings to its sweet American transformation, apple pie’s journey is an example of how food can adapt to different environments and reflect diverse cultural influences. It’s not just an American or English dessert; variations of apple pie can be found around the world. In France, there’s the beloved tarte Tatin, an upside-down caramelized version. In the Netherlands, Dutch apple pie features a rich, spiced filling with a buttery crust.
The Ever-Evolving Apple Pie: What Makes an Apple Pie Authentic?
The cultural adaptations of apple pie raise an important question: What makes an apple pie authentic? Is it the use of certain apple varieties, the method of preparation, or the cultural meaning attached to it?
When we talk about the authenticity of apple pie, it’s clear that the definition depends on context and a lot of fluidity. For some, an authentic apple pie is all about flavors: a buttery crust, sweet cinnamon-spiced filling, and perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side (or on top). For others, authenticity lies in how the pie is tied to personal memories of baking with friends or loved ones or maybe even as part of a family tradition. Authenticity surrounding apple pie can be associated with different regional variations or apple varieties.
In England, a historically accurate apple pie might include savory ingredients or spices that reflect medieval tastes. In America, the authentic version is often defined by simplicity — a reflection of rustic, home-cooked comfort. In today’s world, you’ll find vegan versions, gluten-free crusts, or even deconstructed apple pies served in Michelin-starred restaurants. The fluidity of what constitutes an authentic apple pie mirrors the way food constantly evolves and adapts across cultures and generations. Much like the apple itself, which traveled across continents and adapted to new climates, apple pie’s authenticity is less about rigid rules and more about the story it tells — a story of wartime optimism, migration, innovation, family memories, and the blending of cultures.
As much as apple pie has changed over time, one thing remains consistent: its symbolic power. Whether enjoyed at an American Fourth of July picnic, a cozy autumn gathering, or as part of a cultural fusion at a trendy restaurant, apple pie continues to represent much more than its simple ingredients. It stands as a testament to the way food can bring people together, create shared traditions, and evolve while still maintaining a sense of culinary history and authenticity.
