May 13 National Apple Pie Day: History, Recipes & How to Celebrate in 2026

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Quick Answer: May 13 National Apple Pie Day is an annual American food holiday observed every May 13 to honor one of the country’s most iconic desserts. In 2026, the day falls on Wednesday, May 13. Bakers, food lovers, and brands across the United States use the occasion to bake, share, and celebrate apple pie in all its forms.

Key Takeaways

• National Apple Pie Day is observed annually on May 13, with a second apple pie observance also noted on December 3 each year.
• The holiday has no official U.S. congressional proclamation but is widely recognized across food calendars, media, and marketing campaigns.
• Apple pie’s roots trace back to England in 1381, not America, though it became a deeply American symbol during World War II.
• Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are among the most recommended varieties for baking.
• Common ways to celebrate include baking from scratch, visiting local bakeries, and sharing photos using #NationalApplePieDay on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
• Both May 13 and December 3 are tracked annually; future dates include May 13, 2027, May 13, 2028, December 3, 2026, and December 3, 2027.
• The phrase “as American as apple pie” gained traction largely through World War II-era patriotism.

What Is National Apple Pie Day?

National Apple Pie Day is an annual food holiday dedicated to celebrating apple pie as a beloved American dessert and cultural symbol. It is observed every May 13 across the United States, with holiday calendars and food sites consistently listing it as a recurring national day [2][3].

The day encourages people to bake apple pies at home, visit bakeries, try new recipes, and share their love of this classic dessert with family and friends. While it carries the word “national” in its name, multiple holiday compendiums note there is no documented U.S. congressional resolution or presidential proclamation formally establishing it [10]. That said, its presence on the national day calendar and across commercial food media makes it one of the most widely observed food holidays of the year.

Apple pie is so popular in American food culture that it effectively has two dedicated days: May 13 and December 3, both listed annually on major observance calendars [1][10]. If you miss one, the other gives you another reason to bake.

When Is National Apple Pie Day Celebrated? Observed Dates

National Apple Pie Day is observed annually on May 13, and a second apple pie day is noted annually on December 3 [1][3]. Both dates recur each year without exception.

Here are the confirmed upcoming dates tracked by major calendar services [2][3][8]:

Note: A small number of local bakeries and promotional materials have listed May 14 as the date, but May 13 is the dominant listing across all major national day tracking services [10].

Why Is May 13 National Apple Pie Day? The History Behind the Holiday

The exact origin of National Apple Pie Day on May 13 is not tied to a single founder or documented proclamation, but the cultural roots of apple pie itself run deep [10]. The holiday exists because apple pie has long served as a shorthand for American identity, comfort, and tradition.

Apple pie is not originally American. The earliest known printed apple pie recipe dates to England in 1381, calling for apples, spices, figs, raisins, pears, and saffron in a pastry shell [5][9]. Dutch and Swedish settlers brought their own pie-baking traditions to the American colonies, where the dish gradually took root.

The transformation into an American symbol accelerated during World War II, when U.S. soldiers famously said they were fighting “for mom and apple pie.” That phrase, repeated across media and military culture, cemented the dessert as a patriotic icon [5][9]. The phrase “as American as apple pie” became a cultural touchstone that endures today.

During the Great Depression, resourceful bakers even created “mock apple pie” using soda crackers soaked in lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon to mimic the flavor of apples, showing how deeply the dessert was embedded in American life even when real apples were scarce [6].

The figure of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), who planted apple trees across the American frontier in the early 19th century, also contributed to the apple’s place in American food lore, helping supply the raw ingredient that made apple pie accessible to ordinary households.

NATIONAL APPLE PIE DAY: 5 Ways to Celebrate on May 13

Celebrating National Apple Pie Day is straightforward: bake, eat, share, and enjoy. Here are five concrete ways to mark the day [5][10].

1. Bake a pie from scratch. Use a classic recipe with a double crust or try a Dutch crumb topping. Baking at home is the most direct way to honor the holiday.
2. Visit a local bakery. Many bakeries and grocery stores run promotions around May 13. Check local listings for National Apple Pie Day deals and discounts.
3. Host a pie tasting. Invite friends or family to bring different apple pie styles, from deep-dish to hand pies, and compare favorites.
4. Share on social media. Post your pie photo on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and use #NationalApplePieDay (also written as nationalapplepieday in hashtag searches) to join the broader conversation [2][5].
5. Explore new recipes. Try a caramel apple pie, a spiced brown butter version, or a gluten-free crust. The holiday is a good prompt to expand your baking repertoire.

For more food holiday inspiration, see the guide to January 23 National Pie Day and the National Carrot Cake Day celebration guide.

Best Apples for Apple Pie Baking and Classic vs. Modern Recipes

The best apples for apple pie baking are firm, slightly tart varieties that hold their shape and balance the sugar in the filling. Granny Smith is the most widely recommended choice for its tartness and firm texture. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious are also popular picks [5][10].

Pro tip: Mixing two varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives the filling both tartness and a natural sweetness that reduces the need for added sugar.

Classic Apple Pie Recipe (Core Steps)

A classic American apple pie recipe follows these steps [5][10]:

1. Peel, core, and slice 6 to 8 medium apples (about 3 lbs).
2. Toss slices with 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
3. Line a 9-inch pie dish with your bottom crust.
4. Add the filling; dot with 2 tbsp butter.
5. Cover with a top crust or lattice; crimp edges and cut vents.
6. Brush with egg wash; bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 375°F for 35 to 45 minutes until golden.

Classic vs. Modern Apple Pie Styles

• Classic double-crust: All-butter pastry, simple spiced filling, crimped edges. The benchmark version most people picture.
• Dutch crumb (streusel) top: Brown sugar, butter, and oat topping instead of a pastry lid. Easier for beginner bakers.
• Deep-dish: More filling, taller profile, often with a mix of apple varieties.
• Modern twists: Brown butter caramel filling, miso-spiked crust, or cardamom and ginger spicing for a contemporary take.

Common Mistakes When Making Apple Pie

• Using apples that are too soft (McIntosh breaks down to mush).
• Skipping the resting period after baking, which causes the filling to run.
• Not blind-baking the bottom crust for wet fillings, leading to a soggy base.
• Overfilling the pie, which prevents even cooking.

Can you make apple pie ahead of time? Yes. A fully baked apple pie keeps at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. You can also freeze an unbaked assembled pie for up to three months and bake it directly from frozen, adding 15 to 20 minutes to the bake time.

For more baking-focused food holidays, check out the National Chocolate Cake Day guide and National Blueberry Pancake Day recipes.

Where to Buy Apple Pie and Apple Pie Deals on May 13

On May 13 National Apple Pie Day, bakeries, grocery chains, and food brands often run promotions to mark the occasion. The best approach today is to search “[your city] + National Apple Pie Day deals” or check the social media pages of local bakeries for same-day offers [2][5].

• Grocery stores: Most major chains stock fresh-baked apple pies year-round; some offer discounts or featured displays on food holidays.
• Independent bakeries: Often the best source for artisan pies; call ahead or check Instagram and Facebook pages for May 13 specials.
• Chain restaurants and cafes: Some national chains have offered apple pie promotions around this date in past years. Search their apps or websites on the day for current freebies or discounts.
• Online: Several bakeries ship apple pies nationwide; order a few days in advance to receive delivery on or around May 13.

American Apple Pie vs. Other Apple Pies Around the World

American apple pie is distinct from other regional styles in both crust construction and filling approach. The classic American version uses a double shortcrust pastry, a heavily spiced filling (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice), and is baked in a deep dish [5][9].

• English apple pie: Closer to the 1381 original, often using a hot water crust and less sugar. Sometimes includes dried fruits like raisins.
• French tarte tatin: An upside-down caramelized apple tart with puff pastry, far less spiced than the American apple pie.
• Dutch appeltaart: A deep, crumbly cake-like crust with a dense cinnamon-apple filling, often served with whipped cream.

The phrase “American apple pie” carries cultural weight that the others do not. In the United States, the dessert is tied to national identity, holidays, and the idea of home in a way that makes it more than just a food item [5][9][10].

How to Share National Apple Pie Day on Social Media in 2026

Sharing on social media is one of the most popular ways to participate in National Apple Pie Day today. Use the hashtag #NationalApplePieDay across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with other pie enthusiasts and join the national conversation [2][5].

• Post a photo of your finished pie with the hashtag to use nationalapplepieday as a searchable tag.
• Share a favorite apple pie recipe in your Stories or as a post.
• Tag local bakeries or food brands to help them amplify their May 13 promotions.
• Search #NationalApplePieDay on Instagram and Facebook to find inspiration, recipes, and community posts from across the country.

In 2026, the group of food holiday enthusiasts on social platforms continues to grow, making May 13 one of the more active food holiday dates on the calendar [2][3].

FAQ: People Also Ask About National Apple Pie Day

Is May 13th National Apple Pie Day?

Yes, May 13th is National Apple Pie Day. It is observed annually on this date in the United States and is listed consistently across major national day calendars and food holiday tracking sites. In 2026, the day falls on Wednesday, May 13. A second apple pie observance also appears on December 3 each year.

What is the meaning of National Apple Pie Day?

National Apple Pie Day is a food holiday that celebrates apple pie as one of America’s most iconic and beloved desserts. It honors the cultural role apple pie plays in American identity, from its association with home and family to its status as a patriotic symbol dating back to World War II. The day encourages baking, sharing, and enjoying apple pie in any form.

Are there two national pie days?

Yes, there are effectively two apple pie-specific observances each year: May 13 (National Apple Pie Day) and December 3 (also listed as an Apple Pie Day on multiple calendars). Additionally, January 23 is National Pie Day, a broader celebration covering all pie varieties, making it a separate holiday from the apple-specific dates.

Why is it apple pie day?

Apple pie day exists because apple pie holds a unique place in American food culture and national identity. The dessert became a symbol of American life during World War II, when soldiers cited “mom and apple pie” as what they were fighting for. The holiday gives food lovers, bakers, and brands a dedicated day to celebrate that cultural legacy and enjoy a classic American dessert.

Conclusion

May 13 National Apple Pie Day is more than a calendar quirk. It is a genuine opportunity to connect with one of the most storied foods in American culture, whether that means pulling out a trusted pie recipe, visiting a local bakery, or simply sharing a slice with someone today. In 2026, the day lands on Wednesday, May 13, giving home bakers and food lovers a midweek reason to fire up the oven.

Actionable next steps:

• Pick up Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples and bake a pie from scratch using the steps above.
• Check local bakeries and grocery stores for National Apple Pie Day deals on May 13.
• Post your pie on Instagram or Facebook with #NationalApplePieDay to share the celebration.
• Mark December 3, 2026 on your calendar for the second annual apple pie observance.

For more food holiday guides, explore the National Strawberry Ice Cream Day and National Frozen Yogurt Day articles on stillcooking.com.

References

[1] dayspedia – https://dayspedia.com/us/calendar/holiday/1512/?lang=es [2] National Apple Pie Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-apple-pie-day/ [3] National Apple Pie Day – https://www.calendarr.com/united-states/national-apple-pie-day/ [4] anydayguide – https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1036 [5] Apple Pie Day – https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/apple-pie-day/ [6] Watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qinAa2h0m4 [7] dayspedia – https://dayspedia.com/us/calendar/holiday/1512/ [8] cute-calendar – https://www.cute-calendar.com/event/national-apple-pie-day/45833.html [9] Watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEB1Ab4g7ZU [10] National Apple Pie Day – https://www.checkiday.com/066155d7bc744aec3c81e62cd84c743b/national-apple-pie-day