Quick Answer: December 3 National Apple Pie Day is an unofficial American food holiday celebrated every year on December 3. It honors one of the most iconic desserts in American culinary culture — the classic apple pie. The day is a perfect excuse to bake, share, or simply enjoy a warm slice of apple pie with family and friends.
Key Takeaways 🥧
- December 3 is recognized annually as National Apple Pie Day in the United States.
- Apple pie has roots in medieval Europe but became deeply embedded in American identity over centuries.
- The phrase “as American as apple pie” reflects the dessert’s cultural significance.
- Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are among the most popular varieties for baking.
- The day is celebrated by baking at home, visiting bakeries, hosting pie parties, or sharing recipes online.
- Apple pie pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or sharp cheddar cheese.
- There is a separate National Pie Day on January 23 that celebrates all pies broadly.
- No formal organization officially governs most food holidays, including this one — they are community-driven observances.
What Is December 3 National Apple Pie Day?
December 3 National Apple Pie Day is an informal food holiday dedicated to celebrating the apple pie in all its forms. It falls on December 3 each year and is observed primarily in the United States, though apple pie enthusiasts around the world participate.
The day has no single founding organization or government proclamation behind it. Like many food holidays on the American calendar, it grew organically through food bloggers, social media communities, and culinary enthusiasts who wanted a dedicated moment to honor a beloved classic.
A Brief History of Apple Pie
Apple pie did not originate in America. The earliest recorded apple pie recipe dates to England in 1381, according to food historians. Early versions used a pastry shell called a “coffyn” — not meant to be eaten — and included figs, raisins, and pears alongside apples.
Dutch and English settlers brought apple pie traditions to the American colonies in the 1600s and 1700s. Over time, the dessert became woven into American domestic life, especially as apple orchards spread across the Northeast and Midwest.
By the 20th century, apple pie had become a cultural symbol. During World War II, American soldiers famously told reporters they were fighting for “mom and apple pie,” cementing the phrase in the national vocabulary.
“Apple pie is more than a dessert — it’s a shorthand for home, comfort, and American identity that has been reinforced across generations.”
For more apple-focused cooking inspiration, browse this apple recipe collection or explore a dedicated apple cookbook with dozens of tested recipes.
Why Is December 3 the Date for National Apple Pie Day?
The specific reason December 3 was chosen is not clearly documented. Most unofficial food holidays lack a formal origin story. The date likely emerged from online food communities sometime in the early 2000s and gained traction through social media sharing.
It’s worth noting that December 3 places the holiday in early winter — a season when warm, spiced baked goods feel especially appropriate. Apple harvests in North America typically wrap up in October and November, so December 3 falls just after peak apple season, making freshly stored apples readily available.
Note: Some sources list May 13 as a separate “National Apple Pie Day.” Both dates circulate online. December 3 and May 13 appear to have different regional followings, and neither has an official governing body.
How to Celebrate December 3 National Apple Pie Day
Celebrating this food holiday doesn’t require elaborate planning. Here are practical ways to mark the occasion:
Bake a Classic Apple Pie at Home
The most direct way to celebrate is to bake one from scratch. A standard apple pie requires:
- Apples: 6–8 medium apples (about 3 lbs), peeled and sliced
- Sugar: ¾ cup granulated or brown sugar
- Spices: 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Thickener: 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour
- Crust: Homemade or store-bought double-crust pastry
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Visit a Local Bakery
Support a neighborhood bakery by purchasing a slice or a whole pie. Many bakeries run promotions around food holidays, so it’s worth checking local social media pages for December 3 deals.
Host a Pie Tasting Party
Invite friends or family to bring different apple pie variations — Dutch crumble, caramel apple, French tarte tatin, or mini hand pies. A side-by-side tasting is a fun and low-effort way to celebrate together.
Share on Social Media
Post a photo of your pie using hashtags like #NationalApplePieDay or #ApplePieDay to join the broader community conversation on December 3.
Best Apple Varieties for Baking 🍎
Not all apples perform equally in a pie. The best baking apples hold their shape, balance sweetness with tartness, and release just enough juice to create a flavorful filling without making the crust soggy.
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Texture When Baked | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Tart, sharp | Firm, holds shape | Classic pies |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet-tart, balanced | Slightly soft | Modern recipes |
| Braeburn | Spicy-sweet | Firm | Mixed-apple pies |
| Golden Delicious | Mild, sweet | Soft | Sweeter fillings |
| Pink Lady | Bright, tangy | Firm | Lattice-top pies |
Pro tip: Mixing two varieties — such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp — gives a more complex flavor and better texture than using a single type.
Classic Apple Pie Toppings and Pairings
A plain slice of apple pie is already satisfying, but the right pairing elevates the experience. Here are the most popular options:
- Vanilla ice cream (“à la mode”): The cold, creamy contrast against warm pie is a classic American combination.
- Whipped cream: Light and quick. For a homemade touch, see this guide to National Whipped Cream Day for tips on getting the texture right.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: A traditional New England pairing that balances the pie’s sweetness with a savory note.
- Caramel sauce: Adds richness and works especially well with tart apple varieties.
- Cinnamon cream: Whipped cream with a pinch of cinnamon stirred in.
Apple Pie Variations Worth Trying
The standard double-crust apple pie is just the starting point. These variations are worth exploring on December 3 National Apple Pie Day:
- Dutch Apple Pie (Crumble Top): Replaces the top crust with a buttery oat-and-brown-sugar streusel. Easier to make than a full pastry crust.
- Caramel Apple Pie: Adds a layer of caramel sauce to the filling or drizzles it over the top after baking.
- French Tarte Tatin: Apples are caramelized in butter and sugar, then topped with pastry and inverted after baking. A more refined presentation.
- Apple Hand Pies: Individual portions wrapped in pastry — great for parties and portable snacking.
- Apple Slab Pie: Baked in a sheet pan rather than a pie dish. Serves a crowd with less fuss.
If you enjoy fruit-based desserts, you might also appreciate the history behind October 5 Apple Betty Day, another apple-forward celebration worth knowing about.
December 3 National Apple Pie Day vs. Other Pie Holidays
Several pie-related food holidays exist throughout the year. Here’s how December 3 National Apple Pie Day compares:
| Holiday | Date | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| National Apple Pie Day | December 3 | Apple pie specifically |
| National Apple Pie Day (alt.) | May 13 | Same focus, different date |
| National Pie Day | January 23 | All pie types |
| Pi Day | March 14 | Math-themed, pie by association |
The January 23 National Pie Day is the broadest celebration, covering everything from fruit pies to savory quiches. December 3 is more focused and apple-specific.
Common Mistakes When Baking Apple Pie
Even experienced bakers run into these issues. Knowing them in advance saves a lot of frustration:
- Using watery apples: Varieties like McIntosh break down and release too much liquid, making a soggy bottom crust. Stick to firmer types.
- Skipping the thickener: Without cornstarch or flour, the filling runs when sliced. Two tablespoons per 3 lbs of apples is a reliable ratio.
- Not venting the top crust: Steam needs to escape. Cut at least four slits or a decorative pattern before baking.
- Overbrowning the crust edges: Cover the edges with foil or a pie shield after 20–25 minutes if they’re darkening too fast.
- Slicing too soon: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before cutting. The filling needs time to set.
FAQ: December 3 National Apple Pie Day
Q: Is December 3 National Apple Pie Day an official U.S. holiday? No. It is an unofficial, community-driven food holiday with no government proclamation or formal governing body behind it.
Q: Why are there two National Apple Pie Days (December 3 and May 13)? Both dates circulate online and appear to have developed independently within different food blogging communities. Neither is “official,” so both are celebrated informally.
Q: What is the most popular apple for pie in the United States? Granny Smith is widely considered the top choice for its tartness and firm texture. Honeycrisp has grown significantly in popularity over the past decade due to its balanced flavor.
Q: Can apple pie be made ahead of time? Yes. A fully baked apple pie keeps at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen (unbaked or baked) for up to 3 months.
Q: What is the best way to reheat apple pie? Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crust’s texture.
Q: Is apple pie actually American in origin? No. Apple pie recipes trace back to 14th-century England. The dessert became culturally associated with America through centuries of domestic tradition and wartime symbolism.
Q: What does “à la mode” mean when referring to apple pie? “À la mode” is French for “in the fashion” and in American food culture specifically means served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Q: Are there savory apple pie recipes? Yes. Some recipes incorporate sharp cheddar into the crust or filling, and others add savory elements like rosemary or bacon. These are less common but worth exploring for adventurous bakers.
Q: What other apple-based desserts are worth trying on this day? Apple crisp, apple crumble, apple cake, and apple turnovers are all excellent alternatives. Apple Betty — a close cousin of the crumble — has its own celebration on October 5.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust? Pre-bake (blind bake) the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, using a thickener in the filling and placing the pie on the lowest oven rack helps crisp the base.
Conclusion: Celebrate December 3 National Apple Pie Day with Purpose
December 3 National Apple Pie Day is a simple but meaningful food holiday. It’s an annual reminder to slow down, bake something from scratch, and share a classic dish that has connected people across generations and cultures.
Actionable next steps for December 3, 2026:
- Choose your recipe — classic double-crust, Dutch crumble, or a creative variation.
- Select the right apples — Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both.
- Invite someone to share it — pie is better with company.
- Post your creation — use #NationalApplePieDay to connect with the food community.
- Explore more apple recipes year-round with this apple cookbook resource.
Whether baking for the first time or the hundredth, December 3 is a good reason to fill the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and warm pastry. And if apple pie leads to exploring other dessert holidays, the January 2 National Cream Puff Day and February 3 National Carrot Cake Day are natural next stops on the food holiday calendar.
References
- Hieatt, Constance B., and Sharon Butler. Curye on Inglish: English Culinary Manuscripts of the Fourteenth Century. Oxford University Press, 1985.
- Smith, Andrew F. The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink. Oxford University Press, 2007.
- Mariani, John F. The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink. Bloomsbury USA, 1999.