10 Surprising Facts About Dessert Pies You Didn’t Know

Introduction

Pies have been a staple of dessert tables for centuries, enjoyed in various forms across cultures. While everyone knows and loves classic apple pie or a rich chocolate tart, there are some fascinating facts about dessert pies that remain largely unknown. In this article, we’ll delve into some surprising and lesser-known facts about the history, evolution, and quirks of dessert pies.

1. The Oldest Known Pie Dates Back to Ancient Egypt

While many associate pies with Europe and America, the oldest recorded pie-like dish comes from ancient Egypt. Early bakers created pastries using oats, wheat, and honey, wrapping them around fillings similar to modern custards. These were often left as offerings in tombs for the afterlife. The Greeks later refined the concept, influencing the Romans, who spread pie-making techniques across their empire.

Reference:

• The British Museum. “Ancient Egyptian Food and Drink.” Available at: https://www.britishmuseum.org

2. Pumpkin Pie Was Once a Stuffed Pumpkin

Before the creation of the classic pumpkin pie we know today, early American settlers in the 17th century made a variation by hollowing out pumpkins and filling them with milk, honey, and spices before baking them whole. The result was a custard-like filling inside the natural pumpkin shell.

Reference:

• The Smithsonian Magazine. “The Evolution of Pumpkin Pie.” Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com

3. Mince Pies Were Originally Meat-Based

Today, mince pies are sweet, filled with dried fruits and spices, but they started as savoury meat pies in medieval England. Originally called “shrid pies,” they contained minced meat, suet, fruits, and strong spices like cloves and nutmeg. Over time, the recipe evolved to focus on the sweet elements, especially during Victorian times.

Reference:

• BBC History. “The History of Mince Pies.” Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk

4. The World’s Most Expensive Pie Costs Thousands

A luxury pie created by chef Marc Guibert at the Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in England holds the record for the most expensive dessert pie. Made with a blend of rare chocolate, edible gold leaf, and a bottle of 1902 Chateau d’Yquem, it cost a staggering £8,000 per slice.

Reference:

• Guinness World Records. “Most Expensive Dessert Pie.” Available at: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com

5. There’s a National Pie Day (And It’s Not Pi Day!)

While many celebrate Pi Day (March 14th) with a slice of pie, National Pie Day is actually on January 23rd. This holiday was established in the US by the American Pie Council, but it has since gained international recognition, with bakers around the world celebrating by making and eating pies.

Reference:

• American Pie Council. “National Pie Day.” Available at: https://www.piecouncil.org

6. The First Pecan Pie Recipe Was Published in Texas

Pecan pie is often thought of as a traditional Southern dessert, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the first recorded pecan pie recipe appeared in a Texas cookbook. The dessert quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with American holiday feasts.

Reference:

• The Texas State Historical Association. “The History of Pecan Pie.” Available at: https://www.tshaonline.org

7. Some Pies Are Designed to Be Eaten Cold

While most people associate pies with being served warm, several famous dessert pies are traditionally enjoyed cold. For example, key lime pie is best served chilled to maintain its creamy texture, and banoffee pie is always refrigerated to keep its banana and toffee filling firm.

Reference:

• Food Network. “Best Served Cold: Iconic Chilled Pies.” Available at: https://www.foodnetwork.com

8. Pie Throwing Began in Silent Films

The iconic image of throwing a pie in someone’s face originated in silent films in the early 1900s. The first recorded instance was in a film called “Mr. Flip” (1909), where a pie was thrown at a villainous character. The tradition became a comedic staple in movies and TV shows for decades.

Reference:

• British Film Institute. “The History of Pie-Throwing in Cinema.” Available at: https://www.bfi.org.uk

9. The Largest Pie Ever Made Weighed Over 10 Tons

In 1998, bakers in Ontario, Canada, set a world record by baking the largest pie ever, which weighed over 10 tons. It was an apple pie that required thousands of pounds of apples, flour, and sugar, taking several days to prepare and bake.

Reference:

• Guinness World Records. “Largest Pie Ever Made.” Available at: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com

10. British Pies Once Contained Live Birds

The famous nursery rhyme “Sing a Song of Sixpence” refers to “four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.” This was not entirely fiction—historical records suggest that in medieval England, chefs sometimes placed live birds inside large pies as a form of entertainment. When the pie was cut open, the birds would fly out, surprising guests at banquets.

Reference:

• Historic UK. “Medieval Feasting and the Surprising Pies of the Past.” Available at: https://www.historic-uk.com

Conclusion

Dessert pies have a fascinating history filled with unexpected twists and unique traditions. From ancient Egyptian pastries to record-breaking luxury pies, the world of pies holds countless surprises. Whether you enjoy a simple homemade apple pie or an extravagant golden-crusted masterpiece, every slice carries with it a rich culinary history.

Which of these facts surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!

Other articles:
– The Ingredients That Make a Pie
– A Sweet Slice of History: The Ultimate Guide to Dessert Pies