“As American as apple pie”. The phrase is used to describe something that is “typically in American character1“. Apple pie is clearly an American food. It has long held this title, its first recorded appearance being in 1924 in the Gettysburg Times newspaper. The origin of this stereotype of apple pie dates back to the time of the pilgrims, because apple pie was one of their only deserts. Apple pie is still eaten across the country every fall, and is still one of the most popular desserts. I believe that the reason why apple pie is still considered the most American dessert is because America produces the second most apples, and that is where apple pie became popularized. I guess when it’s one of the only desserts you have access to, you eat it a lot and it becomes popular. Apple pie also has many variants that are not mutually exclusive, so you can mix and match to create your favorite version of the popular dish. This means that there is pretty much an apple pie for everyone, and I am sure that this has helped it retain its popularity. I believe that apple pie still holds up as the most American dessert to this day, and it is one of my personal favorite foods, especially in the fall time and with some vanilla ice cream on top. It is a delicious treat!
1Definition courtesy of the Oxford English Dictionary
Apple pie is widely considered the most American dessert. Apple pie originated in England, but was brought to America by the colonists. Apple tree saplings were brought to America by the Europeans as well, and apples became plentiful in the new world. Apple pie rose in popularity over the course of the exploration of the new world as a delicious sweet dish, best enjoyed during cold weather and often eaten on special occasions, such as the holidays of Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Apple pie also has a lot of variants, mostly related to the type of apple used and the crust used. There’s almost certainly a version for everybody. You can have a sweet apple pie by using a sweet type of apple like honeycrisp, and a more sour apple pie with a more sour apple like granny smith. You can have a crunchier pie by cooking it less, or a softer pie by cooking it more. You can replace the top crust with a crumb mixture and you have dutch apple pie. You can remove the bottom crust of a dutch apple pie and you get apple crisp (my personal favorite version of the famous pie). You can add vanilla ice cream to the top of your pie and you get apple pie à la mode, or you can simply use cool whip or whipped cream. There is a version of apple pie for everybody, and that has probably helped it keep its popularity.
In my opinion, apple pie still holds up as the most American dessert to this day. I believe that this is partly due to the fact that it is commonly eaten as a a holiday and fall-time treat all over the country. Apples on their own are also a staple of American culture and cuisine, as we have caramel apples, apple juice, apple sauce, and so many more products made from apples, not to mention the fact that the country’s largest technology company is named after this delicious fruit. There simply isn’t any dessert that can come close to the title of the most American dessert other than apple pie. Pumpkin pie tastes really good and is also really popular, but it just can’t dethrone apple pie.
There is no dessert more American than apple pie. It has been here in America since the very first pilgrims explored the land. It is commonly eaten at two of the most celebrated holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Apple pie also has many, many different variants, which only helps its popularity. It is truly a pie that anyone can enjoy. My favorite way to enjoy apple pie is without the bottom crust and with a crumb top and some vanilla ice cream, technically making it apple crisp à la mode. Apples on their own are a large part of American culture in the fall time, which further helps apple pie remain popular. Overall, my verdict is that apple pie is the most American dessert by far, and I am not sure if it will ever be overtaken by any other sweet treat.