Welcome back to Around the World in 80 Bakes, where we travel the globe one delicious bake at a time.

Today, we’re biting into a classic that’s been reimagined and relished across centuries—apple pie! It’s a comforting slice of nostalgia wrapped in golden pastry, filled with warm, spiced apples. Yet, hidden beneath its comforting layers is a curious and captivating history. Have you ever wondered where this iconic pastry actually came from, and how its early versions were surprisingly different from today’s pies?

A Mysterious Medieval Start

Apple pie’s story begins in the medieval kitchens of 14th-century England, where pies were quite different from the deliciously flaky versions we know today. Early pies, intriguingly sturdy pastry cases designed primarily to hold and preserve fillings rather than being eaten themselves.

Apples were often cooked alongside figs, raisins, pears, and saffron, creating a flavourful blend of sweet, savoury, and spice.

Imagine the curiosity of diners who unveiled these robust pastries to reveal a spiced medley—quite different from today's flaky treats!

Journeying to New Worlds

Apple pies sailed across the seas with adventurous English settlers in the 17th century. They planted apple orchards across the American landscape, quickly turning this humble fruit into a symbol of home and prosperity.

These early settlers adapted traditional recipes with ingredients they discovered through global trade routes, like aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, enriching apple pie's flavour and turning it into the treat we recognise today.

Sweetening the Story: Sugar's Impact

Interestingly, one ingredient dramatically reshaped the apple pie's journey—sugar. Initially, sugar was a luxury item, enjoyed only by the affluent. Early pies thus relied on naturally sweet fruits such as figs and raisins. However, as sugar became increasingly affordable and widely available, apple pie transitioned from a predominantly savoury dish into the delightful, sweet dessert we adore today.

The growing accessibility of sugar allowed bakers to experiment with pastry techniques, producing the flaky, tender crusts that have become a hallmark of a perfect apple pie.

Evolution into an Icon

Over centuries, apple pies transformed dramatically. Innovations in baking turned pie crusts into delicate, flaky masterpieces rather than sturdy vessels. Apples also evolved, with beloved varieties like Granny Smith and Bramley chosen specifically for their irresistible sweet-tart balance.

Around the globe, inventive bakers began adding their unique touches—like the irresistible crumb topping of Dutch apple pie or the elegant artistry of French tarte aux pommes.

Whimsical Global Adaptations

Apple pie didn't just settle in one place; it wandered whimsically across cultures. In England, it's often drizzled with silky custard, turning simple pie into luxurious comfort food. In France, slices of apple pie became sophisticated tarts—beautifully glazed and artfully arranged, tempting passersby through bakery windows.

A Legacy in Every Bite

Today, every slice of apple pie is a whimsical journey through centuries of culinary adventures, global exchanges, and delightful discoveries. It's a charming reminder that even the simplest dishes hold fascinating stories and can become powerful symbols of comfort and connection.

So the next time you indulge in a slice of apple pie, savour not just its taste but its enchanting journey—one filled with centuries of culinary creativity and delightful surprises.

Ready to bake your own slice of history? You can find my classic apple pie recipe with a beautiful interlaced pastry top here.