The World’s 21 Most Delicious Pies

Few desserts bring as much comfort and joy as a perfectly baked pie. From flaky crusts to rich fillings, pies have been warming hearts and filling bellies across cultures for centuries.

Whether you crave something sweet or savory, fruity or creamy, there’s a pie out there calling your name.

21. Apple Pie

Nothing says home quite like a warm apple pie cooling on the counter. The sweet-tart apples mixed with cinnamon create a flavor that takes you straight back to grandma’s kitchen.

What most people don’t know is that apple pie wasn’t even invented in America, despite being called “as American as apple pie.” The combination of buttery crust and tender fruit makes this classic impossible to resist, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.

20. Pumpkin Pie

Every Thanksgiving table feels incomplete without this spiced beauty sitting in the center. Pumpkin pie brings warmth through every bite, blending nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon into a creamy filling that practically melts in your mouth.

Here’s the twist: many bakeries use canned pumpkin that’s actually made from different squash varieties. Fans can’t agree on whether homemade or store-bought tastes better, but everyone agrees it’s a fall essential.

19. Pecan Pie

Southern comfort comes alive in this nutty, gooey masterpiece. Pecan pie delivers serious sweetness with its caramel-like filling packed full of toasted pecans that add the perfect crunch.

The part nobody expected? This pie only became popular in the 1930s when corn syrup companies started printing recipes on their labels. Locals whisper that the secret to perfect pecan pie is toasting the nuts first for deeper flavor.

18. Key Lime Pie

Florida’s sunshine gets captured in every tangy, creamy bite of this tropical treasure. Key lime pie balances tart citrus with sweetness, creating a refreshing dessert that cools you down on hot days.

What nobody talks about is that authentic key lime pie should be pale yellow, not bright green. Food coloring became popular in restaurants to make it look more “lime-like,” but purists stick with the natural color that comes from real key limes.

17. Lemon Meringue Pie

Those towering clouds of toasted meringue sitting on bright lemon filling make this pie a showstopper. The contrast between sweet, fluffy meringue and zingy lemon curd creates a flavor combination that dances on your taste buds.

But here’s where it gets interesting: achieving the perfect meringue without weeping or shrinking takes serious skill. Sharp-eyed bakers know the secret involves adding meringue to hot filling and sealing the edges completely before baking.

16. Cherry Pie

Bursting with juicy, ruby-red cherries, this pie brings both beauty and flavor to any dessert table. Cherry pie tastes like summer captured in pastry form, whether made with sweet or tart cherries.

Fans were stunned when they learned that most cherry pies use sour cherries, not sweet ones, because they hold their shape better during baking. The debate between fresh versus canned cherries continues, though many professional bakers quietly prefer frozen for consistent results year-round.

15. Blueberry Pie

Wild blueberries create a filling so intensely flavorful it stains your fingers and your memory. Blueberry pie delivers antioxidants along with incredible taste, making it feel almost healthy compared to other desserts.

What most people don’t know is that wild blueberries pack way more flavor than cultivated ones, though they’re harder to find. Regulars say most people miss the trick of adding a touch of lemon juice to brighten the berry flavor and balance the sweetness perfectly.

14. Sweet Potato Pie

Often overshadowed by its pumpkin cousin, sweet potato pie deserves way more recognition for its silky texture and earthy sweetness. This Southern staple brings warmth through spices like cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with naturally sweet potatoes.

Here’s the twist: sweet potato pie actually predates pumpkin pie in American history by decades. Some people swear this is underrated compared to pumpkin, while others treat it like a hidden gem that belongs at every holiday gathering.

13. Banoffee Pie

British ingenuity created this no-bake wonder that combines bananas, toffee, and cream into pure indulgence. Banoffee pie starts with a crunchy biscuit base, then layers on thick dulce de leche, fresh banana slices, and mountains of whipped cream.

The part nobody expected? This dessert was only invented in 1971 at a restaurant in East Sussex, England. Despite being relatively new, it quickly became iconic across Britain and beyond for its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

12. Saskatoonberry Pie

Canada’s prairies gift us these mysterious berries that taste like a cross between blueberries and almonds. Saskatoonberry pie remains relatively unknown outside of Western Canada, making it one of the food world’s best-kept secrets.

What nobody talks about is that Indigenous peoples have been harvesting these berries for thousands of years before settlers arrived. The unique, nutty-sweet flavor profile sets this pie apart from any other berry dessert you’ve ever tasted, creating something truly special.

11. Cranberry And Buttermilk Pie

Tangy buttermilk meets tart cranberries in this unexpected flavor marriage that somehow works perfectly. Cranberry and buttermilk pie offers a refreshing change from overly sweet desserts, with its bright, zingy personality cutting through holiday meal richness.

But here’s where it gets interesting: the buttermilk creates a custard-like texture that’s lighter than traditional cream pies. Chefs quietly recommend this underrated pie for people who find most desserts too heavy or cloying after a big dinner.

10. Rhubarb Pie

Spring’s first harvest brings these tart pink stalks that transform into pie magic with enough sugar. Rhubarb pie tastes incredibly tangy, almost shocking if you’re expecting typical fruit sweetness, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

Here’s the twist: rhubarb is actually a vegetable, not a fruit, though we treat it like one in desserts. Some people swear adding strawberries improves it, while purists insist straight rhubarb is the only authentic way to experience this forgotten springtime classic.

9. Yavorivsky Pyrig (Ukrainian Festive Pie)

Ukrainian celebrations wouldn’t be complete without this stunning ceremonial pie that’s almost too beautiful to eat. Yavorivsky Pyrig features intricate dough decorations on top, often depicting flowers, wheat, or traditional symbols that tell cultural stories.

What most people don’t know is that different fillings represent different occasions, from poppy seeds for prosperity to cabbage for everyday gatherings. The artistry involved in creating the decorative top crust takes years to master, making each pie a edible work of folk art.

8. Chicken Pot Pie

Comfort food reaches its peak when tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce hide beneath a buttery crust. Chicken pot pie transforms simple ingredients into a hug in food form, perfect for cold evenings when you need something warming.

Fans were stunned when they learned that pot pies date back to ancient Roman times, though the modern version is purely American. The debate between individual ramekins versus family-style continues, but everyone agrees that breaking through that flaky top crust is pure satisfaction.

7. Pear Pie With Ginger Ice Cream

Delicate pears get a spicy kick when paired with ginger ice cream in this sophisticated dessert combination. Pear pie offers a gentler, more refined sweetness than apple pie, with a silky texture that feels elegant on your tongue.

The part nobody expected? Pears actually bake better when slightly underripe, as they hold their shape instead of turning mushy. Sharp-eyed dessert lovers noticed this pairing becoming quietly popular in upscale restaurants before home bakers caught on to the magic.

6. Crawfish Pie

Louisiana’s bayous inspired this spicy, creamy pie that packs serious Cajun flavor in every bite. Crawfish pie combines tender crawfish tails with the holy trinity of vegetables, creating something that tastes like the South distilled into pastry form.

But here’s where it gets interesting: this pie became famous partly because of a 1950s Hank Williams song that mentioned it. The combination of seafood and spice in a pie format surprises people expecting something sweet, making it a savory revelation worth discovering.

5. Plum Wähe (Swiss Plum Pie/Tart)

Switzerland’s summer brings these stunning tarts covered with perfectly arranged plum halves that caramelize during baking. Plum Wähe sits somewhere between pie and tart, with a thin, crisp base supporting juicy fruit and light custard.

Here’s the twist: Swiss families make Wähe with whatever fruit is in season, but plum remains the most beloved version. The visual appeal of those neat plum rows makes it Instagram-worthy decades before social media existed, proving beautiful food never goes out of style.

4. Date And Walnut Pie

Middle Eastern ingredients meet Western pie traditions in this unexpectedly delicious fusion. Date and walnut pie offers deep, caramel-like sweetness from dates balanced by earthy, crunchy walnuts that add textural interest.

What most people don’t know is that dates provide natural sweetness, meaning this pie needs way less added sugar than most desserts. The combination feels both ancient and modern, connecting us to ingredients humans have enjoyed for thousands of years while satisfying contemporary dessert cravings perfectly.

3. Cheese Pie

Somewhere between cheesecake and custard pie lives this creamy wonder that cheese lovers dream about. Cheese pie delivers rich, tangy flavor without the density of traditional cheesecake, making it feel lighter while still satisfying serious dessert cravings.

The part nobody expected? Different cultures make completely different versions, from sweet Greek mizithropita to savory Eastern European variations. Some people swear the sweet version is underrated compared to cheesecake, while others prefer savory cheese pies that blur the line between appetizer and main course.

2. Classic Blueberry Pie With Foolproof Dough

Mastering pie dough intimidates many home bakers, but this version promises success even for beginners. Classic blueberry pie with foolproof dough proves that anyone can achieve bakery-quality results at home with the right technique.

But here’s where it gets interesting: the secret to flaky crust involves keeping everything cold and not overworking the dough. Chefs quietly recommend using a food processor for consistent results, though grandmas everywhere insist hand-mixing creates better texture and character in homemade pies.

1. Blueberry Pie à La Mode

Hot pie meets cold ice cream in the ultimate temperature and texture contrast that defines American dessert excellence. Blueberry pie à la mode takes something already delicious and elevates it with creamy vanilla that melts into the warm fruit filling.

What most people don’t know is that “à la mode” literally means “in the fashion” in French, but Americans use it specifically for ice cream on pie. The debate between vanilla, cinnamon, or even lemon ice cream continues, though purists insist only classic vanilla belongs on quality pie.