The History of Apple Pie

Apple pie is one of the oldest desserts in the history of baking. In about 1380 A.D. the English started baking apple pie using some unusual ingredients that you wouldn’t find in apple pies today, such as saffron and sugar substitutes. The Dutch and Swedes also started making apple pie at around the same time, but in different ways.

The Swedish apple pie recipe is very different from the English style in that it is essentially apples baked in a dish with dough thrown on top and then sugar and spices added.

The Dutch style was really just apple baked in a strudel type of dessert that spread through the other Germanic areas of Northern Europe.

Apple pie was banned in England during the reign of Oliver Cromwell, but after his death the next King brought apple pie back and its popularity started to grow. In the 1600s colonists coming to America brought apple pie with them and it grew even more becoming one of the classic American dishes

Over the years apple pie has been perfected by thousands of chefs and bakers to the point where it is now. One of the greatest desserts ever created. We are lucky now to be able to enjoy the fruits of the labor of all the bakers and colonists who created this magical dessert over hundreds of years.

Timeline of Apple Pie

1380- First Apple Pies created in England, Sweden, and Holland

1400- English start using imported sugar from Egypt in apple pie

1600- Oliver Cromwell bans pies in England

1700- King Charles II promotes the making of pies again, and colonists bring apple pie to America

So enjoy your apple pie, you haven’t always been aloud to eat it!